Summer Fun with the Kids ☀️
No screens, no stress—just good old-fashioned summer fun. This list is packed with easy ways to keep the kids entertained (and maybe even tire them out a little). Think bubbles, chalk, sprinklers, and backyard basics that ...
Sections
5
Backyard Basics
On-the-go adventure gear
Creative play & DIY fun
Summer snacks & Picnic picks
Water Play Adventures
Backyard Basics
No big trips required—just sunshine, simple toys, and a little imagination. These backyard staples turn ordinary days into easy adventures. 🏖️ From bubble machines to splash pads, it’s all about fun that happens right outside your door this summer.
Every house with kids needs to buy sidewalk chalk in bulk. Full.stop.
JOYIN 180 PCS Washable Jumbo Sidewalk Chalks
Trust me. But the bubble concentrate in bulk. You control how potent the bubble moisture is. And you save yourself having to constantly use those tiny containers for bubbles!
Lulu Home Bubble Solution 1L Refill
These bubble gums are worth their weight in gold. Get them.
Eaglestone 2 Bubble Gun Light Up Machine
One of those toys that gets used every single day in the summer. Simple setup, easy clean-up, and tons of replay value. If you’re building your backyard fun stash—start here.
Bubbles for Kids
A solid go-to for getting kids moving without screens or gear that breaks in a week. Tangle-free, easy to adjust, and actually holds up. We keep ours in the garage and grab it on the way out the door.”
Skipping Rope 6-in-1 Set Beginner Friendly Kit with Tangle Free ...
Backyard ropes & climbing set—turns your yard into a ninja training zone.
Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids Backyard - 10 Obstacles
Everyone needs a set of these in their backyard.
Best Selling Official Cornhole Boards For Sale
It’s the kind of thing you don’t realize you need—until it becomes the hub of every snack, craft, and meltdown under the sun. Sturdy enough to last, small enough to move around the yard. Worth it.
Best Kids' Picnic Tables
The one thing in our yard that everyone fights over. Lightweight, packs small, and somehow makes doing nothing feel like a summer highlight. We take it camping, to soccer games, and string it up between trees whenever we need a break from everyone.
Eagles Nest Outfitters: ENO Hammocks & Accessories
Backyard-friendly and just chaotic enough to keep everyone entertained. It’s low-effort fun that somehow pulls kids, teens, and adults into the same game. Bonus: makes a satisfying crash when it all comes down.
Jenga® GIANT
On-the-go adventure gear
Heading to the beach, park, or pool? This section is packed with grab-and-go gear that makes summer outings smoother. Think shade, snacks, toys, and travel-friendly organizers that make leaving the house less chaotic.
Our daughter has taken to scavenger hunts lately and I am all for that learning!
National Geographic Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Game
Instant shade without the wrestling match. We toss this in the trunk and it pops up in seconds—UPF 50+ and sandbags mean we’re actually protected on windy days.
Happy Travel Beach Tent UPF 50+ Sun Shade
Carries snacks, chairs, and meltdowns—all at once.
Stroller Wagons | Find the Perfect Wagon for Your Family
Hardcore cooler in backpack form—perfect for juice boxes, beach snacks, and frozen pops without squishing everything.
Hopper® M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
Tote bag that’s actually waterproof and mid-sized enough for towels, snacks, sunscreen—and doesn’t fall apart when wet.
Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag
Great for longer trips or park days when snacks go cold fast.
PRO 45 Quart Cooler
Campfire vibes without the campsite. Small, tough, and loud enough for pool jams or beach Spotify playlists.
Emberton II outdoor speaker offers powerful sound for adventures
Flat ice packs that don’t slosh everything in your cooler. Great for lunch boxes or beach-side snacks.
Ice Collection
Light enough to carry but holds your butt better than those flimsy chairs. Comes in fun colors—yes, it matches the vibe.
Luxe Lounger Chair | The Resort Navy
We’ve tried the heavy-duty stuff, but this keeps the bugs off without the toxic cloud. Plant-based, kid-safe, and doesn’t leave everyone smelling like chemicals. I keep one in the car, one by the back door.
Bug Protector
Creative play & DIY fun
Crafty chaos is kind of the point. These art supplies and DIY kits make for perfect downtime fun—and core memory moments. Great for rainy days, quiet mornings, or just getting messy on purpose.
A classic for a reason—this tie dye kit is messy in the best way. Bonus: it doubles as wearable art and a built-in excuse to finally purge those stained white tees.
HTVRONT Tie Dye Kit - 40 Vibrant Colors
Perfect rainy-day craft that doubles as backyard decor. No stress‑painting, and the birdhouse actually looks cute once it’s dry.
hapray 4 Pack Bird House Crafts for Kids
Wholesome, low-mess magic. This kit blends nature, sensory play, and just enough imagination to keep kids totally absorbed. Great for calm mornings, rainy days, or when you just need them to focus on something that isn’t a screen.
Little Hands And Nature: Sensory Activities With Potion Making Kit
Sand without the commitment. It’s oddly satisfying for grownups too—don’t be surprised if you end up sculpting alongside them “just to help.”
Kinetic Sand: Bestsellers
There’s something about painting outside in swimsuits that makes cleanup easy and the memories even better.
J MARK Kids Paint Set & Easel - Acrylic Kit
Paint them by day, watch them light up the yard by night. Great for kids who love tiny projects and parents who love affordable fun.
Creativity for Kids Glow in the Dark Rock Kit
STEM + chaos = a summer win. Just don’t be shocked when you hear “incoming!” from across the yard.
Working Wood Catapult Kit
Not chalk—paint. It’s like a mural exploded on your driveway and somehow, you’re not mad about it.
Crayola Sidewalk Paint Set
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s worth it. Especially if they’re doing it on a picnic table outside instead of your kitchen counter.
Kits & Bundles
For the mini creative who wants to feel like a real artist. Includes everything they need to paint, dry, and flip through their own masterpiece book.
DIKOCO 5 Pack Watercolor Painting Book Set
One box, multiple projects = mom win. Keep this on standby for “I’m bored” emergencies all summer long.
DIY Kids Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Art and Craft Box
For the older kids ready to level up their creativity. Supervised, of course—but watching them design and burn their own keychains is oddly wholesome.
Wood Burning Kit For Kids
A fort, a coloring project, and quiet time all in one. They’ll spend hours decorating it—then use it as a hideout for the rest of the week.
Cardboard Playhouses
Summer snacks & Picnic picks
From popsicle molds to snack boxes and cooler bags—this section is full of ways to keep summer snacks fun and easy. Whether you’re picnicking in the backyard or packing up for a park day, these finds make it simple and cute.
Built like a bento box, but made for snackers who think “a bite of everything” is a food group. Fits in any picnic bag and saves your sanity.
Lunch Boxes for Kids
This bag has it all—plates, forks, napkins, even a wine pocket. Basically the Mary Poppins of park dates.
Picnic Backpacks and Coolers for Outdoor Adventures
Ditch the Ziplocs. These are cute, sturdy, and perfect for everything from goldfish to watermelon chunks.
Kid-approved and mom-trusted. It’s the sweet treat you can feel good about—without the mid-day crash.
Stretch Island Fruit Leather Snacks Variety Pack
A picnic flex. Pull this out and suddenly it’s not “snack time”—it’s an experience.
Travel Cheese Board
Keeps snacks cold, drinks colder, and doubles as a bench when the kids won’t stop climbing on things. #multipurpose
Adventure Series Hard Cooler | 16 QT
For the bigger kids (or parents) who want grown-up snacks—think hummus, olives, berries. Leakproof and picnic-ready.
Yumbox Tapas
It’s hot. They’re thirsty. You want something that keeps drinks ice cold and survives being dropped 14 times.
32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
It’s the one chip that somehow feels like it counts as healthy. Crunchy, salty, and goes with literally anything.
SunChips Whole Grain, Variety, 1.5 oz, 30-count
A rotating tray of tiny snacks that keeps little hands busy and happy. Bonus: it feels like a game, not a meal.
GoBe Kids Small Snack Spinner Flip Bundle
Folds flat but makes a huge difference. Your drink won’t spill. Your snacks won’t tip. Worth every penny.
Small Camping Table Cup Holders
Crunchy, colorful, and weirdly addictive. Great for trail mix, road trips, or pretending your kids like fruit.
Dry Food Packs: Fresh Freeze-Dried Fruit and Dried Veggies
Water Play Adventures
Bring the splash zone home. These water toys and gear are kid-approved ways to cool down on hot days—sprinklers, balloons, squirt guns, and more. Backyard water play never gets old.
Garden‑hose inflatable sprinkler with 8 tubes—cool oasis for toddlers & up to age 12.
SAMTOP Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler for Kids
Did someone say reusable? I’m in.
Reusable Water Balls 12pcs Outdoor Toys
To some this may seem like overkill, but I swear to you it will change your life.
ACTION AIR Inflatable Shark Water Slide
Yes, we still use water balloons. We pick up after, leave no trace ✌️✌️
Summer Water Toys Quick Fill Water Balloons 1184
Does this one last forever? No, but while it does last it is SUPER FUN
VATOS 57" Windmill Water Sprinkler 36 Nozzles
Like a sprinkler and a water park had a baby. Keeps them cool, entertained, and bonus—you can sit with your feet in while sipping iced coffee.
Splash Pad
If you don’t have a real pool, this is your next best bet. Roomy enough for mom to soak while the kids turn into dolphins.
Inflatable Pools in Swimming Pools(1000+)
No plastic shards. No knot-tying. Just dunk, throw, repeat. Summer and mom-approved.
Reusable Water Balloons
For toddlers who aren’t quite ready for the splash pad but still want to soak everything in sight—including their own socks.
Kids' Sandboxes & Water Tables for Outdoor Play
It’s not summer until someone says “Watch this!” and belly-flops down the yard. Add this and be prepared for laughter. Lots of it.
Slip 'N Slide® | Outdoor toys
Big-ticket, big-fun. If you’ve got lake access or a pool, this is the ultimate floating hangout zone.
Aqua Lily Pad | Floating Water Mats & Inflatables for Endless Fun
100 balloons in 60 seconds. You’ll win Parent of the Year for this one—and yes, the neighborhood kids will show up too.
Bunch O Balloons 3pk Rapid Filling Water Balloons
It’s a sprinkler you run through. It’s a rainbow. It’s a tunnel. It’s the kind of chaos your backyard needs this summer.
BANZAI Splash Tunnel Sprinkler 82x76x50 in
No batteries, no leaks—just pump and blast. Way less messy than Nerf guns, and way more satisfying.
Quanquer Super Water Guns for Kids & Adults - 2 Pack
This one is genius—sun coverage + shallow splash space. Basically a mini water lounge for toddlers and preschoolers.
Sun Shade Inflatable Pool
Because wet grass and mystery puddles are summer staples. These dry fast, stay on, and save you from the “Moooom, my feet!” moment.