If you are looking for the Best Summer Toys for Toddlers this year, this list has it all. As a mom of almost three, we’ve gone through many toys, great and not-so-great. Find the ones your toddler or preschooler will actually love and play with for years to come. 
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Summertime is our favorite and we literally spend almost every day outside in the backyard. With the right toys, my kids can entertain themselves all day and I get to sit and watch and enjoy a good book.
This list includes a great mix of water, play, sensory, and movement toys. A great combination that will be sure to keep your little ones busy this summer.
This post is all about the best Summer Toys for Kids
12+ Best Summer Toys For Toddlers
1. Water Table
I’m going to start off this list with our most loved backyard toy: the water table. My kids both have loved and still love this water table and play with it almost every day during the summer months.
The key to keeping it clean is to drain the water everyday night so it doesn’t get filled with nasty bugs and leaves overnight. My daughter also loves when we give the water table a good scrub. I fill it with water and dish soap, and she gets to use a sponge and an old toothbrush and really give it a nice scrub. That in itself is already a great activity that will keep her occupied for a while.
2. Washable Sidewalk Chalk
Chalk is something we can’t have enough of. It is such a great open-ended play activity that is perfect for kids of all ages. If you give your kids a bowl of water and have them dip the chalk in the water, the chalk will paint super vibrant colors.
3. Inflatable Kiddie Pool
An Inflatable Outdoor Pool is a Summer Must Have Toy. Who doesn’t like jumping in a pool on a hot summer day!?
4. Sandbox
A Sandbox is another great outdoor toy for kids. It is a bit pricier but will last you for many years. I love that this one, comes with a Canopy to protect the little ones from the sun. It is very easy to put together and since it’s made out of wood, also more sturdy than plastic ones. An absolute favorite summer toy with my kids!
5. Bubbles
Every toddler loves Bubbles! My girls both have this bubble camera and it keeps them busy for a while. It’s such a fun toy to have in your yard, and we’ve been gifting this to friends who have summer birthdays.
6. Balance Bike
This safe beginner’s bike reduces the risk of injury by keeping feet and frame low to the ground. Kids familiar with a balance bike will more easily transition to a “big-kid” set of wheels. My three-year-old absolutely loves her Balance Bike and rides around with it on the daily. I’m confident that she will be able to switch to a bigger bike without training wheels in no time.
7. Reusable Water Balloons
Shop Reusable Water Balloons Here
Water balloons are a staple for summertime. The great thing is, these are reusable so you don’t have to pick up tons of balloon pieces in your yard. I think they are genius and my kids love them too.
8. Splash Pad
This large splash mat is super simple and quick to hook up to your garden hose, so your kids can play cool outdoor games in just a few seconds and have fun all summer long.
9. Mud Kitchen
Having a mud kitchen was such a hit with my little ones. If you don’t want to spend the money, having a few buckets for them to dig around in is also a great option.
10. Swing Set
This playset could be used indoors and outdoors. My kids loved theirs and we upgraded to a bigger kid one now. But for the price, it was great to have.
11. Kids Gardening Tool Set
Shop Kids Garden Tool Set Here
Toddlers love to dig and plant. We have a section in our yard, where we plant some flowers and veggies each year and my toddler loves to help plant and water the plants. This tool set comes with everything they need: Wheelbarrow, Watering Can, Gloves, Hand Rake, Shovel, Double Hoe, Cultivator, Hedge Clippers, and Washable Apron.
12. T-Ball Set
Last summer we had our 4-year-old signed up for T-ball and she absolutely loved it. I ordered her this T-Ball Set to practice at home and actually got really good at it. It’s such a fun toy to have around for playdates and this one is adjustable, so it can grow with your toddler.
13. Bounce House
This bouncy castle has the function of a trampoline, slide, and pool at the same time. Perfect for kids ages 3-8. This will be fun all summer long, and great for outdoor playdates or parties.
I hope this post was helpful when deciding on the best toddler summer toys for your kid this year.
If you are looking for more toddler essentials, check out these blog posts:
{ 7 helpful tips when flying with toddlers }
{ 11 Best Travel Toys for Toddlers }
{ 7 Must Have Toddler Essentials for a Road Trip }
