(Simplay3 $109) A water table in summer is the toy to have if you have older toddlers and preschoolers. It will keep them engaged like no other toy. We especially hove this larger water table from Simply3 because it will accommodate several kids. There are two indented areas which are wonderful for toddlers. Our preschoolers enjoyed the two little bridges, the pump and the waterway that goes around the perimeter of the table. The set comes with boats, trucks and buckets -- e

(Amazon $19.99) Nothing is more classic than bubbles for summer play. Here's a twist that's going to make everyone happy. This adjustable bubble machine produces great bubbles (it's powered by a USB charger so you're not constantly needing to load batteries). Kids love chasing the bubbles. Adults LOVED that these bubble makers light up and can also play music. Fun for a night time party! Ages: Toddlers, Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop this produ

(Peaceable Kingdom $24.95) First -- let's just set some ground rules about playing with older toddlers and preschoolers. Don't come to the game with any expectations that they will play by the rules suggested by the instructions. Playing games with this age group is more about learning about doing things in some order and taking turns -- and most of all having fun. If any of the above happens -- you're doing great. We always give high marks to Peaceable Kingdom -- they alw

(Connetix $75) If you're in the magnetic tiles zone, you'll want to check out this new 50-piece set that comes with three wheeled bases. One is longer than the other two - all three can be hooked together to create a very satisfying moving tiled vehicle. Our testers also loved that there was a variety of pieces in this set including 2 windows, open-frames, various triangles, rectangles and squares. These are pricey sets for sure, but will have lasting play value. There is a

(Super Smalls $36) The latest in the amazing glasses kit --that comes with a red set of heart-shaped sunglasses that you "bedazzle with jewels" -- it also comes with a pink case with small red handles that our tester loved to decorate. 3 & up. They also have pre-made Super Goggles ($32) that are already embellished. They come Heartfelt (pink hearts with pearls) or Lavender Haze (purple round shaped with gems). We wanted a pair! Still recommended: Mermaid Splash & Sparkle

(Learning Resources $35.99) Learning Resource's Gears! Gears! Gears! collection has been on our award list for years and remains one of the best STEM toys. This is the latest set that features the original plastic gear pieces with the added fun of flowers to layer up your creations. Comes with 5 bases, 35 gears as well as flowers, flower stems and bases for building vertically. The set comes with one handle which puts the whole gear set into motion (you can also use your h

(Faber-Castell $14.94) If you're looking for a starting place for art supplies for your preschooler, this kit checks so many boxes. The set comes with a set of oversized creamy crayons that are just the right size for preschoolers and are so satisfyingly creamy! There's a set of tube paint with a built-in brush tip - these are are also fun to use. You'll also find play safe scissors, a waterproof smock (very handy to have around) and a 20-page activity book to explore. This

(Peaceable Kingdom $24.95) Our preschool testers loved the action of going around the mountain with the little wooden engine. The game play here is to fill up your mining card with the gems you collection as you round the track. There are gem stones that will line the track area. To start you spin the spinner to know where the train should go. Now here's the really fun part -- you place the die under the engine which moves as the engine moves. When your engine stops in the

(Peaceable Kingdom $24.95) Fans of the classic Eric Carle book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar will enjoy this cooperative board game. The board has a creative design -- combining the base of the box with another cardboard piece to create the leaf that the caterpillar will travel on during the days of the week. The game play here is a memory game. Our suggestion (especially for younger players) is to leave the overturned pieces facing up. There are 24 tokens to match up which o

(Hape $59.99) Our testers LOVED this wooden pizza oven. The set comes with a pizza, toppings (sauce, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and meat). Young pizza makers will enjoy loading the pizza with their favorite toppings onto the pizza shovel and putting it into the arched oven. Hit the button on the top of the oven and it turns on the light and sound. When the pizza is done, the set also includes a pizza slicer. Great opportunities here for pretend play and language development. H