Great Backyard Toys Young Kids Will Love

Outdoor Climbing and Bouncing Toys for Kids

Little Tikes Easy Store Slide

We were lucky enough to purchase a home that included a swing set with two slides, but if your backyard doesn’t have one, this is a must-have item for young kids.

This small slide is perfect for even the youngest explorers. Kids just learning to walk and climb will benefit from having a slide in the backyard. It helps with motor development and helps teach social skills such as turn-taking. Plus, it’s fun!

If you love to see your toddler squeal in delight, this is the backyard toy for you. It’s affordable for any family, and its size makes it the perfect toy for even the smallest backyards.

Pros:

• Perfect for toddlers
• Folds down for storage
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Encourages active play
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Not for older children
• Requires assembly

Recommended Ages: 3-6

Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Jungle Gym

This dome is one of the more expensive items on our list, but it’s one that kids will get a lot of use from. Young children love to climb, and providing them with a safe and appropriate space to do that is essential for their development.

The Lifetime Dome is built to last out of powder-coated steel with high-density polyethylene climbing grips. It can accommodate up to 600 pounds, so several children can play safely at once. It also has a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

• Durable
• Versatile
• Encourages active play
• Warranty

Cons:

• Expensive
• May not work in smaller backyards
• Requires close supervision for younger children

Recommended Ages: 3-10

Clevr Kids Trampoline

If you’re like us, the idea of getting a trampoline can seem very scary. Trampoline injuries are common and are usually very severe. However, trampolines also provide kids with an excellent way to exercise and have fun while “jumping off” all that extra energy. We finally decided to invest in a backyard trampoline, and have never looked back.

This particular trampoline is excellent for younger children because it has a low, stable base and is completely enclosed with a safety net. All springs and poles are padded for extra safety. This trampoline can support a total of 150 lbs, so it’s perfect for the youngest jumpers.

Pros:

• Safe for young jumpers
• Easy to move
• Unrestricted visibility of your kids
• Can be used by multiple children at once
• Encourages active play

Cons:

• Requires supervision
• Expensive
• Not large enough for older children

Recommended Ages: 3-10 (not to exceed 150 lbs)

Blast Zone Magic Castle Inflatable Bouncer

Kids love bounce houses. Whether it’s for a birthday party or just for a fun afternoon in the backyard, a bounce house will make your child smile. The Blast Zone Magic Castle is great for younger or older kids. It sets up quickly and easily using the included blower. When deflated, it rolls up to the size of a sleeping bag. This bouncy castle has a 300 pound weight limit and can be tethered down with the included stakes.

Pros:

• Good for young or older kids
• 300 pound weight limit
• Durable
• Easy to set up and inflate

Cons:

• Takes up a lot of space (11′ long x 8.5′ wide x 8′ high)
• More expensive than other options on this list

Recommended Ages: 3-12 years

Great High Activity Motion Toys for Kids

Little Tikes Basketball Set

The Little Tikes basketball set is so much fun to get kids playing basketball consistently. The basketball hoop can be adjusted between 6 different heights from 2.4 feet to 4 feet. To hold it steady, stabilize the bottom by adding sand or water.

The rim of the hoop is larger than normal to help kids have an easier time scoring baskets. Included with this set are 3 soft, medium-sized balls that can be used to shoot into the hoop. The balls can be reinflated if they start to flatten at all.

Kids ages 18 months to 5 years will have a great time playing with this toy. It helps kids improve their gross motor skills and their physical abilities. This basketball hoop can be used indoors or outdoors, perfect for summer or winter time.

Pros:

• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Comes with three basketballs
• 6 different heights between 2.5 to 4 feet

Cons:

• Needs water or sand to stabilize
• Can easily fall over if not stabilized

Activ Life Best Kid’s Frisbee Rings

If you’ve ever tried to play Frisbee with young kids, you know it doesn’t usually go very well. Standard-sized Frisbees are too bulky for young children to handle well, and they usually end up getting hurt.

These Frisbee rings are 80% lighter than standard Frisbees and are the MOST budget-friendly item on the list. If your kids enjoy being active outdoors—or if they need to start enjoying the backyard more—this is the toy for you.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Safe for young kids
• Comes in many different colors
• Easy to use—fly straight and can be caught on the wrist or ankle
• Very durable
• Made in the USA
• Great for travel

Cons:

• Requires at least two people to play
• Not appropriate for very young children

Recommended Ages: 3 and up

Royal Oak Giant 40” Flying Saucer Tree Swing

At around $90, this isn’t the most expensive item on the list—but it’s also not the cheapest. However, it is an excellent outdoor toy and appeals to kids and adults of all ages. It’s a great item to add to your backyard if you have trees or any kind of structure you can bolt a swing to.

This swing has a 700 lb weight capacity, which means multiple children (or adults) can use it at once.  It’s built with safety in mind—600D Oxford fabric, no lead, and industrial strength steel. It’s also weather resistant, so no need to worry about leaving it up all year. And in case something does happen, it has a 12-month warranty.

Pros:

• Durable
• Adjustable
• Easy to hang
• Portable
• Weather-resistant
• Encourages active play
• Can be used by multiple children at once

Cons:

• More expensive
• Requires supervision
• May require additional parts to install depending on your yard
• Requires a tree or other structure to hang the swing from

Recommended Ages: 3 and up

Kids Golf Club Set

This kids’ golf club set comes in three different colors – blue, pink, and purple. Included are a golf cart with wheels and a handle, 4 different types of golf clubs,  4 colorful golf balls, 2 tees, a golf mat, and 2 hole-in-one containers.

Perfect for kid ages 3-6, this toy golf set will help your kids to learn basic golfing skills and they can play inside or outside! This toy will strengthen gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and will give your kids a new sport to learn.

Pros:

• Low price
• Includes a lot of accessories
• Colorful options
• Helps kids to play and learn

Cons:

• Plastic, so can break easily
• Many pieces which can get lost easily

Little Tikes T-Ball Set

The Little Tikes t-ball set is perfect for kids learning to play t-ball because it come with everything you need: a t-ball stand, a bat, and four plastic balls. The colors on the t-ball stand are bright and there is storage for the balls at the base of the t-ball stand. There’s also a special spot where the t-ball stand can be hung up on the wall in a garage or shed. The stand only weighs 1.5 pounds, so it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. This set is made for kids 18 months and older.

This toy is great for kids because they can play with friends or they can play alone. T-ball is a great sport for young kids because it helps them learn gross motor skills, t-ball, and hand-eye coordination. Kids will be outside playing in no time and will be on their way to becoming great athletes.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy storage for balls and can be hung up on wall
• Comes with balls and bat

Con:

• Multiple pieces, can get lost

Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow

Every year our kids’ elementary school hosts a fundraiser carnival. One of the most popular booths without fail is the rocket-launching booth where kids can make rockets out of paper and foam and shoot them high into the sky.

This kid-friendly activity can be recreated in your own backyard with the Stomp Rocket Jr.; it’s affordable fun for kids of all ages. This particular version has glow-in-the-dark rockets that kids will love shooting off at night. Kids will love experimenting with the launcher to see how far they can make the rockets fly.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Safe for kids of all ages
• Multiple children can play at once
• Easy, fast assembly
• Can be used indoors or outdoors

Cons:

• Requires adult supervision for setup
• Rockets may land over fences or on roofs

Recommended Ages: 3 and up

Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set

No parent can resist the adorable sight of a toddler learning to play soccer, and with this backyard soccer toy, you’ll be able to watch any day of the week! Whether your child is on a team or just enjoys kicking around a ball, this soccer set will provide hours of backyard fun.

This set includes a colorful, kid-sized soccer goal can be flipped both ways to change the height of the net and is easy to disassemble when you want it out of the way. It also includes a kid-sized soccer ball and pump.

Soccer is a great sport for kids because it helps with motor development, exercise, coordination, and social skills. It’s easy to learn and play, and most kids really enjoy it. This set provides an affordable way to give your children those benefits in your own backyard.

Pros:

• Adjustable height
• Can be used by multiple kids at once
• Easy to disassemble and store
• Weather-resistant
• Encourages active play
• Affordable
• Includes ball and pump

Cons:

• Does not come with stakes or a storage bag
• Only includes one net—buy two if you want to have an actual game with teams

Recommended Ages: 3 and up

Bubble Lawn Mower

Toddlers love mimicking what their parents do, and mowing the lawn is something most toddlers and preschoolers want to do. Even more fun, this toy lawnmower emits bubbles as it is pushed! Kids enjoy trying to chase and catch the bubbles as they are “mowing” the lawn!

In addition to creating bubbles, this toy has sound effects to make it sound like a lawn mower. It comes in 2 different colors and offers hours of fun for your little one. Included with this toy are several packets of bubble solution.

Pros:

• Non-toxic plastic and bubble solution
• Encourages imagination
• Teaches gross motor skills

Cons:

• Eventually bubble solution runs out
• Height is not adjustable

Riding Toys for Young Kids

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

If you’ve ever struggled to teach a child how to ride a bike without training wheels, this is the backyard toy for you! Balance bikes are a wonderful option for kids too young to pedal a bike. They teach them how to balance on two wheels so that when they are old enough, riding a two-wheeler is a breeze!

Balance bikes encourage motor development and active play and can be enjoyed by kids as young as 18 months. This particular balance bike is a must-have because it comes in many different colors, adjusts to grow with your child, and weighs just 6.7 pounds.

The durable steel frame and puncture-proof tires of the Strider make it a great choice for families with multiple children—it will last through them all. It’s not the cheapest balance bike out there, but it may very well be the best.

Pros:

• Durable
• Versatile
• Adjustable
• Encourages active play
• Helps in motor development

Cons:

• Can only be used by one child at a time
• Requires supervision
• Expensive

Recommended Ages: 18 months-5 years

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car

This classic anniversary ride on toy for toddlers is still a favorite among kids, 30 years after it first launched. Though it looks like the red and yellow Cozy Coupe I remember as a kid, this one has some good upgrades. It has a removable floor and a handle on the back of the car so parents can push younger riders. Then, when toddlers are old enough to drive it on their own, easily remove the floor and off they go! I love that this toy is heavy duty and will last through multiple children. It’s a favorite among kids and parents.

Pros:

• Durable
• Good for young toddlers and older preschoolers
• Removable floor
• Handle for parents to push car
• Cup holders

Con:

• Assembly can be difficult

Recommended Ages: 1-5 years

PlasmaCar

Here’s the thing about the Plasma Car: you’re going to have a hard time getting your child off of it! In all seriousness, my kids can’t get enough of this toy and play with it for hours. The youngest ones use it as a push toy but as they get older they figure out how to put their feet up and wiggle it. And it actually supports up to 220 pounds so adults can try it out too. I’m not surprised at all that the Plasma Car won multiple awards and is a top seller: it’s so much fun!

Pros:

• Durable
• No batteries needed
• Helps develop coordination

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can be difficult to assemble

Recommended Ages: 3-6 years

Imagination and Creative Outdoor Toys for Kids

Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table

This toy is the #1 best seller in sand and water tables, and for good reason. It’s $34.99 price tag makes it affordable for all families with toddlers who love to play outside. It encourages motor and sensory development as well as imaginative play.

Toddlers will love all of the accessories and attachments that come with this table, and you can choose whether you want to fill it with water (during the hot summer months) or sand (when it’s cooler). This small size makes it a great choice for even tiny backyards.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Versatile
• Safe for young children
• Encourages imaginative play

Cons:

• Requires assembly
• Not for older children
• Requires supervision

Recommended Ages: 2-6 years

 

Adventure Kidz Exploration Kit

At around $25, this toy is one of the more affordable options on our list, and it’s also one of the most versatile. It includes all kinds of things young kids need to explore their backyard, such as binoculars, a compass, a flashlight, a whistle and a magnifying glass. It even includes a backpack for carrying it all around.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Appeals to kids of all ages
• Can be used by multiple kids at once
• Encourages exploration and imaginative play

Con:

• Lots of small parts that can potentially get lost

Recommended Ages: 5 and up

Step2 Charming Cottage Playhouse

Young children love using their imaginations, and this playhouse is the perfect outdoor toy! It is heavy-duty and holds up well for years of play. The kitchen in this cottage has a tabletop and a sink with a swivel faucet to keep your little one busy and entertained. For even more fun, a skylight, flower boxes, and functioning doorbell make this playhouse a great choice for young kids.

The assembly on this outdoor toy is quick and easy. For winter storage, it can be easily disassembled or moved indoors.

Pros:

• Open design makes it easy to see kids playing
• Quick and easy assembly
• Heavy duty, durable

Cons:

• Requires assembly
• Too small for older kids

Recommended Ages: 1-6 years

Outdoor Water Toys for Young Kids

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids

If you are looking for a fun summer water toy for your toddler or preschooler, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler is a great choice. This wading pool hooks up to your hose and shoots water jets into the air. The pad has colorful animal illustrations and letters for kids to enjoy. As with all water activities for young kids, parents should carefully monitor children.

Pros:

• Fun for multiple kids at once
• Easy to set up and drain

Cons:

• Mat can be slippery for very young kids
• Sprinkler has to stay on for pool to stay inflated

Recommended Ages: 1-6 years

Nerf Super Soaker ZipFire

 

What is more fun than cooling off on a hot suffer day? And what better way than with a water gun? The NERF Super Soaker ZipFire is perfect for young children. It is small and easy for little hands to hold and to fire. Best of all, it has a gentle spray, so kids won’t get hurt when they get sprayed. It comes in a pack of two, so kids can play together or with a parent.

Pros:

• Gentle spray
• Sprays up to 15 feet
• Small size

Con:

• Difficult for young children to fill without help

We’ve given you a LOT of information here, but hopefully this list gives you an idea of where to start when it comes to shopping for backyard toys. There should be something on this list for just about every family with young kids.

No matter what you decide to purchase for your backyard, we know you and your children will enjoy any of these items for many years to come!

 

FAQs

Why is outdoor play important for young children?

Children develop all sorts of critical skills as they play outdoors. For instance, riding toys help improve coordination and bouncy toys can be strength building. Additionally, outdoor play is beneficial because it is an alternative to screen time and promotes socializing. Plus there are so many ways to have a good time outside!

How does outdoor play encourage socialization?

Playing outdoors often provides socializing opportunities for kids when siblings or neighboring children join in the play. In fact, many toys are more fun when more than one child is engaged. Friendships are made as children run, climb, and jump together.

How old should children be to play outside?

Children of all ages will enjoy playing outside in various capacities. However, infants and toddlers should be supervised during outdoor play to ensure they stay safe and away from potential dangers. But it is still important to let them play outside so they can enjoy the fresh air, observe interesting sights and sounds, and become comfortable outdoors.

Other Great Reads for Parents of Young Kids

Best Indoor Slides for Kids

Top Pool Floats for Young Kids

Summer Pools for Young Kids