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School’s out for SUMMER! It’s time for warm days filled with lazy days, bubbles, water balloon fights, and making a splash at your local pool! I always like to get my kids a little something fun as an end-of-school-year present, and it’s typically my time to refresh our stock of warm weather yard games and pool toys. There are a few items we use from year to year, but some things just need replacing every summer. 100-degree temps and sun bleaching can really do a number on outdoor toys and games, which means budget items are the name of the game when it comes to stocking up for summer fun at home.
Amazon has some fantastic finds for summer play! All of these items are rated 4+ stars and have either been in my own home in summer’s past or are currently in my Amazon shopping cart! There’s no time to waste when it comes to keeping kiddos entertained during these hotter than hot days, so make use of that two-day Prime shipping and have a little summertime joy show up on your doorstep!
Amazon Buys for Summer Fun at Home
1. Water Beads
Water Beads are one of our favorite warm-weather activities. I will put some in our water table, a large Tupperware container, or a plastic storage bin and my kids will play with them for HOURS. Also, one container is less than $10 and will most likely last you longer than the next three months. I like this brand because it comes in a screw-top container for easy storage and future use.
2. Large Foam Airplanes
My mother-in-law sent us these planes last summer and they were a huge hit! Less than $20 for two planes that truly gave us an entire summer’s worth of play. It was so fun for the kids to figure out different stunts and tricks or set up races.
3. Foam Water Blasters
I personally love this style of water gun/blaster – especially for tots. They are larger and easier to hold, are fun for an array of ages, and easily dry out in the sun. They also float in the pool so no diving to the bottom of the pool to save a squirt gun!
4. Backyard Splashpad
For those days where it is just too hot to go to your local splash park. This little splashpad is a great size for a backyard and rolls up for compact and easy storage when not in use.
5. Rainbow Icepop Molds
One of my favorite summer activities to do with my kids and then enjoy later in the day – making and eating popsicles! I love silicone molds because they are easy for any age to use and make for easy washing and clean up. If you are looking for a new popsicle recipe make sure to check out this post from a few summers ago!
6. Rock Painting Kit
When it starts to peek into the three-digit temps it might be time to bust out a craft kit like this one. I love that you can paint and decorate the rocks and then you could hide them around your neighborhood (when it’s cooler!) for friends to find.
7. Find and Seek Card Game
This card game is fun for any age or time of day! Take these on a car ride, bike ride, hike through a local nature trail and find and seek different patterns, textures, and critters!
8. Bubble Machine
Bubbles just make the world more magical, right? They can brighten up any summer day and make water play in the backyard infinitely more fun. No matter your age you can’t help but have fun when bubbles are floating through that warm summer breeze!
9. Pop Pass Catch Ball Game
This is a fantastic game to bring to a backyard barbecue or bust out at home in the afternoon. It has two sets of cones so you can play as a group of four or split into pairs. It’s a great game for kids 5+!
10. Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk Paint
Step up your chalk game and bring the fun mom energy with this glow-in-the-dark chalk paint kit! Maybe even spring for some glow sticks and have a little scavenger hunt at night!
I hope you all have a safe and fun summer with lots of splashes, bubbles, and smiles! Make sure to share your summer fun on social media and tag @Dallas_Moms so we can follow along on the fun!
