Summer’s here, and it’s time to head outside. And while you’re there, why not get wet? Really, really wet. Here are our current water-themed faves for the whole family.
Splash Out (Far Out Toys)
This Q&A game features a ball that holds a water balloon. Then, you set a timer on the ball and players take turns holding the ball while answering a question. As soon as you answer, you pass the ball to the next person who answers the same question. Answer quickly and you stay dry. Hesitate and the timer pops the balloon and you’re all washed up. Comes with waterproof question cards and balloons. Great fun for indoors or out, and, of course, who says you have to limit yourself to water? It all depends on how much of a mess you want to clean up. Ages 8+. Under $18. http://www.farouttoysinc.com/
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Have a little car lover? (Or maybe a big one—after all, Father’s Day is just around the corner…)? Automoblox is an award-winning line of high-quality, collectible, miniature cars. The bodies are made of European beechwood and can be manipulated, mixed, and matched in a variety of ways to create different designs. Oh, and you’ll do all of that without tools. Mini models include the Grizzly truck, X10 Timber Pack SUV with trailer, and the very first Automoblox motorcycle. There are larger options as well, including the BR100 Hercules 16.5″ hauler (which can also be recreated into a dump truck). The Hauler comes with two back ends, a ramp, two mini vehicles, and has room to hold three more. For ages 4+. New minis range from $11.99 to $24.99. The Hauler is $59.99. Get yours on Amazon or 
One of the best ways to learn about history is to read about the lives of the people who lived it. And this new series of books for young readers is excellent. Each of these 64-page books is charmingly illustrated and filled with stories, scenes, and fascinating nuggets from the subject’s life. So if you want to know how Nelson Mandela inspired the world, why Amelia Earhart is an aviation hero, what makes Leonardo da Vinci a genius, why Frida Kahlo is an art icon, and what Marie Curie did to become a science superstar, look no further. Although they’re written for children, adults will love these books too-and they’re perfect to read aloud. For ages 7+. $11.99. 
Got a really little one? This brightly colored, plastic ball with many handles to twist and turn is a great option. It’s also easy to connect to a baby stroller or seat so your kiddo won’t be able to toss it onto any dirty floors (as we all know they so love to do). As the name implies, the Click Clack makes sounds when baby turns the handles, and it rattles as it moves. It’s filled with tiny beads, which make lots of stimulating noise (but not so much that it will drive mom and dad crazy). An excellent choice for baby showers, too. Retail prices vary from $9.99 to $15.99 depending on where you buy, so get your Google on before you shop.
After a 13-plus-year absence, the Incredibles are back (“Incredibles 2” hits theaters June 15), and they’re picking up right where they left off. But you don’t have to wait ‘til the movie comes out to spend some quality time with the Parr family. A crime wave has hit Metroville and Jack-Jack (the shape-shifting baby) is in trouble. Each player takes on the role of one of the Incredibles, complete with his or her powers. But the object here isn’t to defeat the other players. Instead, players work together (just like the Incredibles do in reel life) to thwart a bank robbery, save a cat from a tree, rescue someone from a burning building, or heroically stop some other dastardly evildoer. Aside from the cooperative nature of the game, we really liked the fact that, thanks to random dice rolls and game tiles, you’ll never play the same game twice. For 1-4 players ages 6+. Under $20. http://www.wonderforge.com/
Do you love a good run? Maybe a hike, kayak, or even just some time in the gym? A lot of us like to listen to our favorite tunes (or podcast or audio book or some other kind of audio) while working out. But finding good earphones that can deal with sweat isn’t always easy. The new PaMu TWS wireless earphones are easy to wear, truly have no wires (until you have to charge them, of course), and are sweat-proof and water resistant. They also incorporate several must-have features, including hi-fi sound, auto-connects, touch control, auto pairing that lets you make calls and listen to music while your phone is in your pocket (or even further away), and an in-ear mic. Plus, they come with a portable charging pod that neatly fits your buds and doubles as a travel case, and more. And for ear buds, they’re reasonably comfortable. If you’re a Dr. Who fan, they may remind you of Cybermen. Put in your giant ear buds and then you become a robot working for your new alien overlords. Ok, maybe not. They’re not available in stores yet, but you can snag a pair on Indiegogo before they hit the shelves. 
If you’ve got young kids, there’s a good chance that Q*bert, who was born in 1982, is older than you. But he (or is it she?) has held up pretty well. The classic arcade game has been rebooted several times, most recently in the film, “Pixels.” Now, this loveable, armless, orange creature with the big nose is available as a buildable figure, using 117 LEGO-type pieces. And if you need more early video game throwbacks, you can get Centipede and Frogger figures as well. These kits are for kids 10+, but we think younger ones can handle it too. Prices vary. 
To give you a sense of how great Prana clothes are, here are two actual quotes from a teenage girl who was asked to take pictures of her dad, who was trying on their jeans and hoodie. 1) “Wow. I mean, you look, ah, almost, um, pretty decent.” If you don’t have a teenage girl around the house, you have no idea what an incredible compliment that is. 2) “Hey, can I have that shirt?” The Long Sleeve Hoodie is also from organic cotton and recycled polyester and is incredibly comfortable and lightweight. But the unique design is what will attract the most attention. It comes in black, charcoal, starling (a very light green), and denim (blue). $49. 
This kit comes with everything you’ll need to build five complete projects (called Toy-Cons). Each one starts as a series of sheets of cardboard. Pop out the pieces, fold them (video instructions are available—and extremely helpful), connect them to each other, and decorate to your heart’s content. Then you attach the Switch Joy-Con controllers and the magic happens.
With the fishing rod, you build a “working” rod and reel. Next, you fire up your Switch console and start fishing, for anything from minnows to sharks. You can even design your own fish.
Building a wearable robot suit out of cardboard is a daunting task, but we know you can handle it. Once you’ve constructed and connected all the pieces (including a backpack, visor, and attachments for both arms and legs), you’re ready to step into the game, where you control an on-screen robot (kind of like in Ready Player One) and can punch, stomp, and smash buildings, vehicles, and other minor inconveniences all by yourself, or go robot-head to robot-head against a friend (he or she will need another Robot Kit and controllers). Ages 6+. $69.99 MSRP. 
Includes tape, stencils, and a variety of stickers that you can use to customize and decorate your Labo creations. But you can just as easily use anything you have around the house or that you can buy at your local arts-and-crafts store (like glue, paint, and googly eyes—who doesn’t love googly eyes?). $9.99.
If you are a runner, walker, or hiker, you’ll love the new Launch 5. To start with, they’re lightweight, with a mesh outer layer that keeps things airy. And with “BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning” (which means the whole sole is cushioned instead on just the heel and forefoot), they’re wonderfully comfortable. The Launch 5 is perfect for the gym, trails, sidewalks, and anywhere else. $100 at