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If your kids can never get enough outside time, today’s post is for you! We are sharing the best outdoor toys for kids! The more time & opportunities that children have to spend outdoors, the more they will prefer it over playing electronics or watching TV.
Best Outdoor Toys for Kids
As a former teacher and play therapist, I love knowing that our kids are learning through play, so today I’ve researched the best outdoor toys for kids!
Outdoor Toys for the Younger Children
These 23 best outdoor toys for kids are great because they are budget-friendly & can breathe new life into your children’s outdoor adventures this year! We’ve posted some of our favorite toys with affiliate links so you can find them quickly & easily!
1. Lil Tykes Turtle Sandbox with Lid
This sandbox is a classic, and for good reason. It gives kids hours of play-time, has the ability to be covered, and it’s small enough that you can put it just about anywhere. I’m pretty sure my friends even used these for sled-riding when we were kids!
2. Splash Patrol Sprinkler
This sprinkler toy from Melissa & Doug is one of my favorites because of its cute design and its ease to assemble. It attaches easily to a hose for outdoor fun for the whole family, as well as an adorable way to water the garden. The sprinkler encourages outdoor active play and helps develop coordination.
3. Sunny Days Toy Bubble Mower
If there’s one thing I know about little kids, it’s that they so badly want to “help,” and do all the things that grown-ups do! Give them the chance to help mow the lawn. Our kids spent hours using this toy when they were younger – plus, if they are “helping” a parent, it’s a great time for connection and to foster independence.
4. Fisher Price 3 in 1 Swing
Like the sandbox, a swing is another backyard staple. Also, you can’t beat the versatility of a swing, as this one can even be fit to your front/back porch securely, no oak tree is needed.
The best part about this swing is that it can be converted three different ways so you can keep it even as your kids grow up.
5. Big Dig Sandbox Excavator
Hands down this was my son’s favorite gift for his 2nd birthday. Some of us adults might have tried it, too.
6. Bubbles & Bubble Machine
There is really no explanation needed on this one. You can buy a pack of three for $1 at the Dollar Store or for a little more, grab this bubble machine from Amazon. It’s the perfect toy to pull out when you need to do some outside chores with toddlers – it will keep them occupied and close by.
7. T-Ball Set
I adore this classic T-ball set that helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination while letting them play ball like the “big kids.” Both the bat and ball are plastic, which makes it safe for children as young as three.
8. Basketball Goal
Just like the T-ball set above, this small basketball goal is great for younger children to develop motor skills. You can also bring it inside on a rainy day because it takes up very little room.
9. Fold-up Bean Bag Toss Game
Any form of cornhole boards or bean bag toss is fun for kids, but what I like about this one are the soft fabric and pop-up storage. This makes it much more kid-friendly than the wooded versions! It’s also great for hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
10. Push n’ Ride Racer
Another oldie but goodie. This rider toy is one of the best outdoor toys for kids under three years of age, who want to be like their older siblings, but aren’t ready for the motorized yard cars and toys yet.
11. Radioflyer Tricycle
Wow! Did you know this classic bike comes in pink now, too? I love this version because it comes with a push handle attachment so that toddlers aren’t left out if they can’t quite pedal yet.
12. Water Table
We have gotten so much use out of our water table. They are PERFECT for small spaces too, like our back deck. It can double as a sand or sensory table too. You can even make your own sand & water table with these plans.
Outdoor Toys for the Older Kids
13. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
I’m all for active toys and play. I love any toy that promotes physical fitness, especially from a young age as it builds great habits. The best part about this Obstacle Course is that the kids are having so much fun – they don’t even realize it’s exercise.
14. Sky Nook Hanging Swing
This swing is perfect for napping, reading, or just hanging around. It can be used inside or outside, so you can relax anytime and anywhere you want. I know our kids would be spending their sunny afternoons curled up with their favorite book.
15. Fort Builder
These are great (way better than the pillow/sheet combos I made growing up.) This is the perfect indoor/ outdoor activity that promotes creativity, problem-solving, and stem learning through play.
With 150 pieces, your kids will find the perfect balance between engineering and entertainment while concentrating on building their most imaginative forts.
16. Birdie Golf
This unique game combines badminton and mini golf for hours of fun outside.
17. Triple lane Water slide
There are two things that make this water slide from Amazon different then others. First, it was designed with safety in mind, and even has special boogie boards so no scraped or bruised knees and elbows. Second, it has three lanes so everyone gets to take their turn at the same time.
18. Scooter
Scooters are great outdoor toys for kids! They are perfect just about anywhere: a neighborhood cul de sac, empty parking lot, walking track, sidewalk, etc. This one is great- it comes with lights and a rear brake for safety.
19. Rope Tree Swing
Many of us probably had the tire version of the tree swing growing up. You know, the one that got so much use that the grass underneath gave way to dirt? Cue heart eye emoji.
Our versatile climbing rope one of the best outdoor toys for kids because it has multicolored platforms to help them reach the summit, it can also be used as a fun rope swing seat! Plus, it’s easy to set up, so that makes it even better in my book. 🙂
20. Body Bumpers
Kids are going to want you to buy this just for the laughs. As a boy mom , I know how much they like to run around and play rough anyways, so why not put a bubble buffer on?
21. Deluxe Bug Catcher Kit
For all those kids who can’t get enough of things that are ooey, gooey, creepy and crawly.. This is for you.
I love that this kit comes with so many tools that my kids already love to play with including binoculars and a flashlight. This is perfect for homeschooling! Think of all of the science lessons that you can come up with while incorporating this toy into the lessons.
22. Kids Archery Set
Now your kids can channel their inner Merida. How cool is that?
No worries mom and dad, the arrows are suction cups, and the entire piece is designed with the child’s safety in mind.
23. Capture the Flag (Glow in the Dark version)
They say, “Save the best for last.” We certainly did with this Capture the Flag toy. I mean catching lightning bugs on summer nights is great, but capturing the glow-in-the-dark flag?? Even Better!
Outdoor Toys Create Adventure!
I read a quote that said, “It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms the child.” It couldn’t be more true. These are the best outdoor toys for kids but they are just the beginning. Encourage your child to let their imaginations soar, playing, running around, and inventing new games and activities!
