How to get your kids outside this summer: give them a butterfly net, a magnifying glass and a bug box. Endure the whines of ‘I’m bored…I want someone to play with me…I want something to do…can I have an ice cream?’…and just let them spend some time outside.  They’ll be digging in the dirt, finding bugs and slugs in no time.

A few of our favorite “get outside” toys are:

kid sized gardening tools

bug catchers and butterfly nets

microscopes – get a digital eyepiece so you can later look at your finds on your computer, print them out and share with friends

binoculars for kids

Field guides specifically for kids so they take their bug or bird identification book out and have a great scavenger hunt in nature, like with this bird watcher’s journal.

even a blank sketch pad and colored pencils will provide hours of entertainment outside.

Boats made from recycled milk jugs that are perfect for taking to Lithia Park and floating in the stream

Kites to fly on a windy day, portable water balloon pump with biodegradable water balloons to take your water fights to new heights.

Awesome flying discs that go unbelievably far and are surprisingly easy to catch

Cool yo yos that will inspire you to practice and practice until you nail that looping tidal wave trick – (you’ll get addicted!)

Juggling sticks – impress your friends, create a show, and hit the streets (maybe you’ll even get some tips).

Great magic tricks to inspire home-grown magic shows.

Fairy house books to inspire your next fairy creation.