Good Bubbles: Even though I love being frugal and have tried to make my own bubbles, they never come out as good and it's very frustrating for toddlers to blow bad bubbles. Good bubble liquid is probably worth the small investment. I like the special formula of Gazillion Bubbles. Made by the people of the Gazillion Bubble Show, it makes bubble blowing a breeze. Buy the refill and use it to fill up all the little bottles you get as party favors.

Water Bottle: Katia and I just did the Sigg  Water Bottle vs Klean Kanteen debate. I had to admit that Kleen Kanteens are probably better for people with small kids, unless you are a design snob. Although the new Kleen Kanteens are a little less ugly so I'm even giving them that point. Have to say though I've been enjoying my giant, wide mouth Nalgene bottle which is just so much easier to fill up with ice too.

Swim Shirt: I love swim shirts. Kids hate wearing sunscreen and swim shirts cover a good amount of the most burn-y spots. Swim shirts also don't have to be re-applied after playing in the water. It just makes life easier.

Sunscreen Stick: Nothing makes me feel guitier than when I get sunscreen in my kids eyes. Now I always use a sunscreen stick to apply sunscreen to my child's face. It keeps my kids and me both from crying over sunscreen.

Stroller Shade: Although some of the premium storllers have better sun shades, most strollers can really use better sun protectors to keep little ones out of the broiling sun. The Protect-a-Bub Compact Sunshade and the RayShade are both popular, work with all kinds of strollers and give maximum shade protection.

Water Shoes: Kids shouldn't really be barefoot in the playground. The mats get hot and they can get plantar warts or worse from the wet ground around the sprinklers. Keep their feet safe with some kind of easy to slip on and off Water Shoe.

Water Gun: Without back yards and hoses, filling your water gun at the playground can be a challenge. The Super Soaker Bottle Shot uses regular water bottles as the tank making it easy to fill them at the water fountain, sprinkler or wherever you are.

Swim Diapers: If your child is not potty trained, they are required to wear a Swim Diapers   at public pools. And it's probably a good idea for playgrounds too.

Lock: Again, if you're going to be using public pools you need to bring your own combination lock .

Scooters: Roaming the city this summer? A scooter makes the miles easier with kids and is more city-friendly than a bike. We love our Mini Kick Scooter.

Bike Trailer: There are a couple of different types of bike trailers that make city bike riding easier with little kids. The WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer might be the best, although it takes up the most closet space. The Trailgator Bicycle Tow Bar is great because it connects any kids bike to any adult bike and doesn't take up much room, but you have to have patience to get it set up correctly.

Binoculars: Turn any outing into a safari with Binoculars. Makes a trip to the zoo, the park or even a ride on the bus that much more fun.

More Cheap Fun: water balloons, sidewalk chalk, plastic cups (yogurt containers or other water pouring recyclables), and ice pop makers are all cool ways to entertain the kids practically for free.

Find more great summer ideas in our summer guide.