The Best Cheap Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

Summertime means lots of outdoor fun for kids. But keeping little ones entertained can quickly get expensive. It's easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest swing-set and playground trends, but for the under-four set, cheap toys can be the most fun.

For those hot summer days, nothing is more refreshing than playing in the water. A cheap plastic pool, an ordinary garden hose, and a variety of empty cups, buckets and containers can offer hours of entertainment for a small child. Toddlers who are more inclined to sports might enjoy a simple tee-ball set, a frisbee, or a bag full of plastic ball-pit balls (which are equally fun for tossing around the yard or dunking in the pool). And never underestimate the entertainment value of a pan full of soapy water and a cheap bubble wand.

Another advantage of toddlers is their affinity for imitating adults. Give a toddler a cheap set of plastic gardening tools and let her tend her own 'garden' in the yard. Or hand him a bucket and rag and have him wash the car along side you. Any push toy can be transformed into a lawnmower with a little imagination. Or set up a blanket and a few plastic dishes to have a picnic in the shade.

Small children are full of creativity - giving them a few simple toys and lots of space to run can be the very best way to encourage their imaginations (and protect your wallet) all summer long.