Are you looking for the perfect toy to keep your toddler active and entertained while they play outside? We understand that finding the right toys for your little ones can be a challenge, especially when it comes to outdoor play. With the right toys, outdoor playtime can be not only fun but also educational and promote healthy physical activity (1). Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that outdoor play can promote the development of important skills like spatial awareness, strength, and balance by stimulating the senses (2).
We’ll be showcasing the best outdoor toys for toddlers that are sure to provide hours of fun and encourage healthy physical activity. From swings and slides to tricycles and playhouses, we’ve researched and tested a variety of toys to bring you a comprehensive list of the best options available. Whether you’re looking for toys to keep your child active, or simply looking for a fun way to bond with them, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Picks
- Best Water Play Table: Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship
- Best Ride-On Toy: The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart
- Best Outdoor Push Toy: Fisher-Price Bubble Mower
- Best Basketball Set: Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
- Best Balance Bike: Strider – 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike
- Best Sand Toy Set: Hape Ice Cream Shop Sand and Beach Toy Set
- Best Swing Set: SMkidsport Swing Sets for Backyard
- Best Bean Bag Toss: SISLAND Bean Bag Toss Game
- Best Slide: Little Tikes First Slide Toddler Slide
- Best T-Ball Set: Little Tikes T-Ball Set
- Best Inflatable Play Center: Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center
- Best Water Sprinkler: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sprinkler Toy
- Best Playhouse: Step2 Crazy Maze Ball Pit Playhouse
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Outdoor Toys For Toddlers Picks
Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship – Best Water Play Table
- Large play area
- Several good quality toys come with it
- The center flag pump works well to drizzle water down, sturdy table
- It washes easily
- The drain plug is poor quality. It doesn’t seem to leak, but it has to be in just right
This water table comes equipped with a cannon that shoots water and a spinner that creates currents, providing endless opportunities for interactive play. The spinning elements on the ship create a steady flow of water, and the crow’s nest is the perfect spot to add water and watch everything swirl around!
Kids can steer their own ship by turning the steering wheel to raise or lower the anchor or aim and fire the water cannon. This ship-inspired play table is the perfect way for little ones to engage in physical activity and imaginative play at the same time!
- Recommended Age: 2+ years old
The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart – Best Ride-On Toy
- Can hold an adult as well
- Because it’s low to the ground, toddlers can also push with their feet
- Very fun
- Pretty sturdy once built
- Not the easiest to assemble
This certified and kid-powered ride-on toy features a unique safety seat and polypropylene wheels, making it a safe and durable option for your child.
To get started, simply sit in the car, place your feet on the footrests, and turn the steering wheel. Using principles like inertia, centrifugal force, and friction, the PlasmaCar is an easy and fun way for kids to improve their coordination, balance, and motor skills. It also doesn’t require any batteries or electrical cords, which is a plus.
- Recommended Age: 3+ years old
Fisher-Price Bubble Mower – Best Outdoor Push Toy
- Sounds like a real mower
- Blows bubbles when pushed through the grass
- Great looking tow
- Toddlers love to push it around
- The bubble reservoir isn’t very deep and needs refilling frequently
This motorized mower will rev up your child’s imagination, and with its realistic lawnmower sound, it’s sure to get your child excited to tackle the lawn. As your child pushes the mower, bubbles will billow out, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Your child will feel accomplished as they engage in a “grown-up” task, building self-confidence and honing their motor skills as they explore their environment.
- Recommended Age: 2-5 years old
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set – Best Basketball Set
- Packaged without frustrating nonsense
- Assembles in a minute without tools
- Stands upright without weighting the base but has the option to do so if you want to add sand for extra support
- Adjustable to grow with your kids
- Hard to get the net on
The Little Tikes Simple Scoring Basketball Set is a slam dunk for introducing toddlers to the exciting sport of basketball and promoting friendly competition. With six adjustable height options ranging from 2.5 to 4 feet, this set is perfect for players of different sizes, giving even the littlest ones a chance to enjoy the game.
This basketball set includes a kid-sized basketball and an extra-large rim, making it easy for children to score and improve their hand-eye coordination. Though assembly is required, it’s well worth the effort to provide hours of physical activity and enjoyment for your little ones.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 5 years old
Strider – 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike – Best Balance Bike
- Comes with few parts and is very easy to put together
- Lightweight
- Just generally looks pretty cool
- Easy to adjust the height
- The padded seat is still pretty hard
Research shows that balance bikes can help kids learn how to ride without training wheels more quickly and easily than traditional bikes.
With an 11-inch seat height, even young children can easily and comfortably straddle the bike, and the lightweight steel frame (less than 6 lbs) makes it easy for kids to steer, push and maneuver the bike without tipping over. Plus, the rubber handlebar grips and safety pad add an extra layer of protection.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 5 years old
Hape Ice Cream Shop Sand and Beach Toy Set – Best Sand Toy Set
- Pretty good quality
- Great for imaginative play
- Guaranteed hours of fun
- Very cute set
- It is small
Made of sturdy HDPE and ABS plastics, this vibrant beach toy set is perfect for kids who love playing in the sand. With a bucket, ice cream scoop, three cones, three cups, and a bucket, your little ones can create endless sand ice cream creations to share with their friends and family.
Not only does this set promote outdoor play and imaginative thinking, but it also helps develop fine motor skills. With the scooper, your child can serve up delicious treats and create unforgettable memories at the beach.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 12 years old
SMkidsport Swing Sets for Backyard – Best Swing Set
- The swing set itself is actually pretty nice and sturdy
- Heavy-duty
- Toddlers will love it
- You can put different swings on the frame
- Will take some time to assemble
This swing set can easily be assembled in your backyard or garden, making it the perfect option for outdoor fun with the family.
The seats are constructed from long-lasting PP material that can withstand the elements and is resistant to tearing. Additionally, the anti-rust and UV-resistant frame provides durability and protection against the sun’s harmful rays. The sturdy and reliable construction of this swing set guarantees your kids will enjoy it for many years to come.
- Recommended Age: 3+ years old
SISLAND Bean Bag Toss Game – Best Bean Bag Toss
- Can be played indoors as well
- 6 bean bags included
- The colors are very vibrant
- Lightweight
- Not the easiest to fold back into the case
This variation of the classic Cornhole Game is made with durable polyester fabric and features a sturdy base with a flat, elastic wire, making it safe and sturdy for even the youngest players. And when you’re ready to pack up and go, the game is easy to fold and store, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- Recommended Age: 2+ years old
Little Tikes First Slide Toddler Slide – Best Slide
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to take down
- Pretty sturdy
- Wide base – would not tip on the side easily
- Could tip back if a kid is standing on the ladder and leans back
With its easy assembly and convenient storage options, this slide is a great addition to any play area, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s designed to help promote coordination, balance, and physical fitness, and is suitable for children weighing up to 60 lbs. The slide features snap-in railings and detachable steps for easy storage, making it a breeze to pack up and take on the go.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 6 years old
Little Tikes T-Ball Set – Best T-Ball Set
- Very sturdy and well made
- Good for a toddler’s coordination
- Sets up quickly and stores easily
- Affordable
- The stand easily tips over when hit
This set includes a large bat and balls that are perfect for small hands, helping kids make contact with ease and hone their skills. Whether playing alone or with friends, the set provides ample opportunity for kids to practice hitting and refine their techniques.
Not only is the T-Ball Set a fun activity for children, but it also promotes physical activity, and hand-eye coordination, and instills a love for sports that can last a lifetime.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 6 years old
Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center – Best Inflatable Play Center
- Reasonably priced
- Perfect size for smaller kids
- Lots of water games and toys
- The hose connects easily to the Dino sprayer and force could be easily controlled but turning the hose pressure higher or lower
- Doesn’t come with a pump
This inflatable play center is perfect for toddlers and can hold up to four children at once. Made of durable vinyl, it’s built to last and keep your little ones safe.
With its exciting design and water park-like features, your children will have endless fun exploring all the different activities. They can improve their motor skills, practice imaginative play, and even cool off on hot summer days.
- Recommended Age: 3+ years old
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sprinkler Toy – Best Water Sprinkler
- Spraying not too high so a toddler can play and run through it
- Great price point
- Cute design
- You can control the amount of water sprayed
- The seal on the sprinkler at the hose connector isn’t very tight so it spits out a little water but it’s not super noticeable
With playful pink flowers and durable construction, this outdoor sprinkler is the perfect addition to your backyard. Not only is it an effective way to keep your lawn hydrated, but it also encourages outdoor active play for your toddler and helps with coordination development.
The installation process is simple and hassle-free. All you have to do is attach it to your hose, and you’re ready to go. Plus, the pink flowers on a green base make it a charming and eye-catching addition to any outdoor space. And the sprinkler’s sturdy materials ensure that it will last through many summer seasons and provide hours of fun for kids and adults alike.
- Recommended Age: 3 – 6 years old
Step2 Crazy Maze Ball Pit Playhouse – Best Playhouse
- Even without the balls, it’s fun to play with
- Directions are easy to follow for assembly
- Really sparks imagination
- Can throw balls on the roof and they filter down to each side and have a different contraption on each side to collect the balls
- It’s plastic and it’s flimsy at first, but builds strength as the multiple pieces come together
This fantastic ball pit playhouse is an exciting addition to any child’s playtime routine! With 20 colorful balls included, toddlers can improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills by tossing the balls onto the ceiling and watching them fall through the clear tunnels. The vibrant color scheme and open design make it easy for parents to keep an eye on their little ones as they play.
As your child explores the various fun activities, they will be delighted by the sounds of the balls rolling and clinking as they tumble through the maze. Encourage them to practice putting and taking with the ball play, which helps build fine motor skills and coordination.
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 10 years old
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Toys For Toddlers?
- Age-Appropriate: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), verifying the suggested age range of a toy is crucial in ensuring your child’s safety and ability to enjoy it to its fullest potential.
- Developmental Level: The abilities of 2-year-olds differ greatly from those of 3- and 4-year-olds, so adjust your purchases and expectations accordingly. Younger children may need more supervision when participating in gross motor activities such as kicking a ball or climbing up a slide. These toys can still be used, but extra assistance from an adult may be necessary until the child develops the necessary motor skills to play independently.
- Safety: Look for toys with no sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard (3). Make sure the toy is sturdy and can withstand rough play.
- Toy Type: Young children appreciate variety. If purchasing two or three outdoor toys, opt for toys that offer a range of play styles. Consider getting a sprinkler toy, a toy for imaginative play, and one that fosters creativity. The goal is for your child to learn new skills while staying occupied. Keeping things diverse will keep kids engaged.
- Weight Limits: Wagons, swings, slides, and other toys that involve sitting, riding, or climbing often come with weight limits. To ensure safety, do not ignore these restrictions as they prevent children from being injured.
Why Is Outdoor Play Important?
Outdoor play is important for children’s development for several reasons:
- Physical Development: Outdoor play helps children develop gross motor skills, coordination, and balance through activities such as running, jumping, and climbing.
- Mental and Emotional Development: Being outside in nature can reduce stress, increase creativity, and enhance cognitive abilities.
- Social Skills: Outdoor play allows children to interact with others and develop social skills such as teamwork, sharing, and communication.
- Creativity and Imagination: Outdoor play provides opportunities for open-ended, imaginative play, allowing children to explore and create without constraints.
- Environmental Awareness: Outdoor play can help children learn about the environment and develop a sense of appreciation and respect for nature.
How Often Should A 2 Year Old Play Outside?
It is recommended that a 2-year-old should play outside for at least 1 hour a day while having a total of 3 hours of physical activity per day (4). Outdoor play is crucial for a child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. It provides opportunities for nature, fresh air, and the development of gross motor skills, among other benefits (5).
How Should You Clean Outdoor Toys?
You’ll need soap, water, a scrub brush or cloth, and a hose or bucket. Mix soap and water and use a scrub brush or cloth to clean the toys. Make sure to wash all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the toys thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue. Leave the toys in the sun to dry completely. For toys that come in contact with the mouth, use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean them.
Can Outdoor Toys Be Left Outside All The Time?
It depends on the material and type of outdoor toys. Some toys, such as plastic and metal ones, can withstand the elements and can be left outside all the time. However, other toys, such as wooden and cloth ones, may deteriorate quickly in the rain, sun, or cold, and should be stored indoors when not in use. It’s also a good idea to periodically check all outdoor toys for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations regarding the storage and maintenance of outdoor toys to ensure their longevity and safety.
