How you doin’? School is out for the summer, and there’s only one thing left to do: Get outside and play! The Toy Insider Mom stopped by the Wendy Williams Show to give viewers the inside scoop on the hottest toys of summer 2016. Be sure to keep kids busy all summer long with these stand-out toys! And don’t forget to check out our entire Spring & Summer Gift Guide for even more great active, outdoor, and travel toys for the summer!


VTech,KidizoomActionCamKidizoom Action Cam (VTECH)

    • The Action Cam is a great first video and a photo camera for kids and is durable enough to handle drops and tumbles. It can go anywhere kids go, and do anything kids do with two included mounts so they can attach it to their bike, skateboard, and more, making it perfect for interactive play and capturing life’s adventures.
    • It also comes with a waterproof case so kids can take their videos and pictures up to 6 inches underwater – perfect for budding snorkelers and splashing fun!
    • The Action Cam features a 1.4-inch color LCD screen and can take stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos in addition to regular videos and photos.
    • Children can also explore their creativity with fun effects, frames and photo filters.
    • It’s easy to upload their photos and videos to a computer using the included micro USB cable so parents can choose to share them with family and friends.
    • For even more fun, they can also play three exciting games.
    • Ages: 4+
    • MSRP: 59.99

Click here to read the full review!


sky viper droneSky Viper HD Video Drone V950 (Skyrocket Toys)

      • The Sky Viper HD Video Drone is a full-sized performance drone that can record video and pictures in full 720p High Definition from a bird’s eye view!
      • Performs one-touch custom camera moves in autopilot mode.
      • Measures 12.75-inches blade-to-blade.
      • All award-winning, remote-controlled Sky Viper Drones feature extreme performance capabilities, exciting one-touch stunts, 6-axis stabilization, new impact-resistant uni-body designs, and variable modes of flight sensitivity.
      • Ages: 12+
      • MSRP: $89.99

Click here to read the full review!


Slackers Ninja Line B4AdventureSlackers Ninjaline Intro Kit (B4Adventure)

      • Hot New Item fashioned after the reality competition series American Ninja Warrior.
      • A great backyard item for the entire family to train to become Ninja Warriors.
      • Features a 30-foot overhead Slackline with seven Ninja Warrior climbing holds.
      • The goal is to traverse the line, hanging from the holds.
      • Great active toy and athletic cross trainer.
      • Age 5+
      • MSRP:$99.99

Click here to read the full review!


Alex_SuperGoPogoStickALEX Toys Active Play Super Go Pogo Stick (Alex Brands)

      • Super Go Pogo is growing up! Now for bigger kids, this super-fun, pogo-tastic toy is a timeless classic!
      • The padded frame for comfort, wide rubber foot for stability, encased metal spring for safety and soft grip handles all make this pogo stick perfect for kids up to 154 lbs.
      • Safety helmet and protective pads recommended (but not included).
      • Ages: 9+
      • MSRP: $59.99

Click here to read the full review!


ALEX Toys Active Play Ready Set StiltsALEX Toys Active Play Ready Set Stilts (ALEX Toys)

      • Learn to walk on stilts!
      • Two easy steps: First, learn to balance with big foot trainers, then replace the trainers with no-skid caps and step up to stilt walking.
      • So fun, kids won’t even realize their improving their balance and coordination!
      • Suitable for kids up to 110 lbs
      • Adjustable Height.
      • Easy assembly: no tools required.
      • Safety helmet and protective pads recommended (not included).
      • Ages: 5+
      • MSRP: $40.99

Jakks.Fire Truck PlaylandPaw Patrol Fire Truck Playland (Jakks Pacific)

      • It’s time for another emergency rescue in Adventure Bay!
      • Hop in as Marshall springs into action in this inflatable fire truck with Chase, Skye, and Rubble to help with the rescue.
      • Large interior for up to two little firefighters, as well as 50 colorful soft flex balls and an inflatable turning steering wheel, are sure to provide hours of fun in this imaginative and adventurous ball pit.
      • Age: 2+
      • MSRP: $49.99

Click here to read the full review!


EducationalInsights_GeoSafariTelescopeGeoSafari Jr My First Telescope (Educational Insights)

      • Discover amazing up-close and personal lunar exploration with the GeoSafari Jr. My First Telescope.
      • Little ones can explore the moon with this focus-free telescope, built specifically for little hands and growing minds.
      • Perfect for STEM learning, the 10x magnification provides fantastic views of the moon, while keeping the field of vision wide, which is essential for young children’s understanding.
      • Ideal for preschoolers interested in the moon, My First Telescope encourages exploration and discovery, provides hands-on experience with a scientific tool, and introduces the wonders of space.
      • The telescope has two wide eyepieces with a comfy goggle and nose cut-out guide for perfect eye placement.
      • It also has a built-in digital mirror and lens cap.
      • Ages: 4+
      • MSRP: $38.00

Nancy B's Science Club Aquascope And Activity Journal Educational InsightsNancy B’s Science Club Aquascope And Activity Journal (Educational Insights)

  • Head to the shore and explore! You don’t even have to get wet to explore the wonders of life underwater!
  • Telescoping underwater viewer with three, built-in LEDs illuminates undersea plants and marine life!
  • The activity journal (18 pages) acts as a cool scientific tool that encourages kids to pursue their natural love of science.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $34.99

hottest summer toys Candylicious Bubbles Bubble Machine (Little Kids)

      • The only thing kids love more than bubbles is candy! And this is a winning combination of both, bubble you can eat with candylicious.
      • The Candylicious Bubble Machine is shaped just like the infamous Bubble Ninja!
      • Press the button to activate the bubbles and watch as they soar from the Bubble Ninja’s mouth!  Try to catch as many as you can!
      • Wand and dip tray are removable to be easily cleaned. Includes 2 -2 fl oz of edible bubble solution, Cherry and Grape and requires 4 “AA” batteries, not included.
      • Ages: 5+
      • MSRP: $12.99

Click here to read the full review!


MERMAIDMermaid Tail and Monofin (Fin Fun)

  • Fin Fun Mermaid Tails combine dress up fun with swimability.
  • Fin Fun’s Mermaidens collection features exclusive premium quality fabric that hugs the body and is comfortable to wear, yet resistant to the effects of the sun and pool materials.
  • Unique fabric designs look like real scales on land and magical, shimmery mermaid scales in the water.
  • The open tail bottom gives mermaids the ability to walk and allows for easy on-and-off removal.
  • The patented Fin Fun Monofin provides natural mermaid motion for smooth swimming at the pool, lake, or beach.
  • An engineered, flexible, unbreakable polypro­pylene insert has a dive-grade neoprene cover that is buoyancy neutral and stays afloat. Feet are not strapped in, making removal of the insert easy with just one tug and a kick. Stretchable tail fabric allows mermaids to swim right out of the tail in seconds.
  • Monofin insert is available for Youth and Adult sizes only.
  • MSRP (mermaid tail): $44.95
  • MSRP (Monofin): $54.95

Click here to read the full review!

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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