It’s summertime and that means all kinds of outdoor fun to be had! I’m having the best time this summer with an 18 month old. She’s finally old enough to enjoy outdoor activities and it’s finally warm enough to be outside every day soaking up some vitamin D and fresh air. My little gal loves playing in water, sand and mud right now. Less of the later if I can help it haha), but I try and let her explore. I wish we could be going to swimming pools right now, but she loves our mini backyard pool enough as it is. Perhaps we’ll try and make it to one of the beautiful beaches we have here in Chicago this summer too, but I’m still on the fence with the social distancing in place.
At any rate, you don’t need to head to the beach or pool, or even have a backyard to enjoy summer. Since summer activities have been on my mind, I thought it would be fun to round-up some more eco-friendly alternatives to typical plastic-heavy summer play things. I know sometimes plastic is the only option, and if that’s the case, consider buying used or donating/selling once you are through with it to lessen the plastic that ends up in landfills. Here are some items I’ve rounded up that would make a splash this summer for the kiddos in your life:
Clockwise, starting with top LEFT corner:
- Of One Sea Swimwear
Here are some super cute swimwear items! They are made with a “Recycled Blend that brings plastic trash out of the oceans, they are broken down and created into fine threads that are blended to make our luxe soft fabric”. They offer UPF 50+ Sun Protection too! - Patagonia Bucket Hat
This lightweight bucket hat is made from100% recycled nylon fabric with 50+ UPF sun protection. It’s also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. It’s reversible and the colors and patterns are so cute! - Schlori Swim Cushions
These little arm swim floaties are made with no plastic – they are made with 100% cotton canvas. They were created in Germany and have a super unique way of fill and holding air. From what I understand they are constructed so that when the fibers get wet they expand creating a seal and then you inflate and seal off once full. I’m so curious about these! - Kind Kids Club Summer Bucket List Flag
This one is just cute, that’s all! It’s a fun and reusable canvas summer flag. - Plan Toys Sand Play Set
This cute sand play set includes a bucket and 3 unique diggers. It’s made with sustainable rubber wood and colored with non-toxic vegetable dyes. - Our Green House Egg Shaped Sidewalk Chalk
This is a fun and eco-friendly alternative to standard sidewalk chalk. They egg shaped chalks fit well in little hands. Not only is it safer for those little hands as it’s made with natural and organic ingredients, but it’s better and less toxic for the environment when it washes away from the cement. - Sand and Water Table
This water table isn’t like all the others. It’s not made of any plastic, it’s made of metal with a solid wooden top. It’s not only cute, but classy looking too. It would look so nice on a backyard patio! It’s definitely much pricier, but maybe could even be repurposed after use to a flower planter or little garden container. - Ollie + Squish Swimsuits
These swimsuits are made with the cutest patterns, but the best part is that they are also Made with Vita PL, “a techno-fabric made from 100% recycled polyester from pre- and post-consumer materials”. The swimsuits also offer UV 50+ sun protection which is a great bonus. Another cool feature is that they have a sell back program where you can send your old Ollie + Squish Swimsuits (in a free pre-postage mailer bag) and earn money towards a new one. The used suit is professionally cleaned and re-listed in their Pre-Loved Section of the shop. This helps the environment by creating less waste in the landfills and offers huge cost savings. - Zestt Organics Bondi Organic Cotton Kids Poncho
This cute little towel poncho is made from GOTS certified organic cotton with a quick drying fouta towel weave. It’s sustainable, biodegradable and easy to care for. - The Bubble Connection Large Wire Bubble Wand
Everyone loves bubbles, and this wand looks extra fun. You can choose the color and either a circle or heart shape. No plastic is used to make it! - Love Lotte Eco Beach Toy Set
We have this bucket set and LOVE it! This sand set is made from unbleached compostable bamboo and bio-plastic, with a hemp rope handle. It’s so cute and I love that it’s compostable when it’s lived it’s life. It’s such a great alternative to the standard toxic, flimsy plastic toys. If they are lost in the ocean they will biodegrade and not harm the ocean life. - Marleys Monsters Reusable Water Balloons
These are soakable, throwable, washable, and reuseable. They don’t create any plastic waste like traditional water balloons. These are made with acrylic blanket yarn so they are soft and probably safer too! - Eco-Kids Eco Stamp & Sidewalk Paint Kit or Here
This is such a fun idea and alternative to sidewalk chalk. The set comes with 3 eco-finger paints, 3 natural cellulose sponges and 2 compostable trays. The paint is made from all natural ingredients, including some fruits and veggies)!
And there’s my eco-friendly summer fun round-up for kids! If you have anything else to add to the list be sure to share below. Have a safe and happy rest of your summer season!
