50+ Outdoor Toys for Kids

Author: Susie Published: 05/12/2020 Updated: 04/25/2024

What are the best outdoor toys for kids? This article is a fantastic list of 50+ backyard toys for kids perfect for ages 1 – 12. This curated list is broken up by price and has been kid-tested throughout the years.

What are the best outdoor toys for kids?

Toys are important – inside the house and outside the house, toys are a big deal. The right toys can make or break a child’s ability to play independently – I’m not trying to scare you, buttoys are a surprisingly big deal…

Even for outdoor play.

Toys may get a reputation for being “just stuff kids like” but in reality: toys are the tools kids use for play. This isn’t just “stuff for kids.” It’s “tools to use in learning and skill building.”

Makes toys seem a little more important, huh?

RELATED: Looking for indoor toys? That’s on my Best Toys for Kids List – broken down by ages!

Why having the best outdoor toys really matters

We think so thoughtfully about the toys we bring into our homes, but it’s important to think as critically about the toys we have outside for kids. No matter if a toy lives in a play room or a backyard, that toy has value in that child’s life.

Children need outdoor toys that can handle the demands of outdoor life.

Children need outdoor toys that can grow with them over the years.

Children need outdoor toys that fit the style and needs of play for that child, and what kind of activities they enjoy.

Outdoor play is unbelievably important to childhood development – and making sure kids have the right tools for this play (to keep them engaged, to help them want to be outside, to support their fun) is imperative.

But what are the best outdoor toys for kids? How do we find the best of the best with so many options out there?

RELATED: Storing outdoor toys can be a struggle! Here’s how I organize all these toys in a meaningful and “as tidy as it can be” manner.

How these outdoor toys were selected and tested

In our neighborhood, I’m blessed to live in the corner house with the biggest front yard.

It’s still a postage stamp of a yard compared to many, but it’s just big enough for amazing amounts of outside play for my three kids. Our yard also serves as the central play point for over 20 neighborhood kids throughout the past decade of play, from ages one year to 12+ years old.

Here’s what that means for products on this list:

I’ve seen a lot of toys come and go.
I know what’s stood the test of time (this is a rough and tumble crew).
I have a pulse on what spans age groups of kids. This list isn’t one and done toys.
I’ve seen what works for a wide range of kid interests, play styles, ability levels, and needs.

Every toy on this list is one that either I own or a neighbor owns (or is as similar as I could find since we have some old toys here).

Please note: I do not put links onto toy lists just because it has good reviews, or other influencers linked to it, or because I think it might be good. Everything I share is here because I have fulled tested and reviewed the toy, and watched it be loved by countless kids.

These are outdoor toys for kids to facilitate hours, days, years of play and I know it from first hand experience.

RELATED: Looking for outdoor activity ideas for kids? I have the best list of outdoor ideas for a summer of fun.

Jump to – The best outdoor toys for kids revealed

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Toy for Under $20

Giant Bubble Wand

Making giant bubbles is a HUGE hit for our street (I think the street owns 5 sets now). Ages 2+ love this toy and it makes the most incredible bubbles (we use the big jug of bubbles from Target for this).

Flying Foam Planes

The 2022 toy hit for our street is still crushing it in 2024: these planes are amazing. From ages 3 to adult, these have been a standout addition to our street play. These planes are big (18 inches), they fly far and even do loop-de-loops. 10/10.

Reusable Water Balloons

We’ve had reusable water balloons for almost two years now and they’ve revolutionized play. There’s no mess. There’s no parent help needed. There’s no more tears. There’s endless hours of fun and options for play. I love this particular brand especially: it’s a reputable company, higher quality, but lower price than most reusable balloons.

Please note: This a great brand to buy and has covered magnets. Other brands have exposed magnets that will fall out. These do not.

Stomp Rocket

An absolute crowd favorite from tabies to big kids (and something I give out as a summer birthday gift all the time). This shoots a rocket 200ft high and it does not disappoint.

Critter Cage

We’ve had this one for years – just one to share with all the kids and it’s been perfect for catching and releasing bugs safely. This single toy sparks a lot of play and adventure.

Water Blasters

Hands down, these have been the best and most inclusive water blasters for all ages to use successfully. We’ve had a lot of water shooters over the years but these are the only ones that work for all kids from toddler to big.

“Finger” Kites

These have been really fun: they’re a cross between a kite and a paper airplane. These shoot off from a rubber band and they’re really addicting to play with. They’ve been most fun and successful with the 5+ age group. It comes as a 6-pack.

Flying Helicopter Discs

The 2023 best find (and absolutely still top marks in 2024), these have swept our neighborhood and taken everyone by surprise: we didn’t expect what a hit this would be and bought two more sets. So much fun for preschool age to big kids.

Ribbon Wands

These have crushed it with the neighborhood. From toddlers to tweens, everyone is loving this large set of ribbons to dance with, play with, chase and imagine with. It’s a winner and a great value.

Buckets

Buckets are like the blocks of outside – they can do anything, be used for anything, and you need to buy them in bulk. One is never enough.

Kid-sized Gardening Tools

Easily one of the most used items in my backyard – these small tools are the best for little hands to use. Coming in a 5-pack is bonus: plenty for all.

Dance Scarves

I get your confusion: dance scarves? It’s an outdoor toys list. Go with me: this multi pack becomes capture the flag scarves, super hero scarves, outdoor dramatic play scarves, fairy garden scarves. Please trust me. I know what I’m talking about and these are magic.

Outdoor Trucks

Designate a few trucks as “outdoor trucks” and let them live outside. Having a few construction trucks handy goes a long way with imaginary play.

Sand Toy

I bought this to try and it was my almost 11 year old who loved it most. It’s a perfect size for all ages (clearly) and works so well for sand fun and just regular truck play.

Watering Can

You have to have one (or three) watering cans. They are so entertaining for kids and an absolute backyard staple. I’m trying to imagine life without a watering can… I can’t.

Traffic Cones

Think these are odd to see here? Trust me. These get so much action we have TWO sets. Kids use them to define work spaces, set game boundaries, make obstacle course… the sky’s the limit.

Caution Tape

The absolute stronghold that caution tape has had on play in our neighborhood since 2017 is unreal. The kids use this for everything. It sparks imagination and play in a way that no description on a blog will ever capture.

Magnifying Glass

This 3 pack: yes, please. Magnifying glasses breed curiosity. And kids will find a million uses for them.

Butterfly Nets

…not just for butterflies. These are carried around like backyard accessories by our kids. You can almost always find at least one child carrying a net at any given moment.

Hippity Hop

DO YOU REMEMBER THESE?! We are LOVING them in street play. This one inflates to 18 inches for “4-8 year olds.” I’m linking below a few more sizes (we’ve tried 3 and the street kids are all in love).

Jump Ropes

Don’t forget about jump ropes… These are often overlooked now-a-days but they are still magical. They’re not for littles though – think ages 6+ for the coordination to jump rope.

Flying Disc Launcher

A great solo player game or grab two and it’s a wild game of catch. This is a great birthday party gift too – it’s playing well with the elementary-aged crowd here.

Goodminton

Have a kiddo who wants to learn some paddle sports? Goodminton is the best way to start – no net needed! This is a great summer birthday gift for ages 6+.

Parachute Toy

Guess what toy gets used so much, I had to buy a second set? This one. Kids love dropping these from anything they can climb on. From inside play off the staircase to outside from a tree, these are a solid inexpensive win.

Giant Soft Frisbee

One of the neighbor Dad’s brought this home five years ago and we all (kind of) laughed at him. A giant Frisbee that’s basically the size of a toddler? Jokes on us: this is pulled out daily. You can always find a kid tossing this around.

Foam Pogo Jumper

Yes, it squeaks. Normally that would cross a toy right off my list, but the squeaks make it really satisfying for kids when they get their jumps right. It’s an amazing little toy for 4+.

Helmet

Don’t forget a good helmet for kids – this was a fan favorite for my daughter.

Boomerang

This is perfect for solo play (or with a friend). Because this boomerang comes back to you (duh), kids don’t need anyone else but themselves to play catch with. It’s a great find.

Toys for $20 – $50

Bubble Blower

After 5+ years of buying junky bubble blowers on repeat (because they kept breaking), I bit the bullet and finally bought a larger “fancier” one. These larger style bubble blowers really do make a big difference.

Splash Pad

Kiddie pools are great but I love a splash pad more. It’s a quick and easy way to do water play without the commitment of filling up a whole pool. This one is the best I’ve ever had.

Water Table

I don’t know where we’d be without a water table in our backyard. They’re just so perfect and they span YEARS of entertainment. I like this one in particular because of the lower price point compared to most other water tables.

3-in-1 Yard Game Set

Need a great “catch all” toy? Try this genius set with cones, bean bags, and small rings. I have been blown away how many games and ideas for play I’ve seen kids find for this simple set. It’s a solid win.

Excavator

My son got this in 2015 – and we still have it. He’s 10 now and doesn’t quite fit it anymore, but other neighborhood toddlers and preschoolers are all over it these days. It’s the coolest.

Teeter Totter

We ended up with a plastic teeter totter as a hand-me-down and I wasn’t sure how it would go. Turns out, it’s a massive hit and has been for years now… and not just with toddlers and preschoolers. Every age is all over this.

Tree Swing

We bought this swing in 2020 and I can’t believe we ever existed without it. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, there is never a day when someone isn’t on this swing.

Kid-Sized Wheelbarrow

Absolutely cannot sing the praises of a kid-sized wheelbarrow enough. While adults may only see a limited number of things to do with this, kids see infinite.

Fox Tails

I love a fox tail for kids. This is such a fun way to learn to throw and catch, and it works for so much other imaginary play beyond that. We’ve found that kids like to play with these in groups so this set of 6 is ideal for us.

Parachute

If you have a large group of kids to play with (think 4 or more kids), you need to relive your PE class days and get a parachute. It is just as much fun as you remember and kids still love them like we did. It’s a nostalgic winner.

Simple Wagon

Not ready for a wheelbarrow? This wagon is the best for pulling around anything and everything kids need. Even my big kids (6+) still love it.

Ramp Set

Have a little daredevil on your hands? This bike ramp set might be perfect. This can be set up as a ramp (like in the photo) or split apart into two jumps. This has been awesome for our bike rider crew from ages 5+.

Bat, Tee, and Balls

We love the one our neighbor has and thank goodness for it. The tee is amazing for the littles, the bat and ball still work for the big kids.

Outdoor Games Set

I bought this for a neighbor’s 9th birthday and we used it all summer around the neighborhood and at park play dates. The sack races and three-legged races were the kids’ favorites (forgotten games from the past that this generation of kids needs to know about!).

Giant Box of Chalk

At some point, I stopped buying the small chalk boxes and just went with the giant 120 piece set to last the whole summer. It was a great plan – and this chalk is super vibrant so the kids love it too. Check out my post on kid-made chalk paint for exactly what our street of kids uses this big box for.

Basketball Hoop

We love this hoop – got it for our son’s second birthday and the kids still pull it out for play. Yes, even the big kids. And the adult big kids.

Faux Bow and Arrow

10/10 for elementary kids – this is THE bow and arrow if you have a kid interested. Everyone has loved this and it gets so much use outside. We’ve managed it keep track of 80% of the arrows which feels like a win (don’t worry, they sell extras).

Stepping Stones

Go with me here: my kids fell in love with stepping stones at a museum play area, so I surprised my daughter with some for her birthday. They’re a hit. Turns out, another neighbor had a set too. The set above is smaller and great for her kids (1, 3, 5). Here is the set I have which is taller, bigger, and thus, more expensive (perfect for ages 3+).

Water Rocket

What a great backyard science experiment! You pump air into a two liter bottle and send it sky high – another great birthday gift idea.

Scoot About Bike

This became a hot hit on our street with two tabies racing up and down on them. I’m so impressed with these and so jealous I didn’t have one for my kids. This keeps getting passed down on our street and I love that.

Real Kid Tools

Our kids build outside and they need real tools for it (under our supervision). We keep a bin of spare wood to let the kids build freely. This is the best set of tools we own.

Croquet

The big kids on our street have found a love for croquet. I don’t blame them. I loved it when I was 8+. It’s been fun to see them use this set and play such a simple, old school game.

Kid-Sized Garden Tools

Our absolute favorite set for all the many projects my kids start in the backyard. This is the best size for kids and we’ve them for years. They’ve held up well.

Rubber Race Track

This can be an indoor or outdoor toy: we love it outside. If you have a car-kid, having a rubber track in the outside space is really fun. It’s also fun to see what other uses kids come up with for 15-feet of rubber…

Safety Sign

Okay, so not a toy… except these little safety signs are definitely “one of the kids.” We call them all “Bob” and Bob has become a big part of street play. Fun story: “Bob” was one of the first words for one of the neighbor kids because this little sign is so important.

Toys for $50 – $100

AquaPlay MegaBridge

I have wanted this toy since 2016 and finally got my hands on it. It is everything and more. I don’t care that the box says ages 3-7. I can show you eight kids from 7-12 crowded around this. It’s a waterway toy with locks, lifts, and a current. It’s unreal amounts of fun.

AquaPlay Lockbox

No, it’s not the same as the one above. Okay, it is slightly: this version closes with a latch, can be carried to a park or beach, and would fit perfectly on a balcony or small patio. It’s a fantastic water toy for everyone, but especially those with limited or no backyard space.

Stilts

Yup. Stilts. These are height adjustable so they work for a broad age/height range. My 6 year old uses them and hands them off to my 41 year old husband. Now that’s a development span…. (all kidding aside, these have been a massive hit for our entire neighborhood).

Tree Climbers

Have some trees to climb but no lower branches? Try these! They been a huge help for our trees and a way for kids to get in (and out) of trees without calling for an adult assist. I love a toy that helps with independence.

Waterfall Discovery Wall

What a hit at our house: the box says 18 months and up. I can confirm that’s accurate AND a stand out for the 8 to 10 crowd. I love a toy with longevity and this has absolutely checked that box.

Scooter

The best scooter for kids to learn on (and keep going with). It has many years of use/life in it, and makes a great hand-me-down. We’ve been really happy with this one and the “street” owns several. I’ve linked to the smaller size that’s great for 2 – 5 year olds. Here is the link to the next scooter size up.

Push Walker Wagon

This walker/wagon is the BEST and one that shockingly ages with kids (this isn’t a one and done baby toy). Kids of all ages (from 1 to 10 – literally) find uses for this in our neighborhood. It’s also a fantastic first birthday gift if you need something fabulous.

Stepping Stone

This is the set of stepping stones that I bought for my family – my kids are older and these are used for everything outside. They nest together for easy storage. I linked to a smaller, less expensive set earlier on this list that’s great for the 5 and under crowd.

Sand Table

Our forever table. We’ve had this gem since 2014. It’s meant to be a sand table, but I use it for water. I love that it’s just a standing, rectangular sensory bin. Nothing fancy. This is a hidden gem.

Push Car

My neighbor owns this and it’s fantastic for walks with a little one (especially when walking a dog). The kids ALL love driving this with friends up and down the street (from ages 2 to 10). It’s hysterical.

Bike Ramp/Jump

This is so fun for kids – a ramp or jump that they can position however they want. We bought this for my 8 year old, but the first person to master it was the 3 year old neighbor… it’s a really fun “extra.”

Picnic Table

My neighbor has this one and it’s just perfect for littles. The kids love having a space to eat at – it’s also awesome for outdoor art projects.

$100+ Price Range

EzyRoller

Such a cool ride!!! This is a really unique wheeled toy for kids and super versatile. It expands for different sizes so my 6’4 husband can ride this AND the 3 year old neighbor. Someone in the neighborhood is always on this – it’s one of those “always out” toys.

Tree House with Slide

In 2014, I asked my MIL to buy this for my son’s first birthday. My son is almost 11 and still uses this as “home base” or “base camp” in the backyard. This toy will forever hold a place in my heart. It’s held up, it doesn’t show it’s age (amazingly), and it’s still cherished.

Laser Tag

A star of our neighborhood. From the preschoolers to the tweens, this is the set everyone (regardless of gender) plays with. It’s been a top toy on our street for two years now (all year round) and I don’t see it letting up. I know there are cheaper sets, but they do not work as well. This is the one to get.

Razor Trike

Treasured toy alert: this is super fun for kids ages 4 to 12. It’s hysterical to drive and also drifts really well for fearless kids. Ours is a decade old, having been passed down from kid to kid. It still has years of life left.

Outdoor Wagon

Alright, so this technically isn’t a toy for kids, but I couldn’t make it through a summer without my wagon, both in the neighborhood and out. We use this to load up all these toys and haul them around.

Bike Trailer

What a gem this is!! Yes, it’s pricey but it will last you years (and many kids, if you need it to). This can hold 1-2 kid and makes bike riding with your little one so easy. We are so glad we owned this for our kids.

Water slide

This was a big purchase in 2021 for my MILs house. She has a big yard and can support this level of fun and awesome. My kids love visiting and playing on this. I have several friends who have this as well and all give rave reviews.

Jungle Jumparoo

We purchased this Jumparoo in March 2020 and absolutely still love it. It’s a great center to play but without the large foot print of a trampoline or swing set. Kids from 2+ enjoy it (plus they can’t double bounce on it so little kids and big kids can play together). My kids play with this more and more each year – it isn’t getting “old.” Not an affiliate link.

Susie Allison, M. Ed

Owner, Creator

Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.

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