Remember when you were small, running and splashing about on those hot sunny days of summer. Maybe you had a tree house, or play tent tunnel? It is our favorite time of the year here in central Pennsylvania and I've been day dreaming about summers gone by; but, today it is raining so it's time to take my old memories and realize them into this new lens.

Having worked with hundreds of children over the years, visiting homes, my children playing at friends homes, fun at the beach and water parks, I've noticed a drastic change in the outdoor toy choices from thirty years ago when I was small.

My summer at the age of eight was the most memorable (as far as toys go), my favorite thing was a refrigerator box with holes cutout for windows and a door flap. It was decorated with chalk and markers and outside of this self made playhouse was a hard plastic round swimming pool about 12" deep. It was like the best birthday present ever! My best cousin and then toddler was also amazed by these outdoor toys. We would play house and squirt, splash, and lounge with the swimming pool toys until it was time for dinner.

Well enough about my childhood, I've decided to make a list of some absolute favorite summer toys that are safe and sturdy and should last years. These are educated choices as my husband and I have worked with children many many years. Please feel free to give your feedback and tell us about yours and your children's favorite summer outdoor toys!