Summer's here and it's time to hit the beach or campground, or just throw a backyard barbecue. But before you pack up the car or fire up the grill, make sure you've got the gear you need to keep the kids happy. Marianne Szymanski, founder and president of Toy Tips, has a few toys and gadgets to enhance your family's summertime activities.

• The Cooper Cooler by Revolutionary Cooling Systems chills canned and bottled drinks in minutes. Just add ice cubes and water, pop in a drink, and hit the button. The kids will have fun chilling the drinks while you make the burgers.

• The Thermos Grill2Go Fire+Ice by Char-Broil is a cooler and grill rolled into one. Perfect for cookouts and camping, it keeps food cold till you're ready to grill and helps you feed those hungry mouths before they start complaining.

• HandBand by KGI Consumer Products is a pair of high tech gloves that lets you create digital music with your fingers. By slipping on these gloves, playing air guitar takes on a whole new meaning. And it might keep the kids from scratching those mosquito bites.

• Air Boombox from Wild Planet is an inflatable boom box with conductive ink-sensor controls printed on the vinyl. With this ultralight and totally portable radio, the kids can rock out at the campground or just about anywhere. Just watch out for the pine needles! It's due to hit store shelves in September.

• Airwavez by T-Ink is similar to the Air Boombox by Wild Planet. We'll see which one is better!

• Color 'n Drive by T-Ink uses conductive ink technology to let kids operate a remote-control car by drawing. Creative fun for the back deck or patio.

Armed with this arsenal of cool toys and gear, you'll be sure to occupy the kids and keep the grownups happy too.

Posted July 24, 2003
Modified July 21, 2003

Wednesday 7/23
3 p.m. Eastern

Thursday 7/24
9 a.m. Eastern

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