Top Outdoor Toys

Isn’t it nice be back outdoors with the kids? We’ve had beautiful weather here this week and we’ve been outside each afternoon right up until dinner time. Everyone is happy and extra tired when bedtime comes. I’ve also noticed that when the go to bed, it’s actually clean inside because they weren’t trashing the place all afternoon. The mess stayed outside. Over the past few weeks I’ve seen conversations in a few different Facebook moms groups about outdoor toys. Then I got an email from one friend and a text from two others – all asking about outdoor toys. So, for everyone else out there looking for ideas for toys to keep the kids busy outside, below are some of our favorites. 

First, I’ll say that you don’t have to go crazy with outdoor toys. Just letting little kids explore what’s outside is fun enough. My kids love sticks, dirt, worms and climbing trees. That’s my favorite part of playing outside – there’s always something to entertain kids and plenty to explore. 

That being said, we do have some great outdoor toys we enjoy. 

1. Swing Set

I always swore I wouldn’t buy a swing set because we lived to close to a playground. Well we got one 3 years ago and it’s worth it’s weight in gold. From swinging on the swings and learning to “pump” to hours of playing in the tree house, the kids have spent hours on the swing set. It also seems to be the place all the kids in our neighborhood congregate. I’ve seen kids on our swing set this week ranging from 17M (Tommy!) to our 12 year old neighbor. We love our swing set so much, we paid someone to move it when we moved across town last summer. 

2. Water Table

Maggie got a water table for her 1st birthday and still plays with it at 6 years old. From splashing in it at one to setting up her mermaids and animals at 6, it’s such a great toy for kids. We have a few now and all of the kids love them! These are a few good ones:  

Little Tikes Pirate Ship

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas 

Step 2 Table 

3. Seesaw

We have one like this. There’s also a cute one by Step 2. 

4. Sand box

Again, sand boxes are great for all ages. We have the old school turtle sandbox. Whatever you get, make sure it has a cover so animals don’t use it as their litter box! 

5. Slide 

We love our little slide. I got it at a yard sale 4 years ago for $5 and it was one great buy! Tommy loves it and the girls use it in the baby pool as a water slide. 

You can get a large slide or a small slide. 

6. Climbing Dome 

I really want to get one of these for the kids. Julie got one for the kids for Christmas and says it’s a hug hit in the yard. 

7. Stomp Rocket 

8. Rocket Balloon

9. Tee, Bat & Ball

10. Skip It and Hula Hoops 

11. Step 2 Roller Coaster

12. Jungle Jumparoo

A friend has one and it’s always a huge hit when the kids play at her house. I think this is going to be the big addition to our yard this summer. They make two sizes The Jungle Jumparoo and the Jumparoo Mini Pole. 

13. Large Toy Trucks 

14. Scooters 

We are huge fans of the Micro Kickboard scooters. The girls have the Minikick and Tommy even has a little ride on that will turn into his scooter when he’s ready: the Mini2Go. 

15. Now for a TON more ideas, check out this list: Ultimate Backyard Toy Guide