What are the best outdoor toys for kids?
Kids have far more room to run, play and jump outdoors, and it’s no surprise that they need toys to keep up with them. From toddler basketball hoops to STEM toys like stomp rockets, there are many fun toys, games and activities kids can enjoy while they soak up the sun outside.
Shop this article: Cat Construction Steel Toy Dump Truck, Faux Boy Bow & Arrow Archery Set and SplashEZ 3-In-1 Splash Pad.
Age and safety
Many toys include a recommended age range for both safety and developmental reasons.
- Age-wise, third parties determine age-labeling for developmental reasons. As explained by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this labeling is only for toys without small parts warnings. While not legally required, several toy manufacturers elect to have age labeling.
- Safety-wise, the Consumer Product Safety Commission requires toy manufacturers to state whether toys pose safety risks, choking hazards or both.
Individual vs. group toys
An easy way to narrow your options among outdoor toys is to determine how many children can play with them.
This bubble mower and similar toys are fantastic for independent play. However, kids can share these toys and play together by taking turns with the toy. Group play toys, such as this cornhole game, let several children participate.
How much room you’ll need for outdoor toys
With more room to play outside, it opens the door to a myriad of toys and games that aren’t indoor-friendly. Stomp rockets, for example, don’t require much ground space. Instead, they need plenty of overhead clearance. Some sports require a field or pitch to accommodate safe player movement and gameplay such as tee-ball or soccer.
How much do outdoor toys cost?
Most toys range in price from $10 to $150. Here’s what you can expect to find at each price point:
- Many independent play toys and small group games or activities cost $25 and below. They won’t be too involved or have many accessories, but they’re still fun.
- Midrange options, priced $30 to $100, usually include sports equipment and some electronic toys. Toys in this price range are generally good quality and built to last.
- The most expensive outdoor toys, such as riding toys, outdoor playsets and swing sets, cost $150 to $1,500.
Best outdoor toys for younger kids
Cat Construction Steel Toy Dump Truck
This 16-inch steel dump truck with a working dump bed lends itself to plenty of outdoor play, especially in the sandbox. The toy comes with a lifetime warranty.
Sold by Amazon
Little Tikes Jump N’ Slide Bounce House
There’s much to love about this bounce house, which has a wealth of safety features. It inflates in less than a minute and comes with a convenient carry case, inflatable blower and repair kit.
Sold by Amazon
Kid Trax Toddler Dinosaur Quad Ride-On Toy
This bright green dino quad is suitable for riders up to 44 pounds. It earns praise for its easy-to-use push-button drive system and has a peak speed of 1.5 miles per hour.
Sold by Amazon
Best outdoor toys for older kids
This laser tag set includes four laser blasters and four adjustable vests. The lasers have accuracy scopes and boast a 150-foot shooting range.
Sold by Amazon
Faux Boy Bow & Arrow Archery Set
Kids can flex their archery skills with this foam bow and arrow set made with non-latex and phthalate-free materials. It comes with six arrows that have a 100-foot range.
Sold by Amazon
Best outdoor water toys for kids
Max Liquidator Water Blaster Set
These kid-safe water blasters use the same materials as soft pool noodles, letting them float. You can use the colorful set of six in a pool, beach or lake.
Sold by Amazon
Kids will stay cool with this three-in-one splash pad that is suitable for kids 12 months or older. The shallow pad uses BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic components.
Sold by Amazon
Melissa & Doug Pretty Petals Sprinkler
Made by a trusted toy manufacturer, this charming sprinkler blasts water through twelve holes. Parents say it’s easy to set up and connect to any standard water hose.
Sold by Amazon
Best outdoor STEM toys for kids
Enjoy a fun lesson in physics with this toy rocket launcher, whose rockets soar up to 100 feet in the air with the right stomp. The backyard-friendly set includes eight foam rockets and a durable launch stand.
Sold by Amazon
Holy Stone Kids’ Mini RC Drone
From 3D flips to speedy rotations, there isn’t much this beginner-friendly drone can’t do. Its rechargeable batteries offer 21 minutes of fly time.
Sold by Amazon
Crazy Forts 69-Piece Construction Kit
Designed for kids ages five and older, this life-size building kit creates various structures ranging from igloos to pirate ships. It comes with kid-friendly instructions to guide kids through different configuration ideas.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
