As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to steer kids away from screens and into the sunshine. Outdoor play is essential for development, fostering imagination, physical activity, and a lifelong love for fresh air. This season, the best toys are those that encourage active, creative fun in the backyard, at the park, or on the driveway.
From classic ride-ons to exciting group games, we’ve found eight fantastic options that will keep children engaged for hours. Whether you’re looking for a first bike, a water play essential, or a game the whole family can enjoy, this roundup has something for every outdoor-loving kid. Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, movement, and memorable play.
Our Top Picks for Outdoor Fun
- Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers
- Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Toy
- Radio Flyer Classic Tricycle for Toddlers
- Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
- GoSports Giant Portable 4 in a Row Game
- Franklin Sports Disc Golf Target
- Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka Water Blaster
- Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers
This bubble lawn mower is a wonderful way to get the youngest members of the family involved in outdoor play. It combines imaginative role-play with the simple joy of bubbles, encouraging toddlers to mimic yard work while creating a magical stream of soapy fun. The realistic sounds add to the authentic experience, making them feel like they’re really helping out.
Designed for little hands, the mower is easy to push and features a flexible handle that can be taken apart for compact storage. Its bright colors are visually stimulating and attractive to children. As a push toy, it also helps develop motor skills and coordination, all while inspiring a love for being active outside in the garden or on the lawn.
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Toy
Bring the thrill of the amusement park to your backyard with this exciting roller coaster playset. Featuring a 9-foot track and an ATV-inspired ride-on car, it encourages active, independent play as kids push themselves up and coast down. It’s an excellent way for children to develop balance and coordination while having an absolute blast.
This toy is built for social play, allowing multiple children to take turns and share in the fun. The track is straightforward to assemble and, just as importantly, easy to disassemble for compact storage when not in use. It provides a safe and controlled environment for adventurous play, making it a centerpiece for outdoor entertainment all season long.
Radio Flyer Classic Tricycle
The Radio Flyer Classic Tricycle is a timeless piece of childhood, built with the durability and style that has made the brand iconic. Its sturdy all-steel frame, spoked wheels, and rubber tires are made to withstand years of active riding. The classic red finish, chrome handlebars, and ringing bell create a charming look that parents remember and kids adore.
Growth is considered with an adjustable seat that can be raised as your child gets taller, ensuring this trike remains a favorite from ages 2.5 to 5. It provides a stable and confidence-building introduction to pedal-powered riding. The comfortable hand grips and fun streamers complete the package, making it a perfect first bike for outdoor adventures on sidewalks and driveways.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
This basketball set is designed specifically for success and growth. Its most notable feature is the oversized rim, which makes scoring baskets much easier for little arms, building confidence and enthusiasm for the game. With three balls included, kids can practice their shot immediately and have plenty for playing with friends or siblings.
The hoop grows with your child, offering six adjustable heights from 2.5 to 4 feet. This adaptability means the set can provide an appropriate challenge for toddlers through to older kids. Constructed to be sturdy and water-resistant, it’s equally suited for indoor play in a playroom or outdoor use on the patio, providing year-round active fun.
GoSports Giant Portable 4 in a Row Game
Take classic game night to a larger-than-life scale with this giant portable Four in a Row set. The 4-foot-wide wooden frame creates an impressive presence in any yard and turns a simple strategy game into a full-body activity. Its solid wood construction with a dark stain gives it a premium, lasting quality that can handle enthusiastic play.
True to its name, the revolutionary design sets up in seconds, making it easy to bring out for impromptu fun. It’s a fantastic social game for all ages, perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual cookouts. When the fun is done, everything packs neatly into the included carry bag for simple storage and transport.
Franklin Sports Disc Golf Target
Introduce your family to the fun of disc golf with this complete and portable target set. It includes everything needed to start playing: a sturdy foldable target and three discs. The unique umbrella-shaped design allows for quick setup on almost any surface, from your backyard to the park or the beach.
This game is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination and is enjoyable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. It encourages friendly competition and active play as players move around to take their shots. The portable nature of the set makes it a great choice for taking on picnics, camping trips, or any outdoor get-together.
Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka Water Blaster
No summer is complete without the classic fun of a water fight, and the Nerf Super Soaker Soakzooka is built to deliver. This high-capacity water blaster allows for multiple shots before needing a refill, keeping kids in the action longer. Its pump-action mechanism is satisfying to use and helps develop gross motor skills.
Designed for outdoor water play, it encourages running, strategy, and social interaction. Whether used in organized games or free-form splash battles, it provides a fantastic way to cool off on hot days. The durable construction is made to handle active play, making it a seasonal favorite that comes out year after year.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike takes a proven approach to teaching children how to ride. By removing the pedals, it focuses on the most important skill first: balance. Kids propel themselves with their feet, gaining confidence and coordination at their own pace before transitioning to a pedal bike, often without ever needing training wheels.
Built with a lightweight frame and adjustable seat and handlebars, it grows with your child. The puncture-proof tires require no maintenance and are ready for any surface, from pavement to grass. It’s an outstanding tool for developing core strength, balance, and a love for riding, setting the foundation for a lifetime of cycling fun.
How to Choose the Best Toys for Outdoor-Loving Kids This Season
As someone who spends a lot of time outside with kids, I know that the right gear can make the difference between a good afternoon and a great one. When you’re looking for the best toys for outdoor-loving kids this season, it’s not just about picking the shiniest thing on the shelf. You want items that will hold up, get them moving, and spark their imagination for more than just a day. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, think about durability. Outdoor toys take a beating. They get left in the sun, rained on, thrown, and kicked. I look for toys made from sturdy materials like UV-resistant plastics, solid rubber, or treated wood. A poorly made toy will break quickly, which is frustrating for everyone and ends up creating waste. A well-made one becomes a staple for seasons to come.
Next, consider the type of play it encourages. My goal is to get kids engaged with the world around them. I love toys that promote active, physical play—things they can run with, throw, climb on, or pedal. Think about scooters, climbing ropes, or soccer balls. I also value toys that encourage creative or cooperative play, like a fort-building kit or a bug-catching set. These help kids interact with nature and with each other, building skills beyond just physical fitness.
Finally, match the toy to your space and the child’s age. A giant trampoline isn’t practical for a small patio, and complex gardening tools might be too much for a toddler. I always check the recommended age range for safety, but also for developmental fit. A toy that’s too simple will bore an older kid, and one that’s too complex will frustrate a younger one. The best toys for outdoor-loving kids this season are the ones that fit seamlessly into your available space and your child’s current interests, inviting them to play longer and more often.
FAQ
What are the most important safety features for outdoor toys?
For any active toy, look for stability and non-slip surfaces, especially on things like climbing structures or scooters. Check for smooth, rounded edges and no small, detachable parts for younger children. For anything involving speed (bikes, skateboards), a proper-fitting helmet is non-negotiable. Always supervise play, particularly with new equipment.
How can I encourage my child to play outside more often?
My best advice is to join them! Kids often follow our lead. Having toys that you can use together, like a kite or a frisbee, makes it a shared activity. Also, rotate toys to keep things interesting; don’t leave everything out all the time. Sometimes, the simplest items—a bucket, a shovel, a ball—are the most effective at sparking hours of play.
Are expensive outdoor toys always better?
Not at all. While investing in a durable, high-quality item for a core activity (like a good bike) is worth it, some of the best play comes from simple, open-ended items. A jump rope, sidewalk chalk, or a set of plastic cones for making obstacle courses are affordable and incredibly versatile. The value is in how much use and joy it brings, not the price tag.
What should I do with outdoor toys during the off-season?
Proper storage is key for making toys last. Clean everything before you put it away. Use a shed, garage, or waterproof storage bin to protect items from harsh weather. For smaller items, a dedicated outdoor toy box works well. Taking a little time to store things properly means they’ll be ready and in good shape when the next season rolls around.
My yard is very small. What are good options for limited space?
You have plenty of great choices! Focus on toys that are compact or can be used in a contained area. A mini basketball hoop that mounts on a wall, a hopscotch mat, a swing that hangs from a sturdy tree limb, or a portable sand and water table are all fantastic. Even a simple hula hoop or a set for blowing bubbles can provide loads of active fun in a small footprint.