Every kid I know wants a metal detector. This was a “hot” item to buy a few years ago within my circle of friends and the novelty has not worn off yet in my household. Discovery Channel makes a good one that they will use for years and it’s so full of upgrades, you’ll want to use it too.

What a great way for kids to entertain themselves, get a little fresh air and a science lesson to boot!   The Discovery Exclusive Metal Detector boasts a telescoping design that allows it to adjust to different height levels, so even little kids can use it.

This model is highly sensitive and will distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals and the LED light indicators will determine the different types of metal found. Bury the pirates “doubloon” included in this kit and watch their excitement as the detector starts to “beep” indicating they have found some buried treasure.  They can then use the shovel and sifter (comes with) to uncover their finds.

This is the kind of toy that is fun to take with you on these last days of summer. There are plenty of riches to find at the beach, park or even the local playground.  If your kids find something of real value though encourage them to put an ad in their local paper to help find the owner.  Include some Walkie Talkies for all-important communication and you have a toy that never gets old. (Discovery Toys FRS Walkie Talkie Watch Set)

This is an item I hope you will regard as worthwhile. If you have a young child and a pool, even a wading pool, you must have some way to tell if your child goes near that water when not in the presence of an adult.   Nationwide, over 350 children between the ages of 1-5 drown in backyard pools and buckets each year.

Once your child is mobile, the only way to prevent such an accident from happening is to have your eyes on them at all times.  Makes it kind of hard to take a shower doesn’t it?

Even with a fence around your pool, we know kids can climb. The POOLGUARD Wireless Door Alarm is an inexpensive way to ensure their safety. This model will pass building code inspections thanks to its UL listing and attaches easily to doors or windows. The alarm will sound for five minutes if someone passes through it, and then automatically reset itself.  It also allows for an adult to pass through it without it sounding, thanks to its outdoor wireless transmitter. Even if you don’t have a pool, you’ll know if they’ve left the house.

Give yourself one less thing to worry about this summer. (POOLGUARD also makes a variety of Swimming Pool Alarms as well as well as gate alarms; POOLGUARD Gate Alarm.)

Searching for a summer shoe that my son will wear without tripping is like finding a needle in a haystack. His current ones just aren’t cutting it.  When we were on vacation, this became somewhat of an issue for everyone who had to stop and watch him right himself, adjust the “thingy” in the middle of his flip-flops or complain that his feet hurt.

My nephew finally exclaimed in frustration, “Just get him a pair of sandals already”, and my sister threatened not to let me go away with her next year unless he had a decent pair of shoes.

So I am searching for something lightweight, breathable and preferably with a rubber sole like a sneaker.  These Teva Hurricane Sandals seem have all of the things I am looking for.

The word “Teva” means nature in Hebrew, and this company makes the ultimate outdoor shoe. (They recently won the Outdoor Industry Award for their products.) I own a pair of Teva’s myself, circa…ummm…1999? They are still in good shape!

These Hurricane sandals have a patented universal “strapping system” that ensures a custom fit, shock absorbing mid-soles for added cushioning and a sturdy rubber sole. I like the fact that this is an open toe sandal that allows a child’s foot to “breathe”

The simple design makes them easy for kids to get off and on, with hook and loop straps. Did I mention they are waterproof, too?

Having comfortable shoes to wear that fit properly is important for everyone, especially kids and Teva makes the best! (Check out Teva Kids K Dristi in a pretty pink for girls)

I have a theory about trampolines. My kid’s not getting one.

I am perhaps somewhat nervous when it comes to doing flips in the air (which my boy seems to like to do) and the feasibility of him landing the wrong way in a flowerbed and injuring himself.  It’s a fair guess, I think and not without merit.

Nevertheless, like most kids he loves to jump on the bed and do flips and land on the floor where he can possibly injure himself. No amount of pleading or threats seems to drive this point home, either.  Sometimes he just doesn’t have any ears!

I think I have found something that will satisfy his desire to burn off some energy and my desire to keep him out of the emergency room.

The Bazoongi Kids Bouncer is a neat little trampoline for kids to use and there are a lot of great reasons to invest in one.  It’s made out of galvanized steel so it’s good and sturdy and most importantly it’s low to the ground. On the SLIM chance that they will take a spill; they shouldn’t be any worse for the wear. However this comes with an adjustable stabilizer bar which beginners can hold on to while they are learning to keep their balance.

The surface is a generous 48 inches around so there is plenty of room for little kids to jump to their hearts delight (One at a time, please) and great fun on a rainy day.

(Also available in a Pink  Butterfly Trampoline for the girly-girl.)

I am the mother of a fair haired, fair skinned boy.

The merest hint of a freckle on his face instills a tiny bit of panic in me.  In retrospect…I cannot comprehend why my friends and I felt the need to slather on baby oil every summer in a race to see which one of us could get the “Hawaiian Tan” first.

Of course we know better now and it’s a good thing, as most of the sun damage we will inherit comes from being exposed to it as children. (I wouldn’t dream of venturing outside without my SPF 40 anymore)

Typically, most kids don’t appreciate this concern and shy away from having their skin greased up every time they venture outside. The aroma of sunscreen is unattractive for some kids, particularly those with allergies or sensitivities to fragrance.

If this situation sounds familiar to you, try California Baby No Fragrance Sunscreen SPF +30. This is a chemical-free sunscreen that needs to be reapplied every time your child wipes it off either by sweating or toweling off after swimming or approx. every 3 hours.

The plus side of this is that it is that because it is a physical sunscreen, it is appropriate for babies over six months of age and can be used as often as needed.

This year round lotion also comes in a bug repellant formula, which contains ingredients such as citronella and pure lemongrass to ward off pesky summer friends.  (California Baby Natural Bug Blend SPF+30)

I just flew back from the beach and boy, am my arms tired!  Not really but my belly was COLD!  I thought the water was supposed to be warm by July.Luckily, our kids were wise enough to bring along their surf shirts to wear as they boogie boarded and frolicked among the chilly ocean waves.  They were the envy of both my sister and me.

We were forced to run up to the boardwalk and purchase ridiculously expensive shirts to wear over our little two-piece numbers, so we cold actually go in the water above our toes.

That’s why I  recommend the L.L.Bean Sun-and Surf Shirt.  This must-have item for the beach or pool is multi-functional, as it not only offers relief from that first blast of cold water lapping up on your kids belly but it also offers UPF+50 sun protection.

We applied sunscreen generously to their faces and arms (not much leg area as they were wearing board shorts) and they happily played by the waters edge, digging castles and moats.  No worries about harmful rays burning them, and they looked like real surfers to boot! The nylon and Lycra material dried quickly, keeping them comfortable between dips.

This is an inexpensive summer purchase that they’ll happily wear and comes in a couple of styles and fashion colors for boys and girls alike.

I live in a place that is warm and sunny most of the year so beach towels are a staple in my household.

Still, every June I get excited to replace last years sun bleached models for some fresh new ones.  That means I usually have to replace about four, as nearly all of them my son and his friends left at the beach, pool or some motel we stayed at.

I’ve observed that most kids don’t mind carrying them to the beach pool etc…  It’s the start of an exciting day.  Coming home is another story.  It’s like dragging a sled to the top of a snow covered hill then whizzing down it, and after six or seven times, no one wants to drag the sled back up the hill.

Same principle.

A cleaver solution to this problem is The Beach Towel Bag By Confetti. This standard size towel, which measures 30 by 60 when open, converts to a cool messenger bag they can wear across their body when it’s time to leave. The fashionable zip around design makes it easier for them to carry the towel home at the end of the day and the novel idea of it will help them remember to bring it home. (Hopefully)

It comes in a couple of different colorful designs, and even has a cute little key chain attached. (Think motel key!)

I listened with amusement to my sister’s horror story of how she schlepped around SIX stores last weekend while sick with the flu, looking for a bathing suit for my 12 year old niece. I didn’t know they had six stores that sold bathing suits!

They finally found a suit that was agreeable for the very picky and somewhat modest girl at store number six.  She liked the suit, but refused to go in the water the next day for some reason, but that’s a whole other story!

The point is everyone needs to feel comfortable in swimwear, especially pre-teen girls. That’s why I recommend the Patagonia Girls Boardie Shorts. This is what my niece ended up choosing and she happily reports they look “Fierce”

These are a great look for all ages and shapes.  The   micro fiber /poly material dries quickly and the hip longer length offers terrific sun protection.  The colorful print allows you to purchase more than one top to wear with them, so you get a variety of different looks.

You can wear suit bottoms under these as well while in the water.  (They also make a great cover-up)

Everyone is happy and I’m just glad I have a boy.

Scooters have been around for ages and have never gone out of style, from the old wooden ones with the box on top, to the new Steel Razor Pro Model Scooter. My nephew tells me that’s the one to own!

The thing that is great about a scooter is that kids of all ages can ride them.  Just step up, grab the padded, adjustable handlebars and you’re “scooting”.  The teens will do tricks while the youngsters can just glide down the sidewalk with you while you’re walking the dog.

With its lightweight aluminum frame and folding capability, it’s hard to destroy and easy to transport to a friends house or your local skate park.  It’s amazing to me to see teenage boys not old enough to drive, zooming around the neighborhood, not yet tired of their wheels.

The little ones may want to use the handy brake located beneath the back tire, but really that’s what God gave you two feet for! You may need to replace the wheels depending on how much your child rides it, but the cost is minimal.  For the money, the Razor Scooter offers hours of outdoor fun and endless cries of “Mom, watch this!”

With summer coming it’s time to head out. Out to the beach; out to the woods and out to visit family.

When we travel, which we do a lot and to a variety of different places, we often run into “bedding issues”. Anyone who has traveled with kids knows the feeling. Should we get one hotel room or two? It’s nap time and we’re at the beach – where should she sleep?

How many people REALLY fit in this tent.?

This cool Travel Bed I found really is misnamed. It certainly is a great extra bed for kids. It’s inflatable and quickly can be assembled on the floor in any guest bedroom. At 48″L x 30″W x 18 it’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, though it might be a bit cramped for a grade schooler.

But, it also has zip up, UV- protective sides and screens that turn it into a small tent perfect for days at the beach or camping in the woods. This is one of those perfect beach trip accessories!

It’s compact too as it folds up into a circular shape easy to carry with you slipped into a beach bag. For frequent travelers, it might be the perfect thing to keep in the car.