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Today’s piece is for you if your kids can’t get enough time outside. We’re going to show you the greatest outdoor toys for kids! Children will prefer spending time outside over playing devices or watching TV if they have more time and chances to do so.
Let’s face it. Kids love to play outside as much as they love to stay inside and play video games or watch TV.
But if you’re like most parents, cost is a major concern when buying outdoor toys that encourage imaginative play and work on fine motor skills.
Luckily, there are plenty of fun outdoor toys for kids of all ages such as a splash pad, giant bubbles, sidewalk chalk playsets, more. We are looking for toys that provide open-ended play and fold up for easy storage.
From educational toys to those that encourage creativity and independent play, there are tons of games and activities that keep kids entertained for hours on end. The only problem? There are so many awesome options available that it can be hard to narrow things down.
Read on to learn more about some of great outdoor toys for kids available today that you can use in your own backyard.
How Many Hours A Day Should Kids Play Outside
Kids these days spend way too much time inside and in front of screens. Experts say that kids should be outside for at least three hours a day. That’s right—three hours!
It’s important for kids to get fresh air and natural light in order to boost their mood and get a good dose of Vitamin D.
Let’s face it: sitting inside all day is not healthy. However, this number can vary from child to child, depending on their age and developmental stage.
Babies, for example, should be outside for at least two hours a day, while toddlers and preschool-aged kids should get about three hours. School-aged children should play outside for a minimum of five hours a day.
What to Look for in Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
Age Level
It is important to check the age level of the toy you are buying. When a toddler plays with a ride-on or other toy designed for larger children, they risk being harmed or becoming irritated and disappointed. New outdoor toys for kids of all ages are always a better bet.
Play Type
Choose a few different sorts of play if you’re buying two or three outdoor toys for the summer. Get one toy that includes water, such as a sprinkler, one for imaginative play, such as a playhouse, and one for creativity.
You’ll also want toys that teach fine motor skills, like chalk, and gross motor skills like trampolines. Toys that promote physical activity are the best for young kids.
Durability
Your outdoor toys will be exposed to all types of weather, regardless of where you live, and should be made to survive rigorous play as well as seasonal changes.
Safety
Consider safety while purchasing a toy, particularly for children (a sharp bike wheel or a slide that is too high, for example, should be avoided) or when using water.
Space
Consider your backyard and how much space you have for outdoor games. You’ll also need a neat way to store your backyard toys so take that into consideration as well. I like toys that fold up for easy storage.
Best Outdoor Toys For Kids
Sandboxes
Sandboxes are so much fun. I would recommend one that has a cover so you can cover it when it’s not in use and keep the neighborhood cats away. You should only need to get a few pounds of sand every year unless your toddler empties out the sandbox more often. Some sandboxes double as a picnic table for extra outdoor fun.
Water Tables
Our water table has been put to a lot of use. They’re also ideal for compact locations, such as our back deck. It may also function as a sand or sensory table. You can also get water toys as additional play pieces for your water table play. Some water tables have a little rock wall where you can pour water down for extra fun.
See: Water Table Activities For Toddlers
See: 6 Best Water Tables For Kids For The Best Sensory Play Experience
Radio Flyer Scooter
If your little one loves scooting around the neighborhood, then he or she will love this Radio Flyer Scooter. Crafted from high-quality materials, this scooter is built to last and can support up to 200 pounds.
It comes fully assembled, so it’s ready to go right out of the box. Plus, it features wide, non-slip footrests, an adjustable handlebar, and a removable basket, so it’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Whether your child is just learning how to scoot or an experienced scooter pro, this scooter is a great choice. With its classic design and fun colors, it’s sure to catch attention while out and about.
Pedal Car
If your little one isn’t ready to scoot just yet, a pedal car might be the perfect first ride-on toy for him or her. This Pedal Car is a great choice for kids aged 2 and up.
It’s crafted from high-quality materials and is built to last. It features a brake pedal, a removable floorboard, and an adjustable seat, so it grows with your child.
It makes a great gift for toddlers and preschool-aged kids and is sure to be a hit at any birthday party.
Sprinklers
The sprinkler fosters vigorous outdoor play and improves coordination. You can use your garden sprinkler or upgrade to a fun and fancy sprinkler – regardless, it’s water and your young children will have a blast – guaranteed.
Kiddie Pools
My kids love their kiddie pool, even now that they are older. I love to dip my own feet into the kiddie pool to keep myself nice and cool as well. We usually just have the basic pool since the yard is sloped, but if you can get yourself a whole pool center with a slide and everything…well that would be the best.
Bubble Machines
I don’t know how old kids are when they stop liking bubbles… my 8 year old still loves them. But i personally don’t love blowing bubbles for my toddler all day long which is where these cute bubble machines come into play. You can get a bubble machine that makes giant bubbles for hours of fun.
Swings
Swings benefit the vestibular system and are a great toy for your yard. Here are a few swing ideas for you to consider. I wish I had a tree in the backyard that I could hang a swing off of. We used the stand alone swing with saucer!
Slides
Slides are a great outdoor toy, especially if you can’t make it out to the playground as often as you’d like.
T-Ball Sets
Your child can work on their hand eye coordination skills with a cute t ball set like this one.
Bean Bag Toss Game
Cornhole boards or bean bag throw are entertaining for youngsters in any shape, but I like this one because of the plush fabric and pop-up storage. This makes it considerably more kid-friendly than the previously mentioned woody variants! It also helps with spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
Push and ride Toys
The rider toy is one of the greatest outdoor toys for children under the age of three who want to be like their larger siblings but aren’t quite ready for the motorised yard vehicles and toys.
Tricycle
Your children can ride around the backyard until they hit the 2 wheel stage if your yard is large enough. I personally love the radio flyer trikes for toddlers, but any trike with a handle for the parent is a great option. You can also get balance bike that is super fun for the yard like this.
Fort Building Kit
These are fantastic (far better than the pillow/sheet combinations I used to make as a kid.) This is the ideal indoor/outdoor exercise for encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and stem learning.
With 150 pieces, your children will be able to strike the right mix between engineering and fun while focusing on creating their most inventive forts. Let your child’s imagination soar with such a perfect toy for backyard fun.
Dome Climber
A Dome Climber is a backyard must have. They don’t take up as much room as you’d think. Kids can fine tune their gross motor skills, and use their imagination with these domes too.
Water Slide
You cannot go wrong with water play on a hot summer day. A water slide like this is a great backyard toy for kids.
Scooter
Kids love scooters as outside toys. They’re ideal for a local cul de sac, an empty parking lot, a walking track, or a sidewalk, among other places. This one is fantastic because it has lights and a rear brake for added safety.
Archery Set
My kids love their bow and arrow archery set like this. We used it indoors in the winter time but now that the sun is out they play with it in the backyard.
Capture The Flag Set
Glow in the dark capture the flag anyone? So much fun to be had if you have some friends over to play.
Playhouses
Kids love to make up their own games and pretend they’re grown-ups. This means that they often need things like playhouses and kitchens to facilitate their imaginative play. If your child loves to pretend he’s a grown-up, you can encourage his creativity with a playhouse or kitchen.
This KidKraft Outdoor Wooden Playhouse is a great choice if your child loves to play outside. It’s made from durable materials, is easy to assemble, and has a doorbell that actually rings. It comes in several different designs, so you’re sure to find one your child will love. Your little one can have hours of fun playing with this playhouse or can invite friends over for a playdate.
Gardening Toys
Do you kids love shovels and rakes? Mine do too. You can let them use these tools safely by providing them with a playset like this one.
Kids love to get their hands dirty and explore, but most parents aren’t thrilled about the mess their little ones can make. Luckily, there are lots of fantastic outdoor toys that are great for indoor and outdoor play.
This toy features a raised gardening bed that’s great for growing real plants. It also includes a sloped pathway, a water wheel, and a couple of cute gardening accessories as well. Kids can use these toys to create a miniature garden right in their own backyard.
It’s a great way to get kids engaged in an activity that’s both educational and fun. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids more interested in gardening and the food they eat.
This toy is great for kids of all ages, but it’s best for those who are 5 and up. It’s also best for kids who have some outdoor space to play with it; it works best when kids are able to grow the plants indoors or in a greenhouse.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are super fun, and children absolutely love them. You can use something like this or something like this in your yard, depending on your child’s age. Metal detectors promote open-ended play that the entire family can join in on.
Telescope
If your kids love to look at the night sky, then a telescope is a must have summer toy. You can go basic like this for toddlers or a little more advanced like this for older kids.
Pogo Jumper
Most children love to jump around, and this pogo jumper one of our favorite outdoor toys. My First Flybar foam pogo stick provides hours of bouncing, healthful fun. This is a great first pogo stick for youngsters, made of tough foam that produces a pleasant squeaky sound with each hop.
Plasma Car
Kids love toys that let them get outside and get moving, but many of the best outdoor toys are too advanced for younger kids. That’s where the plasma car comes in! This toy is designed to help young drivers develop their skills and gain confidence behind the wheel.
It’s an electric car with a built-in rechargeable battery and a remote control, which means kids can drive it indoors and out. It’s a fantastic way to get kids interested in cars and help them build up their coordination and confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to get them outside and moving.
This toy is best for kids who are at least 8 years old and have some experience with driving. It’s important to note that this is not a toy car; it’s more like a go-cart. It’s not flashy or fancy and it doesn’t go very fast. This is a toy car for kids who are still learning how to drive and need to build up their skills.
Step 2 Up and Down Roller coaster
Kids love to play and create, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with new and exciting activities. The up and down roller coaster will definitely keep kids engaged and excited as they build their own track and create their own unique roller coaster.
It includes a set of interlocking pieces that kids can use to build and create their own track. It’s a great way to get kids interested in engineering, architecture, and design. It’s also a fantastic way to get them playing and engaged indoors or out. This toy works best for kids who are 3 and up. While the coaster comes with pieces that can be connected in different ways, it doesn’t come with instructions.
It’s important for parents to help their kids set it up and understand how it works.
Kids Headlamp
Kids love to explore and get creative with their toys, but sometimes it’s hard for them to see what they’re doing. That’s where the kids headlamp comes in! This fantastic toy is designed to snap onto a child’s head and illuminate the area around them. It’s the perfect tool for kids who like to get creative outdoors after dark.
This toy is great for camping, spelunking, exploring, and more. It’s a great way to keep kids safe and engaged when they’re out after dark. This toy works best for kids who are 5 and up. This is a fantastic toy to help kids explore and engage in creative play outdoors. It’s also a great way to keep kids safe when they’re out after dark.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Games
Kids love to play outdoors, but it can be hard for parents to come up with new activities to keep them busy. The best way to solve this problem is to get creative with how you play outside. One fantastic way to do this is with a nature scavenger hunt! This activity is a lot like a treasure hunt, but it has a science and nature twist.
It’s a great way to get kids engaged in outdoor play by having them explore their surroundings. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to science and learn about nature. This is a great activity for kids of all ages and abilities. This is a fun game that children can play alone or with friends. You can make it as easy or difficult as you like by changing the number of items they have to find.
Stomp Rockets
Stomp rockets like these are something that we buy every summer. Unfortunately with my kids they don’t last very long but they are a huge hit!
kites
Kites are great fun for little ones. I like to buy kites from the dollar store every year because they get ruined from so much play!
Water Baloons
Who doesn’t love a good water balloon fight? They’re super fun and a great activity for kids of all ages; from toddlers to teens, everyone can join in on the fun. The only downside? They take a lot of set-up and organization. That’s where water balloons come in! These fantastic toys make it easy for kids to fill up and throw a bunch of water balloons, all on their own.
Plus, they don’t require a lot of cleanup, so they can be used indoors or out. When buying water balloons, it’s important to find a set that has plenty of room in the balloons themselves. If they’re too full, they’ll pop right away and become a giant mess. It’s also helpful to find balloons that are a bit larger in size, as they make it easier for kids to fill them up without them spilling everywhere.
Bubble Mower
Kids love to get outdoors and get their hands dirty, but most parents don’t love the idea of their kids playing in dirt and getting it all over them. But what if there was a way for kids to get the best of both worlds? Enter the bubble mower! This fantastic toy lets kids enjoy the fun and freedom of mowing the lawn, while also creating bubbles.
It’s a great way for kids to get some fresh air and exercise, but it also comes with a ton of added benefits. First, it encourages kids to get outside and engage in physical activity. Second, it helps kids develop fine motor skills and hand strength while they play.
Third, it creates bubbles, which is super fun and entertaining! Kids will love getting outside and playing with this fun toy, but parents will love it too. It’s a great way to get kids playing and engaged outdoors while also keeping them clean.
It works best in open areas with lots of space, so it’s best for kids who are old enough to use a push mower.
Mud Kitchens
Do your kids love to get muddy? Then maybe a mud kitchen would make a great addition to your backyard toys! Pretend stove top, easy open oven, functional faucet, detachable water basin, and lots of storage for culinary tools and toddler outside toys are all included in the Play Kitchen.
Trampoline
Another bouncy idea for backyard toys is a trampoline. I know not everyone has the space for a huge trampoline. We have a 36″ trampoline that lives inside in the winter and outside in the summer. A 60″ trampoline would be awesome for a toddler as well, and I’m loving the look of this one with a basketball hoop and safety netting.
Conclusion
Kids love to play outside and experience fresh air and sunlight. However, you must be careful when letting your kids play outside. You must ensure that they are safe while they play.
You can do this by purchasing the best outdoor toys for kids. These toys are great for helping kids stay active while playing outside. They also keep kids entertained while they play outside.
