When the sun is shining and the kids are bouncing off the walls, there’s no better solution than heading outside for some sunny outdoor playtime. Whether it’s zooming around the yard, digging in the dirt, or splashing in water, outdoor toys are a total game-changer for keeping little ones active, entertained, and happy. We’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor toys that bring big fun to backyards, driveways, parks—wherever the day takes you. These picks are kid-approved, parent-loved, and perfect for making the most of playtime outside!
Dueling Stomp Rocket
This is an absolute must for backyard fun! Kids (and adults) of all ages will absolutely love stomping and watching as these foam rockets soar into the air. We highly recommend the duel option because stomping with a friend is just that much more fun! These are a hit when hosting a group, as a birthday gift or just for having fun in the backyard on a summer day.
Squirt Bottles
How can something so simple keep little ones so busy? Give little hands a squirt bottle and sit back while they water the plants, make designs on the concrete, spray the windows…the list goes on and on. These provide littles ones with an opportunity to be in charge and added bonus, work on those fine motor skills! You can even add food coloring to make it colorful too!
Water Play
There is something magic about water when it comes to children. Any water table is a must for endless summer fun, this one being at the top of the list. Add some fun tools like these paintbrushes, reusable water balloons and even simple things from the house like sponges and plastic containers and you’re child will be content for hours! An added bonus, use this cordless water pump at the top to create a steady waterfall perfect for filling and dumping over and over again!
Digging box
Little hands love to dig! Creating this opportunity can be as simple as filling a plastic container with sand or committing to something bigger like this awesome sandbox. Whatever you decide, fill them with sand or small rocks and add some scoops, buckets and construction vehicles and you’ll have one busy little bee!
Bubbles
Want to add some magic to any outdoor play session? Add bubbles. Whether it’s a bubble machine, Bubble gun little hands can control or this awesome bubble wand that creates bubbles as big as your little one, bubbles make everything more fun!
Mud Kitchen
We know this sounds messy, but promise it will provide hours and hours of fun! Children will love using nature to “cook” and mix and play creating all sorts of concoctions! This can be as messy or as simple as you want on any given day! Grass clippings, flowers and rocks can make a nice pretend meal, or spice things up by adding water and mud. The best part is, the mess is outside!
Speaking of mud kitchens and amazing outdoor toys, we have to plug toys made by Guidecraft like the Mud Kitchen. They have amazing indoor toys, like this or this, but their outdoor toys are the epitome of open-ended and can be played with in so many ways. Our most recent favorites are – the little bricks, the little pavers, and these notch blocks.
No matter what you may choose to invest in above, we can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. These are toys and games that have been tested by our own kids, cousins, and friends. They prioritize play in the fresh air and sunshine and will make for a fun summer!
Looking for more outdoor play ideas for your active kiddos this summer? Check out our post 7 Outdoor Toys for Kids Who Love to Move!
By Becca Thiemann and Kathleen Koester
