The Best Toys Aren't Things: Why Connection and Experiences Matter More...Summer FUN on a budget!

By Dr. Deb Zupito

Experiences Matter!

Let’s be honest. If you’ve ever stepped on a tiny plastic toy barefoot, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Do they really need all this stuff?” The answer, backed by both child development research and countless lived parenting moments, is...nope!!!

Preschoolers don’t need bins full of toys to thrive. What they really need are rich, real-world experiences that spark their senses and build connections. Yes, screens have a place. A cozy cuddle while watching a short nature show or FaceTiming Grandma absolutely counts as meaningful time. But too much screen time can dull the very senses that kids are meant to be exploring. The real magic, the kind that builds brain architecture, is found in what they can touch, see, hear, and do with you.

So let’s look beyond the toy aisle and step into something better: shared experiences, sensory play, and the great outdoors. And yes, they can all be budget-friendly too.

The Brain on Experience: What our Kiddos Really Need

When young children explore their world with their senses, they're literally wiring their brains. Running fingers through dirt, watching squirrels chase each other, hearing the buzz of a cicada, tasting watermelon under the sun, these moments are packed with brain-boosting power.

Connection and co-experience light up areas of the brain that help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. A toy might distract for a few minutes. But a walk through a park with a curious adult? That's memory-making. That's emotional safety. That's childhood, well done!!!!!!!

Local Treasures: Free and Low-Cost Adventures in and Around Collingswood, NJ

If you're ready to swap some toy time for together time, here are some easy, joyful ways to get started. right here in our community.

Knight Park – Collingswood

This gem of a park features a charming playground, wide open lawns, and winding paths for walks and bike rides. In the summer, you might even catch an outdoor concert or movie. Pack a picnic, bring bubbles, and let nature lead the way.

Collingswood Farmers' Market

Open Saturdays, this bustling market is full of sensory exploration—colors, smells, people, live music. Give your child a dollar and let them choose a fruit or flower. That’s a lesson in autonomy and appreciation all in one.

Cooper River Park

Just a short hop from Collingswood, this riverside park is ideal for stroller walks, leaf collecting, or quiet observation. You'll often find ducks, boats, and friendly faces. It's the kind of slow adventure that invites conversation and presence.

Cape May County Park & Zoo – FREE!

A must-do day trip. The zoo is free to enter and filled with opportunities to see, hear, and move. Visit the lions, count flamingos, or have a picnic by the playground. The surrounding park offers trails and open space, perfect for a full day of play.

Fasola Park – Deptford

Looking for summer fun? This park has a fantastic splash pad, also free. It’s sensory gold. Water, laughter, sunshine, and space to run. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You’ll stay longer than you think.

Batsto Village – Historic Nature Walks -FREE!

Want a little history with your hike? Batsto is a preserved village in the Pine Barrens where families can explore nature, peek into the past, and stretch their legs all in one visit. Admission is free, and it’s open year-round.

Free Public Beach – Wildwood Crest (Cape May County)

One of only a few New Jersey shore towns offering free, lifeguarded oceanfront beaches! Sugar-soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space for building, digging, or floating with the tide. Pack a bucket, a picnic, and sunscreen; sunshine therapy is included. fellowshiplifeinc.org+2visitnj.org+2instagram.com+2fellowshiplifeinc.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3

Big Fun, Small Budget: Why It Works

When we strip away the clutter, we get more clarity. Fewer toys and more time together mean less overwhelm for you and your child. It means more space to notice, connect, and grow.

You don't need expensive memberships or hours of planning. You need a blanket, a snack, a curious spirit, and the willingness to say, "Let's see what we discover today.”

Make it even more magical by turning outings into games:

• Scavenger hunts (Find something soft, something red, something that moves)

• Texture talks (How does that leaf feel? Is the bark rough or smooth?)

• Animal conversations (If you were a flamingo, what would your name be?)

• Outdoor Picnic (Pack a blanket, lunch, a ball, frisbee, or a good old-fashioned board game, and take the day, chillin outdoors!)

  
  

Final Thoughts

Your child doesn't need more things. They need you. Your attention, your laughter, your curiosity. The world is filled with simple, beautiful, enriching experiences. Many of them are FREE! SO, step over the plastic toys and step into the sunshine. The best memories are made outside, hand-in-hand, with grass-stained knees and full hearts.

Let me know if you try any of these spots... I'd love to hear what you and your little ones discover.