Six of the best outdoor toys

By Peter Jenkinson Will this summer be a scorcher? With optimism as our key ally, we must buy the suncream, paddling pools and more to create a compelling reason for the sun to don his cap.

At the recent debut of the Toyology Outdoor Toy Awards, a group of 30 children - they really do know best - had a day testing out 60 of the best outdoor toys on the market.

To keep your ankle biters away from the gogglebox, check out the top six toys as chosen by the eight- and nine-year-olds.

For more information, visit www.toyology.tv Construction Works - Brik-A-Blok - from £114.95 at www.costcuttersuk.com Invest in this piece of kit and enjoy hours of fun as the children gather round to build a host of interesting back garden properties. This colourful set-up is durable to the elements but most of all it unleashes creativity from everyone that picks up a piece. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, this definitely delivers.

Get Together - Boochie - £17.95 from www.amazon.co.uk New to these shores, this action-packed game will keep a group of four entertained for hours. The rules are simple - throw the Boochie and then try to land your ball or hoop as near to it as possible. But with the wrist tracker giving you crazy challenges - stand on one leg - the gameplay is as addictive as it is difficult. Suitable for the garden, park or beach, it's an absolute summer essential.

Easy Rider - Razor FlashRider 360 - £129.99 from www.amazon.co.uk This gadget is seriously cool. With castor wheels on the back and an over-sized wheel up front, it's sure to give a grin-inducing ride. Add in a brake system that features a spark maker every time you touch it to the floor and you have a very impressive spinning machine.

In The Air - Wicked Light-Up Big Bang Rocket - £12.99 from www.play.com This toy should win a gold medal for simplicity - just stick a piece of paper in the nose and then throw it up in the air as far as those biceps allow. Upon impact with terra firma, it'll make the most explosive sound, as well as flashing its multi-coloured LEDs the entire time.

Bullseye - Zing Air Z-Curve Launcher Bow - £14.99 from www.menkind.co.uk There isn't another blaster-type toy that can come close to this one. Load up your foam-tipped projectiles, pull back on the elasticated launcher and let rip. A few playthings claim lengthy distances, but there aren't many that can match the 125ft achievements of this archery set.

Jump Around - Plum 6ft Trampoline with enclosure - £149.99 from www.argos.co.uk There are plenty of jump around playthings to choose from but this one from the outdoor experts at Plum has ticked all the boxes and is triumphant in the outdoor bouncing arena. It's easy to assemble, good value for money, and jumping good fun!

App of the week: Foam Fighters - AppGear planes from www.toysrus.co.uk - £9.99 for two. Free app available on Android and iOS.

After you've taken delivery of your planes, pop and grab the free app download and prepare to take to the virtual skies. With your plane at the front of your handset, it adds an extra element of realism as you dog fight your way around the front room. There really isn't any more fun to be found in the land of apps.