This post is sponsored by Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"“Do somefing wif me!” Those are the famous words of our busy-body toddler. Going into parenthood, I knew little kids had short attention spans, but I still get whiplash every time we play. Their ability to jump from one task to the next without losing stamina is admirable. I mean, I get winded just from walking to my mailbox. And now that summer is rolling around, we gotta figure out how to keep them entertained in those high temps. So we’ve rounded up the best summer toys for toddlers with those hot days in mind.
The days feel much longer whether your toddler is home or in part-time child care during the summer. You may be on the hunt for activities to occupy your little one’s time outdoors (or indoors on those intensely sweaty days). Although we do believe it’s beneficial to let kids be bored once in a while so their imaginations can grow, we also know that the right toys can help.
We recommend open-ended toys that encourage pretend play. And can spur a child’s imagination. They are less likely to get bored two minutes into playtime if their toys can be utilized in various ways. For instance, this ice cream chalk set can double as outdoor art time and a pretend play ice cream shop—a surefire way to keep your kiddo’s attention. We compiled 11 cool toys that are perfect for busy-body toddlers this summer, and they are all conveniently sourced from our favorite open-ended toy brand, Melissa & Doug.
Melissa & Doug
This grill play set is brand new and crazy fun with more than 60 different pretend play pieces. Set it up outside during summer barbecues so your LO can have a blast grilling up steak, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, corn, and pizza. After mealtime, the pieces all store neatly on the grill and storage shelf for easy clean-up.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Beat the heat with this all-new ice cream shop set complete with 42 pieces featuring different ice cream scoops, ice cream sandwiches, cones, milkshake cups, and much more. It even has a magnetic menu board and magnetic signature pad to pay for purchases. We love Melissa & Doug's realistic play sets because of how beneficial they are for encouraging our kid's imaginations—especially during long days!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
If you have a little artist at home who's itching to play outside, this chalk set is a must-buy. Not only does it come with several colorful chalk pieces but stencils and a sprinkle stamper to make chalk paint polka-dots, too. Plus it can be used for indoor play on those super hot days thanks to the double-sided sign with holder.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Take spring cleaning into summertime with this brand new deluxe cleaning set! The 11-piece play set includes a wooden-handled broom, a dustpan, a sweeper-mop with removable cleaning cloth, a lint brush, and a duster, a sponge, a spray bottle, a cloth towel roll, a wooden storage stand, and a reusable activity card.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Toddlers can play solo or with someone else when using this fishing game. This would be especially fun if fishing is a favorite summer pastime in your family so your little one can pretend along with the adults during lake days!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Get kiddos into gear with this steering wheel dashboard toy. They'll love pretend racing at home and on the go! You can even incorporate this toy into your pretend play games by pretending to drive to different zones within your house.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
The latches barn is an editor fave for summer travel thanks to its portability. With a sturdy handle and its six brass-hinged doors with working latches and locks, it'll keep even the busiest of toddlers entertained.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
This is a fun one inside the house or on the go thanks to the convenient carrying case! The set also includes six bowling pins, an easy grip bowling ball, and game instructions. Plus, your little one can practice their hand-eye coordination and counting skills!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Perfect for the equestrian-obsessed littles and families that visit farms during the summer. This handsome pretend play stable set houses eight toy horses, each in its own wooden stall.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Take a little piece of spring into the sizzle of summertime with this whimsy sprinkler toy. This is such a great way to let kiddos release their energy outside while staying cool underneath the water.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Explore farm animal sounds with your littles this summer with this interactive sound puzzle! An especially fun toy if visiting a petting zoo is on your summer bucket list.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
This post is sponsored by Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.