A while ago my kids were gifted with a water table and I discovered what many veteran parents already know: that kids and water go together like … well, like kids and water. I'm talking hours of fun with that water table on the first day and hours of fun every single time they use it.
Kids and water are great, but kids and water in the summer are superb. Set up your kids with some water-play, douse generously with sunblock and you may just get to set yourself up in the shade with an ice cold drink and a HOT summer read.
Read more in ¿Qué más?: Bilingual bebés on board: 6 bilingual toys your kids should have
I've put together a sampling of five awesome toys that will help your kids cool down this summer.
Image via Thinkstock
Sun Smarties Pop-Up Pool and Ball Pit
I think this pop up pool is a bit of genius because when it's too cold to be used as a pool, it can be used as an indoor ball pit. Amazon, $70
American Plastic Toy Water Wheel Play Table
This is the exact water table that we own. What I love about it is that it is really quite small and can work even on a terrace. Amazon, $29.99
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler
Water is a precious resource. Don't you dare water your lawn without giving your kids a chance to get in on the action. Amazon, $19.99
Wham-O Slip N’ Slide Toobin’ Rapids
Come on, a Slip N' Slide never goes out of style. I remember these from when I was a kid. So much fun! Sears, $19.99
Critter Blaster
Okay, I'm a total crunchy nerd that doesn't really want her kids to play with anything that looks like a gun, but I'm perfectly okay with them squirting water at each other with these duck-topped tubes. Sears, $4.99
