Summer is right around the corner, and that means long days with the kids at home looking for fun things to do. Having a few go-to summer essentials for kids on hand can make all the difference—helping you avoid the constant “Mom, I’m bored” while creating a setup that encourages independent, screen-free play. The right summer essentials for kids don’t just fill time—they create an environment where play happens naturally. Preparing in advance also saves you from scrambling to come up with new ideas every single day.
Many of us fall back on screen time, and that’s OK sometimes. It’s a safe default when we’re out of ideas, energy or time. Finding the happy medium between a fully scheduled summer and a screen-filled one can be a challenge. Fortunately, it’s possible to create a home environment that invites independent outdoor play without requiring constant adult supervision.
The goal is to become an “editor” of summer fun, not a “director.” I have tried acting like a camp counselor at home, planning engaging itineraries all summer long, but I realized that left me with no time to relax and explore my own interests.
The secret is to find durable, simple and engaging essentials that you can reuse day after day, year after year. When you encourage creative, independent play, you’ll get to enjoy personal time while knowing your kids are staying active.
How to Choose the Best Summer Essentials for Kids
Finding gear that holds up to a full season of use is crucial. Here are the factors I consider before buying to ensure what I’m getting is worth every penny:
- Durability: Can it withstand constant use and being left in the yard?
- Repeatability: Is it something that your children will use again and again without your direct supervision?
- Simplicity: Does it require a complicated setup or a lot of adult involvement to use?
How to Keep Kids Busy in the Summer Without Screens
Finding ways to keep kids busy during the summer without relying on screens can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The key is having a few go-to summer essentials for kids that naturally encourage movement, creativity, and independence. When outdoor toys are easy to use and fun enough to repeat daily, kids are far more likely to stay engaged without needing constant direction.
8 Best Summer Essentials for Kids for Outdoor Play
Here are several items that I’ve been using every year to make summer fun for my kids—and less stressful for me.
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Our Top Picks for Summer Essentials for Kids
- Best for water balloon fights: Bunch O Balloons Self-Sealing Water Balloons
- Best backyard sprinkler: Rotating Flower Water Sprinkler
- Best sidewalk activity: Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk Collection
- Best DIY summer snack: Silicone Ice Pop Molds
- Best for active kids: Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids
- Best for hot days: Inflatable Pool With Canopy
- Best for backyard dance parties: Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Best screen-free family game: Hasbro Twister
Bunch O Balloons Self-Sealing Water Balloons
Water balloons are the kind of summer magic kids never get tired of—but let’s be honest, filling and tying them is usually where the fun ends for us. This is one of those rare upgrades that actually changes the experience. You hook it up to the hose, and within minutes you’ve got dozens of balloons filled and ready to go—no hand cramps, no assembly line at the sink. I set it up once, and my kids take it from there, which is really the goal with any solid summer essential.
What we love:
- The balloons fill and seal quickly.
- It’s great for independent play among siblings.
- It’s made from recycled plastic.
What we would change:
- While you can recycle the plastic stems and caps, the balloons break after one use.
Quick Facts:
- Includes over 330 balloons
- Balloons are made of certified recycled plastic
- Fill and tie up to 100 water balloons in a minute
Buy it now at Amazon for $26
Rotating Flower Water Sprinkler
If you’re looking for simple summer essentials for kids that deliver instant fun, a sprinkler like this is always a win. I’ve tried a surprising number of them over the years, and most of them either break, barely spray, or lose their appeal in about five minutes. This one somehow avoids all of that. The water moves in unpredictable, wiggly patterns that keep kids laughing and actually coming back to it day after day. It’s lightweight enough to drag around the yard, easy to set up without any help, and simple in the way the best summer essentials for kids are—no instructions, no frustration, just instant fun.
What we love:
- The unpredictable spray keeps kids entertained.
- It’s easy to set up.
- It’s safe and simple.
What we would change:
- The three-prong spinning piece can pop off while it’s in use.
Quick Facts:
- Connects to a standard garden hose
- Has 360-degree rotating sprinklers
- Recommended for ages 3 and up
Buy now at Amazon for $28
Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk Collection
Not all sidewalk chalk is created equal. I’ve found that Crayola’s version has the best color payoff—it actually shows up bright and vibrant on pavement instead of looking dusty or faded after a few minutes. It’s also genuinely easy to wash off the patio and clothes, which makes a huge difference when chalk inevitably ends up everywhere. The anti-roll shape is a small but brilliant detail that prevents it from rolling down our sloped driveway, something I didn’t realize I needed until I wasn’t constantly chasing pieces down the street. It’s one of those simple, low-effort activities that kids can return to again and again, whether they’re drawing, playing games, or just filling the driveway with color.
What we love:
- There is a huge variety of vibrant colors.
- The chalk washes off surfaces easily.
- The pieces are uniquely shaped to prevent rolling.
What we would change:
- Once it’s thin, the chalk is fragile and can break easily when dropped.
Quick Facts:
- Available in packs of 10, 64 and 130
- Features new and classic colors
- Recommended for ages 4 and up
Buy now at Amazon for $15
Silicone Ice Pop Molds
This is my secret weapon against store-bought popsicles, which are often loaded with sugar and ingredients I can’t pronounce. My kids love helping me make our own with simple things like yogurt, fruit, or even leftover smoothies, which somehow makes them even more excited to eat them. These silicone molds are easy to use and clean, and their tapered shape makes it easy for little hands to hold without constant drips and frustration. I also love that I can control exactly what goes into them, so they feel more like a snack I can feel good about than just a treat. It’s one of those small swaps that ends up getting used on repeat all summer long.
What we love:
- The molds are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- They encourage children to help in the kitchen.
- Unlike store-bought popsicles, you can control what ingredients your sweet treats are made from.
What we would change:
- The individual molds can be wobbly when filled, so placing them on a tray is best.
Quick Facts:
- Set of 12
- Come with sticks
- BPA-free silicone
Buy now at Amazon for $21
Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids
A scooter is one of those summer essentials for kids that really grows with them and keeps them moving all season long. This is the classic version for a reason—lightweight enough for kids to handle on their own, durable enough to take a beating, and easy to fold up when you need to throw it in the trunk or stash it in the garage. It’s the kind of thing they’ll grab without being told, whether it’s a quick ride up and down the driveway or a longer loop around the neighborhood. I also love how it gives them a sense of independence while still keeping things simple—it’s just movement, fresh air, and a really easy way to burn off energy.
What we love:
- The scooter folds for compact storage.
- It has a lightweight aluminum construction and adjustable handlebars.
- It can last many years.
What we would change:
- The small wheels are not ideal for rough surfaces.
Quick Facts:
- Supports riders up to 143 pounds
- No assembly required
- Available in different colors
Buy now at Amazon for $30
Inflatable Pool With Canopy
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For those scorching hot days, a small pool is a lifesaver—and one of those summer essentials for kids you end up using more than you expect. I love this one because the canopy provides crucial shade, which means the kids can actually stay out there longer without me constantly worrying about sunburn or needing to reapply sunscreen every five minutes. It’s big enough for a couple of little ones to splash around and play comfortably, but still manageable to set up in the yard without it feeling like a whole production. It quickly becomes the default afternoon activity when it’s too hot to do much else, and it gives everyone a chance to cool off without leaving home.
If you’re building out your summer setup, you can also check out our guide to pool bag essentials for kids for more easy, go-to ideas that make outdoor days smoother.
What we love:
- The pool has a protective sun canopy.
- It’s easy to inflate and has a thick, durable material that prevents leaks and tears.
- It’s spacious enough for kids to play and parents to lounge.
What we would change:
- Like any inflatable pool, it requires effort to drain, clean and store properly.
Quick Facts:
- Pool dimensions are 18 inches long by 75 inches wide by 22 inches high
- Triple-layer side walls and reinforced fabric
- Has a drain plug for easy emptying
Buy now at Amazon for $120
Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
An outdoor dance party is one of my go-to tricks for turning grumpy moods around—and one of those unexpectedly great summer essentials for kids that works every time. This little speaker is surprisingly powerful, waterproof enough to handle splashes from the pool or sprinkler, and has a long battery life that easily lasts through an afternoon outside. I connect it to my phone, put on a kid-friendly playlist, and suddenly the whole vibe shifts. The kids start dancing, running around, making up their own games—and I can actually sit back and read my book for a bit while they entertain themselves. It’s simple, but it works.
What we love:
- It has an IPX5 waterproof rating.
- The battery life allows for long playtime.
- With a portable design, you can take it outside, to the park or on vacation.
What we would change:
- The sound quality is great for its size, but it won’t replace a larger home system.
Quick Facts:
- Connects via Bluetooth 5.3
- Comes with a charging cable
- Available in multiple colors
Buy now at Amazon for $30
Hasbro Twister
Twister is one of those games that instantly gets everyone laughing, whether it’s a group of kids or the whole family joining in. It takes up almost no space to store, but somehow delivers every time you pull it out. I love that it works just as well in the living room on a rainy day as it does outside on the grass, which makes it one of those reliable go-tos when you need a quick activity. It’s simple, completely screen-free, and gets everyone moving without feeling like “exercise”—just a lot of falling over and laughing in the process.
What we love:
- It’s a classic game that’s fun for all ages.
- Twister can be played indoors and outdoors.
- It encourages physical movement.
What we would change:
The plastic mat can be slippery on smooth floors.
Quick Facts:
- Includes a plastic mat and a spinner
- Good for two or more players
- Recommended for ages 6 and up
