Summer’s almost here, and it’s time for those kids to get outside and play. Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by WGN in Chicago to show off some of the season’s hottest new toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the season, check out our Spring and Summer gift guide.


FIESTA CRUISE SAND & WATER TABLE (STEP2)

  • Set off for a sunny vacation and sail the Caribbean seas with this all-in-one water table.
  • Large footprint lets several kids play together, encouraging social and sharing skills.
  • Themed water table with “wave legs,” lots of molded-in detail and stylized figures spark kids’ imaginations, taking water play to a new level of splish-splash fun.
  • Kids can send the figures for a deep sea dive off the diving board, go for a loop-de-loop down the spiral slide, or hang out under the shade of the cabana for a break from the sun.
  • The front area of the ship doubles as a sand pit for beach side fun! Molded-in detail on the haul of the ship adds to the imaginary role play.
  • Included marine-life animals double as squirters.
  • Non-leak drain plug lets parents easily empty the water table when playtime is done.
  • Ten accessories and umbrella are included and it holds 40 pounds of sand, not included.
  • Age: 2+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: JCPenney, Amazon

BESTWAY DREAM GLIMMERS COMFORT AIR MATTRESS (BESTWAY)

  • The Dream Glimmers Comfort Airbed by Bestway projects a starry night sky with multi-color alternating lights creating a magical and tranquil environment to help kids ease into a restful sleep.
  • The flocked sleeping surface and recessed-center design provide a secure and comfortable resting area.
  • The inflatable backrest offers extra comfort.
  • The Dream Glimmer light runs on three AAA batteries (not included).
  • Great for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Assorted Colors: Pink & Blue
  • Age: 3-6
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Target

SUPER SPINNER (PLAYMONSTER)

  • Super Spinner is a contemporary upgrade on outdoor swinging. The round curved seat, adjustable double-braided ropes and weather-resistant clips are designed for a safer, more comfortable ride.
  • Super Spinner is designed so kids can swing and spin from a tree, a play set, or a secure structural beam.
  • Easy to install and made with durable materials, Super Spinner swings are built to withstand the elements and can accommodate riders of many sizes.
  • There are two Super Spinner versions currently available. The original Super Spinner is perfect for one or two kids, engineered to hold up to 200 pounds; available in green, blue, red, purple, pink and yellow
  • The Super Duper Spinner allows for more fun with multiple riders, and even adults, with a weight capacity of 650 pounds; available in hunter green only.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $49.99 – $89.99
  • Available: Amazon

CRAYOLA SIDEWALK PAINT MARKER (CRAYOLA)

  • Crayola Sidewalk Paint Markers are a fun tool for kids to create bold, neon designs on any outdoor surface. The roller head design lets kids cover large surface areas quickly and easily, while the washable formula washes away easily with water for no-mess fun.
  • The neon chalk markers  are available in Neon Blue, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow and Neon Orange.
  • Ideal for outdoor fun: Crayola Sidewalk Paint Markers allow kids to create bold artwork outside with a roller head that quickly covers large surface areas like driveways and sidewalks.
  • Washable chalk won’t leave permanent marks on surfaces, skin or clothing and washes away easily with water.
  • Neon Colors make a bold statement: Four vibrant, neon markers let kid’s outdoor creations really shine.
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $4.99
  • Available: Crayola.com, major retailers

LICK-A-BUBBLE (IMPERIAL TOY)

  • Invented by a pediatrician, allergist/immunologist, and physician scientist, Lick-A-Bubble was created so that kids and adults of all ages can experiment with different beverages to generate SAFE lickable bubbles.
  • Simply add your favorite beverage to the red fill line. Mix gently by swirling the wand in a circular motion for about 10 seconds or gently flipping the bottle back and forth with the cap closed ten times. Then blow bubbles and lick tasty bubbles!
  • From children’s birthday parties, events, and concerts, Lick-A-Bubble is the ultimate experience for kids and adults of all ages!
  • Lick-A-Bubble consumers enjoy watching friends and family blowing and chasing trying to lick those bubbles.
  • Tease your taste buds with the most unique experiences bubbles have to offer.
  • Available in Two Pack and Four Pack.
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $6.99 for Two Pack, $9.99 for Four Pack
  • Available: imperialtoy.com, Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Kmart

JURASSIC WORLD PTERANO-DRONE (MATTEL)

  • Go to new heights with this quadcopter Pterano-Drone that takes flight through a hand-held remote control.
  • Includes fun, kid-friendly features like auto-circle and auto-land.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $119.99
  • Available: Major retailers

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.
  • Includes: A Morfboard, front and rear skate, scoot Xtensions and scoot T-Bar.
  • 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
  • Available: Target

RAZOR SPARK ULTRA (RAZOR)

  • Lightning on wheels, the Spark Ultra is a blur of brilliant light that’s ready to take riders to a new dimension of fun.
  • Featuring the brightest LED wheels of any scooter in the Razor lineup, the Spark Ultra doubles down on flash with every blast from its Spark Bar for a glowing ride that will light it up all day long.
  • Step on the Spark Bar to leave a trail of sparks in your wake. Replacement spark cartridges are sold separately.
  • The full-length grip tape sets the tone with its spark-inspired design, while the patented folding system makes it easy to take your light show on the go.
  • The Spark Ultra’s aluminum t-tube and deck provide hand-me-down durability, with easy-adjust
  • handlebars that let you find the perfect height.
  • Max rider weight: 143 lbs.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Major retailers

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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