The summer fun season is truly here. Many keiki are or will soon be on a summer break, and the time is right for play — particularly that of the outdoor persuasion. So we went looking for toys that kids would relish. We asked a group of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders what they like about a group of outdoor toys. It was a warm day, and our testers played like crazy. Once again, we found that the universal rule of kids and summer is that they love to get wet and messy. Here are some of the toys the group liked best. Their advice might help you choose toys for outdoor fun this summer.

A GREAT WATER TOY

GEYSER GUSHER WATER CANNON

Geyser Guys; for 5 and older; $7.99

This toy is fun to play with at the beach or in a pool, and offers a really cool lesson in physics. While standing in the water, you hold the cone out in front of you and quickly pull it back toward you through the water. The power of your pull sends a thick stream of water flying through the hole at the top of the cone. Impress your friends by telling them that the physics principle involved is called the Venturi effect.

TOY TEST FAVES

FLYTECH DRAGONFLY

WowWee; for 8 and older, $49.99

Our testers loved the lifelike sound of the wings and the unpredictable flying path of this remote-controlled insect. Its cellophane wings are tougher than they look; it survived several run-ins with tree branches.

"I like that when it flies in the air it goes in circles and comes back to you."
— Dominique Murray, 9

"When it hits the ground it's funny, and it doesn't break."
— Ama Mason, 10

SPIDER-MAN DELUXE SPINNING WEB BLASTER

Hasbro; for 5 and older; $24.99

A cool contraption that attaches to your arm and sprays a spiral deluge of water or stringy webbing on its victim. Webbing refills are expensive, though, at $5.99.

"I liked it because the web was all wet and sticky."
— Evangela Vance, 10

"I liked it because it rotates around rather than just sprayin' in one place."
— Naim Adams

OTHER GOOD TOYS

SIDEWALK PAINT SPRAYER

Crayola; for 6 and older, $14.99

A fun twist on sidewalk chalk. Spray washable paint on your driveway. A nice safety feature allows you to spray only down — not at friends.

"I like that you can write with it."
— Patricia Glover, 9

"You can make designs and stuff."
— Fidel Kangara, 11

BIG BUBBLER

Spin Master; for 4 and older; $9.99

Pull the wand out of a long sheath that has bubble juice in it, and press the button. Couldn't be easier to make huge bubbles.

"I love that thing. It makes a bubble that goes all around you."
— Dominique

"You can fly around and make one big bubble."
— Isiah Tyler, 9

JUNK BALL AND STRIKE ZONE

Little Kids; for 6 and older; $6.99-$19.99

The ball in this backyard baseball game has holes, so the pitcher can serve up curveballs and fastballs that not many 9-year-olds normally throw. Kids also liked the feel of the bat and the backdrop that tells if a pitch is a ball or a strike.

"I like the thing in the back because it tells you if you've got a strike or not."
— Dominique

"You could adjust the ball, so that was good."
— Fidel

ZOINGO BOINGO

Spin Master; for 8 and older; $29.99

This updated version of a pogo stick is not easy, but once you get the hang of it the bouncing is good fun — until you fall off. Maybe you should use elbow and knee pads.

"I'd love to get it for my birthday or Christmas."
— Cai King, 9

"I liked it because it was challenging."
— Fidel