Last Updated on May 7, 2021 by Natalie
When summer comes, I definitely want to be outside as much as possible. It can help to have some great outdoor toys to get kids excited about going outside. Sometimes, large outdoor toys are the solution to an otherwise sedentary life. Here are some of the best outdoor summer toys!
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Best Outdoor Summer Toys
Sometimes, getting kids outside means giving them something a bit extra to enjoy. As an advocate for lots of outdoor play time for kids, it’s okay to get them something that makes outside time even more fun. Sure, enjoying nature is great, but some of these big toys may help fill in for have trees to climb or a stream to explore. They can still use big muscle movements, like climbing, running, and jumping. Not everyone has easy access to trail hikes and nature play areas. That’s okay!
The items below will get kids excited resulting in more time outdoors. Time spent outside doesn’t mean you have to go survival camping without a tent. It can simply be time spent outside. The more time spent, the better. There are outdoor toys for older kids, as well as toddlers and preschoolers. Try the cool toys below to encourage a lot more outside time for you and your littles and bigs!
Disclaimer
8 Best Summer Toys 2021
Little Tikes Inflatable Jump ‘n Slide Bounce House w/heavy duty blower
This super cool personal bounce house is perfect for younger kids. It has netting on the sides and a reasonably sized jumping space. It’s also sturdy. Follow the instructions for setting up and only let 3 kids jump at once (it’s really only big enough for that many anyway). Then, watch them easily fall asleep at bedtime. It’s really cool to have your very own bouncy castle – especially right now, when so many festivals and fair have been cancelled.
Best: inflatable outside toy
Easy Outdoor Space Dome Climber
Climbing works so many muscles and the brain gets a lot of action in planning the next step. The Space Dome Climber is a perfect addition to your backyard playground. Kids will improve their limb strength, balance, agility, while developing confidence as they navigate the dome. They can climb to the top, crawl around underneath, or go wherever their imagination takes them. It’s recommended for kids ages 3 to 9, but this thing can hold 1000 pounds and up to 5 kids! Meaning… mom and dad can test it out. It’s durable and made with top-quality steel, which is rust resistant.
Best: outdoor climbing toys
Step2 Grand Walk-In Kitchen & Grill
I loved playhouses when I was a kid and this one is like a dream come true. It’s a large, open concept playhouse and you can see everything while the kids play. It even has a functioning doorbell and a mail slot. It has a built in floor that has drain holes, so you can keep out the mud if you desire. Kids can play house or let the shelter take their imaginations out into the wild. I used to pretend I was stranded on a desert island and had to take care of myself. It’s a charming playhouse!
Best: Outdoor playhouse for kids
Sprinkler and Splash Play Mat
This thing is so cool! Water play is always a hit with my kids and having a personal splash pad is definitely a win. When it’s hot, but you can’t go to a pool, having your own sprinkler with a shallow pool is amazing. This splash play mat is circular with a thickened edge wave ring design. As the pool fills, the water spray will adjust to splash inside the pool. It’s easy to hook up and fun to use. I believe this is one of the best outdoor water toys for toddlers and kids both! It’s a must-have for summertime fun.
Best: outdoor water toys for kids
TheCroco Lightweight Balance Bike Premium for Toddlers and Kids
Balance bikes are such a good way for kids to start mastering the balance needed for riding a pedal bike. They are also fun to use. The Croco Premium balance bike weighs only 6 lbs and is made out of top quality aluminum. Kids will improve their coordination while having a great time. The recommended ages are 18 months to 5 years old, but every child is different. The premium bike has adjustable handle bars and an easy set up.
Don’t forget the helmet!
Best: Balancing and active outdoor toy
Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane
This is a really cool toy for a sandbox. It’s one of those types of toys that is fun, plus it’s big enough to hold a kid up to 110 lbs. It can also be used in all seasons, from scooping sand or dirt on the imaginary construction site to shoveling snow. It has 360° swivel seat and crane action, with two handed digging and dumping play. This is suggested for ages 3 and up and my kids loved playing with it starting at age 3.
Best: outdoor construction toys
Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes
Stomp Rockets are designed to take the hard play that only kids can deliver. You are actually supposed to run, stomp, and jump to launch the stunt planes. Even better: no batteries are needed! The is 100% powered by the endless energy of kids. This set comes with 3 stunt planes, an adjustable launch stand and launch stomp pad with air hose. Kids will learn how changing the angle of the launch stand changes how the planes fly. They’ll discover what happens when they point it into the wind or with the wind. This is a great toy for ages 5 and up.
Best: Active outdoor toy
The Original AirFort Build A Fort in 30 Seconds, Inflatable for Kids
The AirFort inflatable is a really cool concept. The material is made from parachute type material (light polyester, breathable and durable) and all you need is an ordinary household fan to build the the fort. The fan is NOT included. There isn’t a floor and lifting the side is how you enter into the tent. It can easily hold our family of four (two parents, two kids). There is a mesh divider to protect kids from the fan. Plus, there’s a viewing window to see in and out of the fort! It’s also easy to fold up and small enough to store. This can be used indoors, too. If it’s used outdoors, it cannot be used in the rain or windy weather.
Best: family fun, easy fort building, indoor/outdoor toy
Final Thoughts
Time spent outside is never wasted. Outdoor free play is so very important, though it has fallen out of fashion. Outside time is still necessary for people, even if we often shun it. For kids, it’s especially important to be outside, moving around, and developing their muscles. So grab something above and go outside to play!
Do you have feedback on the best summer outdoor toys? The best feedback comes from my readers. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
