There’s nothing like watching your kids play outside. No words describe the joy of seeing them go all out to enjoy themselves. 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.
Some of the toys I’m talking about might be slightly different from what you have in mind, but many of them will be familiar. What’s really great is when the toys you provide your children lead them to become more active and more creative. Let’s jump right into this list of backyard toys for kids to help them make the most out of their time outdoors.
Different Kinds of Outdoor Toys for Kids
When you’re outside, there are endless possibilities for the kinds of games that your children can play. This time is an opportunity to choose outdoor toys for kids that encourage their growth and
Open-Ended Outdoor Toys for Kids
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 differently each time. Children who play with these things also learn how to collaborate and persevere.
Children can squeeze out their creative juices or explore their surroundings more fun with these toys, making them favorites for hours of entertainment.
The Best Toys for Kids
Choosing the best toy for kids can be a daunting task.
Here are the BEST toys for kids of every age and stage.
Outdoor Toys for Kids: Sensory Play
Sensory play is always good for children. Common household items can be used in lots of ways to help kids play in ways that are less traditional but more mentally stimulating. 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 at soap bubbles to imaginary play with some tongs, there are lots your kids can learn from playing with these very simple objects.
Backyard Toys for Gross Motor Skills
There are also outdoor toys for kids that can help them 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.
The memories I have 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.
Some Supplies for Outdoor Play
Lastly, you can give your kids some supplies to turn the outdoor play into adventure time. These don’t really toy in the usual sense, but they’re really useful items that can be used outside daily. Picking out these things together with your child is a fun activity and can get them much more excited to play outside.
Practical things to keep your child comfortable and safe playing outside can also be turned into fun additions to the adventure kits they bring when playing outside the house.
Getting Your Child to Play Outside
These outdoor toys for kids are guaranteed to 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 are effective in getting your kids up on their feet and out of the house to imagine, explore, and get tired of having fun.
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 so helpful for larger drawings or paths.
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.
Cozy Coupe Ride-on Car
The Cozy Coupe and childhood are like peas and carrots. They just go together.
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.
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 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.
Kid’s Watertable
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.
Car Wash Splash Center
How cute is this? This was not around when my boys were younger, but my boys would have enjoyed this!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Squirt Bottles
When presented, squirt bottles may not have much of a wow factor, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
More Toys List for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Good outdoor toys for kids are toys that work for your outdoor space. The roller coaster, Cozy Coupe, Rocket Copters, and balance bike are my favorites.
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.
Kids typically revisit their favorite toys. You do not need many to kick off open-ended play.
