The best games & toys for the summer holidays

Whether you've already mapped out the school holidays with a spreadsheet, or you're winging it week to week, we have the toys and games you need to keep everybody smiling. These are the must-haves that kids truly take time to play with, which helps to slow them down and create a feeling of calm. Ideal for busy parents, and busy minds. Think of them as mindfulness for you and your mini-me, whether you choose to get involved, or to hide yourself away in a (spa) cupboard.

Whatever the weather, kids love to make a splash. From tactical aquaduct builds to water blasters and slippery water slides, statement sprinklers and the paddling pool, there really is no better shortcut to summer fun. Just add water.

The holidays are the perfect time to invest in some outdoor kit – from croquet sets to kites, and swingball to trampolines. But gettign outside doesn't need to cost a lot, try a bug hunt with your minis, or the ultimate quick win? Bubbles. Always.

One for rainy days or those days when you need to get stuff done. These are the top-rated indoor toys; the ones that kids WILL play with for more than five minutes – while improving their shape-matching and observation skills, imagination and worldly knowledge. Bliss.

For parenting on-the-fly, these easy travel wins help keep kids entertained come car, train or plane – from colouring pads and sticker books to fidget toys and card games the whole family will love – these are the travel toy-shaped heroes that make your journey that little bit easier. 

Need to tempt your offspring away from nanny Netflix? From toddlers-to-tweens, kids love textural, sensory play – and parents love the minimal mess. Cue kinetic sand, or jewellery-making, or the dreamy, spillage-free paint pop sticks. Research says that sensorial play can help to encourage mindfulness, too.