Our Most Popular Outdoor Toys
Getting to play outside allows children to strengthen their muscles, soak up Vitamin D, build their confidence and explore the world around them. To make the most of fun under the sun, here are our Tot-approved toy picks for outdoor play.
When kids get to play outside, their imaginations can soar, their minds can grow and their bodies can figure out how to move and groove.
Particularly great for supporting the development of gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination, outdoor play can also give parents some peace of mind. Getting out and about helps kids (and parents) build endorphins, which makes everyone happier, healthier and ready for a good night’s sleep.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- The benefits of outdoor play
- What to look for when shopping for outdoor toys
- Our favorite outdoor toy picks
Scroll down to learn more.
The benefits of outdoor play
- Safe sun exposure allows children to develop natural circadian rhythms.
- Being outside encourages an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Outdoor play means less screen time.
- Being outside gives children a direct way to feel connected to nature.
- Outdoor play stimulates sensory learning and gross motor development.
What to look for when shopping for outdoor toys
When shopping for outdoor toys, we look for ones that grow with our children. Toys like balance bikes, scooters and wagons allow children to master their sense of balance, gain control of their arms and legs, and zoom into life. Since kids sprout like little beans, having adjustable seats, handle bars and wheels is a must!
We also love toys that let kids engage with the earth. Mini gardening tools or science kits spark a sense of wonder and enable kids to explore why and how things grow, discover cause and effect, and gain a sense of appreciation for how magical our world can be.
Because both creative and artistic play are wonderful for cognitive and social-emotional development, we also search for items like non-toxic chalk and playhouses. Both of these activities can be fun on their own or with the company of friends.
The following toys encourage your child to get active and interested in the outside world:
- giant block set
- play tent
- scooter
- swing
- teepee
- treehouse
- mudpie kitchen
- climbing frame
- sidewalk chalk
- balance bike
- yoga memory card game
- bamboo roll
- playhouse
- wooden waterways set
- toy canoe
- water and sand wheel
- bamboo step-on set
- veggie garden kit
- mini golf set
- wooden swing
- wagon
Scroll down to discover and shop our favorite outdoor toys:
Guidecraft Outdoor Wooden Hollow Blocks
$999.95
Babai Play Tent
$199.99
Available in more colors
Scoot & Ride Highway 1
$125
Available in more colors
Scoot & Ride Highway Kick 3
$110
Available in more colors
Lily & River Birch Wood Climber
Ranging from $369.95 – $578.95
EXCLUSIVE
Plum Wooden Teepee Hideaway
$479.99
Plum Discovery Nature Play Hideaway
$1,199.99
Plum Discovery Woodland Treehouse
$1,199.99
Plum Discovery Mudpie Kitchen
$429.99
Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Climbing Frame with Swings
$1,399.99
Twee Macaron Sidewalk Chalk
$45
Banwood Bikes First Go! Balance Bike
$195
Available in more colors
Banwood Bikes Classic Helmet
$49 – $59
Available in more colors
Mindful & Co. Yoga Memory Card Game
$34.50
EXCLUSIVE
2mamabees Ocean Playhouse
$1850
Explore Nook Bamboo Construct & Roll
$135
EXCLUSIVE
Explore Nook Wooden Waterways – Starter Family Set
$149
EXCLUSIVE
Explore Nook Wooden Toy Boat Canoe
$24
EXCLUSIVE
Explore Nook Large Step-On Bamboo Sets
$160
EXCLUSIVE
Explore Nook Wooden Water & Sand Wheel
$59
EXCLUSIVE
Gardenuity Taco Toppings Garden
$78
Gardenuity My First Garden
$98
EXCLUSIVE
Wonder & Wise Mini Golf Set
$59
Babai Swing
Ranging from $55.99 to $59.99
Ropes available in more colors
Wishbone Wagon
$450