Outdoor toys and games for toddlers

The following list breaks down the most highly recommended outdoor toys by age: 2 through 4 , 4 through 6 , and 6 through They range from self-sealing water balloons to an ATV-style roller coaster ; a foam pogo stick to a geometric dome climber ; a polished aluminum gardening set to suction-cup archery.

Many of these products are classics, several are new within the past couple years; some are portable enough for you to take along to the park, others require your own private outside space. In almost every case, though, they have educational and developmental benefits, in addition to letting kids get dirty and run wild.

But that simplicity seems to be the reason three of our experts including John have such high praise for them. Nicole Beurkens. It goes beyond just fine and gross motor stuff.

The handles are made of solid wood, the heads of Technicolor metal. The Radio Flyer trike is stable enough to prevent most tip-overs, yet it still allows kids to get plenty of exercise and to enjoy some feeling of speed and freedom. Sandboxes also allow parents or other caregivers to curate play, introducing objects that help teach colors, numbers, or encourage fine-motor development.

This toy actually detects metal , lighting up and beeping when, say, a penny is sensed in the sandbox. Figueras-Daniel told us that her own kids use it on walks or while playing outside at night with their friends.

Second, it encourages wandering and exploration. Third, the game is quite affordable at under 15 bucks. An included lid keeps sand and toys in while keeping unwanted critters out.

If you're looking for something you can plop in your yard with no assembly required, this is the one. Available in blue or pink, this push car will have your toddler feeling and looking like top dog in the neighborhood.

It includes a cup holder for parents, a cup and snack holder for kids, and storage under the hood. The movable steering wheel and horn will have toddlers feeling like they're really driving.

Of course, your child's safety is important too: There's even a working seatbelt. Appell recommends this push car so kids can role-play what they see their parents do. Kickballs are a hit with toddlers. This one is small enough for little hands to hold and soft enough that it doesn't hurt if they miss a catch or fall on it. It bounces easily, and while it's lightweight, it's heavy enough to get some real momentum from kicking and throwing.

Shulman recommends playhouses in general. All you need to do is provide the space and let their creativity turn it into anything they can imagine," she said. We named this little playhouse the best budget pick in our roundup of playhouses.

It will inspire imaginative play in your toddler as they create their own world. Features include working doors and shutters, a mail slot, and a flag holder. The house is lightweight, so it's easy to move to different parts of your yard or even into a garage or shed when it's not in use. Water tables are excellent toys for toddlers.

They provide a fun sensory experience and encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills. Recommended by Leahey, the Summer Showers Splash Tower is a two-tiered water table complete with maze pieces, side flippers, a shower feature, and other accessories. The built-in features and accessories provide just enough inspiration to get toddlers started in their play. This water table holds up to 4 gallons of water and has room for multiple kids with degree play.

That the water tower is almost as tall as them is undoubtedly one of the most exciting features. Appell recommends this Radio Flyer tricycle. It has all the features you could ask for: a covered storage bin, a push bar, an adjustable seat to grow with your child, and it's safe for children up to 49 pounds.

Toddlers love to imitate adults, so they'll enjoy pushing this mower that blows bubbles as they walk. You won't need any batteries — your child's pushing does all the work, and it even makes realistic sounds so they really feel like they are mowing the grass. This toy is designed to prevent frustration; it works on various surfaces, including grass, sidewalks, and driveways, and the lightweight handle prevents tipping.

This play set provides a safe place for toddlers to work on their gross motor skills. Since it's designed for toddlers, it's not too high at 18 inches, and the slide is just long enough for small kids to enjoy. They'll enjoy crawling through the bottom and creating their own little hideout.

Schacht and Leahey both recommend the Hide and Seek Climber. All of these activities help promote coordination and balance through the play," Leahey said. Not only does this garden set engage kids in pretend play, it also helps them develop their motor skills. The garden set gives them that opportunity with lots of things to do. With its pound weight limit and sturdy construction, your toddler will be immersed in the construction zone for many years.

The Kidzlane Bubble Machine view at Amazon is both simple enough for kids to use and budget-friendly. Portable and lightweight, it's an easy addition to a pool day, backyard fun, or a playdate.

Toddlers are the perfect age for water play. She continues, "families should also consider what their child in interested in. Toddlers like variety. For instance, get a toy that incorporates water like a sprinkler, one for pretend play, and one for creativity.

The goal is to keep your child occupied and for them to build new skills. Changing it up will keep them engaged. No matter where you live, your outdoor toys will see all kinds of weather and should be built to withstand rough play as well as seasonal changes. Avoid anything with small, breakable pieces or anything that tears easily. Plastic is a good choice. Things slides and trikes are often played with by both younger and older children and just like at a park, accidents happen. Take safety into consideration when choosing a toy, especially for toddlers a sharp bike wheel or slide that is too high, for example, should be avoided or when water is involved.

When it comes to ride-on toys, Michalik emphasizes the importance of the age recommendation set by the manufacturer, protective gear like a helmet and pads, as well as adult supervision. She continues, "parents also want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations. Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who specializes in family and lifestyle products.

She has two kids of her own and lives in sunny Arizona, so she knows the value of great outdoor toys. Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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