Our curated list of the top 10 best outdoor toys for children. This compilation has been meticulously assembled after extensive research, ensuring that we cover a wide spectrum of interests, age ranges, and play styles. We’ve considered an array of toys available on the market, upcoming trends, and the type of play that genuinely captivates kids outdoors. Moreover, we’ve had the privilege of gaining insights from industry expert Maddie Michalik, senior editor of the Toy Insider, and have even explored their toy headquarters in New York. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect outdoor toy that not only fosters fun and creativity but also encourages healthy physical activity. Read on to discover the coolest, most exciting outdoor toys for kids currently available.

Outdoor play is crucial for a child’s development. It offers opportunities for exercise, creative play, and interaction with nature. Here are the top 10 outdoor toys that can help make time outside both fun and beneficial for kids.

1. Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

Transform your backyard into a personal playground with the Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide. This bright and colorful slide is designed to bring the fun of a playground straight to your home, providing kids with endless hours of climbing and sliding fun.

Pros:

  • Durable plastic design for long-lasting use.
  • Easy to assemble and store.
  • Good for developing gross motor skills.

Cons:

  • May be too small for older children.
  • Needs a soft surface or mat at the bottom for safe play.

2. Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

Imagine a toy that can serve as a playhouse, a patio, and an interactive station, all in one. The Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse does precisely that, offering children a multifaceted outdoor play experience.

This playhouse is a product of Step 2, known for creating innovative and engaging toys that promote learning through play. It is designed to provide a versatile play space that blends classic make-believe with hands-on activities. Suitable for children from ages 2 and up, it caters to various stages of a child’s development.

Pros:

  • Multifunctional with water and sand play areas.
  • Comes with a canopy for sun protection.
  • Encourages imaginative play.

Cons:

  • Takes up a considerable amount of space.
  • Assembly can be time-consuming.

3. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike offers an innovative approach to teaching children the fundamentals of cycling. This bike is designed to help kids, usually between the ages of 18 months to 5 years, learn balance and coordination, key skills needed to ride a traditional bicycle.

Strider, the manufacturer, is renowned for its high-quality, durable bikes that encourage kids to explore the joy of biking at an early age. Their philosophy focuses on teaching children to balance first, eliminating the need for training wheels, and making the transition to pedal bikes smoother and more intuitive.

Pros:

  • Teaches balance and coordination.
  • Adjustable seat and handlebar heights.
  • Durable steel frame.

Cons:

  • No pedals for actual biking.
  • More expensive than other kids’ bikes.

4. Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

Engage your kids in thrilling, high-flying fun with the Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes. These unique toys are designed to get children moving and ignite their interest in the basic principles of physics and aerodynamics.

Stomp Rocket, the company behind these engaging toys, specializes in creating products that encourage active, outdoor play. Suitable for children aged 5 and up, the Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes offer an exciting way to demonstrate cause and effect, while also encouraging physical activity.

Pros:

  • Encourages learning through play.
  • No batteries are required.
  • Durable design.

Cons:

  • Rockets may get lost or stuck in high places.
  • Requires a fair amount of space to fly rockets safely.

5. Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit opens the door to a unique, exciting, and competitive outdoor game that brings people together. Combining elements of volleyball and four square, Spikeball has quickly become a favorite among families, students, and athletes alike.

Pros:

  • Encourages physical activity.
  • Easy to learn and play.
  • Comes with a carrying bag.

Cons:

  • Requires at least 4 players.
  • A bit pricey compared to other outdoor games.

6. Little Tikes T-Ball Set

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Little Tikes T-Ball Set is a fantastic introduction to the world of sports for your little ones. Specially designed for children aged 1.5 to 6 years, it is a fun and easy way for kids to learn the basic skills and coordination needed for t-ball and baseball.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height for growing kids.
  • Develops hand-eye coordination.
  • Comes with five balls.

Cons:

  • Balls are lightweight and may not withstand heavy hits.
  • Best for younger children, not challenging for older kids.

7. Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster brings adventure and excitement to outdoor play. This toy blaster from Nerf, a trusted leader in play-action toys, offers kids a fun and safe way to engage in imaginative play.

Pros:

  • Comes with 6 Elite darts.
  • Fires dart up to 90 feet.
  • Encourages outdoor, active play.

Cons:

  • Darts can get lost easily.
  • Small parts can be a choking hazard for younger kids.

8. Swingball All Surface Portable Tether Tennis Set

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Swingball All Surface Portable Tether Tennis Set invites kids and adults alike to a fun-filled, competitive game that can be played anywhere. This playset offers a unique twist on traditional tennis, providing endless entertainment for families and friends.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height for different ages.
  • Portable for play anywhere.
  • Encourages active play.

Cons:

  • The ball and cord may tangle.
  • Needs a relatively flat surface for best play.

9. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

Summers become a lot more fun with the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler. This whimsical outdoor toy, designed to look like a bouquet of bright flowers, brings joy and excitement to those hot summer days.

Pros:

  • Easy to use – just attach it to a hose.
  • Encourages water play and cools down kids in summer.
  • Durable design.

Cons:

  • Water pressure can vary.
  • May not be suitable for areas with water restrictions.

10. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper

[content-egg module=AmazonNoApi template=item_simple Next=1 hide=title]

The Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper is a perfect introduction to the classic Pogo stick, designed with safety and fun in mind. This pogo jumper is a unique outdoor toy that can provide hours of active play for children aged 3 and up.

Pros:

  • Durable foam design.
  • Good for developing balance and coordination.
  • Suitable for a range of ages.

Cons:

  • May not be challenging for older kids.
  • Can only be used on certain surfaces.

which is the best di for kids’ outdoor toys?

  • DIY Swing: A swing is an absolute classic in terms of outdoor play. You can build a simple tree swing or a more complicated set, depending on your skill level and the materials you have on hand. All you need is a sturdy piece of wood for the seat, some rope or chain, and a strong tree branch or a dedicated swing set frame.
  • DIY Sandbox: A sandbox can provide hours of imaginative play. You can easily build one from scratch with some wood, sand, and a few basic tools. Add a canopy for shade and it can turn into a perfect summer play area.
  • DIY Outdoor Chalkboard: An outdoor chalkboard can be a great outlet for children’s creativity. You just need a piece of plywood, some chalkboard paint, and a place to hang it. Kids can draw, write, and play games on it, then wipe it clean and start again.

 

why do you choose kids’ outdoor toys?

  • Promote Physical Activity: Outdoor toys often encourage kids to be active, running, jumping, climbing, and more. This helps develop their motor skills and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
  • Learning about Nature: Playing outdoors can also help children understand and appreciate nature. It can spark an interest in the environment and wildlife.
  • Social Skills: Outdoor toys can promote cooperative play, which aids in the development of social skills like teamwork, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
  • Enhance Creativity: Many outdoor toys (like sandboxes, water tables, etc.) can stimulate a child’s imagination and creativity.
  • Health Benefits: Exposure to sunshine provides kids with the necessary Vitamin D. Also, spending time outside may improve vision and reduce the chance of nearsightedness.
  • Reduce Screen Time: Outdoor play reduces the amount of time spent on screens, which can be beneficial for a child’s mental and physical health.

How We Selected the Best Outdoor Toys for Kids

We’ve delved into extensive research on a myriad of outdoor toys available in the market, considering various factors such as types of toys, styles of play, age categories, and trending favorites for the current year. Furthermore, we had the privilege of consulting with Maddie Michalik, the senior editor of Toy Insider, and even visited their toy headquarters located in New York. This allowed us to gain deeper insights into the types of toys that particularly engage children in outdoor play, the emerging trends to watch out for, and the latest, most exciting outdoor toys available at present.