As summer 2025 approaches, parents everywhere are wondering: How do I keep my kids entertained, learning, and off their screens? With so many kids’ lives tied to tablets and video games, this summer is the perfect opportunity to hit reset and bring back the joy of real play outdoors, with friends, and filled with creativity.

Here’s your guide to the best toys, games, and experiences this summer to promote learning, fun, and real-world connection.

🌞 Why Go Screen-Free This Summer?

Screens aren’t all bad, but too much screen time can lead to reduced attention spans, less physical activity, and fewer social interactions. Summer is a golden opportunity to unplug and give kids the chance to:

• Build real-world social skills

• Move their bodies and stay active

• Learn through play and exploration

• Engage in creative, open-ended activities

🧩 Top Toys & Games for Summer 2025 (That Aren’t Digital!)

These hot items combine education, activity, and pure fun, and they encourage kids to play together.

1. Outdoor STEM Kits

Think: water-powered rockets, solar-powered robot kits, and backyard bug exploration kits. Brands like KiwiCo and National Geographic have great summer-themed options that promote learning by doing.

2. Giant Lawn Games

Perfect for parks and backyards:

• Jumbo Jenga

• Giant Connect 4

• Cornhole

• Ring Toss These games are great for family cookouts or neighborhood hangouts.

3. Water Play Gear

From inflatable splash pads to simple water balloon kits, summer water fun never gets old. Try the new reusable water balloons—eco-friendly and endlessly entertaining.

4. Nature Scavenger Hunts & Explorer Packs

Equip your kids with a magnifying glass, bug collector, and field guide. Many toy companies now offer kid-friendly explorer backpacks with maps, compasses, and checklists.

5. Cooperative Board Games

Indoor downtime doesn’t need to mean screen time. Try cooperative games like:

• Outfoxed!

• Zombie Kidz Evolution

• Hoot Owl Hoot. These encourage teamwork instead of competition—and they’re fun for mixed ages.

🎓 Sneaky Summer Learning Tools

Want to keep your brain sharp without summer school? Look for:

• Story-building card games that boost imagination and vocabulary

• Math in Motion games, like Math Dice Chase or money-counting board games

• DIY craft kits that teach science, engineering, or art through hands-on projects

Bonus tip: Audiobooks + craft time = calm and educational.

🚲 Get Outside: Parks, Trails & Pop-Up Playdates

Plan your week with built-in outdoor time:

• Visit local parks with playgrounds or splash zones

• Create a park playdate circuit with friends rotate locations and bring group-friendly games

• Set up obstacle courses or bike rodeos in your yard or a quiet street

Need a motivator? Let your kids earn tokens for outdoor time, redeemable for treats like ice cream outings or choosing a weekend activity.

📦 Where to Buy the Best Summer Gear

Look for:

• Local toy stores: Often carry unique educational toys and host summer demos.

• Online specialty retailers: Fat Brain Toys, MindWare, and Lakeshore Learning offer curated selections.

• Big box options: Target, Amazon, and Walmart are stocking more hands-on, screen-free kits than ever.

• Community swaps: Check neighborhood apps or parenting groups for toy swaps or hand-me-downs.

💡 Final Thoughts

Summer 2025 is the season to reconnect—outside, unplugged, and together. By choosing the right toys, games, and activities, we can help kids rediscover the joy of play, the excitement of discovery, and the magic of friendship—no tablets required.

So pack the sunscreen, grab a frisbee, and let the summer adventures begin! 🌳🌈🎨