Best Summer Toys for 1 Year Old: Top Picks for Fun in the Sun

Summer is a great time for outdoor play and exploration, especially for little ones who are just starting to discover the world around them. Finding the right summer toy for a 1-year-old can be a bit of a challenge, as you want something that is both engaging and safe. That’s why we spent hours researching and testing to find the best summer toys for 1-year-olds.

When it comes to choosing a summer toy for a 1-year-old, safety should be the top priority. You’ll want to look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and don’t have any small parts that could be a choking hazard. You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the toy to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age and development.

After careful consideration, we’ve found that the best summer toys for 1-year-olds are those that encourage exploration and sensory play. Water tables, sandboxes, and splash pads are all great options that allow little ones to get their hands dirty and engage with their environment. We’ve also found that toys that promote gross motor skills, such as ride-on toys or push toys, are great for little ones who are just starting to walk.

We tested several summer toys for 1-year-olds to find the ones that are safe, engaging, and appropriate for their age and development. Whether your little one is splashing in a water table or cruising around on a ride-on toy, these summer toys are sure to provide hours of fun and exploration.

Best Summer Toys for 1 Year Old

As parents, we all want our little ones to have a fun and enjoyable summer. But with so many toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for our little explorers. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best summer toys for 1 year olds. These toys are not only entertaining but also promote learning and development. From water play to sandboxes, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect summer toy for your little one!

IGINOA Bubble Machine Blower Lawn Maker Pink Mower Toy

We highly recommend the IGINOA Bubble Machine Blower Lawn Maker Pink Mower Toy for parents looking for a fun and interactive toy for their 1-year-old during the summer season.Pros

• The 3D cart design and light feature make it easier to attract children’s attention.
• Contains an electronic bubble mower, 5 pcs vary shape bubble wand, 2 bottles of Bubble liquid, and is a great value for the price.
• Made from durable and high-quality non-toxic materials that are safe for children to use. The bubble solution is also mild and non-irritating to children’s eyes, face, and skin.

Cons

• The toy sprays small bubbles when turned on, which may not be as exciting for some children.
• The front axle is made of plastic and may break after hitting a few bumps and cracks.
• The batteries keep popping out, which may be frustrating for parents when trying to keep the toy running.

As parents, we were impressed with the IGINOA Bubble Machine Blower Lawn Maker Pink Mower Toy. The unique shape bubble machine design promotes the development of imagination and creativity of children, and it’s a fun and interactive toy that will keep them entertained for hours. It’s easy to assemble and play with, and after the handle and wings are assembled and solution refilled, you just need to press the ON/OFF button, and then the bubble world will come alive. The toy is also portable and handheld, making it perfect for outdoor summer play. Overall, we highly recommend this toy as a perfect gift for your 1-year-old during the summer season.

Zen Laboratory Splash Sprinkler Pad

If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off this summer, the Zen Laboratory Splash Sprinkler Pad is a great option for your little ones. It’s easy to set up and offers hours of entertainment.Pros

• Great alternative to traditional swimming pools for safety reasons
• Easy to set up and use
• Fun for both kids and dogs

Cons

• May leak if not dried out properly before storage
• Water pressure may not be as high as advertised
• May not be suitable for older children

The Zen Laboratory Splash Sprinkler Pad offers a 3-in-1 inflatable sprinkler pool that’s perfect for toddlers, babies, and kids. It’s a great way to keep cool during the hot summer months and offers a fun alternative to traditional swimming pools. Plus, it’s great for both kids and dogs, making it a versatile addition to your backyard.

One of the best things about the Zen Laboratory Splash Sprinkler Pad is that it offers a safe alternative to traditional swimming pools. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to prioritize safety when it comes to our little ones. The Splash Sprinkler Pad is BPA and phthalate-free, so you can feel confident that your child is safe while playing.

Setting up the Splash Sprinkler Pad is a breeze, and it’s easy to use. Simply inflate it and connect it to your garden hose, and your little ones will be ready to play in no time. It’s also a lot of fun for both kids and dogs, so it’s a great way to keep everyone entertained.

While the Splash Sprinkler Pad is great for younger children, it may not be suitable for older children. Additionally, some users have reported that it may leak if not dried out properly before storage. Finally, the water pressure may not be as high as advertised, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a powerful sprinkler.

Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds

We highly recommend the Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old this summer.Pros

• The mat has two modes: random mode with 9 melodies and one-click mode with 9 music keys and 7 animal sounds, which keeps the baby entertained for hours.
• The mat contains 25 built-in sounds, including 7 animal sounds, 9 melodies, and 9 music keys, which help kids gain music knowledge and develop their brain, memory, and creativity.
• The mat is made of anti-slip and soft fabric, making it safe, easy to clean, and environmental-friendly. The portable design allows you to use it indoors and outdoors, making it an ideal gift for kid’s birthday, Christmas, and other holidays.

Cons

• The mat may not be as durable as some other toys, so it may not last as long.
• The volume may be a bit loud for some parents, so you may need to adjust it accordingly.
• The mat requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included in the package.

The Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds is a great way to introduce your child to music and keep them entertained during the summer months. The mat is easy to use and provides a lot of fun for the baby’s natural kicking and touching. The anti-slip and soft material ensures safety while the portable design allows you to take it with you wherever you go. Overall, we highly recommend this product for any parent looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old this summer.

Whether you’re spending time at home or on the go, the Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds is a great way to keep your little one entertained and engaged. The mat is easy to set up and use, and the various modes and sounds provide endless hours of fun. The soft, anti-slip material ensures safety while the portable design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. With its educational benefits and fun features, the Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds is a great investment for any parent looking for a high-quality summer toy for their child.

Overall, we highly recommend the Joyjoz Musical Mats with 25 Music Sounds for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1-year-old this summer. With its various modes and sounds, anti-slip and soft material, and portable design, it’s the perfect way to keep your child entertained and engaged all summer long.

VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight

If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your 1-year-old, we highly recommend the VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight. It’s a great way to introduce colors, animals, and numbers while keeping your child entertained.Pros

• The flashlight features over 50 sing-along songs, music, sounds, and fun phrases that engage learning and make it fun for your child.
• The ladybug button activates sounds and interacts with your child, making it an interactive toy that will keep your child engaged and entertained.
• The toy is easy to grip, making it perfect for little hands to hold and take with them on every adventure.

Cons

• The flashlight is not too bright, which is great for your child’s eyes, but might not be as satisfying for those looking for a traditional flashlight experience.
• The light doesn’t stay on, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a toy that doubles as a nightlight.
• The price point might be a bit higher than some other toy flashlights on the market, but the educational value and quality of the toy make it worth the investment.

The VTech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight is a great way to introduce your child to colors, animals, and numbers while keeping them entertained. The flashlight is easy to grip and features over 50 sing-along songs, music, sounds, and fun phrases that engage learning and make it fun for your child. The ladybug button activates sounds and interacts with your child, making it an interactive toy that will keep your child engaged and entertained. However, the light might not be as bright as some might expect from a flashlight, and it doesn’t stay on for long periods of time. The price point might also be a bit higher than some other toy flashlights on the market, but the educational value and quality of the toy make it worth the investment.

Bobike Balance Bike

We highly recommend the Bobike Balance Bike for any parent looking for a fun and safe summer toy for their 1 year old.Pros

• Easy to Assemble: We were able to put this bike together in just a few minutes without any complex tools or instructions.
• Safe Design: With ASTM F963-11 and EN71 certification, we felt confident in the bike’s safety features, including the 135° steering limit and fully widened closed wheels to prevent side falls or foot damage.
• Great for Indoor and Outdoor Play: Our child loved playing with this bike both inside and outside the house, and it was a great way to encourage them to learn the basics of balance and walking.

Cons

• Small Size: While the bike is designed for children up to 24 months, it may be too small for taller or larger 1 year olds.
• Not Great for True Balance Learning: While the bike is a great way to introduce your child to the concept of balance, it may not be the best option for teaching them how to truly balance on a bike.
• No Pedals: Some parents may prefer a bike with pedals to help their child learn how to pedal and ride a traditional bike.

The Bobike Balance Bike is a great investment for any parent looking for a fun and safe summer toy for their 1 year old. With its easy assembly, safe design, and indoor/outdoor versatility, it’s a great way to encourage your child’s physical development and active play.

Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower

We highly recommend the Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for any parent looking to entertain their 1-year-old this summer.Pros

• The realistic sounds and bubble maker make pretend garden play extra fun for your little one.
• The handle is flexible and easy to take apart for storage. The bright color of the mower body is attractive to kids.
• The automatic bubble blowing gardening mower tool inspires your kids to love sports and walking outside.

Cons

• The bubbles tend to spill out easily, especially when the mower is pushed too hard or bumped.
• The mower is a bit light, which makes it unstable when pushing.
• The bubble solution doesn’t come with the required 3 AA batteries.

We recently purchased the Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for our 1-year-old, and it has been a great addition to our summer toy collection. Our little one loves the realistic sounds and bubble maker, which encourages pretend garden play and brings tons of bubbles. The handle is very flexible and easy to take apart for storage. The bright color of the mower body is attractive to our little one, and the automatic bubble blowing gardening mower tool inspires our kid to love sports and walking outside.

However, we did notice that the bubbles tend to spill out easily, especially when the mower is pushed too hard or bumped. Also, the mower is a bit light, which makes it unstable when pushing. Lastly, the bubble solution doesn’t come with the required 3 AA batteries.

Despite these minor issues, we still highly recommend the Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for any parent looking to entertain their 1-year-old this summer. It’s an ideal 1st Birthday Easter basket stuffer for boys, girls, and toddlers aged 2, 3, and 18 months. The package includes 1 bubble mower, 3 bubble solutions, and 3 bubble sticks.

CEEDEE Montessori Toys

We highly recommend the CEEDEE Montessori Toys for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their 1 year old this summer.Pros

• The Montessori toys for 1 year old contains 20 blocks with 5 bright primary colors and 5 different geometry shapes, perfect for toddlers to learn counting, recognize shapes and distinguish colors.
• The wooden sorting and stacking toys are made of high quality natural wood, polished surface, and non-toxic water paint, ensuring safety for babies to play with.
• The Montessori developmental toy helps exercise babies’ sensory abilities, cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, thinking ability, problem solving skills, spatial thinking, and more.

Cons

• The blocks are a bit small, so parents need to supervise their babies while playing with the toy to prevent choking hazards.
• Some parents may find the price a bit high compared to other similar toys on the market.
• The blocks may not be as durable as some other wooden toys, so parents need to take care of them to make sure they last longer.

The CEEDEE Montessori Toys are perfect for parents who want to provide their 1 year old with a fun and educational toy this summer. The toy is made of high quality natural wood and non-toxic water paint, ensuring safety for babies to play with. The toy helps exercise babies’ sensory abilities, cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, thinking ability, problem solving skills, spatial thinking, and more. However, parents need to supervise their babies while playing with the toy to prevent choking hazards, and may find the price a bit high compared to other similar toys on the market. Additionally, the blocks may not be as durable as some other wooden toys, so parents need to take care of them to make sure they last longer.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike

We highly recommend the SEREED Baby Balance Bike for parents looking for a safe and fun way to help their little ones learn how to balance and ride on their own.Pros

• The balance bike is perfect for developing your child’s balance, steering, and coordination skills, while also helping them gain confidence at an early age.
• The bike has a fully widened closed wheel to avoid clamping baby’s feet, and a 135 ° turning limit and gravity steering without leaving the ground to prevent the baby from turning over, ensuring their safety.
• The bike features a sturdy aluminum alloy frame, non-slip TPU handle, and a softly supportive seat, making it both sturdy and comfortable for your little one to ride on.

Cons

• The bike may be too small for some children, so make sure to check the sizing before purchasing.
• Some parents have reported that the bike’s wheels can be a bit noisy on certain surfaces, but this is a minor issue and doesn’t affect the bike’s performance.
• The bike’s design may not appeal to all parents, as it has a cartoon theme that some may find too childish.

Our experience with the SEREED Baby Balance Bike has been nothing but positive. The bike is easy to carry around and assemble, and our little one loves riding it both indoors and outdoors. The non-slip, wear-resistant wheels make it perfect for any surface, and the bike’s lightweight design means that both you and your child can easily carry it around to play. The bike is also made of high-quality materials, ensuring that it is safe and durable for your little one to use.

The SEREED Baby Balance Bike is the perfect birthday gift for toddlers aged 12-24 months who are just learning how to walk and ride. It’s a great way to help your child develop their balance and coordination skills, while also having fun and gaining confidence. Overall, we highly recommend this balance bike to any parent looking for a safe and fun way to help their little one learn how to ride on their own.

Hahaland Beach Toys for Toddlers

We highly recommend the Hahaland Beach Toys for Toddlers for parents who want to make their little ones’ summer fun and exciting.Pros

• The set is made from premium and durable materials, making it last longer than other cheap beach toys. The matte surface makes it easy for toddlers to grasp.
• It’s ideal for outdoor fun, whether at the beach, in the sandbox, or building snow animals in the cold. The set includes a shovel, a rake, and various sand molds to boost your child’s creativity.
• The set is perfect for little hands, suitable for ages 18 months old and up. The smaller bucket makes it less heavy when completely filled with sand or water, which is perfect for babies and toddlers to play with.

Cons

• The colors may differ from the photos shown on the website, but it doesn’t affect the quality of the product.
• The set only includes seven pieces, which may not be enough for some kids who love to play with more toys.
• The animal molds may not work well with compacted sand, but it’s still fun to use in the bathtub.

Our little one loves playing with the Hahaland Beach Toys for Toddlers. The set is perfect for outdoor activities, and it’s easy to clean. The smaller bucket is perfect for little hands, and the sand molds are adorable. We also love that the set is made from BPA-free and thickened durable plastic, ensuring that it lasts longer than other cheap beach toys. The set is also perfect for indoor activities, especially during bath time. Our little one loves playing with the molds and creating a fun rainfall in the bathtub. Overall, we highly recommend the Hahaland Beach Toys for Toddlers for parents who want to make their little ones’ summer fun and exciting.

iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Unicorn Bouncy Horses

We highly recommend this product for parents looking for a fun and engaging summer toy for their 1 year old. It is easy to inflate and provides a lot of entertainment for young children.Pros

• The unique design of this hopping unicorn is eye-catching and beautiful, making it a spectacular gift for your little one.
• With four sturdy legs, the unicorn is stable and prevents tipping, giving your child a reliable partner to help strengthen muscles, learn how to maintain balance, and promote brain development.
• This toy is suitable for summer vacation, parties, classrooms, indoors, outdoors, and more, making it versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Cons

• Children under two years old should always be under the direct supervision of an adult while playing with this toy.
• It may take some effort to inflate the hopper to a proper size, but once it is inflated, it provides a lot of fun for your child.
• The unicorn is not very large, so it may not be suitable for larger children.

We recently purchased the iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Unicorn Bouncy Horses for our 1 year old, and it has quickly become one of her favorite toys. The unique design of the hopping unicorn immediately caught her attention, and she loves grabbing onto the long ears and bouncing around. The four sturdy legs provide stability and prevent tipping, which gives us peace of mind while she plays.

The toy is easy to inflate, but it does take some effort to get it to the proper size. Once it is inflated, however, it provides a lot of fun for your child. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor play, making it perfect for any occasion. We highly recommend this product for parents looking for a fun and engaging summer toy for their 1 year old.

Overall, the iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Unicorn Bouncy Horses is a great purchase for parents looking for a fun and engaging summer toy for their 1 year old. It is easy to inflate, stable, and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. While it may require some effort to inflate, the toy provides a lot of fun and entertainment for young children. Just remember to always supervise your child while playing with this toy.

Buying Guide

When choosing summer toys for your 1 year old, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your child. Here are some features to look for:

Age Appropriateness

Make sure that the toy is age-appropriate for your child. Toys that are too advanced or complex can be frustrating for your child, while toys that are too simple may not hold their attention for long.

Safety

Always prioritize safety when choosing toys for your child. Look for toys that are made of non-toxic materials and have no small parts that can be a choking hazard. Also, make sure that the toy is sturdy and well-constructed to prevent any accidents.

Sensory Stimulation

1 year olds are at a stage where they are exploring their senses, so look for toys that can provide sensory stimulation. Toys with bright colors, different textures, and sounds can help your child develop their cognitive and sensory skills.

Multifunctional

Choose toys that can serve multiple purposes to get the most value out of your purchase. For example, a toy that can be used in the water and on land can provide more opportunities for play and exploration.

Easy to Clean

Summer toys can get dirty quickly, so choose toys that are easy to clean and maintain. Toys that can be washed with soap and water or wiped down with a damp cloth are ideal.