outdoor toys Archives | Cool Mom Picks

10 of the coolest backyard water toys we’ve found, to help kids beat the heat this summer

Happy summer, friends! If you’re facing pool closures or limits in your neighborhoods this summer (gah!) then you’re likely looking for some fun backyard water toys to help your kids enjoy the summer months without melting while they’re outside....

5 incredible deals on hot toys at Zulily right now. The holidays are coming!

by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks, Toys + Playthings

If you’re looking to get a head start on holiday shopping — especially toys for all those kids on your list — you can score some truly fantastic deals right now thanks to our partner Zulily. And I can help! This parent-fave online retailer launches...

7 crazy lawn sprinklers that will get your kids outside all summer long.

by Kate Etue | Party Ideas, Toys + Playthings

We have found some of the OMG, craziest, fun lawn sprinklers for kids this summer, because come on, don’t you need more silly, crazy fun in your life? We know we do. With one initial investment (ranging from small to oof in the options we’ve found), your...

The lawn sprinkler made entirely from predatory humanoid alien parts

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

The trend of crazy inflatable lawn sprinklers and cool pool floats shows little sign of slowing down. But if rainbow and unicorn sprinklers aren’t quite up your kid’s alley, I wouldn’t be surprised if a predatory, inter-dimension humanoid lawn...

The soccer balls that let kids show off their skills and their style

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

It’s amazing how few companies are making sports equipment targeted to girls — unless it’s pink or purple or covered in glitter. So I loved discovering KAOS Soccer, a company that blends serious soccer credit with edgy modern design. Not that...

Wha-aa? A pool float made just for pregnant women. And our bellies.

by Lexi Petronis | Gear

We’ll be honest, we are completely flipping out over this new pregnancy pool float. HOW HAS NO ONE THOUGHT OF THIS BEFORE? When you’re pregnant, nothing is comfortable. It’s like all the regular things in the world start actively conspiring against...

6 of the coolest backyard swings to turn your yard into a playground

by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings

You’ve got to admit, it helps motivate the kids to get outside and active when you have cool backyard swings for them to play with. My own kids have all enjoyed hanging out on some new swings we’ve installed to update the old swing set. My four-year-old...

Mike’s bike from Stranger Things and Schwinn is only the best gift ever.

by Lexi Petronis | Toys + Playthings

While we eagerly await the third season of Stranger Things, there are a few things we can do to ease our separation anxiety from the show. We can dress like Dustin. We can bake Christmas lights cupcakes. And now, we can even buy our very own limited-edition Stranger...

3 options for more eco-friendly water balloons for less mess, less risk to animals

by Lexi Petronis | Toys + Playthings

During the summer, my kids have a love affair with water balloons — and why not? They’re fun, they cool you down, and your whole purpose is to throw and break them. Bingo! The only problem? Post-water balloons, the yard looks like the remains of a latex factory...

6 toys that guarantee summer fun, indoors and out | Sponsored Message

by Cool Mom Staff | Toys + Playthings

This is a sponsored message on behalf of the toys seen here. There are two words moms and dads dread during the long, long days of summer: I’m boooored. That’s why seasoned parents have come to understand the importance of fun summer toys, and how they...

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.

Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)

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