Like many kids, mine love to take pictures. The big kids have their own fancy-schmancy digital ones, but my 5- and 3-year-olds are more apt to break conventional cameras than take pictures with them. LeapFrog’s cute green camera is a perfect solution. The picture quality is fine for budding photographers, the 1.5-inch screen can be used as a viewfinder, the built-in flash ensures that the eleventy-billion pictures they take of the rug and wainscoting will be adequately lit, and the integrated photo editing software will let you help them sift through their shots to find their masterpieces. Download the shots to your computer with the USB cable (included), and get ready to really see the world through your kids’ eyes.

$49.99 at Toys R Us.

It’s the summer and one of my very favorite things to do is go on a late-afternoon picnic with my kiddo and husband. This blanket is a recent purchase and truly, it’s the best picnic blanket we’ve had: Sturdy, large, water-resistant, and as a bonus, in a great pattern.

$39.95 @ Amazon

This updated version of the classic game is perfect for a gorgeous day outside or a rainy one indoors. It comes will eight bean-filled bocce balls that won’t crack like traditional ones can, as well as scoring graphics, a white pallino, and a mesh carrying case.

$14.99 at Target.

Looking for a game that will bring the entire family outdoors? Ladderball is great for the beach, a picnic, camping, or just an afternoon out in the back yard. Toss the weighted bolos so that they wrap around a rung of the ladder to score points; the two ladders fold down, making this family game perfectly portable.

$39.99 at Sports Unlimited.