37 Hottest Toys for Epic Summer Outdoor Pretend Play Sessions

The best toys for summer encourage outdoor activities, exercise, pretend-play, and tons of fun. Check out this list sure to create memorable adventures for your little one. Water, sand, bubbles, race cars, sports, games, you will find it all here, plus a few surprises. Give your kids a summer to remember with these fun ideas.

best toys for summer

Rollplay GMC Sierra Denali Battery-Powered Ride-On

If you want your munchkin to have one of the best toys for summer, give them their own set of wheels with this GMC Sierra Denali 12 volt ride-on. With the working headlights, horn and engine sounds, MP3 connector with speakers, realistic dashboard instruments, and chrome-plated rims, they’ll have the nicest car on the block.

Prices Vary

Rubie's Jurassic World Inflatable Dinosaur Costume

It doesn’t get any more awesome that a giant, inflatable T-Rex costume. Now your little dinosaur can terrorize the neighborhood… with cuteness! Literally everything your child does from walking and running to riding a bike or playing hide and seek, will now be hysterically funny. All the kids in the neighborhood will be jealous.

$53.97

Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage

Your little princess will be the belle of the ball when she arrives in this horse-drawn carriage. Parent-powered when pulled by the reigns or pushed by the carriage handle, or you can take out the floorboard and it becomes powered by glass slippers! There is even tiny trunk storage for Her Highness’ treasures.

Prices Vary

Melissa & Doug Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart

It’s an ice cream cart. It’s a hotdog stand. It’s both! This double-sided Melissa and Doug playset offers hours of versatile, playtime fun. It comes with over 40 realistic play food pieces from pretzels to popsicles and condiments to cones. Your child will love role-playing both vendor and customer with their friends.

$132.00

Intex Jump-O-Lene Boxing Ring Inflatable Bouncer

Let your little bouncers burn off all that summer-fun energy by duking it out – playfully – in their own boxing ring. The inflatable gloves provide a safe, fun activity and the transparent sides of the inflatable let parents supervise all the action. This toy will provide hours of raucous fun.

Prices Vary

Hauck Batmobile Pedal Go Kart

Now, when your little super hero sees the bat signal, he can fly to the rescue in this Batmobile Go Kart. The sporty 3-point steering is responsive and the race-styled pedals with rubber wheels make for a better grip and smoother ride. Your neighbors will feel super-safe having their own caped crusader in the neighborhood!

$199.99

Step2 Naturally Playful Sand & Water Center

Nothing says “fun” like sand and water. This play table has two separate compartments and includes a one-piece plastic cover to keep the sandbox dry. The convenient drain plug makes it easy to clean. The umbrella provides shade. The bridges, boats, shovel, and pots provide fun. What more could you ask for?

$159.95

Power Wheels Thomas & Friends

Choo! Choo! Calling all Thomas the Train fans to the station! Thrill your little conductor with this ride-on engine that goes a blazing 1 mile per hour on the 18 feet of easy-to-assemble track, or a lightning-speed 2 miles per hour off-track. Easy push-button start, with lots of fun phrases and sounds.

$164.99

Big Dig Ride-on Working Crane

Grab your hard-hat and head out to the construction site in your own backyard. This sand digger is a working crane with moving handles and a pivoting seat. Expect your kid to spend hours in the sandbox with this toy. The sturdy metal construction can hold up to 110 pounds for lots of playtime fun.

$49.99

Tonka Classic Steel Mighty Dump Truck Vehicle

This classic, Tonka “Mighty Dump Truck,” is so sturdy and well-made that it is actually guaranteed for life! Made of steel, it has a working dump bed. Your little digger will spend hours operating their big rig. Great indoors or out, it is perfect in a sand box and makes a great beach toy.

$51.99

Step2 Summer Showers Splash Tower Water Table

Water activity tables are one of the best toys for summer. Kids can happily play for hours with this fun-size water park, which comes with interchangeable maze pieces to create different waterfall effects. The bucket, scoop, gears, and rubber ducky add to the fun and the drain plug makes for easy clean up.

$64.99

Power Wheels Jurassic World Dino Racer

Your kid will be the baddest dinosaur wrangler in the neighborhood with this 12V velociraptor ride-on toy. This vehicle travels a blazing 6 miles per hour on hard surfaces, grass, and rough terrain and comes with a parent-controlled high-speed lock-out, in case you need to slow the little guy down. plus, the dino’s mouth opens and closes.

Prices Vary

Melissa & Doug Sand Cupcake Play Set

Summer means sand and whether it is the backyard sand box or the beach, sand toys provide hours of fun. This adorable cupcake set comes with molds to make a variety of delicious confections, a tray, icing tool, and more. Best of all, it is all stored in the rinse-through mesh bag that is included.

$12.99

Radio Flyer Big Flyer

Vroom! Vroom! And they’re off! Your little racer will speed all over the neighborhood in this chopper-style tricycle with its sleek racing design. The large, 16” front tire, with performance tread, prevents spin-outs, while the low center of gravity provides stability. This speedy set of wheels is guaranteed to provide hours of fast-action fun.

$62.80

Learning Resources New Sprouts Camp Out!

Now your tiny camper can pretend play without the mosquitos. Your little one will love this adorable camping set with hotdog and grilling fork, SMORE, campfire, and glow-in-the-dark lantern, all conveniently stored in the included duffle bag. Throw down a sleeping bag and let them spend the night in the living room for incredible fun.

$15.97

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

Your little biker was born to ride on this tricked-out tricycle designed like a Harley Davidson classic motorcycle. The big foot pedals make it easy for little feet to get it rolling. The rugged, durable tires and wheel base make it super stable, and there is a cool little storage compartment under the seat.

$39.99

Nerf Sports Dude Perfect Signature Bow

This bow and arrow set is a great way to get kids playing outdoors this summer. It comes with a bow, two arrows that can fire up to 105 feet, and one target. The arrows make cool whistling sounds when fired – perfect for one child to play alone or create a competition with friends.

$399.99

Melissa & Doug Sand Baking Set

No trip to the beach is complete without some fun sand toys. This adorable Melissa and Doug sea creature-themed “baking set” comes with a sand bucket “mixing bowl,” turtle-top sieve, seashell measuring spoons, crab mixing spoon, and octopus whisk. Your little chef will bake up some deliciously sandy treats.

$17.99

Nerf Official Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger Set

Get the kids playing outdoors this summer with this cool, multi-player laser tag game with awesome sound effects. No need to go to the arcade when you have one at home. The gun “recoils” after every shot, vibrates when you’ve been tagged, and has a cool ammo reload feature.

Prices Vary

Power Wheels Boomerang

From this point forward, your child will be known as “Speed Racer” in this 12V, 5 mph, purple dynamo. With tilting, turning, spinning action, the all-wheel drive can power over hard surfaces, grass, and rough terrain. If you are looking for the best toys for summer, this roadster is sure to please.

Prices Vary

Maxx Bubbles Bubble-N-GO Toy Mower

Nothing says outdoor fun like bubbles. Little ones will love imitating the grown-ups as they “mow” the lawn with this super-cute bubble-blowing machine. The realistic mechanical sounds add to the fun illusion and you will never run out of fuel as long as you stay stocked up on bubble solution.

$21.99

Franklin Sports Super Star Multi Function Pitching Machine

Get your little baseball player outdoors and practicing for the big game with this 4-in-1 pitching machine. Set the machine for soft pitch, fast pitch, ground balls, or pop flies for practicing both batting and fielding. The telescopic feeder comes with 6 plastic baseballs, but can hold up to 9.

$53.21

Melissa & Doug Food Truck Indoor Corrugate Playhouse

Your little foodie will love operating their very own food truck with this 4’, sturdy cardboard playhouse with realistic, full-color artwork. One side is a BBQ joint and the other is an ice cream stand giving you options for lots of creative pretend play. Extra roomy, this “truck” allows for multiple kids to play.

Prices Vary

LT Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set

Get your tiny basketball player out in the driveway shooting hoops for outdoor fun and exercise. Your child will love this Little Tikes goal with an oversized hoop and three junior-sized basketballs. You can add sand to the base for more stability. Perfect for one kid or the whole gang, it will definitely provide hours of fun.

$35.99

Franklin Sports Mini Hockey Set

More of a hockey fan at your house? Get this miniature hockey set with goals that are designed to set up in seconds. It comes with 2 adjustable hockey sticks, 2 mini/knee hockey sticks, 1 practice ball and 2 mini/knee hockey balls so that kids can play a couple different ways.

$59.99

Paw Patrol Fly Wheel Junior Cruiser Ride-on

Your little pup will be on Paw Patrol all the time with this sweet three-wheeler. The front wheel lights up as they zoom about from mission to mission in Adventure Bay. The low center of gravity provides a secure base and the three-way adjustable seat will fit your child’s growing needs.

$59.99

Fisher-Price Barbie Tough Trike

This Barbie-styled tough trike is the perfect three-wheeled ride for the girl on-the-go. The rugged tires and stable wheel base provide a safe and smooth ride. The big foot pedals are easy for little feet to manage and there is even a secret storage compartment under the seat!

$39.99

TOMY John Deere Remote Control Johnny Tractor

Your little one will love this classic John Deere-styled remote controlled car for young children. Suitable for 18 months and up, they will be enchanted by the expressive eyes and mouth that give this vehicle personality! The easy-to-use two button controller will have them zooming with delight all over the house.

$22.99

Melissa & Doug Verdie Chameleon Bean Bag Toss Game

This pop-up beanbag toss game is double-sided for two challenging ways to play and it comes with eight beanbags. The light-weight game folds for storage and is super-portable, perfect for taking to the park or a friend’s house, and the bright, cheerful design will delight children of all ages.

Prices Vary

Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Triple Hit Baseball

Get your little baseball player this fun battery-powered trainer that comes with a bat and three balls. Designed for beginners to pros, new players can hit from the stand, rookies from a pop-up ball, and experienced players can get balls pitched to them from 10 feet away. Turn your player into a pro!

$129.99

Step2 Mclaren Push Sports Car Ride-on Toy

Get your little speedster started early with his first sports car! Designed to look like the McLaren 570S, the interactive steering wheel allows little ones to rev their engines with realistic electronic sounds. Kids can glide through the turns whisper-quiet, all while Mom and Dad are safely pushing from the handle.

$113.99

Melissa & Doug Tootle Turtle Target Toss Game

Great toys for summer include lawn games like this Melissa and Doug target-toss game based on characters from Sunny Patch. Turn your backyard into a carnival with this adorable turtle-themed target and 4 self-stick beanbags. Kids will have fun for hours practicing their aim and racking up their score!

Prices Vary

ActivPlay Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure

Give a gift the whole family will enjoy. While the kids are bouncing all that energy out on your choice of a 14’ or 16’ trampoline in the backyard, you can be inside enjoying the peace and quiet. This easy assembly jumper includes a seamless mat and 6’ tall enclosure attachment for safety.

Prices Vary

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler

Can’t get to the pool? Nothing says classic, summer fun like a lawn sprinkler. This Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch version is designed to resemble an adorable bunch of pink flowers, and each of those pretty blooms will shower your child with a stream of water to keep them cool and entertained for hours.

$10.99

Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit

Go on an outdoor adventure with this backyard explorer’s kit. Catch live bugs! Make a worm hotel! Sound fun? Chances are your little scientist will love it. There is no limit to the adventures your child can have right in their own backyard. Contains everything you need for unlimited entertainment.

Prices Vary

TOMY John Deere Sit-N-Scoot Tractor

Start your little farmer off early with his own “sit and scoot” John Deer tractor – while tending to their pretend crops, they will get plenty of fun exercise. The lightweight and stable design makes for a safe, highly maneuverable riding toy for your little one. What kid doesn’t want their own tractor?

$54.15

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sand Cookie-Baking Set

You’ll have the best sand toys on the beach with this “sand cookie” baking set. From the sea-creature themed “cookie” cutters to the rolling pin, spatula, and baking sheet, your little one will have hours of fun. No beach or sandbox? No problem. Fill an under-bed storage tote with sand for your own personal playground.

$17.99

10 Epicly Fun Diy Outdoor Pretend Play Activities

Car Wash Pretend Play Activity

Want to give your kid an inexpensive, fun way to spend the afternoon outdoors on a sunny day? Check out this tutorial for creating an outdoor car wash. Gather some basic car wash supplies like a bucket and sponge and let your kid soap up their cozy coupe or other personal vehicle.

Pet Grooming Pretend Play Activity

Kids love pretend-play and you can help them along by setting up this super-easy pet grooming station. Just gather some basic supplies like a comb and some wash clothes, add some stuffed animals that look like they could use a spruce-up, and then let them spend the day running their own chic boutique!

Camping Pretend Play Activities

Check out this blog for some creative ways to give your child a great backyard “pretend-camping” experience that is educational, too! Set up a real play tent, then grab some kid-size chairs and a tiny cooler full of snacks, make a pretend campfire, and use these camp-themed printables to provide hours of playtime fun.

Make a River! Activity

Turn a boring old sandbox into a dynamic river adventure following these instructions to create a “real” river using tin foil. Then add small figurines, toy boats, dinosaurs, or whatever you have on hand to create a miniature world of adventure. Leaves become rafts. Bark becomes bridges. Let your child’s imagination soar with this simple activity.

Picnic Pretend Play

Put together a pretend-play picnic set then go on a Mommy and Me picnic with your little one. Use toy foods you have on hand, a checkered tablecloth, and a basket to set a charming scene. Raise your game up a notch by having a “real” picnic in the backyard. PBJs never tasted so good.

Safari Small World Play

Create a tiny world in your sandbox with this idea for a safari-themed adventure. Grab all those plastic giraffes and lions and head outside to create a jungle and desert playground just for them. Use sticks, branches, rocks, and whatever else you like to give it an “authentic” look.

Outdoor Kitchen Pretend Play

Sometimes the best toys for summer aren’t toys at all, but pretend play stations that you can set up with things you already have at home. Kids will love playing “pretend kitchen” for hours and by moving it outdoors, you won’t mind all the mess. Use fun stuff from your own kitchen!

Playdough Garden Centre Pretend Play Activity

Make a pretend home garden center using this recipe for playdough “mud.” Grab some tiny pots, artificial flowers, random pieces from other playsets, like a shopping basket and cash register, and you have a cute little garden store! Your child will love having her own shop and arranging all the pretty flowers.

Diy Backyard Explorer Kit

Now you can DIY your own backyard explorer kit with this tutorial full of fun ideas. Make a paper bag vest, toilet paper roll binoculars, and a treasure map. Add a magnifying glass, a water bottle, and a butterfly net and set off on unlimited adventures. Use your imagination to make this idea your own.

Outdoor Pretend Play Coffee Shop

Give your little barista her own coffee shop using these clever ideas and free printables. Grab some Styrofoam cups and coffee stirrers from the dollar store, create a menu, fill shakers with sand or sugar, and add a can of shaving cream to stand in for whipped cream.