toddler summer essentials

These summer days can get longgg. So we like to be prepped and ready. With 6 kids between the two of us, we’ve tested out a lot of things over the years. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite toddler summer essentials… from outdoor toys to practical favorites and most-loved summer books. These are the things we use on repeat all season long.

Pool/splash pad/water play

We love a swimsuit with a bit more coverage so it’s a little easier to keep skin protected without constantly worrying about sunscreen reapplication. A hooded towel might be the MVP of summer—it’s so easy to throw on and keeps them cozy. These googles have straps that don’t get stuck in their hair, plus they’re quite adorable.

Yard / park play / Beach

Bubbles and a good water table help provide hours of entertainment. We also love a basic sand toy set and garden tools. And a perfect sized picnic table and basketball hoop are things we’ve gotten years of use from.

This little tent comes in 2 cute options (can’t decide our fav!), it and would be fun for indoor our outdoor play. Kids love a cozy spot!

We’ve got more practical ideas to share (like this for keeping snacks cool on the go) and you can shop all of our favorites here:

favorite summer BOOKS for TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

One thing we love about seasonal books and routines is how naturally they build language. When kids experience something in real life and then hear it in a story, it helps build vocabulary, understanding, and connection.

Here are three of our favorites for summer 👇

Ice Cream Face >> Maisy Learns to Swim >> The Watermelon Seed >>

We’ve included several other summer favorites below. We hope you’ll grab a book and head outside (unless you’re in Arizona. In that case, grab a book and make a fort in the air conditioning).

NEED INDOOR IDEAS?

Summer is a beautiful time of year to be outside in many parts of the world, but maybe you’re in a season where you’re inside quite a bit.

New baby, summer in the desert 🥵, a lot of illness… If this is you, we’ve got you!

Here are 18 of our favorite indoor activities for toddlers! And we’ve linked a few of our favorite indoor toys/activities below as well (just click on the picture).

Join us in songs + stories!

If you need a minute in the air conditioning or want something to listen to in the car, we hope you’ll try Songs+Stories.

You’ll get access to storytime videos and podcast episodes, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s kind of like library story time, but taught by by pediatric SLPs (us!).

Happy summer, friends! Hope you’re able to fit in lots of fun during these warm months.

💛 in it with you,

Katie + Carly