NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The unofficial start of summer is days away and children across the country are anxiously anticipating the long holiday weekend, days filled with sunshine and a much-celebrated season of fun in the great outdoors. Toymakers are doing their part to foster the happy childhood memories that blossom during this time of year. Hundreds of exciting new toys, games and crafts have been introduced to help promote active play and creativity among kids of all ages.

"Families often have more 'down time' during the summer months," says Adrienne Appell, spokesperson, Toy Industry Association. "Whether getting up to run and play outside or making arts and crafts during a rainy day indoors, there are so many wonderful toys and games to help families create great memories together this summer."

Outdoor Activity Toys Reinvent the Classics

If a child's playtime this summer will be spent in the open green spaces of a backyard or park, parents can choose from traditional exercise toys such as jump ropes and balls to self-propelled ride-on toys such as scooters and bikes or the infamous red Radio Flyer wagon that always finds a fond place in children's hearts. Several new products offer a new twist on classic toys:

• Whether drawing a hopscotch board or creating personalized drawings, Crayola's 3D Sidewalk Chalk provides hours of outdoor fun as drawn objects and shapes "pop" off the sidewalk. Every chalk stick has two specially paired colors which kids can use to create amazing 3D effects that can be seen when they put on the (provided) 3D glasses.
• Kids don't need a pool to cool down this summer. Funtastic Toys offers a selection of funny animal and dinosaur-shaped water shooters and "Goof Bomb" water toys in the shape of oranges, bananas, hot dogs, hamburgers (even a t-bone steak) to capture a child's imagination during a game of water tag on a hot summer day.
• Squap, distributed in the U.S. by Diggin Active, Inc. offers a modern twist on the classic game of catch. This throwing toy comes with two mitts and four balls; players open and close the mitts as quickly as possible in order to launch and catch the balls.
• A brightly colored Wooden Croquet Set by Plan Toys is modeled after a traditional European playset. This version includes two mullets, four wooden balls and four colorful wickets. Whether played after an English tea party or an All-American barbeque, this game promises a unique way to exercise!
• Drop those training wheels and try the Y Balance Bike, distributed in the U.S. by One Step Ahead. This is a ride-on style balance bike geared towards a toddler that's just learning to develop balance and coordination skills. It has an angled front wheel for tip-resistance and covered back wheel to shield little feet. Both wheels are larger, providing added stability on uneven surfaces.

"Activity toys introduce kids to a healthy lifestyle in a fun and relaxed way," explains Appell.

Indoor Activities for the Whole Family

But not all summer fun takes place outside. Indoor toys and games are a perfect way to keep kids engaged when families are trying to stay dry from an afternoon thunderstorm or keep cool as the mercury rises:

• Younger children will love the Clipo Creativity Table from Playskool, an all-in-one play station where toddlers can develop their fine motor skills.
• My Rub Art from ALEX Toys allows kids to create colorful textured pictures to give grandma or hang on the refrigerator.
• Discovery Beach from I Can Do That Games is perfect for families with younger children. A summer-themed seashore scavenger hunt adventure, players flip a card to reveal their challenge and search for sea creatures and colorful treasures hidden below five secret beach locations.
• Older kids will enjoy building and recreating scenes from their favorite blockbuster movies. The beautifully detailed LEGO Prince of Persia construction sets allow children 7 years old and up to recreate the exciting action from the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie in their own living rooms.
• Creationary from Lego Games is a great way for family and friends to test imagination, creativity, building and guessing skills. Combining two classic play patterns - games and construction - players show off their building skills while others guess what is being created.

"These suggestions are just a few of the toys and games available now that will help families enjoy a fun, active and safe summer," says Appell.

Have Fun - Play Safe

When purchasing toys and games during the summer or at any time during the year, TIA reminds parents to closely follow age guidelines on toy packaging. Age grading is very important when choosing a toy because it is based on the likelihood of a small child encountering a small part. Adult supervision during play is also crucial, particularly for outdoor play that would place a child near vehicles (e.g., a ride-on toy, bicycle or tricycles that is ridden in a driveway) or any source of water (e.g., kiddie pool, swimming pool, etc.). Toys should be properly stored so that children are not tempted to play by themselves in unsupervised or dangerous areas. Finally, toys should be inspected regularly and broken or damaged parts repaired or replaced immediately.

For more safety tips, summer toy trends and information on play, visit www.ToyInfo.org. For more information about classic toys, visit the website of the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum of Play.

About TIA

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing over 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. Safe and fun play is the number one priority of the toy industry.

SOURCE Toy Industry Association