A Life In Review

** ^{I’ve been working on this post for a few months now and while I was still writing it, all the big name bloggers released posts similar to this. I almost cancelled this whole post because it would then seem like I stole the idea from them, but I put my heart and soul into my work and decided the “little people” can share things too.} **

That being said, this is the perfect season to bring the kids outside and do all the fun things (or so people say). I’ve done a lot of research on outdoor toys and play (mostly because I don’t like being outside when it’s not winter). In my exploration this year, I have found that some toys actually make going outside, bearable. If you’re like me, and the thought of having to go outside is dreadful, check out some of these toys that will make the time fly (you may even have some real fun).

^{** I have listed these in alphabetical order for sanity purposes, and made sure to link the toy wherever you can find it cheapest. Since it’s already July, you could also just wait until some of this stuff goes on sale post summer (around the end of August things will get marked down).} **

Archery Set: Archery isn’t for everyone, but this beginner set will get your kids learning new things. You can find this version at Walmart (here). There are of course more expensive sets that are for more advanced kiddos (and adults), but this is a great backyard starter set.

Bubble Mower: This top rated kid toy has various options and colors, but all around it’s simple and fun. Walmart had the lowest price on a bubble mower, and I can tell you from experience that it’s a good one. Simple to put together and releases a ton of bubbles (when pushed correctly).

DIY Kites: This Kite kit is so simple, but so cute. I found a set of 3 kites that the kids can decorate themselves before flying. There’s nothing like running through the yard (or a field) with a kite flying high behind you.

Giant Yard Games: I was going to split these up but there are so many now. These are your traditional board games on a larger, outdoor scale. Here are some of my favorites: 1. Giant Checkers (this set includes wooden play pieces and a vinyl board). 2. Giant Jenga (this is a full wooden game, it’s super heavy and super loud when it falls. 3. Giant Connect 4 (the board is wooden and the pieces are plastic and colored). 4. Yardzee (just like Yahtzee but for the yard). 5. Giant Dominos (I’m not a huge fan of dominos, but this looks really fun). There might be some cheaper options, but the one’s I chose will hold up longer and stand strong against kids (if you know you know).

Kiddy Pool: I’ve tried a bunch of kiddy pools over the years with different kiddos and this year we finally nailed down one that we love. It’s literally the most basic pool but I wrote it off because it seems overpriced. However, I have found that my toddler enjoys the bigger blow up pool because she has the freedom to run around and play as she likes. This pool has held up to tiny fingers scratching at the sides and teeth gnawing on the vinyl. As an added bonus, you as the parent can also fit in the pool comfortably.

Mini Golf (at home): This set is a bit pricier (around $120.00) than some of the other outdoor toys, but will provide some fun for your kids and their friends. The course is 5 holes and the kit comes with everything you need (though I would get some extra balls because kids lose small things). It has really great reviews and who doesn’t love mini golf (let alone having one in your own backyard).

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course: This course is also bit more pricey (think $100.00), but could lead to hours of fun if you have it in the budget. The reviews say that it’s easy to assemble and fun for kids. It was not made for adults, so this would not be a family activity, but just another great way to get kids moving and exploring things. You can read all the safety guidelines here.

Pogo Stick– These were the bomb when we were little. We only ever got to use them in gym class (unless your mom had an in with the gym teacher and brought them home 😉). Now they are readily available online. These are typically for older kids, but I found a “My First Pogo Stick” that would be perfect for your overactive littles. *Here* you’ll find the link to the little kid’s version and *here* you’ll find the link to an older kid’s version.

Rapid Fill Water Balloons: Sure you could pay less and get regular water balloons, but if you’ve ever been the one that had to fill the balloons you will be willing to pay a little extra for ease of use. Water balloons are one time use, but you get 350 in this particular package, so you’ll have plenty of fun (obviously this is for older kids who won’t eat the popped balloons).

Scavenger Hunt: For kids who need more instructional play, I found a really cool scavenger hunt kit. It includes clues and things to build with what they find with the clues. It can be played inside or outside and the reviews are really promising. This looks like a great activity for 5-10 year olds. You can find it on Amazon!

Seesaw: This is a childhood classic brought from the school playground to your yard. I know that they can be intimidating, but they are so fun. You just need to make sure that you get the right size, for the size kids you have. There is a really cute plastic one that doesn’t go high at all for littler ones (linked here), and there is a cool (and safe) looking one for your bigger kiddos that will give them a little lift when they kick off (linked here).

Splash Pad: My mom grabbed one of these for my toddler and she absolutely loved it. There are a lot of options, but this one (here) had the great reviews and was listed as a “Best Seller” on Amazon. All you need is a place to put it, and a hose.

Trampoline Paddle Ball Set: My mom recently found it again and we played it (inside the house) and it was so fun. Hear me out. It seems stupid to pay $18 for a ball game, but this game is so fun. This game is especially fun if you have a competitive nature (also, in case you haven’t clicked the link yet, it has nothing to do with an actual trampoline, but the material on the paddles is similar to that of a trampoline, so I assume that’s where the name comes from).

Water/ Sand Table: These are a hot ticket item this summer. Just about everyone I know with young kids is looking for one or has one. The prices vary anywhere from $25 to $100. Obviously you are paying for what you get. On the less expensive side there is one that you can get from Walmart for $25 (here). For a better rated table (but more expensive) you can order a Step2 one (here). You can also get just a water table, or just a sand table.

Smaller (but just as fun) Outdoor Toys:
– Hopper Ball
– Cozy Coupe
– Bubble Wand
– Sidewalk Chalk
– Sprinklers
– Scoop Ball Game
– Cornhole
– Ladder Toss

I hope that your summer has been a blast so far and that maybe you got some ideas to finish strong or plan for next year. If you aren’t in a place to buy any of these things, that’s okay too. There are so many fun things just in nature that can keep your kids occupied and even learning. Happy playing!