We need outdoor toys for kids that encourage open-ended play.

These outdoor toys for kids may be a little different than what you are used to seeing. 

That’s right! These outdoor toys are ones that encourage more thinking, balance, and creativity outside. These toys may be a little different than what you are used to seeing on a gift guide because these outdoor toys are also a lot like supplies.

These are the toys and supplies your child needs to extend their time outside and enhance their imagination.

Let’s push beyond one and done, and take outdoor time to the next level with this outdoor toy list. 

Outside Supplies that Make Great Outdoor Toys 

First, let’s start with what gets my boys out to explore the outdoors. We don’t need the latest and the greatest. Nope. What we need is an outdoor space. With a handful of the right toys, the rest will take care of itself over time. 

From our well-loved water bottles to favorite hiking backpacks, these are items we use daily.

The kid’s camera comes in various colors, and the pictures can be uploaded to your computer. The boys never leave home without it! We’ve also included our cherished bike helmets with unique designs. There are so many to choose from!

1. Water Bottle 

2. Kid’s V-Tech Camera 

3. Rainboots

4. Bike Helmet

5. Hiking Backpack

6. Kid’s Pack

Outdoor Open-Ended Toys

Allow these open-ended toys to take the lead with innovative play!

Open-ended toys inspire a different way to play each time they are used. This means that children take the lead in directing problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance. 

Without a doubt, this collection of toys is one of our favorites to entertain the boys and allow me to sit back and supervise along the sidelines.

1. Sidewalk Chalk

2. Kitchen Sink Toy

3. Digger & Scooper Excavator

4. Gardening Tools for Kids

5. Wheelbarrow for Kids

6. Walkie Talkies 

Sensory Supplies for Outdoors

These outdoor toys are certainly not traditional, but let me assure you that they are true winners. 

Not only are these outdoor supplies essential, but they also bring on a crazy amount of exposure to higher-level thinking. 

These simple supplies lead to some EPIC outside play, from squeezing to scrubbing the garage doors with a bucket of soapy water. Even better is that all of the items listed above strengthen little hands for pencil grip and introduce strong science concepts. 

To be fully transparent, you need these items for informal ways to learn through play. 

1. Squirt Bottles 

2. Squeeze Bottles

3. Funnels

4. Scrub Brushes

5. Measuring Cups

6. Large Tongs

Outdoor Gross Motor Toys

Let’s fire up the large muscles in the body with these action-packed toys. 

The balance bike is one of the most used outdoor toys we own. I am certain all the years of practice on this bike is what allowed my older two sons to be able to hop right onto a pedal bike and ride away.

The balance bike has created memories that I will forever cherish from their childhood. The up and down roller coaster is always a hoot, and the ninja line has a permanent place in our backyard.

Here are some of our more treasured outdoor toys.

1. Balance Bike

2. Kickball

3. T-Ball Set

4. Up and Down Roller Coaster

5. Soccer Goals

6. Ninja Line

Let’s get outside and spark play with these outdoor toys for kids!