A Curated Guide to Fun Summer Toys (2025)

The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond water table is built for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy sensory play and simple cause-and-effect activities. Parents will appreciate the two-tier design that simulates pouring and splashing without a lot of water volume — it’s a compact way to introduce kids to water play while keeping splashes manageable. This model works well for small patios and decks and is best for children who like hands-on manipulation and cooperative play with one or two peers. A downside: the plastic accessories and connectors can wear over time and may need replacement if used heavily outdoors.

The Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk Collection offers a huge color range that encourages long stretches of creative, low-tech outdoor play. It’s best for families who want a single, reusable supply to support sidewalk murals, hopscotch, and drawing games across ages. The anti-roll stick shapes and washable formula reduce cleanup friction and make it easy to keep sidewalks tidy after play. A trade-off is that younger kids may break sticks quickly during enthusiastic use, so expect to replace pieces over a season or two.

The Intex 9.75-foot inflatable rainbow slide pool combines a shallow splash area with a slide and ring-toss features to create a miniature backyard attraction. It’s geared toward families with several children who want a single unit that provides variety — sliding, shallow wading, and light games all in one. The price and simplicity make it an easy seasonal option if you have flat, clear space and a place to inflate and dry it between uses. Keep in mind that inflatables are vulnerable to punctures and seams can weaken; patch kits and careful storage extend its life.

This 4-pack of Prextex water shooters is a straightforward, low-cost way to boot up backyard water fights and pool games. Ideal for parties or neighborhood play where several kids want to join in, they’re lightweight and easy for small hands to operate. The key appeal is accessibility: inexpensive, simple mechanics and little setup. On the flip side, very inexpensive squirters can develop leaks or weak pumps after frequent use, so they’re best when you don’t require long-term durability.

The Prextex Octopus sprinkler is a bright, active option that turns a standard garden hose into a playful spraying fixture for running and cooling off. It’s a good pick for families who want continuous movement and open-yard play rather than seated water activities — kids can dash around the legs and invent games. Installation is typically quick and requires minimal storage space. However, the plastic connections to garden hoses can be finicky; hose adapters or sturdier fittings may be needed on older hoses.

A pack of four plastic water blaster soaker guns is a classic yard-game kit for sibling duels and poolside skirmishes. These are best for elementary-aged kids who enjoy tactical, team-style water play and can handle repeated pumping action. They serve well as party favors or casual competition tools because they’re inexpensive and immediately usable. Expect shorter lifespans than premium water guns: seals and pumps can wear, so keep spares on hand if you plan intense, repeated use.

The Hapinest Reusable Water Soaker Balls arrive in bulk for games that involve large groups or relay-style challenges. They’re intended for family reunions, backyard tournaments, or camps where you need many projectiles that aren’t hard like traditional water balloons. Kids of many ages can join in because the balls are soft when wet, and they come with a mesh bag for storage. The main consideration is cleanup: because they’re numerous, you’ll want a plan for drying and storing them so mildew doesn’t develop.

The Greenco giant inflatable pool float is a roomy raft for lounging in a pool or lake, good for older kids, teens, and adults who want comfortable float time. It’s an easy way to upgrade a day at the lake without large, heavy gear; two people can share, and it’s visually fun for pool parties. Be aware that oversized inflatables require dry time and careful storage to avoid mold and damage, and they’re susceptible to punctures if used near sharp rocks or rough pool edges.