Kids love their electronics, that’s for sure. That’s not necessarily bad, but there is such thing as too much iPad and video game time. Incorporating some good ‘ol outdoor fun into your young one’s schedule is a smart move as the weather gets warmer.
Some kids might not need any persuading to head to the yard, while others may be a little more reluctant. If that’s the case you find yourself in, then it’s worth noting that you can make things more enticing with some outdoor toys.
Sprucing up your yard with kid-safe trampolines and shed full of trinkets is better than, you know, like some intense bribery and potentially threats of hiding charging cubes. Not to mention, time outside is invaluable to your kids’ growth and learning: It encourages them to take in their surroundings and nature as a whole.
If find yourself needing help on this journey, we dedicated a lot of time to finding the best, most fun outdoor toys for kids. Some of them are classics, but some newbies might surprise you.
This thing is just so darn cool. It’s a battery-operated, rechargeable rocket launcher with a built-in parachute for a soft landing. This thing is more accurate than anything SpaceX has made, and we’re here for it. It launches up to 140 feet, and you can use it 40 times before it needs recharging.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 8 and up |
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If your kids are wannabe ninjas, this is the set for them. It’s just complex enough, featuring two 50-foot slacklines, climb rings, rope ladders, and plenty of hoods and swings to set up a killer obstacle course.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 6 and up |
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Sand and water tables like this one from Step2 keeps kids occupied for hours. Set them up with some cool tunes, slather them in sunscreen, and let them play. This model happens to have a shade attached for extra comfort and safety.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 1.5 years and up |
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This beach-themed splash pad will provide hours of water play fun! Attach a hose for spray fountain action and play with the scoop and pour cup, floating submarine, sailboat, octopus, and turtle that come included. Plus, it folds up easily for storage, making it ideal for small spaces or bringing with you to grandma’s house.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 and up |
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Transform your backyard into a play zone for your kids for endless fun and laughter at home. Great for ages 2 to 6, this Step2 slide is a classic all-in-one entertainment center.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 to 6 |
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This is a fairly sturdy splash pad with multiple spouts for water spray and plenty of interactive possibilities. This outdoor toy is sure to make your kids’ whole summer just a little bit more fun.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 12-36 months |
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This camper playhouse is so cute that you might even join in on the fun, too. It comes with over 50 fun accessories, is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, and has enough room for multiple kids to play simultaneously.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 and up |
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Your kids will finally have a place to bounce out all of their built-up energy with this mini backyard trampoline. The built-in zipper door adds an extra layer of safety, as well as an easy entrance and exit. The padded poles even protect your kids as they try to land a Gabby Douglas-style flip!
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 to 7 |
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Kids love mimicking their parents, and this snapping turtle mower is the perfect pretend play mower for little ones. It has a storage compartment and place to “fuel up” the little mower, so kids will have a blast playing with it as you do the actual mowing.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 to 4 years |
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A modern twist on the classic tire swing, the Wonder View Tree Swing will be your kids’ favorite backyard hangout. Whether your kids want to lay out and look at cloud animals, or swing back and forth until the sun goes down, this tree saucer will quickly beat out your ol’ swing set. It’s also pretty sturdy, holding up to 600 pounds total.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 5 and up |
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There’s blowing bubbles, and then there’s creating a bubble bonanza. With 15 different pieces, your little one will be able to fill your backyard with floating, iridescent bubbles.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 and up |
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This may be the coolest sprinkler we’ve ever seen. This fun outdoor toy for kids puts a cool twist on the typical sprinkler. The wiggly colored wands whirl as the base spins, spraying water in every direction. Plop this in the middle of your yard, and your kids will be set for an afternoon of fun!
Key Specs
| Age Range | 12 months and up |
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It’s time to get your kids out on the green to hit their first hole-in-one. This kid-friendly golf set will kickstart a hobby that you and your kiddo can share in the future. With just a step on the pedal, one of the 15 balls will make its way down the chamber for your little golfer to practice their swing.
No matter whether they turn out to be the next Tiger Woods or just a novice player, they will definitely have a blast playing with this fun outdoor toy.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 years and up |
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If your child is totally obsessed with construction-worker tools, then they’ll love this sand-digger seat that levers, pivots, and dumps sand just like on a real site. Whether on the beach or in the sandbox, they’ll love maneuvering this “heavy-duty” construction tool.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 and up |
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Bring the schoolyard playground to your own backyard with a classic seesaw. Made to last, this seesaw has a steel frame with sturdy, easy-to-grip handles for ease of play. The molded seats make the seesaw extra comfy for all-day riding.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 and up |
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The iconic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe you grew up playing got a major upgrade as a modern-day Cozy Ice Cream Truck — and it couldn’t be any cuter. It’s perfect for imaginative play for 2 to 5-year-olds and includes play ice cream cones and a credit card reader.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 and up |
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Take your toddler for a twirl with this fun Sit ’n Spin Spinning Toy. Created for your tiny kiddos, this classic toy will have your little one whirling around for hours. Your tot will be able to practice their balancing and coordination, all while having a great time.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 12 months and up |
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This is a sturdy, stable climbing ladder and slide that you can use outdoors and indoors. It’s easy to assemble, and will last through plenty of stampeding and scurrying thanks to its durable, wooden construction.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 18 months and up |
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It’s time for your tots to get down and dirty with this perfectly sized kids gardening tool set. Complete with a regular rake, spade, leaf rake, and hoe, your kiddo will basically be Old McDonald.
Made of durable wood and metal, the heads of the tools are expertly attached to the sticks, so your kid doesn’t have to worry about them falling apart while tending to their garden.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 3 and up |
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Let your kids make their own rainbow in the sky with this charming, colorful streamer. They can twirl, twist, and spin to create different, mesmerizing squiggles in the air. Just be prepared for a full-on performance by the end of the day.
Key Specs
| Age Range | 2 and up |
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