10 Hottest New Toys for the Summer of 2016
Make summer sizzle for your kids with new interactive outdoor or water toys. As the days get longer and the weather beckons your family outside, you'll want to offer al fresco-friendly options that not only keep your child engaged, but are also age appropriate. Rather than running to the toy store and blowing your cash on toys you hope the kids will love, let us provide you with a list that just can't miss!
We've identified the 10 top-rated summer toys of 2016 for toddlers to young adults (some options are fun for adults too) that can be used in the water or best played with outside. Many of these toys involve water-play but also old fashioned summertime fun that can be easily thrown in your beach bag during your summer vacation or staycation. Always remember adult supervision is paramount, as well as keeping a close eye when playing in or around water.
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The definitive tool for your super soaker arsenal, the Nerf Super Soaker Tidal Torpedo Bow delivers a wave of water blasting power to your opponent. This nimble device holds up to 22 fluid oz. of water and produces a "wave" of water of up to 30 feet! Blaster comes equipped with two powerful missiles, designed to be soaked in water first for that extra blast of aquatic fun.
Although the Tidal Torpedo Bow delivers sufficient water muscle, keep the fun going by adding the Nerf Super Soaker Tornado Scream to your backyard merriment! The Tornado Scream delivers a wall of water thanks to the spinning nozzle for wide-stream lambasting. This soaker holds up to 35 fluid oz. and can blast up to 35 feet--your opponents will be no match for the Tornado. No additional parts or pieces--just load with water and unload on your friends. Both Super Soakers are designed for children ages 6 and older.
The Wet Head Game takes the Ice Bucket Challenge concept into a wild game of water roulette. One player bravely dons the Wet Head, filled to the brim with cold water. Players spin the head and then remove one of the red rods to reveal whether the move will allow the Wet Head wearer to remain dry or meet a soggy fate. Game comes with 8 rods and a spinner--players can also take their fun to social media with #wetheadchallenge and post game and Wet Head reactions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ideal game for kids ages 6 and up.
Send the kids outside to play this hilarious and grossly fun interactive game, Booger Balls! Booger Balls are essentially the old fashioned spit ball but so much better--its your own non-toxic fake-snot water balloon! Follow the directions to create your own personal Booger Ball and then let 'em rip! Create the mixture in the shaker bottle, shake it up and then reveal your creation. Set comes with 6 powder solution pouches, 1 shaker bottle, and 1 bucket. Booger ingredients are non-staining and bio-degradable, easily rinsed with water post-play. Set is appropriate for kids ages 5 and older.
Children of all ages will love to use this cool water blaster. Easy to fill and then unleash a wall of water of up to 25 feet! Pull back on the character's head to load and then get ready to soak your friends, siblings and even parents! The top of this water blaster resembles adorable cartoon characters including Chase the pup on patrol, Marshall the firehouse dog, as well as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael. A great toy not only outside or by the pool but also to use in the bathtub or shower -- especially if mom doesn't mind the floors and walls getting a little wet in the bathroom. Great for children 3 years and older.
Bring The Little Mermaid to your child's bathtub or pool experience with the Disney Princess Spin & Swim Ariel figure! The doll spins and twirls in the water, flanked by her pals, Flounder and Sebastian. Simply turn the small seashell on Ariel's back, flip the switch near the back of her head, raise her arms and place her in the water. Now watch the magic happen as she spins, almost emerging from the water to your child's delight. Due to the small pieces, this toy is appropriate for children ages 3 and older.
For the child who seeks to float Ariel's boat, consider the Little Kingdom Ariel's Floating Dreams Boat. This little boat really floats on water and holds the 3 inch tall Ariel human figurine, along with various accessories such as new looks for Ariel and boat adornments including an oar and seaweed tether. Set comes with a wave-shaped base when the boat is parked on dry land. Easy to integrate into your child's Little Kingdom play sets and appropriate for children ages 4 and older.
The classic My Little Pony line simulates water-play on dry land with the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Pinkie Pie Row & Ride Swan Boat Set. Designed for pretend aquatic play, this battery operated boat set allows your child to imagine Pinkie Pie and friends on the high seas, while still on land. Set comes with Pinkie Pie who can be seated inside the boat, positioned to take control at the helm and row away. Music plays as you push the boat forward. Scan Pinkie's necklace into the My Little Pony Friendship Celebration app and unlock her character inside app. Requires 2 AAA batteries, which are not included with the set. Toy cannot be submerged or placed in water and is meant for children ages 3 and up.
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Play-Doh has historically been the summertime "go-to" activity for kids and parents alike. Celebrate the season with two of Play-Doh's featured summertime sets, Town Ice Cream Truck and Cake Party!
With the Town Ice Cream Truck, creative minds can create a smattering of "cold" Play-Doh treats including swirled ice cream hats, popsicles and nearly any ice cream treat you can dream up! Push Play-Doh through extruders and molds to reveal your treat and then deliver frozen confections to friends and family via the ice cream truck. Set comes with the ice cream truck, figurine with hat, removable extruder, popsicle mold, 2 cones and 3 cans of Play-Doh.
Throw a summertime party with Play-Doh's Cake Party set! Creating cakes are fun and easy! First "bake" your cake in the oven mold, next place it on the spinning cake plate so you can decorate the cake. The overhead decorating tool releases swirly frosting--just like a real cake maker! Now for the final touches--add toppings and your own signature flair. You can even design a multi-layered cake with the various cutters. Once you are ready to serve, display your masterpiece on the cake stand and then serve to your guests. Set comes with 5 cutters, a decorating tool, 2 plates, spatula, fork, knife, 3 cans of Play-Doh Confetti compound, and 2 cans of Play-Doh Brand Modeling Compound.
Play-Doh is non-toxic and appropriate for children as young as age 3.
Thinking about getting a puppy for the kids this summer (or want to avoid getting a puppy this summer) and are looking for a toy that is close to the real thing? Show your kids what it could be like to have a dog with the FurReal Friends Pax, My Poopin' Pup. This adorable plush puppy eats his food and then poops it out, not to mention loving his walks while affirming his contentment through happy puppy sounds. This pup is the next best thing to the real thing because Pax comes with a leash for walking, treats for eating and then--uh oh! After Pax has been fed and is on his walk, he'll let you know it's time to go when he pulls back on the leash and gets into the sit position. Once you release the leash, you'll see what he's "left behind!" Set comes with Pax the pup, 2-part detachable leash, 9 treats and a cleanup bag. Requires 2 AAA batteries and is an ideal fit for children ages 4 and up.
Transport Littlest Pet Shop friends throughout the backyard on the Littlest Pet Shop LPS Shuttle. This is definitely the fun bus for pets! This double decker bus has plenty of room for lots of pets and their accessories, plus you can decorate and customize it using stickers and Deco Bits pieces. Shuttle comes with Barkley Woofley who can invite the rest of your pets to accompany him on a tour. This toy comes with an online interactive feature through the "LPS Your World" app. Launch the app and scan your pet's individual code to reveal a Littlest Pet Shop game! Shuttle makes the perfect addition to any set or a fabulous way to introduce your child to the Littlest Pet Shop world. Appropriate for children as young as age 4.
The Force stays alive this summer with the Star Wars The Force Awakens Micro Machines Millennium Falcon Playset. Lurking inside this awesome play set is a battlefield world of adventure including a Millennium Falcon Micro Machines vehicle and a First Order Flametrooper micro figure. You are only limited by your imagination--create endless battle scenarios and fight scenes with this interactive, convertible Star Wars toy. Inspired by Episode VII, your child can recreate and also enhance the Flamethrooper's fight against the Rebellion and beyond. Because this set has small parts, it is recommended for children ages 4 years and up.
For the younger Star Wars fan, check out Playskool's Mr. Potato Head Frylo Ren. Your child will light up like a light saber when given the opportunity to build Frylo Ren using traditional Mr. Potato Head parts. Comes in the classic 8 inch potato size and includes one potato body, 4 costume pieces, 7 accessories, 1 red light saber and a base. Make potato building a collaborative effort and have the family get in on the fun--mix and match accessories and looks! Ideal toy for children as young as 24 months.
Buy the Star Wars The Force Awakens Micro Machines Millennium Falcon Playset now
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-- Written by Gina Ragusa