The Summer's Hottest Toys on WGN Chicago

The hottest toys of the summer are here! Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht stopped by WGN in Chicago to show off some of the best new toys for fun in the sun. 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.

Rockin’ Rider Scooter Riding Pony easily scoots around on 4 caster wheels.
He sings the exclusive “I’m a Little Pony” song when his left ear is squeezed and says 6 fun talking phrases with sound effects when his right ear is squeezed.
Your child will be amazed by Scooter’s synchronized moving mouth when he sings and talks.
The soft and huggable plush is preferred by both Moms and Kids.
Other features include realistic mane and tail, embroidered eyes, and easy-grip handles.
Parents can select the volume level that’s right for their home.
The seat height is 10 inches.
The horse requires 3 AA batteries.
Ages: 1 to 3, up to 40 lbs.
MSRP: $79.99
Available: Amazon, Walmart, hayneedle.com

BARBIE 16-INCH BIKE (DYNACRAFT)

Girls will love riding on this sassy and stylish pink and purple 16-inch Girls’ Barbie Bike.
This single speed bike features bright Barbie graphics and comes with an adorable handlebar basket.
Cute heart-shaped paw prints decorate the removable training wheels, and the hot pink sturdy chrome frame is sure to bring a smile to any girl’s face.
For an extra surprise, Barbie’s Plush Puppy is included so your little one never has to ride without her favorite furry friend!
Ages: 4 to 8
MSRP: $69
Available: Walmart

BARBIE SWEETS 16-INCH BIKE (DYNACRAFT)

The 16-inch Girls’ “Ride with Me” Barbie Bike is ready for a girl to use their imagination and create their own adventure.
This bike features custom Barbie graphics, a deluxe removable handlebar bag and a “Ride with Me” Barbie minibike!
The adjustable purple polka dot padded seat matches perfectly with the pink polka dot comfortable handlebar grips.
The adjustable training wheels and rear coaster and front hand break give riders the control and confidence to master riding a bike!
Ages: 4 to 8
MSRP: $89.99
Available: Academy

BUNCH O BALLOONS PARTY (ZURU)

Take the time and hassle out of blowing up party balloons with Bunch O Balloons Party!
Fill, tie and string up to 40 party balloons in just 40 seconds! There’s no more blowing, no more tying and no need to add ribbon or string!
Simply attach the stems to our Electric Party Pump and press GO! Within seconds, your Bunch O Balloons Party stems will fill and self-tie with ease and convenience.
Each stem has 8 self-sealing balloons on it, you can choose between 1-stem, 2-stems or 5-stems and watch your balloons fill within 40 seconds!
Every 3-stem Refill pack includes our handy helium adaptor which allows you to take your balloons to the next level by filling with helium!
Whatever you choose, make sure you join the party and fill, tie and string up to 40 balloons in just 40 seconds!
The reusable and refillable balloons are available in various colors and themes.
Ages: 5+
MSRP: $14.99, Bunch O Balloons Refill Pack-$9.99.
Available: Target

TABLETOP PINBALL (BUFFALO GAMES)

Full tilt pinball action!
Use your turn of 10 balls to try and get the high score in the action-packed tabletop pinball game. Land balls in scoring zones to accumulate points.
Play solo or go head-to-head in this game for all ages!
All the fun of a real pinball machine in your own home.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $34.99
Available: Target

FEELS LIKE WET BEACH SAND: Kinetic Sand Beach Sand feels like wet beach sand that’s actually dry! It magically flows through your hands without sticking. It’s easy to shape and mold and cleans up easily! Like all Kinetic Sand products, Kinetic Beach Sand is wheat, gluten, and casein free.
3LBS OF BEACH SAND: The Beach Sand Kingdom comes with 3lbs of Kinetic Beach Sand, so you can build your own sandcastles again and again! Plus, the packaging doubles as a beach-themed play space! When you’re finished playing, pack the Kinetic Beach Sand, molds and tools away until next time.
8 CASTLE-THEMED MOLDS & TOOLS: The Beach Sand Kingdom includes everything you need to create epic sandcastles anywhere! Use the six castle-themed molds to create walls, bridges, towers and more. The two multi-use tools can be used to cut, dig, rake, and shovel Kinetic Beach Sand.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $19.99
Available: Target, Walmart, Amazon

LASER X MORPH (NSI INTERNATIONAL)

The Laser X Morph gaming station transforms into a blaster.
Laser X Morph Blaster is the newest Laser X Blaster in the Laser X line.
Each set comes with two gaming stations that – with a few pops, twists and turns – morph into Laser X blasters in just seconds!
Fans can play 3 built-in games, using one of the units as a target and the other as a blaster – or use both blasters in a traditional game of Laser X.
The blaster range is 300 feet – almost as long as a football field!
There are 3 ways to play – BLASTER TO GAME TARGET: Test your speed and skill; BLASTER TO BLASTER – Super quick and easy to play. Just turn the blasters on and go! Players aim at the targets located on each other’s blastes; BLASTER TO ARMBAND RECEIVER – The receivers pop out and are worn on the upper arm. That’s where opponents aim!
Like other Laser X sets, Morph lets you play one-on-one or in teams – or you can set your blaster to rogue, and it’s every man for himself.
In either mode – laser tag or target practice – Morph works with all other Laser X gear. So no matter which blaster a player has, he or she can turn it on and join the fun.
All Laser X blasters work both in the dark and outside in bright sunlight.
The kit comes with everything players need with the exception of batteries.
Ages: 6+
MSRP: $59.99
Available: Target

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.
Requires 4 AA Batteries, not included.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $49.99
Available: most major retailers nationwide

24V MONSTER TRUCK (ROLLPLAY)

Kids can trek over bumpy terrain with the Rollplay 24-Volt Monster Truck.
The truck has four huge, all-terrain wheels, working shock absorbers, an elevated seat, an integrated side step, and monster truck details.
The truck, which can operate at speeds up to 4 mph in forward and 1.86 mph in reverse, has a high-speed lock out option so kids can drive at a safe speed.
The wheels have rubber traction strips to ensure that the truck grips the ground at all times.
To recharge, simply plug in th 24-volt battery with the included charger in any outlet.
Can hold up to 77 pounds.
Ages: 3+
MSRP: $349.99
Available: Academy Sports, Amazon

The Summer’s Hottest Toys on WGN Chicago