Summer is the season for sunshine, exploration, and play but did you know it’s also a golden opportunity to build important skills while your child has fun? For young children, play IS learning. The right toys can encourage physical activity, creativity, problem-solving, language development, and more. Here are 8 toys that combine summer fun with educational benefits that are perfect for children aged 2 to 6:
- Water Table
Why it’s great: Water play supports fine motor skills, cause-and-effect learning, and sensory development. Children can experiment with pouring, scooping, floating, and sinking. All of which lay early science foundations for young children.
Summer bonus: Keeps kids cool and engaged outdoors! Try making colorful ice cubes, animal figures or tiny sponges.
- Sidewalk Chalk
Why it’s great: Drawing with chalk promotes creativity, pre-writing skills, and hand-eye coordination. Kids can practice shapes, letters, and numbers, all while getting physical activity.
Summer bonus: Big motor movement + art = perfect for outdoor play! Try giant chalk sticks for little hands.
- Balance Bike
Why it’s great: Builds gross motor skills, coordination, and balance — all critical for physical development. A balance bike is a fun way to boost self-confidence and prepare for future bike riding.
Summer bonus: Encourages outdoor movement and independence.
- Sand Play Set
Why it’s great: Scooping, molding, and digging in the sand strengthens hand muscles (preparing for writing!) and supports creativity and imaginative play. It also fosters early math concepts like volume and measurement.
Summer bonus: Portable fun — great for beach trips or backyard sandboxes. Look for sets with buckets, shovels, molds, and sifters.
- Bubble Machine or Bubble Wands
Why it’s great: Chasing and popping bubbles promotes visual tracking, motor coordination, and social interaction. It also encourages language development as kids describe what they see and do.
Summer bonus: Pure joy! Perfect for playdates, parties, and spontaneous fun. Automatic bubble machines are great for toddlers; older kids love trying to make the biggest bubble themselves.
- Nature Explorer Kit
Why it’s great: A magnifying glass, bug jar, binoculars, and field guide encourage curiosity about the natural world. Kids develop observation skills, scientific thinking, and respect for living things.
Summer bonus: Turns a simple walk into an exciting science adventure!
- Pretend Play Picnic Set
Why it’s great: Pretend play fosters imagination, language development, and social-emotional skills like sharing and cooperation. A picnic set is perfect for practicing these skills outdoors.
Summer bonus: Encourages family play and can turn snack time into an adventure.
- Inflatable Sprinkler or Splash Pad
Why it’s great: Running, jumping, and dancing through sprinklers or splash pads helps build gross motor skills, body awareness, and coordination. It’s a joyful way to practice self-regulation (waiting turns, handling excitement).
Summer bonus: Beats the heat and promotes physical activity. Many splash pads now include educational designs (numbers, animals, letters) built right in!
Why Educational Play Matters All Summer Long
Summer is a time to relax routines — but it’s also the perfect time to keep kids learning through joyful play. The toys you choose can:
Support motor development
Build early math, science, and literacy skills
Encourage creative thinking and problem solving
Promote social-emotional growth
And remember, quality learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Daycare, preschool, and home environments all play a role in helping young children thrive. By providing the right mix of fun and learning this summer, you’re helping your child build a strong foundation for the year ahead.