Looking for the best toys for the perfect day at the park or the beach? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by Fox’ Good Day Chicago to talk about the best new outdoor toys for some fun in the sun. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and be sure to view our complete Spring and Summer Gift Guide.
John Deere Lawn and Gardent Set (TOMY)
- Kids love to role-play right alongside mom and dad. With the John Deere power weed trimmer and garden tools, everyone can pitch in on the yardwork. Simply pull on the trimmer’s retractable cord a few times to power up, then press the button for weed clipping action.
- No batteries required. This set also includes a bonus garden rake and shovel, perfectly sized for little ones to beautify the flowers or help in the family garden
- Ages: 18 months+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon
Madballs 3-inch Foam Balls (Just Play Products)
- Madballs are back and grosser than ever! Kids and collectors alike will freak out over these unsightly characters that have become a cult classic since their first introduction in 1985.
- Each three inch Madball is made with amazingly grotesque detail and features a soft foam material – perfect for tossing, slamming, bouncing and collecting!
- Collect all six Madballs characters including: Dustbrain, Horn Head, Oculus Orbus, Screamin’ Meemie, Skull Face, and Slobulus. Each sold separately.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $7.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon
Twist Time- Twist Time is a new line of outdoor and indoor games offering a wide variety of innovative games that will get families of all ages off the couch, laughing, and interacting together.
- Twist Time games are perfect for reunions or spur-of-the moment family game nights.
- With busy schedules and more time spent on the phone or in front of the TV than every before, it’s become increasingly difficult for families to spend quality time together.
- Parent’s have been looking for a fun, active and memorable activity to bring the family together, and that’s exactly what we’re providing with Twist Time.
- Games include: Ball Toss; Bucket Bingo; Comet Ball Crash; Fish & Flips; Gator Grab; Giant Lighted Dice; Gopher Golf; Lighted Bean Bag Bash; Memory Mayhem; Simin Say Parachute; Tower Crash; Wacky Water Range; Word Scramble.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $14.99-$49.99
- Available: Target
Cupcake Surprise - With a little sweet magic and infinite imagination, decadent desserts transform into princesses with every Cupcake Surprise!
- Every princess doll will be the belle of the ball and all the bakeries of the land in her sparkly gown and decorative bonnet, or indulge in a sugary treat and serve these charming cupcakes fresh from the oven. Expect endless playtime and never-ending wonderment in each Cupcake Surprise – discover deliciously scented fragrances with every doll!
- Whether in the bakery, kitchen, or castle, the sweet-smelling 2-in-1 toy will surely inspire imaginative play.
- Each doll comes with her own styling hairbrush. Packaged in 12 different styles with six available scents: strawberry, vanilla, grape, chocolate, lemon, and peanut butter. Collect them all!
- Ages: 3+
- MRSP: $9.99
- Available: Amazon
Kite-A-Pult (Tucker Toys)
- Flying a kite can be a breeze with the new Kite-A-Pult, a self-launching kite flying system. Get a kite off the ground by launching it high into the air! No need to have a friend help or run around trying to get the kite up into the air. The portable hand-launcher makes it easy to pull back then rocket the kite into the air to catch the wind. Not only is the Kite-A-Pult the most innovative and exciting kite out there, but it also doubles as a Glider! Two toys in one! With THREE designs to choose from!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us
Alex Active Play Gigantic Racket Set (Alex Brands)
- These Jumbo rackets means GIANT fun in the backyard, park or at the beach!!
- Large sized rackets are lightweight with soft foam grips, making it easy for younger kids to hold and easier to swing and hit the ball! For more family fun use these rackets with the 3-in-1 Net Set (sold separately).
- Comes with two supersized lightweight rackets, one foam tennis ball and one giant birdie.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $22.99
- Available: Walmart, Amazon, Toys “R” Us
Buzz Bee Water Warriors Colossus 2 (Alex Brands)
- Two tank system creates powerful blasting action & less pumping, holds 74 ounces of water!
- Angle meter for maximum performance, blasting up to 40 feet! Air Pressure water blaster , with 3 powerful adjustable nozzles
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Amazon, Walmart
Barbie Dreamtopia Bubbletastic Fairy Doll (Mattel)
- These fairy dolls from Barbie Dreamtopia’s Sweetville Kingdom are even sweeter with bubble-making wings!
- Pour bubble solution (a bottle is included) into the butterfly-shaped tray, and dip Barbie doll’s wings into the solution.
- Pull the yellow bow on her belt, and watch as the fan connected to the wings spins.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us
Crayola Color & Erase Mat (Crayola)
- The Crayola Color & Erase Mat is a less-mess solution for bright, colorful play. Simply open up the large reusable mat for your little artist and let their creativity run wild.
- The special marker inks create bold colors that are easily wiped away with water using the included eraser tool.
- When done, simply wipe away the colors and roll up the mat for easy storage and portability.
- Includes: a Color & Erase Mat, 4 markers, an eraser tool, and a wipe tool.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Amazon
