40 Outdoor Toys for Kids That Will Have Them Playing Outside Like It’s the ‘90s

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Your kids might be too attached to their iPads and video games to realize that the weather will soon be getting warmer and days will be growing longer. When that happens, you can (and should) shut down the screens and banish the boredom once and for all with some fun outdoor toys for kids!

We’re not saying it’s not going to require some intense bribery and (potentially) threats of hiding charging cubes, but darn it, it’s worth it. The time outside is invaluable to your kids' growth and learning: It encourages them to take in their surroundings and nature as a whole. It's a wonderful part of childhood.

To help you 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.

How We Selected

To make sure we found the most fun outdoor toys for kids on the market, we chose a variety of toys based on their durability, how they tested, and their price. We broke our testing down by age group, making sure that there were plenty of choices for kids of all age groups to play with. We also added some toys that kids of any age can enjoy.

These fun outdoor toys for kids — from water slides to inflatable pools to trampolines — will bring the fun all season long. The team at Best Products researched (and also played with) these outdoor toys to determine which ones are the likeliest to keep your kids' attention for at least as long as one round of Minecraft. (Which is an actual feat.)

Give your kids, grandkids, family, and friends the gift of the outdoors with any one of these awesome gifts.

Foldable Wooden Climbing Triangle Ladder

This is a sturdy, stable climbing ladder and slide that can be used outdoors and indoors. It's easy to assemble, and will last through all of your kids — and perhaps several more — thanks to its durable construction. There's truly nothing better than fun outdoor toys for kids that last.

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids

If your kids are obsessed with Ninja Warrior, this is the set for them. It's just complex enough, and comes with two 50-foot slacklines, climb rings, rope ladders, and plenty of hoods and swings to set up a killer obstacle course.

Dazzler Ribbon

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.

Perfect for the outdoors (so they don't run into the couch), your kiddo will spend hours perfecting their streamer-spinning skills. Also, be prepared for a full-on performance by the end of the day.

Kids Video Action Camera Toy

Is your little one the next YouTube star? Even if they aren’t, they’ll still have a blast directing their very own summer flicks with this kid-friendly action camera.

The camera features seven color video modes, a rechargeable battery pack, and a case that’s waterproof up to 30 meters. Lights, camera, action!

GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars

This is a fun outdoor toy for kids who are super curious about nature. They're a great first pair of binoculars for little faces. Plus, it has breakaway straps, which means that if it gets caught on something, the strap won't pull your child along with it. It even has 2x magnification, which will delight little explorers.

Big Bubble Wand Toys with Tray

There's blowing bubbles, and then there's creating a bubble bonanza with their new wand set. With 15 different pieces, your little one will be able to fill your backyard with floating, iridescent bubbles.

Rocket Launcher for Kids

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 goes up to 140 feet up, and you can use it 40 times before it needs recharging!

Flying Disc

I think this LED frisbee can be seen from outer space. Kids adore this thing, and not going to lie, we do too. It's so much fun to play frisbee or Ultimate after dark, and your kids will agree. (It's great in daylight or at dusk, too.)

Tree Swing

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 recommended for use with more than two people, although the brand claims that it can hold up to 600 pounds total.

Walkie-Talkies for Kids

Yes, kids have phones now, but there's something so special and fun about walkie-talkies that makes them super fun outdoor toys for kids. They're entertainingly retro, and kids absolutely love them. This set comes with three walkie-talkies, and they have a wildly large range of 3 miles, which is way more than anything millennials had before phones.

Glow Tent

This buildable glow fort is easy to build and even easier to manipulate, with connecting balls and glow-in-the-dark spines. Kids love to build up the forts during the day, charging the glow, and then hang out in them at night to enjoy their efforts.

Upgraded A20 Mini Drone

Drones are all the rage because they give people a taste of being a pilot without them actually having to fly a plane. Ease your young, aspiring pilot into this world with a mini starter drone.

With its three flying speeds, your kid can get used to controlling the drone on low, and then work their way up to the fastest speed once they’re an expert.

Cozy Ice Cream Truck

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.

Outdoor Water Spray Sprinkler

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!

Collapsible Portable 5-Holes Cornhole

Cornhole isn’t just for drunken frat parties: It’s also a super fun outdoor toy for kids and toddlers (who are very similar in coordination as the frat boys). This set is easy to put away and lots of fun.

Kids Seesaw Swivel Teeter Totter

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.

Ring Toss Yard Game

Ring toss is one of those classic outdoor games that never gets old. Your kiddos can test their hand-eye coordination to see which one of them can get the most rings on the pegs. Perfect for a family backyard barbecue or solo game, it is truly timeless fun.

3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids

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.

Kids Golf Toys Set

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.

Capture the Flag REDUX

Add a little friendly competition to your home with this glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag set — a must-have for birthdays or family reunions. All 33 pieces light up, putting an Avatar-like spin on a classic lawn game.

Adjustable Soft Skipping Rope

For you, jumping rope might sound like a serious cardio workout. For your kids, it's a fun way to get active while outside. With an easily adjustable length, this rope can be customized to fit your child perfectly.

Trampoline for Kids

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!

Kids Bowling Set

Hilariously large inflatable bowling sets are the stuff summer dreams are made of. No, no one will keep score, and yes, you will likely lose a pin in the bushes every game, but your kids will adore every single minute of playing with this set. The best part is that when it's rainy or cold, this option could just as easily be set up in the living room.

Sit ‘n Spin Classic Spinning Toy

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.

Washable Tie Dye Sidewalk Chalk

If your kiddos want to get in on the chalk mural viral trend, this five-pack of tie-dye sidewalk chalk will bring their artsy dreams to life. With swirls of groovy colors, your amateur artist will create a unique blend of hues with every stroke.

After the entire neighborhood has had a chance to enjoy your kid's masterpiece, this sidewalk chalk can easily be rinsed away with water. A fun outdoor toy for kids that's easy to clean up? Can't beat that.

Kids’ Soccer Goal for Backyard Set

As a soccer-playing soccer mom, I have bought more than my fair share of kids' soccer goals. This set is just right for littles, and it has the added benefit of being easy to store and stash away. It comes with a ball, a pump, two goals, and some basic training equipment.

Play Parachute

Watch your kids’ summer fun take flight with this 20-foot rainbow parachute. This outdoor toy features eight convenient handles, so your kids can run, jump, and play with ease.

The parachute comprises durable polyester taffeta and a mesh center for excellent airflow. It's the perfect toy for playdates!

First Slide Toddler Slide

Great for ages 3 to 5, the Little Tikes slide is a classic for a reason. It's durable, weatherproof, and little kids love it. In fact, I am pretty sure most toddlers and preschoolers send their cars and stuffed animals down this slide at least 500 times before they even reach kindergarten.

Cascading Cove Sand & Water Table

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.

T-Ball Set

Many of us remember this exact set from our own childhoods, so we know just how much fun it is. It’s the sort of analog, basic outdoor toy for kids that brings absolute joy to the tots lucky enough to play with it. This is a toy that will last for years, and your kids will bring it out time and time again.

Game Time Sports Climber and Slide

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.

Sunny Patch Snappy Turtle Lawn Mower

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.

Splash Beach Water Table Splash Pad

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.

ST-S4GN 12 Sport Balance Bike

One of the secrets of being able to ride a big kid bike is supreme balance. These training wheel-less bikes teach your little rider how to center themselves so that when they're ready to graduate to a big kid bike, they'll be cruising in no time.

With easily adjustable handlebars and seats, kids as young as 18 months old and up to 5 years old can learn the art of balance. See our list of the best balance bikes to pick your favorite.

Ride-on Working Crane

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.

Unicorn Sprinkler

Keep your kids cool all summer long with this inflatable unicorn sprinkler. The jumbo majestic creature can easily be hooked up to your regular garden hose. Then, watch as water sprays out of her gold and white horn.

The sprinkler comes with four stakes to keep it in place, so you don't have to worry about her suddenly taking flight!

JustForKids Garden Tool Set

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.

Octopus Flyer Kite

Have you ever seen an octopus fly through the sky? It’s seriously pure magic, and your kids are bound to think so, too. This high-flying kite design is durable and made to withstand your kid’s flying skills (or lack thereof).

It's hilarious to use and one of the most fun outdoor toys for kids that the whole fam can enjoy, too.

Pogo Stick for Kids

If they're already bouncing off the walls, why not get them this entry-level pogo stick? The springs are fully enclosed and concealed with a foam-wrapped metal frame that'll keep your kid's ankles and hands safe while they're having a blast bouncing around or carrying the pogo stick.

Tree Swing Climbing Rope

Sure, you can get your kid a regular swing — but this tree swing climbing rope will make your backyard the ultimate fun spot. Whether they want to swing back and forth or stand up in Tarzan mode, this will be their favorite outdoor toy.

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