There’s nothing like watching your kids play outside. I like to grab a seat and watch them play on the sidelines close enough to supervise, but careful not to disrupt their thinking. As a parent, I have little doubt that you want to help them let their imaginations run wild and learn about the world around them – and the best way you can do that is by providing the right kinds of outdoor toys for kids.
What’s great is that the toys you provide your children lead them to become more active and more creative. Let’s jump into this list of fun backyard toys for kids to help them maximize their time outdoors.
What should I buy my child to play outside?
The best toys to entertain kids outside are sidewalk chalk, balance bikes, ride-on toys, climbing domes, shovels, stopwatches, and sensory water tables. Open-ended toys allow your children to let their imaginations take over. Without one specific way to play with them, open-ended outdoor toys for kids can be used each time differently. Children who play with these toys also learn to collaborate and persevere as they trust themselves to test limits.
Children can squeeze out their creative juices or explore their surroundings with more fun with these toys, making them favorites for hours of entertainment. Gah, I just LOVE this list of outdoor toys for kids.
TOYS FOR KIDS
After attending the NYToy Fair, I updated this list with the best toys for kids in 2023-2024. Open-ended toys your child will grow with.
How can I use a water table with kids?
Add kitchen supplies such as measuring cups, funnels, mixing bowls, and large spoons to your child’s outdoor water table. I wrote this post to highlight the best water tables for kids.
Why? Because sensory play is a great way to learn. Everyday household items can be used in many ways to help kids play. They will get to learn a little bit of basic science while exercising their little hands when they play with a couple of supplies you can easily find at home.
From a simple sense of wonder with bubbles to imaginary play with some tongs, your kids can learn much from playing with these simple outdoor sensory supplies.
How do I keep children entertained outside?
Backyard toys for gross motor skills help children develop physically. These are a little more common but definite musts to include in your list of essentials for playtime outside. Helping your kids flex their muscles and stretch their limbs with these things will also help them learn more about their bodies and gain more confidence.
My memories with my two older sons on their balance bike are especially precious to me, but things like the up-and-down roller coaster and the ninja line are also tons of fun.
Lastly, you can give your kids supplies to turn the outdoor play into adventure time. These useful items can be used outside daily. Picking outdoor toys with your child is a fun activity that can excite them to play outside.
How can I make my backyard fun for kids on a budget?
The best way to make backyard fun for kids on a budget is to pick toys that last for years. These include the climbing dome, riding toys, wheelbarrows, and balance bikes. Use these outdoor activities for kids to maximize their time outside.
This list of outdoor toys for kids will make your children’s playtime full of color and variety. Aside from giving them a chance to learn more, move around, and exercise their creativity, these toys effectively get your kids up on their feet and out of the house to imagine, explore, and get tired of having fun.
Gross motor outdoor toys
Gross motor skills involve full-body movements, mainly involving larger muscle groups, like the torso, arms, and legs. Balance and coordination are part of it, too. Here is a list of our favorite outdoor toys that improve gross motor muscles.
Climbing Dome
As the boys grow older, their energy level increases. (how could that be?) This climbing dome is a great way to build strength and coordination or just sit and chat with friends in the backyard.
Outdoor Cones
Use these outdoor cones for games, setting up play spaces, riding bikes, or anything your child finds useful. We use these cones all of the time!
Moon Balls
This Moon Ball is a lot of fun to play with! It bounces super high, and kids love testing its limits. This makes a fun gift that gives kids something to do after unwrapping. (wink, wink)
Molkky
This outdoor math game is a fun outdoor toy for big kids and adults. Be the first to knock down your pins and get 50 points to win!
Micro Kickboard
These kickboards now fold! Easy to store and LED lights on the wheels. Great for ages 5-12.
EzyRoller Ride on Toy
These are a blast if you have an empty lot near you or a sidewalk to ride on! Ages 6 and older. This is a fun outdoor toy for big kids.
Ride-on Tractor
Another toy coming in from memory lane! My brother gifted my oldest this years ago, giving us years of fun. This ride-on tractor is a great introduction to learning how to pedal as you cart things.
Kid’s Water Table
This is your winner if you are looking for a water table that goes beyond a sensory bin. It is a great height for toddlers and preschoolers to spend the day scooping, pouring, and making observations about water through play.
Outdoor Gardening Tools
Have a little digger? Try this gardening set to learn how to dig in an area with some extra dirt. These tools are fun to incorporate gross motor practice and maybe even a little help around the house.
Kid’s Wheelbarrow
Another favorite way to incorporate gross motor skills and have a little extra help around the house. This kid’s wheelbarrow is a great size and a fun way to play outside.
Co-Op Balance Bike
Between the pedaling toys listed in this outdoor toy list and the balance bike, my boys took off the second they were ready for a bike kid bike. Skip the training wheels and build confidence on this bike. We love this balance bike!
Kid’s Tricycle
My boys love the tricycle, and we kept it on the back porch to practice pedaling. They still buzz around the back deck on a tricycle at eight. Between this and a balance bike, they got the practice they needed to hop on a pedal bike when they felt ready.
Cozy Coupe Ride-on Car
The Cozy Coupe and childhood are like peas and carrots. They just go together.
Kid’s Roller Coaster
Okay, can we talk about the kid’s roller coaster? We were gifted this gem shortly after my youngest was born; dare I say, it stayed in the house a little longer than it needed to. I will take all the child-led entertainment I can get with a new baby. Moving it outside elevated the fun and brought the neighborhood together for some epic play.
Kid’s Trampoline
This kid’s trampoline is wonderful for indoor and outdoor fun. It doesn’t take up much room and helps regulate emotions and regulation.
Car Wash Splash Center
How cute is this? This was not around when my boys were younger, but my boys would have enjoyed this!
Stomp Rocket
Have you tried the stomp rockets? You must. Children are entertained by stomping and launching rockets into the air. Another amusing way for kids to spend time outside.
Outdoor Soccer Goal
Have a soccer player? These goals have been great for the boys to shoot goals and play in to make a fort.
Kid’s T-Ball Set
Not only is this toy fun, but it is terrific for hand-eye coordination. Sit along the sidelines as your child takes swings to spend time together without being super hands-on.
BulziBucket
Does your family enjoy outdoor games? Add this to your list. Get the energy out before bedtime with a little competition and fun.
Kid’s Bow and Arrow
Target practice in the backyard? Sure thing. This outdoor toy has been another great way to spend afternoons after school and weekends outside.
Little Tikes Slide
This slide brings back so many memories. We keep it in the backyard for the boys to play with. Over the years, this slide has been used for them and as a ramp for toys to zip down. A simple win.
Fine motor outdoor toys for kids
These outdoor toys help children build strength in small hand muscles and are a great way to spend the day playing outside.
Sidewalk Chalk
Could I do life without sidewalk chalk? It probably wouldn’t be as great. I vividly remember two toddlers with sidewalk chalk as my youngest bounced on the driveway’s edge in his bouncer. Grab a pack of sidewalk chalk for the days that feel extra long.
Walkie Chalk
Ready to level up your chalk experience? We got this chalk stick, which is helpful for larger drawings or paths.
Rocket Copters
My boys found these this year and have not put them down. We bring them to soccer games and spend countless amounts of time outside shooting them up one at a time. Hands-down, the BEST.
Simple Stopwatch
Stopwatches are great fun for kids. How fast can you run around the house? How long does it take you to take the garbage out? How many Legos can you pick up in 60 seconds? See where I am going with this? This simple stopwatch has many uses. (wink, wink)
Kid’s Walkie-Talkies
Our neighborhood is on a giant walkie-talkie system to stay in touch with parents. I love this set of three that helps kids communicate through outdoor play.
Squirt Bottles
Squirt bottles may not have much of a wow factor when presented, but they are a must for outdoor sensory play. Add this to your gift giving for many months of use your child may not have realized they needed.
Cozy Pumper
Need an addition for the Cozy Coupe? We have great fun with the Cozy Pumper. The boys love taking gas orders and sending one another on their way once filled up.
More Toys List for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
The best toys to entertain kids outside are sidewalk chalk, balance bikes, ride-on toys, climbing domes, shovels, stopwatches, and sensory water tables. Open-ended toys allow your children to let their imaginations take over. Without one specific way to play with them, open-ended outdoor toys for kids can be used each time differently. Children who play with these toys also learn to collaborate and persevere as they trust themselves to test limits.
Keep the balance bike in a space indoors or outside for your child to get a feel of how it works. Allow your child to sit on the balance bike or watch videos of kids riding. Here I share the best bikes for kids.
The best way to make backyard fun for kids on a budget is to pick toys that last for years. These include the climbing dome, riding toys, wheelbarrows, and balance bikes. Use these outdoor activities for kids to maximize their time outside.
