What are the best outdoor toys for kids?

Inside: The best outdoor toys for kids in a price-range based list. Toys and products all vetted by a neighborhood team of 13 children ages 1-12 years old.

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, but toys are a surprisingly big deal…

Even for outdoor play.

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

Having great 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.

Outdoor play is unbelievably important to childhood development – and making sure they have the right tools for this play 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?

My outdoor toy list is field tested – this is the good stuff

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 most, 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 10 neighborhood kids too (13 kids when you include mine!) – ages one year to 12 years old.

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

1. I’ve seen a lot of toys come and go.
2. I know what’s stood the test of time (this is a rough and tumble crew).
3. I have a pulse on what spans age groups of kids – meaning, this list isn’t one and done toys.

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).

These are good toys. 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? Check out this list!

I’ve broken my list of outdoor toys into price ranges…

I chose to categorize this list by price.

I decided against an age based list because so many of these toys are used fluidly from ages 1 to 12 in my neighborhood.

Use your best judgment when deciding if a toy is right for your child.

Without further ado, here’s the Busy Toddler List of Outdoor Toys for Kids

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

GIANT Bubble Wand

Making giant bubbles is a HUGE hit for our street (I think the street owns 6 sets now). Ages 2+ love this and it makes the most incredible bubbles (we use the big jug of bubbles from Target for this).

Stomp Rocket

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

Bug Catcher Kit

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.

Water Blasters

Hands down, these have been the best and most inclusive water blasters for all ages to use successfully.

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 not enough.

• Collapsible buckets (great for beach days)
• Sand play set (also adorable for the beach)

Kid-sized gardening tools

Easily one of the most used items in my backyard – these small tools are technically for adults but we use the kids use them here.

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.

Watering Can

You have to have one (or 3) – they are so entertaining for kids and an absolute backyard staple.

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

Just go with me on this one: it’s one of the most used “toys” we have. 10+ kids and we go through about 2-3 rolls a year. Makes a fantastic birthday gift with a set of those construction cones…

One BIG Truck

This is a BIG truck at 20 inches long. We have an old version outside that’s been used for 8 years now. My kids begged for a new model (this one) and to have it live inside. It’s a gem.

Helmet

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

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).

• 15 inches for 3-5 year olds
• 20 inches for 7-9 year olds

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+.

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.

Giant Soft Frisbee

One of the street Dad’s brought this home YEARS ago and we all (kind of) laughed at him. Jokes on us: this is pulled out daily. You can always find a kid tossing this around.

Foam Pogo Jumper

Yes, it squeaks. But the squeaks make it really satisfying for kids when they get their jumps right. It’s an amazing little toy for 4+.

Magnifying Glasses

This 3 pack: yes, please. Magnifying glasses breed curiosity.

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 one at any given moment.

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Bubble Blower

After 5+ years of buying junky bubble blowers, I bit the bullet and finally bought a larger “fancier” one. These larger style bubble blowers really do make a big difference.

Tree Swing

Hand this swing a trophy: we declared it the hero of lock down. Everyday, rain or shine, this simple swing has been life (it’s been great for ages 2-12). We bought it summer 2020 and it’s still going strong.

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.

Splash Pad

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

Kid-Sized Wheelbarrow

Full disclosure: the one we’ve had for 4 years is discontinued, but this one gets great reviews. We love owning a kid wheelbarrow.

Simple Wagon

Not ready for a wheelbarrow? This wagon is the best for pulling around anything and everything kids need.

Obstacle Course

We got this set for Christmas. It’s a 10/10 here for ages 2-12. This has been a massive hit and huge hero.

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.

Kid-sized Broom

Do you have kids who love to play clean inside? Help them play clean outside. This kid sized outdoor broom is perfect.

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 works for the big kids.

Water Balloons

How did we ever fill up water balloons one by one?! Never. Again.

Basketball hoop

We love this hoop – got it for our son’s second birthday and the kids still pull it out for play.

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 2+).

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.

Excavator

We’ve had it since 2015 and it’s the cornerstone of our backyard – it’s so amazing for kids.

Real Kid Tool

Our kids build outside and they need real tools for it (under our supervision). This is our favorite set.

Comet Balls

These.Are.Awesome. Absolutely so glad I bought these finally in 2021 for our crew. They’re a major hit (and really helpful in teaching kids to catch).

Safety Sign

Ok 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 fact: there is a 16 month old on our street and “Bob” is one of her first words…

Kid-sized tools – out of stock

Our absolute favorite set for all the many projects my kids start in the backyard. These are currently out of stock but I’ve kept them on the list because this is the best size for kids and I never feel comfortable sharing brands I haven’t tried.

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Mud Kitchen

This play kitchen has been outside for us since winter 2018 and it is so beloved. Having a no-batteries kitchen for mud concoctions is life for our neighborhood – so much deliciousness comes out of this very simple kitchen.

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.

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.

Scooter

The best scooter for kids to learn on! This one is so great for so many years in early childhood.

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… she’s the best.

Push Walker Wagon

This walker / wagon is the BEST. Kids of all ages (from 1 to 10 – literally) find uses for this. It’s also a fantastic first birthday gift if you need something fabulous.

Picnic Table

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

Outdoor Wagon

Ok so this technically isn’t a toy for kids, but I couldn’t make it through a summer without my wagon. We use this non-stop.

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Balance Bike

The balance bike – an absolute staple of the backyard/outdoor toy gear! From about age 2 on, this gem has been life for all our neighborhood friends.

Jungle Jumparoo

We purchased this Jumparoo at the beginning of “Stay at Home” orders and have fallen head over heels. We haven’t had a chance to share it with the neighborhood kids yet but when we do – oh I’m so excited for that day! There’s no weight limit so adults and kids can bounce. We just LOVE it! Not an affiliate link.

Bike Trailer

What a gem this is!! Yes, it’s pricey but it will last you years (and many kids). It can hold 1-2 kid and makes bike riding with your littles so easy. My neighbor had one and we immediately bought one too after seeing theirs. So glad we did!

Tree House with Slide

In 2014, I asked my MIL to buy this for my son’s first birthday. My son is 8 and still uses this as “home base” or “base camp” in the backyard. This toy will forever hold a place in my heart.

Razor Trike

We this and it’s hysterical (also great for fearless kids). Ours is a decade old, having been passed down from kid to kid. It still has years of life left.

Water slide

Purchased this in 2021 for Grandma’s House (bigger yard) and it’s a 10000 out of 10.

EZRoller Ride On

This is new to us and we cannot get over how fun it is. It’s adjustable and fits ages 4+ (up to my 6’4 husband…). There’s also a smaller size for ages 2-4.

Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

• Random pipes and tubes
• Loose wood (for ramps and other building)
• Plastic bowls
• Measuring cups
• Funnels
• Squeeze bottles (great for water play)

Having great outdoor toys for kids matters…

Think as thoughtfully about your outdoor toys as you do the toys inside your home. Quality outside toys will last YEARS and the play will just keep evolving.

Remember, this list isn’t just my outside gear but the fan favorites of 8 different families. Pick and choose what will be best for your kids and enjoy all the years of play to come.