The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages, Even the Screen-Obsessed Ones (2024)

Enjoy the great outdoors with these fun outdoors toys for kids

ByLatifah Miles

andKatrina Cossey

Updated on August 25, 2023

Medically reviewed byTyra Tennyson Francis, MD

Fact checked byLatifah Miles

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages, Even the Screen-Obsessed Ones (1)

Whether your kids are tiny toddlers or school-aged, one thing that they can definitely agree on is that playing outside is a whole lot more fun with the right toys. Heading outdoors to play can encourage your kids to break away from their screens and interact with the world around them. When the weather shifts from frigid to warm, having fun, durable, and engaging outdoor toys in the backyard or park can be a real boredom buster.

The right outdoor toys should be age-appropriate and entertaining. If the toy is designed for an older child, your toddler will likely be uninterested, not know how to play with it, or harm themselves while playing. “With so many options for outdoor play, parents or caregivers should look out for toys that will match kids’ interests," Maddie Michalik, senior editor at Toy Insider, tells Verywell Family. "Kids who are into sports might want options that will test their skills; creative kids will love outdoor crafts; techy kids might love drone[s] and remote-control vehicles!”

To select the best outdoor toys for kids, we spoke with Michalick and researched the designs and features of more than 40 toys available on the market. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on toy safety. We considered age recommendations, interests, design, ease of use, size, and overall value when reviewing products.

Our Top Picks

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In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • How We Selected

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Verywell Family

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Portable

Cons

  • Batteries not included

  • Requires foam solution refills

The Fom Mania Foamalanche machine is rated the highest on our list because it is a unique toy that will get even your most reluctant kiddo outdoors. The easy-to-use machine comes with a foam solution concentrate that creates piles of airy, sudsy foam for outrageously fun backyard play dates, parties, or regular sunny day hangouts. The portable machine has a child-friendly design so your kiddo can simply press a button to get the foam party started. This toy is not recommended for kids under 3 years old due to its small parts.

To ensure that the toy continues to function properly, you should only use the foam concentrated solution (that should be diluted with water), and purchase refills separately.

Pros

  • Non-toxic bubble solution

  • Comes with tips and tricks guide

Cons

  • Only works with bubble solution

It is a well-documented fact that kids go bananas over bubbles, so we know that they will go bonkers for this four-piece giant bubble kit by WOWMAZING. Made for kids as young as 6 years old, the kit comes with two packets of biodegradable, non-toxic bubble solution, a bubble wand set, and a booklet to help your family create the jumbo bubbles of their dreams. Although this is a toy designed for kids, we really think that it is a perfect activity for the entire family to enjoy!

Pros

  • Parent-controlled speed lock

  • Three speed settings

  • Go-kart drifts in third gear

Cons

  • Speed lock is tiny (easy to lose)

This Radio Flyer go-kart will turn any yard into a racetrack. This electric go-kart features three forward-driving speed options, including 2.5, 5, and 8 miles per hour, but parents can lock kids out of third gear with a special detachable piece. One of our writers received a sample from the brand, and now her 3-year-old son is on his way to speedway stardom.

The go-kart arrives in several pieces, but assembly is a breeze. The company includes detailed instructions, so we never struggled to determine which pieces went where and how. We love the adjustable seat so kids ages 3 to 8 years old can ride comfortably as they grow.

The front tires feature rubber traction for maneuverability, while the large rear wheels make the go-kart drift in third gear. The Radio Flyer Ultimate Electric Go-Kart comes with a rechargeable battery (charger included), so all you have to do is plug it in for a recharge before the next race.

Pros

  • Big enough for multiple kids

  • Comes with 13 accessories

Cons

  • Doesn’t have pre-drilled holes, making assembly challenging

Toddlers love playing in and around water, especially on a warm and sunny day. The Step2 Tropical Rainforest Water Table allows your toddlers to engage in sensory water play safely. This extra-large water table has enough space to accommodate a few kiddos, as well as 13 accessories to keep all of them entertained. The brightly colored rainforest theme encourages toddlers to use their imaginations, while the upper canopy tray creates a cool rainfall effect. Parents will love that the no-leak drainage system will keep the water in place until you’re ready to empty out the basin.

Pros

  • Multiple waterspouts

  • Small, portable design

Cons

  • Probably not big enough for older kids

What is better than hopping through the sprinklers on a super hot summer’s day? Nothing! This adorable child-sized sprinkler is the perfect addition to your backyard, especially for the days when you want your little ones to engage in more open-ended fun. All you need is a garden hose, which will let you increase and decrease the water intensity. Then the splashing can begin!

Pros

  • Two molded seats

  • Cover included

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with sand

Bring the joy of the sandbox to your backyard with this adorable crab-shaped box from Step2. This roomy crab comes complete with a hardtop to keep pets, bugs, and neighborhood critters out of the sand. With the capacity to hold 300 pounds of sand, this box features molded seats so your tots aren’t sinking into their sandy creations.

The 14 Best Water Tables of 2024

Pros

  • Meets ASTM safety standards

  • Includes hand grips

  • Weight capacity of 600 pounds

Cons

  • Costly

Get ready for your house to be the go-to hangout spot with this dome climber by Lifetime. This UV-resistant, free-standing dome features high-density polyethylene resin rock hand grips to help kids climb safely while working on their coordination skills. The dome is playground-quality and meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety. With 6 feet of space to climb and explore, this dome will get plenty of playtime.

Pros

  • Four toys in one (three detachable)

  • Working headlights on SUV

  • High quality

Cons

  • Binoculars are low-powered

The Little Tikes Big Adventures Safari SUV isn’t just a vehicle; it includes three detachable toys, like binoculars (wheels), a compass (back tire), and a flashlight (SUV’s lights). One of our writers received a sample of this toy from the brand and loved its versatility. While the binoculars are low-powered, our writer’s 3-year-old son loves looking through the “wheels” of the SUV while playing outside. The best part? Whether your kiddo plays with all the pieces together or separately, they get to explore the world around them and enjoy it.

Best for Collaborative Play

Koosh Double Paddle Set

The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages, Even the Screen-Obsessed Ones (10)

Pros

  • Open-ended game

  • Comes with ball

Cons

  • Replacement balls are pricey

Encourage your kids to play together, peacefully, with this outdoor paddle set by Koosh. The super lightweight paddles have a trampoline-like bounce that makes hitting the stringy Koosh ball easy and fun. We love that there aren’t any set rules so your kiddos can engage in open-ended, creative play as they make up their games. Ideal for kids 8 years old and up, this set is great for the backyard, beach, or park.

The 12 Best Ride-On Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Adventures

Pros

  • Simple introduction to physics concepts

  • Comes with four rockets

Cons

  • Lighter kids may have trouble launching the rocket far

Your kids will have stars in their eyes as they watch this little rocket soar! Powered by your kid's energy, which we know they have plenty of, this rocket doesn’t require charging or batteries and comes with four rockets for continuous fun. These ambitious little rockets can reach up to 20 stories, or 200 feet in the air, with a single stomp. While it may not look like a STEM toy, it is a great way to introduce your child to the basic mechanics of physics and simple machines.

Pros

  • Can reach up to 100 feet in distance

  • Fins help increase speed and precision

Cons

  • Hard plastic body and fins make it difficult to catch

Calling all football enthusiasts! Your kiddo will feel like a pro football player when they get their hands on the Aerobie Sonic Fin Football. Endorsed by Seattle Seahawks player Russell Wilson, this football has an innovative design that allows it to pick up air as it soars. The ball’s fins help it spin in order to increase speed, reach distances up to 100 feet, and achieve precision with every throw.

The Best Outdoor Games That Everyone Will Want to Play

How We Selected the Best Outdoor Toys for Kids

We researched the dozens of toys on the market that are made to be played with outdoors. We considered different types of toys, different types of play, age ranges, and the emerging trends that kids will be looking forward to this year. We also consulted with Maddie Michalik, senior editor of the Toy Insider as well as visited their toy headquarters in New York to learn more about what type of toys kids love to play with outside, the trends to keep an eye out for, and the coolest new outdoor toys available now.

What to Look For When Buying Outdoor Toys For Kids

Age Appropriate

Just like the toys that are made to use indoors, outdoor toys should be age-appropriate. Staying within the recommended age guidelines outlined by the manufacturer will help you identify the toys that will be entertaining and safe for your child to play with. Older kids are unlikely to be entertained by a water table while toddlers can become easily frustrated trying to figure out how to play with a ball and paddle.

“Age recommendation is super important for purchasing any toy for kids of all ages—outdoor or not," Michalik tells Verywell Family. "There are a number of reasons for a manufacturer’s age recommendation on a product, including safety reasons and required skill level. There are instances where it can be up to the discretion of the adult, but we strongly recommend sticking to the manufacturer’s age recommendations in all instances.”

Safety

When it comes to kids of all ages, safety is always a priority. We know that accidents happen, even with eagle-eye supervision. To help protect your little one while they play, age guidelines can be the first step to assessing the safety of a toy. Also, keep in mind that children should have supervision when playing outdoors, especially when they are playing with water toys and ride-on toys, which can sometimes lead to accidents and injury. We also recommend using the toys as they are intended to be used to prevent pieces from breaking off and creating other hazards.

Outdoor Specific

We know that some toys can be used both inside and outside and that some indoor toys are OK to bring outside (like your child’s favorite doll or jumbo blocks). However, when it comes to buying toys that are going to live outdoors, you should consider the kind that are specifically created to be used outside. Typically outdoor toys are weather-resistant and can withstand more wear and tear, while indoor toys might be totally ruined if left out in a rainstorm.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to clean my outdoor toys?

    All toys should be sanitized and cleaned periodically. For outdoor toys that are left out in the elements, you’ll want to wipe them down to clean away dirt and debris. Cleaning your outdoor toys will help them stay in tip-top shape longer.

  • Can regular toys be played with outside?

    While your child can take their regular toys outside, it is likely that they will be damaged, sometimes beyond repair. “Pay attention to labels on toy packaging or instructions that may specify that recommended use for the toy is inside or outside," Michalik says. "Watch out for toys that require batteries that are not specifically made for outdoor use.”

    Since indoor toys aren’t made to hold up outdoors in the dirt, water, or heat, they are susceptible to falling apart, becoming discolored, or completely shutting down.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Latifah Miles is a commerce editor at Verywell Family and has several years of experience shopping for the best products for parents and caregivers and their families. She thoroughly researches and reviews products to find the best options on the market.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son.

More Toys for Kids

When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here:

  • The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids
  • The Best Developmental Toys for Babies
  • The Best Tummy Time Toys
  • The Best Active Toys for Toddlers
  • The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
  • The Best Toys for Toddlers
  • The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers
  • The Best Phonics Toys for Preschoolers
  • The Best Toys for Learning Letters and Numbers
  • The Best Musical Toys for Children of All Ages
  • The Best Montessori Toys to Encourage Thoughtful Play
  • The Best Sesame Street Toys
  • The Best Dinosaur Toys
  • The Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development
  • The Best Toys for Independent Play
  • The Best Snow Toys for Kids
  • The Best STEM Toys for Kids
  • Best Laptop Toys for Kids
  • The Best Social Emotional Learning Toys
  • The Best Robot Toys
  • The Best Ride-On Toys
  • The Best Cleaning Toy Sets
  • The Black-Owned Gift Guide

2 Sources

Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys.

  2. Lifetime Products, Inc. Faq detail.

See Our Editorial Process

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The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages, Even the Screen-Obsessed Ones (2024)

FAQs

Which age should electronic toys be avoided for children below? ›

Children 18 months and older can use electronic devices to watch a program or play a children's game. But for babies under 18 months old, using electronic devices doesn't seem to bring any real benefits, and it can even lead to some health and development problems.

Is 12 too old for toys? ›

The condensed version is - kids are NEVER too old for toys! If your child starts to seem too old for toys, it isn't time to get rid of playthings altogether. This is a new developmental stage, and just like when they progressed from a tricycle to a bike, it is time to transition to a different types of play.

What toys make you smart? ›

Pegboard puzzles, nesting cups or blocks, and buckets with holes for different shaped blocks challenge hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Mechanical toys. Pop-up toys and "busy" boxes with knobs, buttons, and levers encourage fine motor skills and problem solving, and teach cause-and-effect.

Should 11 year olds play with toys? ›

Now fully into their tween years, 11-year-olds are ready to leave all their little kid stuff behind. But that doesn't mean they're fully done with toys, games and other fun things — they just want more sophisticated versions of them.

How long should a child be on electronics? ›

Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends. 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling. 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework.

Do electronics affect kids behavior? ›

Excessive screen usage can also lead to problems in social-emotional development, including obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. It can impair emotional comprehension, promote aggressive behavior, and hinder social and emotional competence.

Should 12-year-olds have toys? ›

Yes, it is completely normal for 12-year-olds to play with toys. At this age, many children (boys or girls), regardless of gender, engage in toy play. It's a healthy part of development, with no specific age limit for outgrowing toys. Many adults continue to enjoy toys as well.

Is it normal for a 13 year old to play with toys? ›

While most 13-year-olds have given up their childhood toys, they still play with their friends in a variety of ways. From slumber parties and camping out in the backyard to board games and sports activities, most 13-year-olds want to be active with their friends.

Do 14 year olds still play with toys? ›

In the world of childhood and adolescence, play is a fundamental part of development. Children and teenagers have different ways of having fun, and these activities can vary by age and gender.

What is the number 1 toy of all time? ›

The Rubik's Cube is now recognized as the best-selling toy! To be fair, adults make up a considerable part of people who enjoy solving the Cube.

What activities increases IQ? ›

15 hobbies that will raise your IQ, according to science
  • Learning a new instrument (9.71% IQ increase)
  • Knitting (9.68%)
  • Exercising (7.37%)
  • Reading (7.07%)
  • Practising meditation (6.38%)
  • Learning a new language (5.88%)
  • Gardening (5.10%)
  • Joining an online video game group (4.81%)
Feb 3, 2021

What toys help with mental development? ›

Toys that Improve Cognitive Skills
  • Miniland Sensorial Reef. Miniland. ...
  • Reel Big Catch Game. Educational Insights. ...
  • Pop It & Learn. Buffalo Games. ...
  • Plus-Plus Puzzle by Number Map. Plus-Plus. ...
  • Shashibo Jumbie Artist Series. Fun In Motion Toys. ...
  • LEGO® DUPLO® 3 in 1 Tree House. ...
  • SmartGames Safari Park Jr. ...
  • Cranium Big Brain: Detective Game.

Should an 11 year old have a phone? ›

Many experts suggest waiting to give your kids a smart phone until they are at least 13 years old or in 8th grade. "Try not to give into the peer pressure when your child says everyone else has a phone, so I need one too," she said.

Is 15 too old for toys? ›

In addition, toys are fun, and fun is important in every one's life. So, I don't really think you should be too worried about your 15 year old son still playing with toys. Play with toys is generally a form of self-directed learning for children. This provides a foundation for all good toy play.

What are 9-10 year olds interested in? ›

9- to 12-year-olds:
  • Are ready for athletic and team sports.
  • May want to start lessons in music, dance, drawing or crafts.
  • Can do complex models and puzzles.
  • May enjoy hobbies, collections and scrapbooks.
  • May have an interest in gadgets and inventions.
  • Enjoy competitive games and sports.

Are electronic toys ok for babies? ›

Parents don't need to prevent their children from using tech toys despite this information. Instead, they should vary the types of toys their children play with. "Tech toys aren't dangerous to an infant's cognitive development, but they might replace activities that are helpful," summarizes Dr.

What is the age range for toys? ›

Recommended Age Guidelines for Toys
Toy CategoryAge Range
Nesting and stacking toys6 months-1 year
Push/pull and walking toys9 months-1+ years
Blocks and pop-up toys1-3 years
Bikes and Ride-Ons
42 more rows
Aug 31, 2022

At what age should a child have a gadget? ›

Most pediatricians and children's health specialists recommend waiting until a child is at least two years old. It's a common knowledge that screen-based activities limit kids' real-world experiences.

Is there an age limit for playing with toys? ›

Yes, it is completely normal for 12-year-olds to play with toys. At this age, many children (boys or girls), regardless of gender, engage in toy play. It's a healthy part of development, with no specific age limit for outgrowing toys. Many adults continue to enjoy toys as well.

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