Why do kids get to have all the fun?! What handbook is it written in that once you cross a certain age, all the fun stops and all the work begins? Call me crazy but I believe you can work and be a productive adult and also play like nobody’s watching (to take liberties with a particular quote). Playing keeps us young, makes us young even. Whether it’s inside or out, there’s no age limit on toys and games — and no age limit on having a good time.
Consider this list your roadmap to the town of Funville. (What? I’m sure that’s a place.) I’ve got games and puzzles for rainy days; the best pool toys for a splash of fun; games that make you think and toys that won’t; and, the most killer saucer swing you’ve ever seen. (It holds up to 700 pounds so load the whole fam on.) There’s guaranteed to be something here that’ll delight everyone in your family — from nine to 99!
Your Own “Flying” Saucer
When is the last time you were on a swing? There’s nothing like the feel of the air blowing through your hair as you pump your legs to go higher and higher. This saucer swing isn’t so much the “pump your legs to go higher” type option but it’s a lot of fun regardless. This swing can hold up to 700 pounds so you can climb on with your kiddos (or grand-kiddos).
Puzzle over This
Summer is meant to be spent outdoors. When I was a kid, we were outside when the sun came up and didn’t roll back in until dusk. But, inclement weather can be a damper on summer fun. A puzzle, especially a challenging one like this 1,000-piece color wheel, is a quiet but fun way to spend an afternoon. Leave it and come back to it over and over.
Have a Soccer Ball
I mean, soccer is cool and all but have you ever heard of a hover soccer ball? (Be a lot cooler if you had, to borrow from Matthew McConaughey.) This foam hover soccer ball means you can play it indoors or out, on all types of surfaces from asphalt to short carpet. Even better, it has flashing LED lights to make for a unique sports experience in the dark. This purchase includes two hover balls.
Chicken Out
Back in the day, we had to chicken fight with just our arms if we had enough people in the pool to pull it off. Kids today will never know the struggle. This chicken fight pool float set means you can duke it out mano a mano. Mount your chicken ride-on water float and wrestle your friend off theirs. Kids and adults will love it.
Magnetic Personality
Do we ever lose our love of Legos, Tinkertoys, or Lincoln Logs? (I might be dating myself here.) This magnetic tile set has 100 pieces so you can build 3D creations including vehicles with two car bases. There are five unique shapes in these pieces including windows so your imagination is truly the only limit. If you want additional pieces, you can also buy sets of 32 and 60.
New Kid on the Block
Have you ever played Jenga? It’s a great game but not conducive to lots of people playing. This super-sized tumbling stacking game is perfect to play outside and big enough that everyone doesn’t have to crowd around a tiny table. This set has 60 jumbo pieces with a heavy-duty carrying bag so you can take it outside, to the beach, to the tailgate, and beyond.
Go like a Rocket
The best version of “fun” to me is fun that also includes some component of learning (and, yes, the two can be in the same sentence). This water bottle rocket launcher kit will satisfy anyone in your family interested in science or watching things explode (which is nearly everyone). Propel two-liter bottles up to 100 feet in the air over and over again.
Did You Just Flart?
If there’s anyone in your family who still giggles at the word “fart,” then you have to buy this outdoor game that hilariously combines the words “floor” and “darts” into one unforgettable name. Simply lay out the mat, secure it with the lawn pegs if playing outside, and inflate the three darts. Then, you can flart your way all over the yard.
Gaming on the Go
Adults will remember handheld games dating back to the GameBoy (and even earlier than that) though youngsters are more likely to equate handheld games to a Nintendo Switch or a DS. This handheld gaming unit comes with 100 pre-loaded games that, honestly, are probably going to start a fight in your house. At just $34, you can afford to snag two.
Either You Love Burritos or You’re Wrong
Burritos are one of my favorite Mexican dishes so I had high expectations for “Throw Throw Burrito” and it did not disappoint. From the creators of another popular game, “Exploding Kittens,” this is described as the “world’s first dodgeball card game.” But, don’t worry: the burritos are soft so even grandpa can play without spraining an ankle. If you’re feeling extra saucy, try the extreme outdoor edition.
Any Minute Now
I know what you’re thinking: “That looks like a random assortment of weird stuff, not a game.” That’s where you’re partly correct. It is a random assortment of weird stuff from dice to Solo cups. But they’re all thoughtfully selected to play 237 challenges in nine different categories. To play, choose a card and complete the challenge. It’s perfect for all ages.
You’re on a Roll
Your game room or basement will never be the same after you add BONK to it. Bonk tests timing, teamwork, skill, and focus while you roll steel balls down a chute to knock them into your opponent’s goal. Ideal for four players from the age of eight up, you can transport this game easily and set it up anywhere for fun on the go.
Make a Splash
Why do we have a love-hate relationship with a dunk tank? We’re always terrified of getting dunked yet we willingly climb up and sit on the stand. This splash tower is like a dunk machine for your house with a target to be hit. Once enabled, the bucket over the victim’s head topples for a refreshing, um, shower? It’s the backyard addition that’ll have everyone wanting to hang out at your house all summer long.
Rawr, It’s a Shoot-Out
I like to envision that this is how the dinosaurs actually became extinct, through foam balls shot at their open mouth by overzealous children. (Contrary to my hopes, I’m positive that’s not what happened at all.) This dinosaur shooting game is still a blast, though, with two modes: Static and running. You’ll get two foam ball guns, 48 balls and the dinosaur target for less than $34.
Frequent Flyer
Frisbees are an old-school toy, dating back to the 1950s, but never a trip to the beach goes by that I don’t spy one. The Activ Flyer is a Frisbee-like flying device that is actually 80 percent lighter than a traditional Frisbee, which makes it safer for the person on the receiving end. It even floats so you can use it around water.
Check-er Yourself
What’s the best part of going to Cracker Barrel? (Don’t you dare say the “chicken and dumplings.”) It’s the giant checkerboard by the fireplace, man! Now you can have your own supersized checkerboard that can be reversed to a tic-tac-toe game on the other side. People of all ages love playing checkers and older folks especially can school the youngsters on the game.
Bake Your Creativity And Eat It Too!
My kids love helping me bake but I worry about them using the same tools I do, so I got them this cake pop baking set instead. They loved it! This kids’ baking set includes pre-measured, dry ingredients and is vacuum-packed to preserve freshness. It has step-by-step instructions and even a shopping list for the missing wet ingredients. The kiddos also love the s’mores sandwich kit and are eager to try the 31 Piece Baketivity kit once they master the first two. It’s a fun and tasty activity for the whole family!
Hop, Skip and a Jump
When I was a kid, we’d spend hours skipping rocks in a nearby pond. We didn’t have fancy water toys like these skip balls. Perfect for any water activity, this ball will skip across the water and float when it stops. Three times more durable than other balls of its kind, you’re going to want a couple of these for the pool, lake, and beach this summer.
Net Worth
We didn’t know any better when we were kids, playing sports games using the pool rope. Now you can buy this pool sports set that includes an inflatable net for volleyball and a floating hoop for basketball. The volleyball net has two weight bags to keep it from floating away while you’re playing. Volleyball and basketball in water are great aerobic activities that can be played by any age thanks to your weightlessness!
Water World
Water guns are basic summer fun but the water guns I had as a kid couldn’t hold a candle to these super squirt guns that hold the equivalent of 40-plus ounces of water. High-pressure pump-action lets you really blast your friends and family while an auto-open button makes delivering a stream of water easy even for the youngest players. This purchase includes two water guns.
The Missing Link-o
I love people who are down for a game wherever they are. Cinco Linko is the ultimate strategy game designed specifically for travel with durable, waterproof and portable-sized pieces. It can be clipped to your beach bag or suitcase for easy transport, and was awarded “Best Family Game” by Imagination Gaming. Choose a color and make a stack. The winner is the first to make a line of five.
A Juggling Act
I know you’re juggling a lot but are you juggling … a lot? This skill game is designed to test your motor skills and improve your hand-eye coordination while getting better at juggling and creating your own tricks. Surprisingly addictive, this is a simple game you can play solo or add a second set for group play.
Drone On
I don’t know many people who aren’t fascinated by drones but even the entry-level models can set you back a pretty penny. This hand-operated drone is perfect for adults and kids who want to gain experience with a drone without investing a ton of money. This version blinks, flips 360 degrees and flies in all directions while avoiding obstacles. Simply use your hands to guide its flight and then catch it once you’re finished.
Family Fun
Most parents want one thing out of their kids: Simply to talk to them. (There are certainly more things parents want, of course, but that’s a biggie.) This game is full of conversation starters and silly challenges that everyone can do together, whether you’re five, 55 or 105! Do You Really Know Your Game It’s the name of the game and a valid question in itself.
What a Catch
Family fun doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Something as simple as this toss and catch ball set will make everybody happy and lead to hours of simple enjoyment. You’ll get six paddles and three balls in this set with a carrying bag so you can tote them here and there. The sticky cloth on the paddles makes catching even easier.
Whatever Floats Your Boat
It’s hard to tell who will enjoy this high-speed remote-controlled boat more — your little kid or your big one. This racing boat has LED lights that make it fun to play with at night and, with speeds that exceed 20 miles per hour, you’ll get the thrill of racing and controlling. The remote has an LCD display and can sail nearly 500 feet.
Cube Out
Fidget spinners were all the rage a few years back and I’m still not over them but thankfully, they’ve grown up a little like the Fube, which is a 12-sided fidget cube perfect for antsy kids or adults who’ve zoned out during a Zoom meeting. (Too much?) Enjoy a smooth surface, soft silicone rubber buttons, joystick rotation, a wider and deeper worry stone, crisp clicking sounds, audible and silent actions and beautiful colors with a protective carrying case.
Run the Gauntlet
You’re going to have to fight your partner off from wanting to take over this LEGO set that lets you build your own Infinity Gauntlet — no awkward meet-ups with Thanos or anything. This set is nearly 600 pieces and makes the perfect after-dinner activity for parents and kids to enjoy together. It even has the colorful infinity stones and a stand to display it once completed.
Summer Snowball Fight
It might be a hundred degrees outside in the shade but you can still think cold thoughts with your own indoor snowball fight. This 50-pack of indoor-safe snowballs crunch just like the real thing but without the mess or cold hands. I bought some of these at Christmas and you wouldn’t believe how much fun everyone had trying to attack each other (in love, of course).
Let’s Get Growing
You can learn together and play together with this miniature garden that sits inside a container that simulates a natural environment. Help them understand and appreciate nature with their own terrarium that comes in an all-in-one kit. Grow by day and glow by night with the LED light that’s built-in under the lid. You’ll get instructions, soil, seeds, miniatures to add interest, rocks and more to keep your garden growing.
How Sweet It Is
Hunt them down and put them in their place with this marshmallow blaster. This single-action, lock-and-load unit fires large marshmallows one at a time with a helix barrel that lets you control the power and distance your marshmallows go. (Fire these up to 40 feet!) Pro tip: Add cornstarch to marshmallows in a baggie before loading your blaster to make them easier to insert, shoot further and add a cool “smoke” effect.
Gum up the Works
This gumball machine isn’t a toy or game per se but it’s a childhood favorite that’s beloved by all ages and when I saw it, I just knew it had to be included. My dad even had one of these in his office before he retired (which I now own). This is a great option for a piggy bank since it accepts pennies, nickels and dimes, but can also be set to plain dispensing.
A Light Touch
I used to ride my bike all over our neighborhood and while I had spoke charms, tassels and a basket, I never had anything as cool as these LED wheel lights. Available in a variety of solid and multi colors, these have a full seven feet of weather-resistant tubing and 20 micro LED lights to turn your front and rear wheels into a sparkling light display.
Code Word: Disney
Where are my Disney fans at? The Codenames Disney Family Edition takes the best parts of the game Codenames and combines it with Disney characters that most of us can easily name. This even includes both pictures and words, along with one-word clues, to make it easy for all ages to guess and play. Play a 25-card grid for a longer game or a 16-card grid for those with shorter attention spans.
Capture the Flag
How do you improve on a game as simple as Capture the Flag? You equip players with light-up game pieces for a glow-in-the-dark activity that’ll lead to hours of play. Work on your social skills, strategy, and team-building, put down the dang electronic devices and head outside with the entire neighborhood while you run, hide and chase each other to win.
Let Things Slide
What’s better than one water slide? How about three water slides? This wide, three-lane water slide lets kids and adults slide together for hours of water fun. Now you don’t have to spend as much time waiting for your turn since multiple people can enjoy it simultaneously. This purchase includes three body boards to slide and ride on. With built-in sprinkler holes down both sides, the surface stays wet continually.
Dart Around
Adults love darts but they’re sharp and not entirely kid-friendly. This magnetic dart board is fun (and safe) for the whole family. Complete with a 13-inch dartboard and 12 magnetic darts, this is the ideal addition to a game room, patio or man cave. The dartboard itself is even double-sided with a traditional dartboard on the front and an archery version on the back.