Summer is almost officially here, and it’s time to get outside and play! Toy Insider Senior Editor Maddie Michalik stopped by Better Connecticut in New Haven to talk about the best new toys for fun in the backyard. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the spring and summer, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Spring and Summer Gift Guide.


H20GO POP LLAMA (BESTWAY)

  • The POP Llama by Bestway is loud, bold and perfect for pool time.
  • This supersized animal features eye-popping art with a long neck and large sitting area.
  • Grab the heavy-duty hand grips to get on easily.
  • Three air chambers give this float consistent balance on the water and speed up inflation.
  • Age: All
  • MSRP: $24.97
  • Available: Walmart

TOY STORY SLINKY DOG WATER BLASTER (SWIMWAYS)

  • Combine kids’ love of Disney’s Toy Story with some outdoor fun!
  • This colorful water blaster looks like Disney’s Toy Story’s Slinky Dog! Kids can spray their friends with this water blaster from up to 30 feet away.
  • Simply dip the dog’s mouth into the pool or a bucket of water and watch as the tube fills up when its hind legs are pulled back. When the tube is filled, it’s time to soak your friends!
  • Kids can push the legs back in to give their friends a waterful surprise as the water will spray out of the dog’s mouth!
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $14.99
  • Retailers: Amazon

GAZILLION BUBBLE RUSH (FUNRISE)

  • With its revolutionary design, this next generation, high-powered bubble machine blows the most bubbles ever.
  • This bubble blower has a 3-sectioned, no-spill modular design, including a removable washable top, solution recycling tray, batteries, and a motor sealed inside the base.
  • Kids can pour solution into the reservoir and push the button for a bubble explosion in seconds.
  • The machine is designed to create hours of fun for kids and easy to clean for parents.
  • Bubble Rush includes an 8-ounce bottle of Gazillion Premium Bubbles solution.
  • Includes an 8 oz. bottle of GAZILLION Premium Bubbles solution.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Walmart, Amazon

NERF FORTNITE ASSORTMENT (HASBRO)

  • When it comes to creating epic Fortnite battles in real life, it’s NERF OR NOTHIN’!
  • Inspired by the iconic weapon used in the popular Fortnite video game, the NERF Fortnite AR-L blaster boasts rapid-fire motorized blasting and flip-up sights that allow players to focus their aim as they eliminate opponents and attempt to survive the “Storm.”  The NERF FORTNITE AR-L blaster features a 10-dart clip and comes with 20 ELITE darts, so Fortnite fans can play with power and precision no matter where the battle is building.
  • The NERF Fortnite SP-L blaster is inspired by the blaster used in Fortnite, replicating the look and colors of the one from the popular video game! The Fortnite SP-L blaster has an internal clip with a 3-dart capacity, so you can load 3 darts in a row before its time to reload. Insert 3 darts, prime, and pull the trigger to fire. It comes with 6 Official Nerf Darts that are designed for distance, tested and approved for performance and quality, and constructed of foam with flexible, hollow tips.
  • Blast into big fun with the NERF MicroShots series of collectible, mini-sized Nerf toy blasters! Nerf MicroShots series blasters capture the iconic look of the original blasters but in a scrunched-down style all their own. Their look and size makes them collectible additions to any Nerf collection. This Nerf MicroShots Fortnite TS blaster is inspired by the blaster used in the popular Fortnite video game. It includes 2 Official Nerf Elite darts and fires 1 dart at a time with hand-powered action (no batteries required).
  • Requires 4 AA Batteries, not included.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $9.99 – 49.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart, Kmart, Target, Best Buy, Walgreens, GameStop

ZINGSPORTZ AIR STORM Z-TEK BOW (ZING)

  • The Air Storm Z-Tek Bow is the ultimate “parent-approved” foam bow and arrow combo!
  • The Z-Tek Bow features a sleeker shape, storage ammo clips located right on the bow, and lower profile bungee cords that deliver launching distances more than 100 feet.
  • Just hook the Zonic screaming whistle arrow into the fast-load loops, then pull back and it’s “Ready, Aim, Fire!”
  • Set up some cans for target practice, or shoot against a wall for bounce-back action!
  • Zartz Suction-cup Arrows stick to almost anything and each arrow is safe for indoor or outdoor play.
  • Each comes with two Zonic screaming whistle arrows and one Zartz Suction Cup Arrow.
  • Ages: 14+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Target, Walmart

MORFBOARD SKATE/SCOOT COMBINATION (JAKKS PACIFIC)

  • Morfboard is a new, exciting, and innovative brand.  This high-performance deck and component system transforms in seconds and creates an entirely new play experience.   
  • The Morfboard ecosystem encompasses super simple Lock & Release Technology (LRT): simply drop Xtensions into the board and turn them 90-degrees.  The flex trigger locks in so kids are ready to skate, ride, balance, or bounce. Morfboard is year-round fun—anywhere, anytime.
  • Skate Xtensions feature 53mm Urethane wheels, durable cast aluminum trucks, and Performance ABEC 5 skate bearing.
  • Scoot Xtensions feature lean to steer wishbone front truck and rear wheel with inset lever brake.
  • Variable height T-Bar with rubber anti-slip grips.
  • Available in a variety of color options to customize the board.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Canadian MSRP: $149.99
  • Available: Chartreuse, Lava, and Mint: Target, Walmart; Cyan: Target

PLAY DAY KAOS 360 (IMPERIAL TOY)

  • Let’s play Kaos 360! A game of skill and speed for all ages.
  • Slam the ball on the net play surface, once it bounces the other team can catch or return the ball. If you drop or miss the ball… you lose a point!
  • First team to collect two Score Markers wins.
  • Includes Carry Bag, Slam Balls,  Net, Connector Tubes and Rule Book.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Walmart

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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