What to Do With Those Old Summer Toys
Five Creative Ways to Keep Kids Playing All Fall Long
As featured on NBC Boston
Summer’s over, but those pool toys, water blasters, and beach buckets don’t have to collect dust until next year! I recently shared my favorite summer-to-fall toy transformations on NBC Boston, and parents are already trying these ideas at home.
The best part? Your kids probably have these toys sitting in the garage right now, and with a few simple tweaks, they’ll become the hit activities for rainy afternoons and chilly days ahead.
Why Repurposing Summer Toys Works for Busy Parents
Before we dive into the specific ideas, here’s why this approach is a game-changer for families. Instead of buying new fall activities (and dealing with more toy clutter), you’re giving familiar favorites a fresh twist. Kids love the novelty, but they also feel comfortable with toys they already know how to use.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and helps develop creative thinking. When children see that a toy can become something entirely different, they start imagining new possibilities everywhere.
1. Transform That Popup Pool into an Indoor Adventure Zone
The Summer Version: Kiddie pools are summer staples, especially the Swimways Popup Pool from Spin Master with its clever inner-spring design and adjustable canopy.
The Fall Magic: Turn it into a makeshift ball pit for rainy day indoor fun, or fill it with real or artificial leaves for sensory play that brings autumn inside. Alternatively, fill it with water for a Plunge for Pumpkins game where kids can pluck out mini craft pumpkins with spoons or tongs. Add an educational twist and put letters or numbers on the bottom and encourage them to count or spell depending on what they find.
Why Kids Love It: They get the excitement of their favorite summer spot, but with completely new textures and experiences.
Parent Win: Contains the mess in one spot and gives you 30+ minutes of independent play time.
2. Pool Noodles Become STEM Learning Tools
The Summer Version: Classic pool noodles for floating, playing, and light saber battles.
The Fall Transformation: Cut them into sections for marble runs, building structures, or craft projects. They’re perfect for engineering challenges and hands-on learning.
Educational Bonus: Your kids are developing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills without realizing they’re “learning.”
Storage Tip: Cut noodles store easily in bins and can be reused for multiple projects throughout fall and winter.
3. Sand Baking Sets Work Magic Beyond the Beach
The Summer Use: The adorable Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set from Melissa and Doug with sea creature tools.
The Fall Innovation: Use the measuring cups, whisk, and mixing spoon with play sand, dried beans, rice, or playdoh. After autumn nature walks, kids can use the pail to collect acorns and leaves, then “bake” with modeling clay.
Sensory Benefits: Different textures keep little hands busy and develop fine motor skills.
Bonus Activity: Create seasonal “recipes” mixing different materials – it’s like a science experiment and art project rolled into one.
4. Water Tables Without Water? Absolutely!
The Summer Setup: The Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table from Step2 for outdoor water play.
The Fall Genius: Fill with pumpkin guts from carving sessions for sensory squishing, or use artificial leaves and hidden fall objects for seek-and-find games. You can even set up apple bobbing or scoop mini pumpkins.
Alternative Fillings: Try play sand, dried beans, rice, or even pasta for different sensory experiences.
Parent Sanity Saver: Much less messy than water, but just as engaging for kids.
5. Water Blasters Get a Seasonal Upgrade
The Summer Fun: Nerf Super Soaker Mega Dunk-Fill Water Blaster from Hasbro for backyard water battles.
The Fall Twist: Fill with cinnamon-scented water and set up leaf targets for aromatic autumn fun. In winter, try watered down washable paint for snow art!
Sensory Element: The cinnamon scent and paint-abilities adds a whole new dimension to outdoor play, but only for older kids who can focus on targets and not each other.
Year-Round Potential: This idea works in every season with different targets.
Making the Transition Smooth for Your Kids
The key to success with these transformations is involving your children in the process. Let them help brainstorm new uses, set up the activities, and even create their own variations. When kids feel ownership over the “new” toy, they’re more invested in playing with it.
The Bigger Picture: Building Creative Problem-Solvers
These simple toy transformations do more than just extend playtime. They teach children that creativity and resourcefulness can solve problems. In a world where we often default to buying new things, showing kids how to reimagine what they already have is a valuable life skill. As parents, we’re also modeling sustainable thinking and budget consciousness without making it feel like a lesson.
Ready to Transform Your Summer Toy Collection?
Start with one toy that’s been sitting unused and try one of these ideas this weekend. You’ll be amazed at how excited your kids get about their “new” activity, and you’ll love the independent play time it creates.
For more creative play solutions and strategies to get kids off screens naturally, follow Playroom Chronicles on Facebook and Instagram. I share weekly tips for turning everyday items into engaging activities that develop independence and creativity.
Follow Playroom Chronicles or Share This Post On Social Media!
