Top Ten Toys for Summer Fun!

Summer’s here and whether you’re soaking up the sun in the backyard, heading to the beach, or trying to survive a rainy afternoon inside, the right toys can make all the difference.

These summer toys can support your child’s speech, motor skills, creativity, and social development to make summer playful and purposeful!

Our Favorite Summer Toys for Young Kids

Melissa & Doug Sand Cupcake Set

Turn the sandbox or beach into a pretend bakery. Kids love making “cupcakes” and serving them up!

Why we love it: Encourages pretend play and lots of language (“more sprinkles, please!”).

Target: Vocabulary, turn-taking, imaginative play

Splash Pad Sprinkler Play Mat

It’s like a mini water park in your backyard!

Why we love it: Perfect for toddlers who love to run, splash, and laugh. Plus, it keeps them cool without needing a full-on pool setup.

Target: Language (describing water play), movement, following directions

Bubble Mower

This toy is surprisingly sturdy and keeps your little one moving!

Why we love it: Toddlers love to feel “in charge,” and this little mower lets them copy the grownups and make bubbles fly!

Target: Gross motor, pretend play, outdoor independence

Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Books (by Melissa & Doug)

A summer travel essential - perfect for car rides or waiting at restaurants. There is multiple choices depending on your child's interest - trucks, princesses, and more!

Why we love it: No mess, no stress. Just add water and let your little one “paint” over and over again.

Target: Fine motor, early literacy, quiet play

Nature Explorer Kit

Turn a walk around the block into a mini adventure!

Why we love it: Kids get to play and learn about nature. Plus, you can sneak in some language - “Look! That’s a ladybug!”

Target: Vocabulary building, curiosity, science exploration

Beach Toy Set with Mesh Bag

The perfect set for beach day fun, plus the mesh bag makes cleanup way easier.

Why we love it: Simple but essential! Buckets, shovels, molds—everything kids need for a full day of digging, building, and imagining.

Target: Fine motor skills, sensory play, teamwork

Ride-On Balance Bike

Great for sidewalk strolls or park playdates.

Why we love it: Perfect for little ones to burn energy and work on balance without needing pedals yet.

Target: Gross motor development, confidence building

Giant Bubble Wand Kit

Not just regular bubbles—huge bubbles!

Why we love it: Gets kids moving without them even realizing it. They love chasing them, and it’s hilarious to watch.

Target: Coordination, language (describing sizes/shapes), teamwork

Pop-Up Play Tent

Create an instant “fort” in the backyard or living room.

Why we love it: Perfect for imaginative play, reading, or just chilling out. Folds flat for easy storage when not in use.

Target: Pretend play, personal space, calming breaks

Sidewalk Chalk Set

Classic summer fun! Washes away easily with a garden hose or rain.

Why we love it: Draw, play hopscotch, or practice letters and shapes outside.

Target: Creativity, pre-writing skills, outdoor sensory play

Keep Summer Simple and Playful

The best summer toys don’t have to be fancy, they just need to be engaging enough to spark your child’s curiosity and movement. Try rotating a few toys in and out of play to keep things feeling fresh (and keep screen time in check 😄).

Want more seasonal toy ideas? Check out out our Toy Recommendations page for our favorites at every age.