I've teamed up with Toys“R”Us, Hasbro and Duracell for this post.
Don't you just love summer? The long days and seeing the neighborhoods bustle with kids makes my heart sing! I remember being outside nearly all summer when I was a kid and I want the same for my children. You probably do too, right? I'm all about limiting screen time during the summer and that's why I've put together my top tips to keep kids active and entertained (without their tablet, phone, or video game console) all summer long.
How to Keep Kids Active
1.) Just add water - Our town has a fantastic park that's basically free to use and we take full advantage of it all year round - but especially during the summer. The park has two big playgrounds and two splash pads for kids (one for small toddlers and one for bigger kids) and we try to bring our son there at least twice a week. It gives him something to look forward to and it really tires him out (score for a possible afternoon nap!).
If you don't have a local splash pad, invest in a cheap lawn sprinkler. You can't beat the pure joy that accompanies that $20 investment. Your kids will keep cool and they'll have a blast! You can also check out your local YMCA for open swim times. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen!
2.) Keep it cool - and by cool, I mean air conditioning! Whether it's just too hot to play outside or the summer storms are keeping you indoors, check out what your community has to offer in terms of sheltered play spaces that will still allow your children to let off some steam. Our town has an awesome indoor trampoline park and even has designated times for toddlers, teens, etc. They also have a dodgeball leagues and an arcade for added fun. Also, consider a visit to your local skating rink or bowling alley. A lot of times they have really great offers (and sometimes even free hours) during the summer months.
3.) Get crafty - Many local stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby offer crafting classes for kids. Your kiddos can learn how to make jewelry, scrapbook, paint and more. Also, check out your local home improvement store to see if they offer workshops for kids. These are usually free and so much fun!
4.) Amp up the excitement - Sometimes introducing some awesome new toys is just what kids need to get outside and burn off some energy. This summer, it's Nerf or nothin’ at our house! My son's birthday is coming up and we're going to have a house full of kids from ages 3 to 13. I remember playing with Nerf toys as a kid and I couldn't resist having a few on hand for his party. These Nerf N-Strike Elite Demolisher 2-in-1 Blasters looked perfect!
The Nerf N-Strike Elite Demolisher 2-in-1 Blasters launch two types of ammo and have a maximum impact whether you're blasting the big missiles with pump-fire action or unleashing a powerful barrage with motorized blasting. Of course, you can't have motorizing blasting without something to power it up so you'll need to be sure to grab Duracell AA Coppertop batteries from Toys "R" Us. Since they're 15% longer lasting than leading competitive brands, your kids will be able to shoot for hours!
We decided to do a little "test drive" of these Blasters before the big party and I couldn't tell who was more excited - my son or my husband! They had SO much fun chasing each other around our yard. I can tell we'll be playing with these Nerf toys all summer long.
Toys “R” Us is the perfect one-stop-shop to pick up your favorite summer games, especially Nerf toys. When you’re at Toys “R” Us, don’t forget the batteries though! They‘re often required, but not included with the toy, so you’ll want to have plenty of fresh Duracell batteries on hand.
Disclosure: I received these items at no cost to facilitate this post about how to keep kids active. All opinions are my own.
Maggie McPherson says
Special treats for my kids!
Fee Roberts says
The water toys look fun, but my grandson loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates, so I would put it towards the Lil' Quad Ride-On.
Beverly Guajardo says
Well they have every thing that I would want if I was a kid but my grand daughter would want everything that is for out doors so I guess I would have to first start with a pool.
Tracy D. says
My son has his eye on the Animal Planet toys- any of them. He's obsessed with sea creatures. So I'd use the gift card to get him a few for his upcoming birthday.
Deborah D says
Big Backyard Premium Collection Charleston Lodge Wood Swing Set
Mami2jcn says
I would buy a high chair for my baby due in September.
Janet W. says
I would use this gift card to buy a BabyHome Side Bed Rail - Lime for my grandson's bed.
Allyson F. says
Water toys or put it towards a big girl bed for my daughter!
Perlita Mata says
i would buy jurassic park toys and or Sizzlin Cool Fast Pool Set 12' x 30"
Tara P says
I couls us the toys r us gc to either get some fun stuff for the summer, or i could use it to get some learning toys for my daughter. Think it would be good to start shopping for Christmas. Or to get things as a special treat. I can never shop early for Christmas cuz i always want to give it to her now. Lol
Amber Ludwig says
We always let our son run free and pick whatever he wants!! I would probably put it towards the roller coaster from step 2 🙂 We've been wanting that forever!!
Cathy French says
I would buy a bunch of preowned video games.
Heather in VA says
I would get a Lego Disney Princess Castle for my daughter. So pretty.
Angela P says
I would get my son his birthday gift a lego set his been wanting
kim vh says
I love to buy my daughter a toy or two. But we always need diapers and wipes. So maybe a combo. 🙂
jennifer mathesz says
we'd probably buy legos
Rebecca says
I'd like to get Y-Volution Y Glider Deluxe XL Scooter - Green/Black
Dana Rodriguez says
I like the Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella.
Jan Lee says
I would give the card to my niece for her children. I'm not sure what she would buy. She might buy some clothes for her great nephew as we don't have any boy's clothes to hand down in our family. I'm sure she would buy the kids some toys too 😉
Jennifer Boehme says
I would probably get the Y-Volution Y Glider Deluxe XL Scooter. He would be on it daily.
Kalani says
Baby supplies!
Natalie says
I would love to get my nephew the 12 Volt Chevy Silverado.
ellen Kowal says
I'd start my Christmas shopping!
Margaret Smith says
I would like to buy the LEGO Jurassic World Raptor Rampage 75917 for my sons. Thanks so much.
Kayla McFarland says
I actually need another base for my car seat so I would get that from Babies R Us.
HS says
I will get Girls' 14 Inch Disney Fairies Bike.
Elizabeth Johnson says
I went on Toys R Us website to find out what I would buy with the $50 gift card but it is too hard to decide what I want but thinking about what I need I would use the gift card towards the purchase of a good front and hip baby carrier.
Meredith says
I'm pretty sure my son would insist on using it to buy legos!
Angela Warren says
I would buy Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella
Jennifer Williams says
My family has an annual water fight every year. Forty to Fifty people and tubs, pools, and other containers full of cold water in a clearing. We could use some more/new toys for the water fight!
Rita M says
I would allow my granddaughter to pick out something from her latest obsession - Monster High!
Dandi D says
I would probably buy some Legos or Lincoln Logs for my son.
Holly Thomas says
I would buy a video game for my husband.
Cynthia C says
I might choose the Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym as a gift for an upcoming baby shower.
Don Dyer says
I couldn't pick something, but I will let my daughters browse the store and pick.
Ann Fantom says
If I won, I would buy a Nintendo 3DS Gaming System for my daughter
Jessica Menster says
My three sons are loving all of the Jurassic World trailers they've been seeing on tv and we are planning on taking them to the movie this week, so I would probably use the gift card towards Jurassic World toys or xbox 360 game!
cheryl s says
We would get some fun games for the pool or some new floats
Wendy Caddy says
I would get an Exersaucer Bounce & Learn.
Heather Mckenzie Carter says
I would buy my sons a couple new nerf guns. My twins are turning 8, and they LOVE to play nerf guns!
janet aycock says
i would buy toys to donate for christmas that the fire department has every year
Danielle says
I would put it towards a power wheels for my girl!
Cheryl Estok says
I think I would buy the Spiralin' Seas Waterpark. All 4 grandkids would enjoy that!
Joanne Gregory says
I would buy the Sizzlin' Cool Mini Construction Truck Set and some other outside toys for this summer.
mell says
I would buy Little People Plane and Little People Pirate Ship.
Sheila M. says
I'd buy the deluxe box of Lego Duplo blocks.
Lauren says
I would buy Legos for my kids.
Crystal F says
I would maybe get my daughter the Y-Volution Y Glider Deluxe XL Scooter - Green/Black. Thank you!!
Jennifer Tilson says
I'd get the Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox.
DeniseJ says
I'd use the gift card, if I won, for a swimming pool for the yard. The kiddos would have so much fun with it!
Sonia B says
Splatoon video game is on my childs wish list.
Elizabeth Mo says
Toys for my son.
Amanda Alvarado says
I would get dd a Monster High doll that she doesn't already have.
Cristina Wyatt says
I would buy the Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Rescue from Misty Island
amy guillaume linderman says
my kids love anything NERF, so maybe the nerf super soaker tidal tube!
Kimberly Kleckner says
I would use a $50 Toys R Us Giftcard to buy a water table for my boys to play with this summer in our new backyard.
Ash says
We would buy more water toys!
Linda Mannst says
If I were to win, I would buy the Girls' 14 Inch LaLaLoopsy Bike
My granddaughter would love this bike
sandra says
i'd like to get the Big Backyard Premium Brooksville Wood Swing Set
Aneesa says
I would buy new summer toys.
Hannah Avery says
I might get the motorized batmobile, the Melissa and Doug sticker pad of habitats, construction paper, and crayons
Natalie Brown says
I'd get my grandson their Fisher-Price Grow 2 Pro EZ Tee Baseball Set. He'd love it!
ColleenMarie says
I am sure my daughter would like to buy some Monster High stuff.
Judy Schechter says
I would love to buy the Riptunes CD-MP3 Top Load Boom Box - Blue! Thanks for the chance!
steve weber says
I would get the chaos nerf cannon for my nephew.
Paol Trenny says
I would get the Fisher-Price Grow with Me Boy's Inline Skates for my son.
Robin says
I would get a Pre-Owned Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze for Nintendo Wii U for my son.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I'd like a building block set or mobile
Darlene Owen says
i would buy the La Newborn 14 inch Nursery Doll
Penni says
I'd buy the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother for my new little cousin!
Christa Lopez says
i would buy the Step 2 Duck Pond Water Table!
Alison says
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym for my cousin who's about to have her first baby! 🙂
Cindy Kong says
A sand and water table.
abedabun dawn says
If I were to win, I would add a little more money to it and buy the Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table with Umbrella for my grand daughter.
Theresa Jenkins says
we have a used power wheel that needs a >>>>>>power wheels battery so I'd put it toward a battery
Laurie Arnheim says
I'd buy one of the Step 2 Water Tables, depending on what they have in stock... I'd probably add to it & get the biggest one I could. I want to add a water table to my cheap swimming pool for the grandkids this summer!
Colleen Boudreau says
I would get a Hello Kitty Pillow Pet.
barb l says
I would buy formula and toys!
Ruba Al-Serhan says
Would love to win this for my seven month old daughter. We are celebrating a big holiday in three weeks, Eid Al Fitr, and I would love to get that precious girl a gift. Thanks so much for this chance!!
Nicole Carter (Weasley) says
I might get my daughter Little Big Planet: Game of the Year for Sony PS3
Robin Creager says
I'd buy the Personalized KidKraft Wall Plaque - Birds. This would look cute in the nursery.
Tracey Barfield says
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=32886066&cp=2255957.2273443.2255983.24164016&parentPage=family I would ge this for my grandson thanks for great review
Nicole Stacy says
My son needs a high chair so I would put it towards that.
Kristy Ferrante says
slip n slide!
Jan Lee says
There are so many things to choose from. I'd just get them whatever they chose for toys that they wanted 🙂
Kara says
Sandbox
brandi greenfield says
i love the frozen 2-n-1 convertible easel
Cindy B says
We'd probably buy one of the jurassic park lego sets.
ken ohl says
love to buy xbox 360 sports games
Marian F. says
I'd love to get my daughter a bike. The Rallye Sweetheart Bike would be perfect.
Monica Nuss says
I would buy a volleyball set with poles and balls. My famly love volleyball
Elisabeth says
I'd get the Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Gym for our baby!
Amy L says
I would buy diapers! I know that probably sounds silly, but I feel like we are ALWAYS running out and those boxes really add up!
Lesley m says
I would use the gift card to start my Christmas shopping. I would probably get some legos for my son and some little people sets for my daughter!
Haley Cook says
I would buy my son a blow up Spider Man ball pit.
Alejandra Carreno says
I'd buy a LeapFrog for my daughter.
Steve Hilger says
Buy my daughter more Lego & Friends sets, she loves those Legos!
Sarh S says
I'd buy my boys a new Leapster GS game each.
Naomi J says
I would buy some science kits for my boys, and start stocking up on stocking stuffers for Christmas this year 🙂
Helen says
something with tinkerbell or disney princesses on it
Jessica Lodge says
I would buy the bumGenius Freetime One-Size Snap Cloth Diaper in Countess And Dazzle and some baby care products.
Danielle Clifford says
Outside toys for my son and daughter. 🙂
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I would put it toward the Girls 14 Inch Huffy Disney Fairies Bike!! 😀
Amanda Stovall says
My daughter is really into 'Monster High' lately. So, I'd probably pick out a few of those creepy looking character dolls!!! Lol 😉
Julie Ferguson Gould says
Looked at a few things but really would like to get the Little Tikes Endless Adventures Spiralin' Seas Waterpark for my Grandson Landon 🙂
Leah G says
I'd love to put it towards a new glider for our nursery!
Susan Smith says
My son would love the Super Cobra Water Blaster.
Lisa says
We would use it on a Apple iPad Mini 3 16GB
Stephanie Larison says
I would get this for my oldest daughter...Talking Angela Talk Back Animation
laurie murley says
I would get the
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I would get the Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa Doll
Amy Deeter says
i would get the Shopkins™ Spin Mix Bakery Stand and some other shopkin things
Jennifer Reed says
I would use the ToysRUs gift card to help purchase a new bike for my daughter. Perhaps the Girls' 20 Inch LittleMissMatched Bike. It is adorable.
Richard Hicks says
I might get the kids their Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox
Becky says
My son would love a nerf gun....
Amanda Sakovitz says
I would buy an xbox game!
Jana says
I would put it towards the KidKraft Delux Garage for my son.
Christy Maurer says
I would probably buy a LEGO set or DVDs.
Sarah L says
I'll get the Hello Kitty Eva Kickboard In PDQ.
Thanks for the contest.
Sherry Conrad says
I would buy the WHAMO OBSTACLE COURSE SERIES 1.
Catherine Alger says
I would get the Step2 Cascading Cove with Umbrella
Kelly says
Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe - Magenta
Danielle G says
I'd buy some bumGenius cloth diapers!!
Brian E. says
Thank You for the giveaway… would love a Hello Kitty Stereo CD Boombox for my daughter !
Connie Kemner says
I'd love some Nerf guns for letting off steam. 🙂
Lily Kwan says
II would get stuffed animals.
Jimmy Johnson says
That park sounds like the perfect place for a kid to play. Constant fun for your child all summer, and they get cool off by getting wet. I may have to set up some kind of splash pad for my backyard. Thanks for sharing!