We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An ice cream chalk set by Melissa & Doug — if you want your kids drawing on the sidewalk instead of all over your walls this summer, you're gonna want this chalk lickety-split!
Promising review: "What a awesome gift for a kid! I bought this for my 3-year-old daughter's Easter basket. We were out of chalk and looking for something fun. All three of my daughters (ages 3, 5, 11) loved these and played 'ice cream shop' outside for almost three hours. And then off and on the next few days. Some broke after being dropped but that didn’t bug my kids, they ground them up and made chalk paint. We will be buying again to give as gifts to friends for birthdays." —Reil07
Get it from Amazon for $17.90.
2. A mud kitchen, the current hit trend in open-ended play, for little chefs who would happily spend *hours* preparing literal mud pies for those lucky enough to spend time at their exclusive restaurant.
3. A 12-pack of acrylic paint pens sure to add a little spice to your "go outside and gather rocks'' idea when your kids tell you they're bored for the...457th time.
4. Flickin' Chicken might be the next big thing in Olympic competitions, and certainly the biggest hit in your own backyard! This ridiculously silly game is safe for all ages and may even make grandpa laugh! That is, if he's not to ~chicken~ to play.
This game includes four rubber chickens, a tracking sheet, and a disc. To play, toss the disc and then see who can get their chicken closest to it. Players are also encouraged to break off from the rules and create their own!
Promising review: "Our grandkids and family have had lots of fun with this game." —Joe Mama
Get it from Amazon for $19.68.
5. A glow-in-the-dark capture the flag so you and your kids can safely have fun outside on perfectly cool summer nights. This game can accommodate two teams of five and is great for all ages, so go ahead...get the neighbors in on the fun!
This set includes 10 premium team bracelets (5 RED, 5 BLUE), three amber color territory markers, two flag cubes, two jail markers, and one premium storage bucket.
Promising review: "I bought this for our kids to enjoy with their friends...well we adults have had a blast playing with them. The kids love it! The adults love it! This adds another layer of fun to the old fashioned favorite! My kids are begging me to buy another set so they can have all their friends over for a massive neighborhood game of capture the flag." —MMcB
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
6. A jumbo four-to-score game for encouraging your kids to play outside for half a second, even if they aren't the sporty sort. Giant strategy games FTW!
Promising review: "This is equally loved by kids and adults. Playing the table top version is boring (to me) but I love this oversized version! If you have the space for it buy it! When computer time is over this is the first thing my kids want to play. I was a reluctant buyer because I wasn't sure it would keep their interest and was afraid it would take up too much space. But we are still playing it over a month later and it easily slides out of the way. Looking forward to when we can again use it during back yard barbecues with friends." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $161.21+ (available in 12 color combos).
7. A croquet set that'll be loved by folks who *love* classic yard games. If your kids watch Alice and Wonderland on repeat, get them a real life croquet set and you can all play outside after screen time is over!
This set includes six 28" Burlywood hardwood handles, six 8" hardwood mallets with caps for added protection, two 18" hardwood ending stakes, six 2.8" weather-resistant molded balls, nine steel wickets with vinyl coating, and a nice bag to carry it all in.
Promising review: "This croquet set is artfully made and really such a steal for the money you will pay! The sticks and mallets are all made out of durable hard wood and the mallets have a rubber sleeve that goes on each end to help protect the mallet from damage overtime. The balls are on the heavier side, as they should be. They are resistant to weather, so no need to pick them up if you didn't finish your game, same with the wickets. All of this comes in a nice carrying case that can actually handle the weight of the set itself! The colors are vibrant so there will be no question which ball is yours and genuinely I do not feel like they will fade or lose their quality. I would absolutely buy this again!" —Dido
Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in two colors).
8. A water slide (with a bodyboard!) sure to be a ton of fun to throw out at the hight of heat season. ~Water~ you waiting for?! Get it before it's gone. It's sure to be a splash hit!
Promising review: "We played slip and slide kick ball with a group of teenagers by using four of these. The expectation was that they may get popped or damaged, but they looked nearly new even after our wild game. They were long enough to make a great in-field and the red monsters on the end made clear bases." —M Mac
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
9. A kids' bow and arrow for families who love the idea of shooting arrows...so long as they are as soft as a pillow fight.
10. A WowWee Nerf Super Soaker RoboBlaster that'll take any water battle to the next level. That'll count as their shower for the day, right?
Promising review: "This water blaster connects to your garden hose — and then it's so much fun for the kids. We've had some recent hot days, and my son and his friends have entertained themselves for hours outside with this SuperSoaker blaster. It comes with some targets to aim at — but the kids like spraying each other." —Kevinbeijing
Promising review: "Summer fun game changer. My son and his cousins absolutely love this! They had so much fun when we set this up! It was easy to set up and brought so many smiles to their faces!! If you don’t have this, I highly recommend you order it for summer fun!!" —Mary Kate Matthews
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two styles).
11. A toss and catch ball set sure to bring back memories of playing with a similar set as a child. Now you can pass on the fun (and the ball) to your kids!
The set includes two Velcro paddles, two balls, and a storage bag.
Promising review: "My 5-year-old granddaughter loves playing catch with me. She is able to easily develop great eye-hand coordination with this toy. Great for indoors or outdoors." —Barbara Smith
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 10 colors).
12. Twister Splash for fun-loving families who are more than happy to slip, slide, and laugh their way through a super-sprinkler version of this classic game.
The game comes with an inflatable splash mat, hose connector, waterproof spinner, and gameplay instructions.
Promising review: "Fun for all ages. Such a fun twist on an already loved game! This kept my 4- and 7-year-olds' attention for a while! Each spot you put your hand on sprays water, whoever stays up the longest wins! Even the adults had to try it out. I was a little nervous with the quality of the plastic, but it withheld adults and kids moving all round it without any holes." —Deborah Gaffney
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in two sizes).
13. A mini golf set to make your very own mini golf course as hard or easy as you'd like! Change up the positions to keep things interesting far longer than you're children's attention span usually lasts.
Set comes with nine holes, four golf balls, and a dry erase scorecard. To play at night like the reviewers above, grab some light up golf balls. And don't forget clubs!
Promising review: "We tried to set it up in the grass, and that's not really ideal but on a patio or down a hall — it's so much better. The silicone molding is so light-weight and the little flag centers are marvelous to make you feel like you are more than a new learner! The set is complete with four foam balls and a score board that you use a dry-erase marker on. GREAT to use only a few of the pieces for a short game for kiddos or the entire set for a more competitive experience." —Momakookie
Get it from Amazon for $29.74.
14. Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers for kids who like playing rough and parents who would like them covered in bubble wrap 24/7.
I'm gonna go ahead and recommend wearing helmets too — gotta watch out for those noggins!
Promising review: "Absolutely hilarious to watch! I got these for my kids (7 & 8) because I thought it would be a perfect way to blow off steam and get out some energy... It was great! They ran at each other pretty hard, but it didn't pop and no one got hurt! If your kids do a lot of bickering like mine do, get these!" —Sky Moran
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
15. A giant bubble kit with a two-handle wand that'll help your kids make eye-bogglingly big bubbles!
The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble creator!
Promising review: "Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quick — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic." —Thomas Durant
Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in six styles).
16. A SunPrint paper kit sure to spark the interest of artistic souls and clever kiddos. Gather leaves, flowers, and the like on your next nature walk and set them up on this kit while it sits in the sun. Then watch your natural craft come to life!
17. A splurgeworthy rechargeable laser tag set so your kids can re-create their favorite video games IRL. The best part? There won't be any ammo covering the floors of your yard at the end of their matches!
The set includes four rechargeable guns, four rechargeable vests, and one charging station. You can play approximately eight games per charge. The cool LCD screens on the vest keep count of how many lives you have and the vest vibrates when you get shot, aka tagged. Play with up to four teams and eliminate your enemies to win the game. Recommended for ages 8+.
Promising review: "Pew. Pew. Pew. Pew. My family loves these guns. Last weekend we literally ran around the house and through the woods for two hours playing with these laser guns. There is a stealth mode which is great for hiding and surprise attacks. Pro advice: While you're running, hit the butt of the handle against your thigh to reload. We set our sensors for 15 lives, and that lasted for about 20–30 min per each game. Great family fun, and you can play during the day or night." —Steve Austin
Get it from Amazon for $149.99.
18. A three-wheeled micro scooter with an adjustable handlebar that'll grow with your toddler. Scooters are the best parent hack I've seen in the wild. Have a long walk and know your child will get tired too fast? Bring their scooter! They'll be zooming past you all day long!
For ages 2-5 years. Also includes a two-year manufacturer's warranty.
Promising review: "Best scooter ever! It’s an easy assembly. It’s a smooth ride and the perfect size for a 2-year-old. Spend more money and go with the deluxe model especially if your child is only 2. I brought this to the park today, and two more of my mommy friends went home and bought their kids these today, too! They come in the most beautiful colors. Kids are not really taught how to use these, they seem to just get on them and go! It was amazing to see my 2-year-old-take off like a champ!" —Tex_spaceman 12
Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three colors).
19. A paint and plant your own garden set so your kiddo can grow their own plants beside your garden. Want your kids to eat their veggies? Have them grow their very own!
The kit comes with a tin planter, plastic liner, soil, three seed packets, six-color paint strips, two paintbrushes, paint palette, three wooden plant markers, shovel, watering bottle, and an instruction booklet.
Promising review: "Worth every penny! I ordered this a a gift for my 6-year-old niece. She absolutely loves it. She painted the container and planted the seeds all by herself. She talks to the little plants every day and is loving watching them grow! Absolutely recommend!!!" —Honey
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).
20. A Fat Brain two-in-one musical "Jump 'n Toss" game for kids who seem to never run out of (ahem, destructive) energy. This toy involves jumping, running, tossing, and exhausting them in the great outdoors.
For ages 4+. Includes three AAA batteries.
Promising review: "Given to our 4-year-old during her birthday party. Our 8-year-old grandson put it together with a little help from grandpa. The 4-year-olds to 8-year-olds all had fun running and jumping. I even got asked to play the tossing rings! Fun was had by one and all." —Joann
Get it from Amazon for $25.95.
21. A Dino Blasters rocket launcher, because when your kids are cooped up and about to erupt, shooting a dinosaur 100 feet high in the sky from a volcano is the only solution!
For ages 3+.
Promising review: "This toy is so much fun and different from the usual dinosaur fare. It's very easy to assemble and in no time at all. When complete, all that's required for this toy to perform as expected is a stomp on the air bubble. Once that happens, the darts, or dino missiles, actually launch straight upward for quite a ways, depending on the force of the stomp. You will believe you can launch it to the moon, but I suggest taking it easy, as I'm sure too much force would damage or ruin the bubble. Happy with this purchase and would refer any parent or grandparent with a dinosaur-obsessed child in their life to this item." —SD GIRL
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
22. A durable metal Big Dig sandbox digger crane with 360° rotation for some serious excavation projects. May I please, PLEASE get one in adult size?! I dig it.
For ages 3+ years (weight limit of 110 pounds).
Promising review: "I don't write reviews often, but we have had this for two days, and my boys (3 and 5) woke up at 6:30 a.m., ate breakfast and got dressed, and hustled outside on a gloomy rainy mid-February morning in Seattle to play with this. They normally fight over whose turn it is, but instead, they have been taking turns and playing like civil humans for an hour already. Best toy ever, bought a second one already so they don't have to share because there's only so long siblings can go before someone throws down." —Rk
Get it from Amazon for $39.90+ (available in three styles).
23. A Rollplay Flex Kart XL pedal-powered go-kart sure to tire out your little Formula 1 driver before bedtime. It's also got a space-saving design! It folds and stores with the press of a button. Bless.
For ages 4+ and maximum 110 pounds. Bucket seat adjusts into two positions to allow for growth.
Promising review: "Sturdy, good quality, and easy to assemble. One of the best I have seen compared to other competitive products. Got it for my 2-year-old kid, and even my 6-year-old uses it, too." —Varun
Get it from Amazon for $191.24.
24. A bean bag toss game for kids your child and their friends are certainly gonna spend ages playing with. Keeping the kids entertained outside? You've got this in the bag.
For ages 2+.
Promising review: "I needed something that would keep my 3-year-old busy while I cooked dinner in the kitchen. This thing is amazing. It fits nicely in my small kitchen, and I can even toss the bean bags with him while I cook. So, we are interacting, he is entertained, and not tugging on my leg every few seconds. It also provides him something that he can do on his own. You can stand it up, or lay it down, and it provides two different levels of difficulty. It folds up really small and comes with a carrying case, so we can easily take it with us on vacations and such! I'm pretty happy with this purchase." —Jose Martinez
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three styles).
25. A Whirly Board spinning balance board for fun agility training if you hope your kid loves skating as much as you did (you know, before the sciatica). It's made from Canadian maple skateboard decks and topped with grip tape, so you don't have to worry about them slipping off. But good luck trying to get them to step off and come inside for dinner!
Maximum weight up to 250 pounds (so fun for adults, too). Whirly Board is a small, family-owned business run by a husband-and-wife duo.
Promising review: "We bought this for our kids ages 7-4. They all love it. Hubby and I use it, too. Great for core and stability work. Currently use it on the carpet in the basement, but will eventually switch to the hard floors as that will be more challenging." —colsus
Get it from Amazon for $149.95 (available in two styles).
26. An indoor/outdoor hanging seat hammock so your baby book worm can have a cozy backyard nook all to themselves out in the fresh air. What a ~novel~ idea!
For ages 5+.
Promising review: "We are so happy with our pod swing! We will be purchasing two more for our other children because they all fight over it. The fabric is so cute and durable. Our 7-year-old received this for Christmas, and it is his favorite gift. He is able to climb into his swing when he doesn't feel like having contact or is overstimulated. It has held up well with everyday use." —Reilley
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in eight colors).
27. A 6-foot long inflatable remote-controlled T-Rex that'll turn, spin, stomp, and make all the neighborhood kids roar in excitement (did I mention it also roars?!). Why wasn't I a kid when this thing existed?!
For ages 8+ and requires three AAA batteries.
Promising review: "This is one of the coolest RCs I have ever had. It inflates quickly and drives really easily. Because of the size, it is best in a room with some space to move around. However, the soft material of the body is fine if/when it bumps into something. It is great fun to chase your friends or the family pet around with. It is a must-have for fans of Jurassic Park or dinosaur fans in general. I can’t wait to have it out for Halloween as well." —Chris
Get it from Amazon for $126.09.
28. A budget-friendly 3-in-1 sprinkler, splash pad, and wading pool decorated with colors, letters, and numbers so learning isn't just an indoor activity. Plus, this thing looks so satisfying that on a hot day you might just join in with your kids!
Promising review: "Big enough for three kids under 5 to play on, so easy to set up, best $10 I have spent! Would have easily paid $20 for it. I'm sure we'll get a few years' use out of this." —Haynes Humphries
Get it from Amazon for $19.99
29. A Melissa & Doug Sand Baking Play Set — this spiffy set comes with a shell-shaped measuring cup, octopus whisk, crab mixing spoon, mixing bowl, and turtle lid sifter. Ever had a crab cake straight from the beach? Your baby baker can make that happen!
Promising review: "This is hands-down the best sand toy we’ve purchased. Sturdy and high quality. Our boys will get years of use out of this, unlike the thinner toys we’ve purchased in the past. Very comparable to a true kitchen mixing bowl and measuring cups." —Kevin
Promising review: "Super cute set for the beach...my daughter loves it!! It's kind of hard to get 'creative' when it comes to stuff for the beach, so the second I saw this on Amazon, I had to get it. She was awestruck when I showed her what I bought! We took it to the beach in Hawaii for our trip last week, and she played with this mostly while leaving the other sets of buckets, rakes, shovels, and molds I purchased off to the side. This is definitely worth the money, especially for kids who like playing with sand but are sick of the usual beach 'stuff,' especially if your child really likes cooking or pretending to cook. They will throw seashells and rocks in their simulated 'soup' they are making right on the beach while you can relax and read a book for once! :-)." —Monica Main
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
30. A bubble toy lawn mower that'll be a hit with your kiddo if they love working in the yard right alongside you. Watch them bubble up inside with excitement as this little gadget blows actual bubbles all over the yard! Ugh. I wish mine did that.
Promising review: "Lots of bubbles! We bought this for our 2.5-year-old, as the one her big sister has (the more expensive brand everyone knows) doesn't blow bubbles anymore, and we wanted her to be able to have one that worked. The first time they used it, I only put in maybe a third of the bubble solution, and they were out there FOREVER chasing bubbles and 'mowing.' We are very very happy with this purchase!" —Jennie
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
31. And finally, a shark water slide that reviewers say keeps their kids outside for HOURS. This has a built-in sprayer you can connect to your garden hose and the little pool at the bottom is great for tinier tots. This works for both kids and adults, so feel free to shove your kid aside and take a ride yourself! You know, to help them learn to share.
Promising review: "Y'ALL ... This thing is the bomb! I have three wild children who jump and bounce on anything inflated and this thing has lasted MONTHS. It was super easy to blow up and assemble (recommend having a pump). The kids LOVE it. We play on it, if not every day, every other day. My kids play on it for hours. Once it's blown up, you just have to hook up the hose and it's ready to go. This thing is crazy durable. I'm sure it'll pop eventually but it's going strong! Initially, I was a little taken aback by the price, but now that we've gotten so much use out of it, it's well worth the money. Cannot recommend enough!"—Amazon Customer
Promising review: "Absolutely LOVE this slide! It is so refreshing to find a product that is crafted so well for a fair price. Bought this for my daughters first birthday and it was a total hit with the other toddlers as well as older children. We have had it for a year now and no wear or tear. Some of us (adults) even go down it carefully from time to time and it holds up (although we are well over weight limit). My daughter plays in it daily and it’s been a lifesaver during this hot summer."—Tescily England
Get it from Amazon for $88.99.
Your kids when you wonder where they are all summer:
