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

• Our Picks

• How We Selected

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Family

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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