Summer Gifts for Kids: Inspiring Play, Learning, and Laughter

Summer vacation brings endless possibilities for children to explore, create, and grow. As the days grow longer and the sunshine beckons, kids have the perfect opportunity to engage with the world around them through play. The summer months offer a unique chance to combine fun with learning in ways that feel natural and exciting. From splashing in water to discovering backyard creatures, summer activities can foster cognitive development, physical skills, and social abilities—all while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For parents and caregivers, finding the right balance of structured and unstructured play during summer can sometimes feel challenging. The best summer gifts for children encourage them to step away from screens and engage with their environment, whether that's exploring nature, creating imaginative worlds, or cooling off with water play on hot days. These experiences not only provide entertainment but also support crucial developmental milestones throughout the season.

Children thrive when given opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences. Summer presents the perfect backdrop for this kind of experiential learning—where lessons about science, math, reading, and social skills happen organically through play. The right toys and activities can spark curiosity, foster independence, and build confidence while keeping the fun factor high all summer long.

At Toys"R"Us®, we understand that play is serious business for kids! That's why we've gathered this collection of summer gifts that inspire play, learning, and laughter. From educational activity sets to outdoor exploration tools, water toys to building kits, these gifts will make this summer one to remember.

Educational Adventures Under the Sun

Summer learning doesn't have to feel like school! The Learning Resources Skill Builders Summer Activity Set - PreK to K transforms your backyard into an exciting classroom where kids can practice alphabet yoga and play reading games while enjoying the fresh air. These activities will help prepare your child for the upcoming school year while keeping them engaged and entertained. You can find more engaging educational toys in our Creative Thinking Play collection.

Create a special learning space with the Banzai My Little School House Play Tent, which features vivid school-themed graphics and interactive elements like windows and a peek-a-boo sunroof. This playful tent makes learning feel like an adventure and provides a cozy spot for your child to explore and grow throughout the summer months!

Backyard Explorers and Nature Enthusiasts

Summer is the perfect time for kids to become backyard scientists! The Toysmith Outdoor Discovery Backyard Critter Case lets young explorers safely observe insects and small creatures up close, sparking curiosity about the natural world. This hands-on experience fosters a love for science and encourages children to appreciate the wonders of nature. The Social & Emotional Play collection also offers tools that encourage understanding and empathy in young learners.

Take nature exploration to the next level with the Brainstorm Toys Nature Explorer Set, which includes a robust viewer and colorful spotter cards for identifying everything from animal tracks to star constellations. This set encourages children to become more observant and curious about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Little meteorologists will love the Yellow Door Weather Stones, a set of 10 tactile stones engraved with weather symbols. These beautiful stones encourage children to observe and talk about daily weather patterns, helping them develop an understanding of the changing seasons and the environment.

For a closer look at distant objects, the Brainstorm Toys Outdoor Adventure Binoculars are perfectly sized for little hands. With 4x magnification and a built-in compass, these binoculars make bird watching and nature hikes even more exciting, encouraging children to explore and discover the natural world around them!

Budding treasure hunters will be thrilled with the Brainstorm Light N' Sound Outdoor Metal Detector, which lights up and makes sounds when it detects metal objects. This 31.5" detector is perfectly sized for kids and makes backyard explorations feel like real adventures, encouraging imaginative play and discovery throughout the summer. Explore more outdoor toys in the 3-D Solar System collection to inspire your child's love for discovery and science.

Splash into Summer Fun

Nothing says "summer" like water play! The Banzai Jr. Sprinkle Friends Play Mat creates a gentle splash zone with its 58-inch mat and sprinkler border, perfect for toddlers on hot days. This play mat encourages sensory exploration and helps little ones stay cool while having a blast.

For more active water play, the Banzai Aqua Blast No-Slip Hopscotch Water Sprinkler Game combines classic hopscotch with refreshing sprinklers on a safe, no-slip surface. This game promotes physical activity, coordination, and counting skills while keeping kids cool and entertained.

Kids will jump for joy with the Banzai 42 Inch Stomp 'N Splash Blast Pad Sprinkler, which sends water spraying when children stomp on the pad. It's an exciting way to cool off while burning energy and developing gross motor skills!

The H2OGO! Hydro Hoop Rotating Water Sprayer Sprinkler creates a dynamic play area as it rotates and sprays water toward the center, perfect for running through on scorching summer days. This sprinkler encourages active play and helps children develop spatial awareness and coordination.

Water battles reach a new level with the CocoNut Outdoor SplatterBallz Magnetic Water Balloon Battle Kit in green or the orange version. These reusable magnetic water balloons provide endless fun without waste, promoting social interaction and friendly competition among friends and family.

Active Games for Endless Energy

Keep kids moving with the Kids Scavenger Hunt Game, which can be played indoors or outdoors. With specialized decks for different environments, this game turns everyday surroundings into an exciting adventure zone, encouraging exploration and problem-solving skills.

The Toysmith Spring Ring Toss and Catch Game Set brings a new twist to catch games with its stretchy nylon center that makes catching easier and more fun for kids of all ages. This game helps develop hand-eye coordination and promotes active play throughout the summer.

For a family-friendly backyard game, try Toysmith Get Outside Go! Bashminton, which includes oversized 21-inch rackets and a soft birdie ball that's easy to volley back and forth. This game encourages physical activity and social interaction, making it perfect for family gatherings and playdates. Discover more exciting group activities in our Group Play collection.

Creative Construction and Hands-On Learning

The Educational Advantage Constructa Den encourages children to build their own hideaways, forts, and imaginative spaces with 76 colorful, sturdy pieces. It's perfect for both indoor and outdoor creativity, fostering problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning throughout the summer months.

Little gardeners will love the Miniland Vibrant Trowels, which come in a rainbow of colors perfect for digging in sand or soil. These 12 durable trowels are sized just right for small hands, encouraging sensory exploration and fine motor skill development.

The Learning Resources Primary Science Solar Lantern Kit teaches children about renewable energy in a hands-on way. This eco-friendly lantern charges in the sun and provides soft light for indoor forts or outdoor evening adventures, sparking curiosity about science and the environment. You can explore other science kits within the 3-D Solar System collection for more educational fun.

Make This Summer Unforgettable

Summer is a magical time for children—a season filled with discovery, growth, and joy. The gifts in this guide help transform ordinary summer days into extraordinary adventures, combining fun with learning in ways that feel natural and exciting. From water play that cools and refreshes to exploration tools that spark curiosity about the natural world, these toys and activities create opportunities for children to develop new skills while making wonderful memories.

Visit your local Toys"R"Us® or shop online at toysrus.com to find these summer gifts and many more. Our friendly team is always ready to help you find the perfect toys to inspire play, learning, and laughter all summer long. Because at Toys"R"Us®, we believe that summer should be filled with wonder—and we know just how to make that happen!