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!” Based on Michalik’s advice and our own research, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor toys for kids! 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. Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $90 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $123 Price at time of publication: $217 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $23 Price at time of publication: $17
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,” Maddie Michalik, senior editor at Toy Insider 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.
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. 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.
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 Construction and Building Block Toys 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 Indoor Toys and Games for Active 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
