I may not have kids but I do have a younger brother and sister that I see pretty much on a weekly basis. I also happen to be a kid at heart, so I love playing with them. I didn’t grow up with an iPad the way kids these days do, so I have a deep appreciation for game nights and toys. That was my childhood after all. And I’m all about feeling nostalgic!
As with everything else I buy, I do most of my toy and game shopping on Amazon. I don’t even have to put on pants to shop. There’s nothing better than that in my book. Since I’m around children a lot, I know what they’re loving right now. From kinetic sand you can mold to old school games like UNO and Ticket to Ride, these 37 toys and games are sure to impress the entire family.
This Marble Run Set Is Super Nostalgic
I most definitely had a marble run set like this growing up and absolutely loved it. My sister and I loved making different tracks and racing each other. While I may not have kids right now, I will most definitely be getting one of these when I do.
Jet Around Town on This Scooter
I loved my scooter when I was a kid. I was always zooming around the neighborhood. And just seeing this one has me wanting to get one again. Use it to get to work, head to your favorite neighborhood coffee shop, or the park with your kids.
This Ball Mimics the Flotation of a Watermelon
For another unique game to play in the pool, use this watermelon ball. You can dribble it, kick it, bounce it, and pass it around 10 feet underwater due to its natural buoyancy. It fills with water and mimics a true watermelon when placed in water, so you’ll be able to play a wide variety of games.
Kids Will Love Popping the Bubbles from This Bubble Blaster
I may be almost 30 but you can bet that I still love playing with bubbles. This means your kids definitely do, too. Keep them entertained for hours with this bubble machine. Who doesn’t want to pop bubbles as soon as they see them? It’s like second nature.
Get Outdoors with This Ring Toss Game
Entertain everyone of all ages with this ring toss game. Play it in the backyard when you’re having a backyard get-together or bring it indoors when the weather is less than ideal. Either way, everyone will absolutely love it.
These RC Cars Will Keep Kids Entertained for Hours
To give your kids a realistic RC car experience, use these. The two cartoon remote control cars offer forward and backward motions and even play realistic siren sounds and honking noises. Plus it has working flashing headlights.
This Puzzle Is Great for Family Night In
I’ve always been a big puzzle fan. I would spend hours upon hours as a kid helping my mom and grandparents on puzzles just like this one. This one, in particular, is shaped like the Earth and will have you and all your kids focused for hours on end.
These Diving Tools Are Ideal for Summer
As someone who lives in the desert, I spent (or should I say still spend) most of my summers in the pool. And we had a ridiculous amount of pool toys just like these diving tools. The minute you throw them in, your kids will spend hours diving around for them.
Create Your Own Train with These Train Cars
What kid doesn’t love a good train set? These train cars are compatible with Thomas the Train sets, so you can build the train of your dreams and drive it all over your custom train tracks.
This Kit Has Everything You Need to Make Your Own Slime
I may be pushing 30 but you can bet that I am obsessed with slime, and this kit allows you to make some at home in minutes. The 52-piece set comes with glitter, slime activator, glue, glow in the dark coloring, beads, food, coloring, and more.
Keep Your Child Active with This Pogo Jumper
A pogo jumper is such an easy way to get your kids off the iPads and outdoors. There’s nothing more fun than hopping around like a bunny in the backyard. Crafted from durable foam, it’s an ideal first pogo stick for kids who have the extra energy they need to get out. It even squeaks and flashes every time they jump for an added effect.
Teach Them How to Cook with This Chef Set
I was never a big cook. It wasn’t until the last couple of years that I got into it and I’m bummed it took me as long as it did. Make sure this doesn’t happen with your kids with this chef set. It’ll get them excited to bake and cook–skills they need for the rest of their lives.
These Creepy Crawlers Have Never Tasted So Good
The only bugs I want on my plate are these creepy waffle crawlers. The waffle pan is nonstick so you don’t have to worry about a messy clean-up. Your kids will love getting to play with their food and eat it too! It’s also available in mermaid, fairy, and poop emoji shapes – perfect for themed birthday parties.
Encourage Imaginative Play with These Foam Swords
When I was younger, my younger sister and I fought a lot. It was (mostly) pretend, but I would’ve loved it even more with these foam swords. My parents probably would have too. There probably would’ve been fewer bruises, that’s for sure. Anyway, these let your kiddos get out their energy in a safe manner that won’t result in injuries!
Bring These Toys with You to the Beach
It’s beach season, which means it’s the perfect time to break out these beach toys. The 18-piece set includes a bucket, shovels, rakes, sand sifters, a watering can, and more. Use them to encourage creative play and keep your kids happy while spending hours at the beach.
Take Your Kids Out with You with This Scooter
Adults and teens aren’t the only ones who should get a super cool scooter. With over 11,000 reviews, this is a great option. One reviewer said, “I was hesitant to order thinking that the quality might not be great because of the low price, and oh boy was I wrong! The scooter came beautifully packaged and the quality of the scooter is great! The plastic is thick and durable, the frame is very sturdy and the wheels are nice and my sons enjoy the lights. My boys are hard on their toys and we play outside for hours every day we will get many years of use out of this scooter”
Make a Variety of Things with These Wooden Blocks
Treat your younger children to these colorful building blocks, which are easy to grip, pretty much impossible to eat (unlike Legos), and fun to use to create a wide variety of things. They’ll love stacking blocks and making buildings and animals.
A Vet Set
Do you have an animal lover in your house? Maybe you’ve already heard them professing, “I want to be a pet doctor when I grow up.” Now, they get a head start with this pretend pet hospital playset. It includes a plush toy kitty, two double-sided x-rays, a pair of tweezers, pill bottle, stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, and scale. This set is made of wood so it’ll last a good while.
This Adorable Boba Blow Up Pool
This set comes with a blow-up pool and is accompanied by little floating “boba” beach balls and a blow-up straw. This is an adorable addition to your backyard and a great way to cool off in the hot months of the year.
These Giant Puppy Pancakes Will Brighten Up Your Day
Whoever said you shouldn’t play with your food has clearly never had this puppy pancake pan. This set includes 6 edible food markers for your kids to express their creativity and get to eat it too! The pan is nonstick so you don’t have to worry about a messy clean-up. It’s also available in a dinosaur, unicorn, and smiley face shape.
It’s Never Too Soon To Play Doctor
Has your little one expressed interest in helping others? This get well doctor activity center is perfect for those interests to be explored. It’s a 16-piece play-set that has everything they will need to practice with, including fake X-ray screens, a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope, etc.
Play in the Dark with This Glow in the Dark Volleyball
Why should the fun have to stop just because the sun has gone down? This volleyball net has built-in LED lights, so you can play with your children all night long–even in the darkest of dark.
Stay Cool in the Heat with This Water Gun
Beat the summer heat with this water gun. Not only will your kids have a blast spraying each other, but they’ll also love the fact that they look like a firefighter. One Amazon user said, “This was a cheap toy and I didn’t think my daughter would really be into it but I was wrong. She waters all the plants in the yard with it and then some. Totally worth the money from the amount of enjoyment she had with it. There are two spray patterns and the pack filled with water is still light enough that my 4-year-old can walk around with it.”
Improve Hand-Eye Coordination with This Archery Set
If there’s one toy that you can bet your kids will love on this list, it’s this archery set! It lights up, is a great way to work on fine motor skills, and helps them practice their accuracy. It’s also extremely comfortable to hold.
Get Them In Touch with Their Musical Sides with This Toy Trumpet
This toy trumpet is great for any kiddos interested in music. One reviewer said, “I got these for my kids for Christmas since my son had asked for a toy trumpet and this was the only one I could find ideal for a 5-year-old. My kids totally love them! I like that the keys are functional, the sound they make isn’t irritating, and multiple keys can be pressed for a harmonized tone. Really glad I got these.”
Yardzee Is One of My Favorite Games to Play
Yahtzee! is one of my go-to games still to this day. I think it makes for some fun and friendly competition. And now with this Yardzee set, you can bring the family game outside. It comes with six jumbo-sized wooden dice, a collapsible bucket, and score sheets.
This Piano Mat Will Help Them Enjoy Playing Music
I most definitely wanted one of these piano mats when I was a kid. I saw it in every toy catalog and toy store and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. It gets your kid to practice music while also promoting physical activity. And what more could you ask for as a parent?
This Lego Bouquet Is Super Unique
Legos have really stepped up their game. I mean just look at this bouquet building kit! It delivers a vibrant display of colors that you’re going to want to put in a vase and showcase as soon as you’re done putting it together.
This Basketball Set Is Great for Days with Poor Weather
Play basketball without having to go outside with this basketball set. The hoop can be set up anywhere in seconds, so the kids can play instantly. And because it’s so small, it’s perfect for the little ones.
Turn Cards Against Humanity into a Drinking Game
When the little ones go to bed, break out Cards Against Humanity. If you’re living under a rock and don’t know what it is/have never played it, it’s an adult-only card game that will have you laughing for hours. And if you really feel like spicing things up, make it a drinking game.
Teach Kiddos Science with This Butterfly Garden
Take your kids’ love for science to the next level with this butterfly garden. They literally send you five live caterpillars that your little one can take care of and help develop into beautiful butterflies. They’ll get a kick out of watching them grow and become something beautiful.
Drive the Pedal to the Metal with This Tough Trike
If your little ones are too small for a scooter, opt for this tough trike. I mean what 4-year-old doesn’t want their own Harley? One reviewer said, “This thing is awesome. My little girl rides it everywhere including to the table to eat. This is literally her favorite toy. Also, it’s really shocking how many toys fit under the seat area.”
Start a Little Family Competition with Ticket to Ride
To get everyone thinking, break out Ticket to Ride. The strategy game gives you the chance to connect American cities across a map of the 20th century USA through train routes that help earn you points. It’s a fast-paced game that the whole family will love.
This Bocce Ball Set Is Super High Quality
With a perfect 5-star rating and almost 5,000 reviews, this bocce ball set is an absolute must-have. It’s affordable, high quality, and even comes with a carrying case so you can bring it to your picnics in the park for some added entertainment.
This Game Is So Simple Yet So Entertaining
Kan Jam may look like a very basic game (and it is), but it’s ridiculously fun. My younger brother introduced it to me and we got wildly competitive. Take turns throwing and deflecting the frisbee to get the most points to win.
This Kinetic Sand Is Extremely Moldable
To make the most of sensory play, try out this kinetic sand construction kit. No matter how much you play with it, it never dries out, so you can make all sorts of things with it. Use the included equipment and you’ll be able to make so many different sand buildings.
Capture Memories with This Camera
If your little one has a fascination with taking photos and videos and you want to enable this passion without having to buy a full-blown camera, try this one out instead. It allows them to create their own HD videos with special effects like time-lapse and animated backgrounds.
Learn about New Foods with This Color Sorting Set
I’m a firm believer that toys should also be educational. And these sorting fruits are just that. Kids will love playing in an imaginary kitchen while also being able to sort their fruits by color.
Enjoy the Magic of Discovery with This Science Kit
Give your child the magic of discovery with this science kit. It includes activities like dueling water tornados, an erupting volcano, growing a crystal, two geological dig kits, and more.
Beat the Heat with This Pool Float
This one is more for the adults than the kids, although the entire family can use it. The pool float can be used in so many different ways to help you kick back and relax and enjoy the water while also enjoying the sun. I personally love using it hammock style to catch some rays while staying cool.
Everybody Loves UNO
UNO is a classic game that’s easy to learn and even easier to play. My 9 and 10-year-old siblings absolutely love playing it (as do I). It’s such an easy way to get them away from the TV and together as a family.
Don’t Have a Pool? Use This Splash Pad
Just because you don’t have a pool doesn’t mean you should have to suffer through the summer heat. This non-slip splash pad is great for the entire family–even the family dog! I had one before I moved and I swear I used it almost every single day in the summer.