Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate reviews. All opinions are our own and honest.

Summer is fully upon us, in all it’s glory. And by “glory” I mean it’s hot, sticky, sweaty heat. (Almost enough to make you forget what a brutal winter it was, ay? I said almost.) For those of you looking for ways to cool down, try these.

Little Tikes has a play table perfect for whiling away summer hours, the Treasure Hunt Sand and Water Table.

There are several things about this toy that make it worth the buy. The no tech, getting kids to play outside aspect, being involved in creative play, multiple kids can enjoy the table at one time, it can be used in more then one way, you can bring it indoors in cooler weather should you choose to, and the best part- it keeps them busy for HOURS. Hours of time that the kids can entertain themselves and really, truly have a great time. Kids love water play. They love sandboxes. Combine them? Um, yes. The lid is also a water play basin, so they can play with both sand and water areas at the same time. You can get in there and play with them, let them play with friends or siblings, and you can also set it up for them to use when you need to get some of those “grown-up”, boring outside things done. Use it during cookouts so the kids can play and the adults can talk with no boredom-whining. So many reasons! Get yours at http://www.littletikes.com for $59.99

While we are on the topic of things that will get the kids active and playing for hours, check out the Little Tikes Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide. For any of you who follow me on Instagram, you have no doubt seen quite a few photos of my boy making good use of it. Heck, even the dog got in on the action (not recommended for use by pets by the brand, of course) and splashed around in the wading pool area with my son. The slide is easy to set up, and anchors into the ground to keep it steady. It inflates in less then one minute with the included pump. Then you attach your water hose to it, and turn it on- voila! Water slide/bouncy house fun, right in your backyard. As time goes on, the pool at the bottom fills. It doesn’t get very deep, however. There is also a basketball net and mini inflatable ball included for more fun- get a game on while staying cool.

In my opinion, this is one of the best toys you could have for warm weather. It is also perfect for anyone who plans on a “staycation” this year, or who has the kids home from school all summer long. My child has spent literally hours playing on it, and asks for me to set it up regularly. It’s a little cumbersome to put away- first you have to let it dry, then you roll it up (think of a giant sleeping bag) into it’s included storage sack. It’s also a bit heavy to move, but that’s to be expected. Just stick it in a closet when the season is done until you are ready to break it out again next summer. The Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide is well worth it’s price- it will keep the kids as busy as any swing set. Find it at http://www.littletikes.com for $399.99

For those inside times, check out the Dyson AM09 Fan + Cool Heater.  It’s perfect for those hot days and nights, when everything just feels sticky and gross.  Some of the coolest features (see what I did there?) about this fan are that it oscillates, tilts, is easy to clean, and is blade-less and safe. You know kids and fans- they always want to stick their fingers (toys, straws, etc) into the slots and “see what will happen”.  We all know what happens, and it’s never good.  Having no blades also means it’s easy to clean, and that it doesn’t just blow dust around- we have all seen how dust accumulates on fan blades, and without them, it is just that much cleaner. The AM09 pivots and tilts easily, and oscillates with one touch. It is quieter then most other fans, and comes with it’s own remote control.  The remote lets you control oscillation, temperature, airflow, and it even has a sleep timer.  When the nights start to get cooler, it functions as a heater, as well. Get yours at http://www.dyson.com for $449.99