Must Have Low Cost Summer Toys to Keep Your Kids Entertained

I am excited to share my favorite low cost summer toys. We are all working with a budget of some sort, and we want to get the most bang for our buck.

Summer is so close, and I am here for it! I can already feel the warm breeze on my face, while I sit outside sipping a cold drink and listening to my kids laugh as they splash around in the sprinkler. These are the days! So, check out the list below for some simple yet impactful items that will make your summer one to remember.

Low Cost Summer Toys

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles. Even though my kids are out of the toddler stage, they still love bubbles. But we all cry when they spill. So, here are some non-spillage options that we use.

A low-key (aka low mess) water activity my kids’ love is painting the sidewalk, back porch, house, fence…you get the idea…with simply plain water. The kids love this variety pack of paintbrushes to explore the different shapes and lines.

Magnetic blocks have been popular over the last several years, so I know you know about them. A great summer twist is to take them outside and stick them to your garage door. My youngest likes to sort them by shape, and my older ones enjoy building 3D sculptures suspended off the metal door.

Last year, I discovered the best alternative to plastic kiddie pools that are heavy and kill your grass. It’s this outdoor splash pad. You connect your hose and let the good times roll…or splash. But seriously, clean up and storage of this thing is so much easier than anything else we’ve tried.

Picnics are always a favorite. This is my new favorite picnic basket. Not only is it insulated and waterproof, but it also comes with its own blanket. My kids want to hit as many parks as possible this summer, so I know we will get a lot of use out of this.

Do your kids like popsicles? Mine do. We like to try out different recipes to make our own. Our favorite is banana and cantaloupe. I have this popsicle mold. I like that the molds are not connected.

Make Sure to Check Out Summer Activities in Your Area

Everyone lives in different areas with different opportunities, but I encourage you to check your city’s website for summer resources.

We have lived in our current city for three summers, and I am still learning about all my town has to offer. Here are some ideas to look into:

• Berry Picking
• Farmer’s Markets
• Day Hiking
• Outdoor Symphony
• Explore Parks in Neighboring Cities
• Creek Stomping
• Fishing
• Volunteer for an Animal Sanctuary
• Drive-In Movie
• Frisbee Golf Course
• Summer Day Camps
• Vacation Bible School
• Goat Yoga
• Splash Pads and Water Parks
• Tour a Local Farm (dairy farms are fun and usually end with ice cream)
• Food Truck Tour
• Music Festivals
• 4H Events
• Horse Back Riding

I hope you found this compilation of low cost summer toys and activities helpful. Share some of your favorite things to do in the summer in the comments below.

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