What are some of the best outside toys for kids for all seasons? Kids, get off the screen and get moving! Here is a great list that will surely inspire you.
Many parents blame their kids for watching too much TV, in fact, most kids are not addicted to screens. The reason that they stay inside and stick their faces to the TV is that there is nothing better to do! How to resolve this? Provide them with the most fun outside toys for kids.
Outside toys for kids come in all shapes and sizes. If you have a big yard, playgrounds and ball toys are great choices. But if you don’t have much outside space, there are plenty of portable toys and small toys that can also keep your children busy and engaged.
What are some of our favorite kids-approved outside toys? You will be delighted with these wonderful choices in the market today.
More Toy Ideas:
Best Outside Climber Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It features a platform design suitable for multiple kids
- It offers five activities
- It can be used indoors or outdoors
Is your little one a sports enthusiast? If so, he will be delighted by Costzon 5-in-1 Playset. This all-in-one compact playground has everything he dreams about.
This playground features an activity center that is inviting and fun to kids. It can be placed in a playroom, or outside the backyard or patio. It’s made of high-quality plastic that can withstand rough weather and preserve its color.
This sports center invites your little one to climb, crawl, slide, and brush up on his basketball skills. What many children love the most is the telescope. It’s a beautiful outside toy for kids to enjoy imaginative play.
Best Outside ArcheryToys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It comes with all archery essentials
- It is compact and light for kids to carry around
- It can be easily set up in the backyard or a park
Not everything is looking for an outside toy for their backyard. If you prefer to buy an outside toy that is portable and can be used for parks, campsites, or hiking trips, we recommend the Bow and Arrow Set.
This archery toy comes with two sets of bows, arrows, nerf guns, 20 foam darts, as well as a target on a stand. Your little one will be thrilled with how many different ways they can use this toy and share it with his best friends.
As an outdoor toy, this toy set is designed for more than just home backyards. Your little one can easily carry it around to a park, his friend’s house, a BBQ party, or a camping trip. It is designed to help kids learn to focus, how to use their arm and waist muscles, and how to share with friends.
Best Outside Shooting Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- The spinning target is fun and inviting to use
- It teaches kids about competition and teamwork
- It can also be used inside the house
Some kids have a passion for shooting games in their genes. If you are looking for a shooting game that is safe, can be used outdoors, and is fun to use, your best option is the Shooting Game for Kids Set.
This toy features a brilliant spinning target that increases the difficulty level. There is a control to make the target stationary, spin fast, or spin slowly. You can customize the setting based on your little one’s proficiency level and outside wind conditions.
This toy can be moved around easily so you can use it inside on rainy days or in winter. It is one of the best outside toys for kids to practice hand-eye coordination and stay concentrated. It is also a great outdoor party toy that brings a little flavor of competition among children.
Best Outside Playset Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It has a removable canopy for sunny days
- It features water toys and a sand pit
- It encourages kids to use their imagination
Kids love to copy their parents. But when it comes to barbeque or cooking, the safest way is to let them play with their imagination using a toy set. Step2 Playtime Patio is a perfect toy for this purpose.
The reason we love this toy a lot is that it’s packed with awesome features. It boasts a barbeque grill, a breakfast bar, a water tower, and a sandpit. On the hot summer days, your little one can enjoy her entire gang at the playhouse, and every kid will have something to play with. The four sides of this playhouse are easy for kids to get in and out of.
We saw many parents place this playhouse on the patio. While mommy and daddy are cooking for the family, your little one will be busy making her own food with her friends. If it’s too sunny outside, you can easily put up the canopy to help protect your child’s delicate skin.
Best Outside Slingshot Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It doesn’t require any setup
- It encourages kids to explore nature
- The foam balls are safe for people and pets
Not everyone has the time or energy to set up a big outside playground. Sometimes, you are just looking for outside toys for kids to play with spontaneously. We recommend the Might Fun! Wooden Slingshot.
The manufacturer also calls this toy a mischief maker. It’s meant for kids to interact with others as well as nature. The foam-popping balls can shoot over 25 feet! Since it doesn’t come with an artificial target, your kids can set up their own just using things you already have in the backyard. Your children can also bring this toy with them for any outdoor occasions.
We love the touch and feel of the slingshot. It is made of wood and features a modern design. It also provides four color options for both boys and girls.
Best Outside Baseball Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It is easy to set up, move around, and store away
- It can fold flat
- The height of the T is adjustable
Does your little one like to practice ball hit? This T-Ball Set is perfect for your active child to practice baseball, softball, or Wiffle ball both outside and inside.
Many parents who love to host yard parties are impressed with how popular this simple-looking toy is among children. Because it’s easy to take along and set up, many children love to bring this toy out and share it with their friends. This set comes with five plastic balls and an oversized bat. The ball holder has different height adjustments and you can customize it according to your child’s height.
While playing with this toy outside, your little one immerses himself in nature, get exposure to the beautiful sunshine, and gets oxygen-rich fresh air. It’s a great toy to also help steer children away from the screen.
Best Outside Gardening Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It comes with gardening tools and plastic flowers
- It teaches children about plant anatomy
- It provides a realistic gardening experience
Not all kids enjoy running around outside, but there are many ways to enjoy nature. One of the best outside toys for kids who have a passion for gardening is the Kids Gardening Tool Set.
For one, this all-in-one gardening toy comes with 71 pieces of gardening accessories, including a wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow is designed for small hands and is a breeze to push and pull. This toy also comes with flower puzzles that teach your little one the structure of real flowers. A functioning water can normally becomes children’s favorite and they love to use it on real plants as well.
Besides doing pretend play, your little one can use these children-safe functioning tools to participate in yard work with you. It’s a great outside toy for kids to actually experiment with grown-up horticulture activities right outside your home.
Best Outside Rocket Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It is exciting to see the rockets launching into the sky
- It invites kids to compete with each other
- It is made with heavy-duty material
When we first bought the Rocket Launch Toy for Kids for one of my daughter’s parties, all kids had a blast playing with it. It is one of the best outside toys for kids and adults.
This rocket launch is super simple to operate, once assembled, your little one just needs to stomp on it. Whether they choose to use one foot, or two feet, to jump or stomp, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are using it out in the open, not under a roofed area, you will be fine. It is super fun to compete with friends and siblings on who can launch the rockets at a greater distance.
This toy created so much buzz at our party and kids even lined up to play with it. It was so popular that even adults joined the competition. This inexpensive gadget is a must-have for outside parties. Just remember not to use it inside the house if you don’t want to break the ceiling.
Best Outside Bumper Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It provides a safe way for kids to do belly bumping
- It can be deflated for easy storage
- It’s great for winters
One of the quirky outside toys for kids is the Banzai Body Bumper. At first glance, you will be intrigued by how this thing works, but once you put it on your children, they will figure out how to have fun with it immediately.
These body bumpers measure 25 inches long when inflated. Once your little one wears it on them, they can start chasing and bumping his “enemies”. This toy encourages kids to run, hop, and strengthen their full-body coordination. It makes the chasing game even more fun! The only advice I have is to avoid using it in steamy summers as it can get quite hot. But it’s perfectly fine to use on sunny winter days.
It can be difficult to motivate kids to go outside in winter especially if you live in the Northeast, there are not too many activities to do. These bumpers are perfect for colder days because it helps your children generate body heat while enjoying the beautiful view outside.
Best Outside Playhouse Toys for Kids
Little Tikes Cottage Playhouse
What Makes It Special?
- It features an adorable cottage design
- It encourages kids to use their imagination
- Kids can place kiddie furniture inside
Toddlers are full of creative imaginations. One of their favorite pretend-play activities is to manage their own little house. Little Tikes Cottage Playhouse is a great gift for them to enjoy some getaways.
What I love about this cottage playhouse is how realistic it looks. It even features a real mail slot! To make it more fun, your little one can decorate her vacation house with her favorite furniture and home decor. This playhouse can be used both outdoors and indoors. It’s made with robust waterproof material. The corners are made with rounded edges so you don’t need to worry about your children bumping into them.
What my kids also love to do is to paint their playhouse with crayons, pens, and glitters. Sometimes, I give them a little bit of paint to make it more fun. But I only recommend it to older children.
Best Outside Camping Toys for Kids
What Makes It Special?
- It includes 30 camping essentials
- It helps keep kids entertained on camping trips
- It is portable and easy to clean
Many outdoorsy people love camping. If your little one wants to learn to set up his own tent and run his own expedition, he will be thrilled when you present him Meland Kids Camping Set.
We bought this set for our daughter for her birthday, and it made our camping trip that summer so much more fun! This toy set comes with more than just tent and campfire essentials, it also includes tools to explore the woods. Your child will learn to use tools such as a toy knife, binoculars, and compass for the first time! The dedicated toy set for them gives them a sense of ownership and will make imaginative play more fun.
Camping is one of our favorite summer activities. With this toy set, camping is not only a family trip but an educational opportunity for parents to teach kids about wilderness survival.
Best Outside Sand Toys for Kids
Costzon Retractable Sandbox with Canopy
What Makes It Special?
- The sand pit can slide under the platform
- The entire set is easy to move around
- The panels for the gazebo can be removed
Many boys and girls love to play with sand. There is something magical about sand and water that kids just can’t play with them enough. Costzon Retractable Sandbox with Canopy will become your little one’s best friend in the summer.
Unlike many other sandboxes, the Costzon Sandbox is designed with many brilliant features. The sandbox can be pulled out or pushed in, depending on how many kids are playing together outside, and how much space you have. The wheels on the poles make it super easy to move the sandbox around. Moving a sandbox is one of the biggest pain points for parents because sand is super heavy. The added mobility helps move kids in and out of shades possible.
This sandbox is a little expensive for outside toys for kids, but it can be seen as an investment. With your little one now spending more time outside while you enjoy a sip of wine on the deck, there is a precious moment of peace, happiness, and harmony.
Best Outside Playground Toys for Kids
Backyard Discovery Wood Swing Set
What Makes It Special?
- It can be used for big parties
- It features multiple activities
- It’s suitable for kids between 3 to 10
Do you have a big family and all the kids love to hang out at your place? Well, you will make their visit even better by adding the Discovery Wood Swing Set in your backyard.
My nephews, nieces, neighbor’s kids, and my own little ones are party animals! When one comes over, all others come over. That’s why we can’t say enough how much we love this wood swing set. This set features swings, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, a big slide, and climbing ropes. When you have lots of little visitors, the best way to let them have fun without making a mess is to let them stay outside. And this swing set has been a lifesaver for our busy days.
Though the initial setup can be a little work, the payback of this toy is tremendous and lasts for years. It is one of the best outside toys for kids who love to play in groups.
What Makes the Best Outside Toys for Kids
To encourage your children to be more active and be on their feet is not easy. But if you entice them with some fun and interesting toys and activities, they will turn into a party animals instantaneously. That’s why so many parents are looking for the best outside toys for their kids.
So what makes an outdoor toy the best? The answer is any outside toy that is fun for your children, safe to use, and fits within your budget. Here are some general tips that we share with other parents to help identify such toys for their own children.
- Find an outside toy that matches your children’s hobbies and interests. It’s better to purchase toys that your children are already showing interest in than to force them to play with something they don’t like. For example, if your son loves playing with balls and your daughter loves watering flowers for you, then you can get a basketball toy for your son and a gardening toy for your daughter.
- Find one that is easy to carry around. If you purchase a toy that your little ones really love to use, how great would it be if they could bring the toys with them everywhere they go? That’s why we love outside toys that are compact, easy to carry, and lightweight so that kids can be responsible for taking their own toys.
- Be flexible about buying different types of outside toys. Outdoor toys are great investments. They are not only just gadgets to entertain your children, but a great tool to steer them off screens, and encourage them to stay active and stay close to nature. So don’t limit yourself to buying only one or two outside toys. There are plenty of inexpensive ones in the market today and feel free to let your little ones try them all.
- A shareable outside toy can be a great party favor! If you always have kids coming to your place, get an outside toy that can be shared among them. It can be a large playground or a small archery set. These toys are great tools to teach kids about teamwork and competition.
Summary
Whether it’s summer or winter, we should always remind our kids to go outside, breathe fresh air, and spend time in nature. Great outside toys for kids provide excellent activities for kids to do when they are out and about. Which outside toy is your little one’s favorite?
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.
