Summer Survival: 20+ Toys & Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy
Summer: that magical season where memories are made, popsicles melt onto every surface you own, and your children somehow forget how to entertain themselves despite having a toy room that rivals a small Target. Welcome to Mom’s Little Trio’s official list of summer sanity-savers — outdoor toys, water chaos, and borderline-genius activities that might just give you 20 minutes to drink your coffee while it's still above room temperature.
6/23/20254 min read
1. Splash Pads & Water Tables
Because water equals temporary peace. Just hook up the hose and watch them slip around like tiny, joyful gremlins. This water table is a classic that will keep any toddler busy or this pool-sprinkler combo in the shape of an airplane!
✅ Mom Reality: Yes, you’ll still have to go out there to referee who "stole the duck cup."
2. Bubble Machines
Blowing bubbles yourself sounds cute… until you’ve passed out from hyperventilation.
Here are a few that kids absolutely LOVE:
These really fun bubble guns! Or this classic beauty of a bubble machine right here
✅ Mom Reality: Your toddler will still try to drink the bubble solution. Set expectations low.
3. Sidewalk Chalk
Art! Outside! That you don’t have to clean up!
Get the big pack that you will never run out of HERE or this super fun chalk paint!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll still be the one scrubbing chalk off their knees at bath time.
4. Scooters, Bikes, and Ride-Ons
Burn energy. Save your couch cushions from becoming trampolines. Try these balance light-up scooters for summer nights, this ride-on toy for your toddler or the perfect first bike if your kids are ready for it!
✅ Mom Reality: The fights over whose turn it is will last longer than the actual riding time.
5. Ominously Labeled “STEM Activities”
Look, if it keeps them busy and sounds smart, we’re in. Try this solid science kit for endless experiments or this magnetic tile kit if your kid wants to be a future builder/architect one day!
✅ Mom Reality: It’s educational… mostly so you can justify screen time later.
6. Craft Kits That Won’t Destroy Your House (Probably)
Pre-packed = fewer disasters. Still requires adult supervision you didn’t sign up for. If you like variety, this multi-pack is a good one. I personally adore this foil craft- you will want to make one too- I promise! Or try this mess-free coloring kit.
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll do 80% of the crafting and they’ll walk away halfway through.
7. Giant Yard Games That Look Fun in Theory
Because nothing says family bonding like a toddler launching a bean bag at your head. You could really go all out with this connect 4 set, or try a classic game of checkers or this twofer- a giant yard pong set that can be for both your kids or for the whole family! Nostalgia, here we come!
✅ Mom Reality: These will mostly be used as climbing structures.
8. Water Balloons That Don’t Require a PhD to Fill
Reusable = fewer balloon shards in the grass = fewer toddler meltdowns. These ones are pretty good and if you want ones that are even easier to close, these balloons are so worth it!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll still get nailed in the face when you least expect it.
9. Plastic Pools & Pop-Up Tents
Fancy backyard? Nah. This is what peak childhood looks like. You could totally go for This really simple doggie pool or this one with the umbrella for a toddler!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll be asked to get in the pool, and you’ll lie about not having a swimsuit.
10. Frozen Toy Excavation (AKA Parenting Hack Gold)
Freeze a bunch of small toys in a container of water. Hand them spoons. Enjoy your moment of genius. Bonus- no money spent! You likely have these things around your house (too many, probably)!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll feel brilliant until they ask for a towel, a new outfit, and your soul.
11. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
"Find a stick, a rock, and my will to live.” HAHA But seriously, they love it! And if you want to take all of the work out of it for yourself, this is a great scavenger hunt kit that does it all for you! Toddlers will love this even simpler one!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll end up carrying their treasures for them. Every time.
12. Popsicle Painting (It’s a Thing)
Make paint popsicles with water and food coloring. Let them paint the patio.
✅ Mom Reality: They’ll lick them. Just accept it.
13. Balloon Tennis
Paper plates + popsicle sticks + a balloon = Olympic event in your driveway.
✅ Mom Reality: Lasts 12 minutes max, but those will be glorious.
14. Foam Soap in a Kiddie Pool
Target sells this foamy unicorn soap. It smells like heaven and cleans them while they play. OR if they love fun colors and scents, try this one! To add to that, your kids would love these fun bath (or pool) bombs that have little fun surprises inside of them!
✅ Mom Reality: They’ll come out cleaner than after a bath. Win.
15. Dig Site in the Yard or Sandbox
Bury dinosaurs or coins and hand them a brush. This one is SO CUTE or try one of these smaller kinetic sand sensory bins!
✅ Mom Reality: Dirt. Everywhere. Still worth it.
16. Obstacle Course (That You Build, Obviously)
Use cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, and regret. These colorful stepping stones make it extra fun!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll end up doing it once just to prove you’re still “fun.”
17. Toy Wash Station
Hand them a bin of soapy water and all the filthy outdoor toys.
✅ Mom Reality: They think it’s a game. You get clean toys. We call that a summer miracle.
18. Glow Stick Dance Party
Crack a bunch of dollar store glow sticks, blast some music, and let them dance until they drop.
✅ Mom Reality: Your living room becomes a rave, and you’re DJ Mom in a robe.
19. Backyard Camping (Minus the Bears)
Put up a tent. Give them flashlights. Offer zero actual camping experience. Try this adorable little toddler tent or this classic 2-person tent if your kids are a bit older!
✅ Mom Reality: You’ll still end up sleeping in your own bed, and they’ll demand snacks every 8 minutes.
20. Literally a Hose + a Bucket
Don’t overthink it. Water. A bucket. Maybe a spoon. You’d be amazed. I like to use large serving utensils around my house that I never seem to use!
✅ Mom Reality: Cheapest entertainment ever. Still a wet mess. You’ve been warned.
Final Thoughts from the Tired Mom in the Corner
Look, you're not trying to be Martha Stewart out here. You're just trying to keep them alive, entertained, and slightly clean until bedtime. These toys and activities won’t guarantee peace — but they will buy you moments of quiet, occasional laughter, and memories that (hopefully) won’t involve glitter in the carpet.
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