25 Outdoor Toys, Vetted and Approved By a Mom of 2 (2024)

byMelissa Mills

Buying Options

Age range: 1 to 6 years

Material: Plastic

Size: 38 x 34 x 10.5 inches

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

This Little Tikes turtle sandbox is a classic for a reason. It’s an affordable, well-made sandbox that will be used for years. It can easily accommodate four toddlers for group play, and the turtle’s “legs” double as seats for the adults. It’s also light enough (when not full) to move into a garage for storage, and can easily be used for indoor play during cooler seasons.

But the true winning feature is that thissandbox comes with a lid, which the American Academy of Pediatrics says is best to keep your sandbox free from bugs, animals and the elements. I splurged on a more expensive, larger wood sandbox for my boys that didn’t come with a cover, and the makeshift one we used left the sand wet and gross. My kids barely looked at it all season. Needless to say I’ll be upgrading to the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox this year.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Metal

Size: 21.5 x 19.3 x 5.2 inches

Your construction-obsessed child will love this ride-on sandbox digger that looks — and works — like a real machine. Though it may look complex, parents say the two-handed controls are easy for tiny hands to operate and that their children mastered the digger relatively quickly. The result: Hours of digging and dumping sand, dirt and even snow, all while building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Made of robust metal, the digger is built to last for years, making it well worth the money. Parents say the assembly is easy, which is a plus since you’ll have to unassemble it for storage.

Buying Options

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Materials: Plastic

Size: 7 x 6 x 8 inches

If you don’t have the room for a kiddie pool, or just want something that’s easier to set up, look no further than the Melissa & Doug Pretty Petals Sprinkler. One of the more popular water toys among What to Expect community members, this sprinkler comes ready to use. All you have to do is attach it to your garden hose. And, as a proud owner of the Pretty Petals Sprinkler, I promise you don’t need to turn the water up very high for powerful sprinkler actions.

My boys enjoy running through this very sprinkler, filling up buckets with the water, and trying to get everyone around them wet. And because the sprinkler is compact, it’s easy for use to bring on family trips or to a playdate. compact enough to take with you on a family trip or on a playdate.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 to 4 years

Material: Plastic

Size: 54.50 x 32.30 x 15.25 inches

Why We Love it

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This isn’t your typical splash pad; the Little Tikes Splash Beach is in a category all of its own. To start, the rectangular “pad” comes with multiple accessories — a mini slide for toys, a scoop-and-pour cup, and sailboat, to name a few — that your child can play with once they get bored splishing and splashing. A real step up from other splash pads that only offer a sprinkler for entertainment. Speaking of sprinklers, you can attach a hose to the side of the pad to utilize its sprinkler function. Or, if your child prefers to treat this like a kiddie pool, you can simply fill it with water.

Parents appreciate that this is easier to clean: Traditional splash pads require wiping and air drying before they can be stored away, but with the Little Tikes Splash Beach, you can simply dump out the water and wipe it dry. They also love how easy the splash pad is to store, as it folds into the shape of a suitcase.

Whether you use this as a splash pad or kiddie pool, Dr. Johns reminds parents to always keep your toddler within arm's reach, even in shallow water, to prevent drowning.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 30 x 29.62 x 7.38 inches

Why We Love it

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When searching for a toddler-friendly water table, Dr. Johns says it’s key to “look for features such as wide bases, sturdy legs, and secure fittings to ensure the table remains stable even when toddlers lean or apply pressure.” Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table checks all of those boxes.Made of a durable plastic, the water table has three wide legs with flat bases to ensure it stays standing even against the strongest toddler. that you can wipe clean, this

Of course, you also want your water table to have fun features, and Little Tikes deliver on that front as well. As your child drops colorful balls down the spiral or manipulates the ferris wheel, they will be working on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. They will also be equally entertained splashing their hands in the cool water.

Parents appreciate how easy it is to clean the water table. All they have to do is remove the plug to drain the table of water, and wipe it dry with a towel. That said, you may want to remove some of the features and give them a more thorough cleaning to prevent mold growth.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 9.75 x 6.25 x 4.4 ft

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

There’s nothing like taking a dip in the pool when the temperatures start rising. Fortunately, toddlers don’t need an Olympic size pool to reap the benefits; any kiddie pool will do. But if you want an inflatable pool that they’ll enjoy for a few years, the . The Intex Rainbow Slide Inflatable Pool comes highly recommended by parents.

In addition to a wading pool where younger kids can splish and splash, the rainbow pool has a water slide and a water sprayer to maximize the fun. There’s even a ring toss game that’s sure to entertain kids and adults alike.

With this many features, Intex’s pool does take up more space than other kiddie pools. It also requires more effort to assemble; you have to use a pump to inflate each element. If you’re short on space (or patience), this may not be the pool for you.

Regardless of what kiddie pool you get, Dr. Johns reminds parents to always keep your toddler within arm's reach, even in shallow water, to prevent drowning.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Foam and plastic

Size:14.57 x 6.81 x 3.7 inches

If you were to ask my sons, they’d tell you these animal water blasters are the best water toys. And, having used them in many family water fights, I’d have to agree.

The thick tubes are light — even when filled with water — making them easier for toddler hands to grasp. Additionally, each handle is soft and shaped in a way that caters to toddler dexterity. They’re made of a durable, non-toxic foam that will be able to withstand a few summer’s worth of water fights. (Though you will have to store them properly to ensure they don’t get scratched.)

And, as an added bonus, your toddler will be able to practice their aim and hand-eye coordination while staying cool. A true win-win! They’re super easy to hold, not too heavy (even when filled with water), and can help your little one practice their aim while staying cool.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 9.45 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches

Sure, you can find bigger, more elaborate gardening sets on the market. But trust me: your toddler is going to spend the most time with the rake and the spray bottle. With that in mind, the Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Tote Set is perfect. Spray bottle? Check. Rake? Check. Shovel and bonus tote bag to carry all the gardening gear around? Check and check. And, as with all Melissa & Doug toys, every component is made from durable material that is sure to withstand years of outdoor play.

These tools are also functional, meaning your child can help pull weeds, plant flowers and pick veggies from the garden. This gives you some extra help and, as Dr. Johns says, “provides your child with a sense of accomplishment as well as help with fine motor skills.” But even if this gardening set isn’t put to actual use, it’s sure to encourage imaginative play and outdoor adventures, which offer their own benefits and fun.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 22 x 15 x 16 inches

If you’ve got a kiddo who loves realistic-looking construction and gardening toys, or just loves to have miniature versions of the real thing like their grown-ups, then the Husqvarna toy lawn mower is a must-have.

My older son, now 5, had the entire Husqvarna toy lineup as a toddler: Leaf blower, chain saw, and lawn trimmer. So, naturally, we needed the lawn mower. And I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Like Husqvarna’s other toys, the lawnmower looks like a miniature version of the grown up machine. There are even different sound and light options that mimic a full-size lawn mower, though some children might find that overwhelming. Fortunately, you can turn the lawn mower off and it will still operate without the added elements. It’s made of durable material to withstand years of play, ensuring you get your money’s worth.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Vinyl

Size: 31 x 35 x 50 inches

For kids who like to get creative, Dr. Johns suggests setting up outdoor art stations to “engage and develop” your child’s interest. Although you can take a page from her book and let your child “paint” on the driveway with brushes and water, you can also let them paint with HeathSong’s inflatable easel.

At roughly 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, this inflatable easel provides plenty of room for your child to get creative. In fact, the canvas is actually double sided so two kids can explore their artistic side. The easel comes with eight shaped sponges, two paintbrushes and eight 1-ounce tubes of washable paint, all of which can be placed in the attached tray as your child works on their masterpiece.

Cleaning couldn’t be easier: Simply spray the easel with a hose or wipe with a wet cloth. Some parents have found that the included paint doesn’t completely wash off, though the company has recently reformulated the paint to prevent staining the easel. If you’re concerned, you can always purchase washable paint separately.

Buying Options

Age range: 18 months and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 5.3 x 3.3 x 9 inches

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

“Bubbles are a fun, easy, and low-cost way to get your toddler moving,” says Goss. “They work big muscles by chasing bubbles. As their fine motor skills strengthen, they can try to catch or pop individual bubbles.”

There’s no shortage of bubble wands out there, but my family loves the Fubbles Bubbles tumbler. Both the wand and tumbler are wide and shaped in ways that make it easier for toddlers to grasp. And you don’t have to worry about your toddler dropping the tumbler and losing all of the bubble solution. As the name suggests, the container is designed to prevent spills from happening. It’s not completely leak-free (there will be some spillage if you or your child turn it upside down), but you’ll be dealing with much less of a mess and a whole lot more fun.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 6 x 8.8 x 8 inches

“Bubble play provides sensory stimulation through tactile and visual experiences, as toddlers track moving bubbles,” says Dr. Johns. “It helps develop fine motor skills when kids reach out to touch, grasp, and pop bubbles, contributing to hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. Chasing and popping bubbles promotes gross motor skills development, encouraging toddlers to move, run, and jump, enhancing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.”

Take your bubble play to the next level with Fubbles’s bubble machine. Great for playdates or parties, the battery-operated machine makes thousands of bubbles for kids to chase and pop. All you have to do is pour the bubble solution into the base, screw on the top, and press a button. The machine holds 20 oz. of bubble solution so refills are less frequent, and the machine runs for up to an hour without requiring new batteries. (Four AA batteries, in case you want to stock up now.)

And, as with the Fubble bubble tumbler, this machine is designed to prevent spillage if the machine gets knocked over; Something that’s bound to happen when you have little kids chasing bubbles.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material:Plastic

Gross says toddlers love to experiment physically, and activities like climbing small boulders or stepping from rock to rock allow them to experiment while building physical coordination and muscle strength. But your yard may not have boulders and rocks, which is where these National Geographic Stepping Stones come in handy. Each of the six brightly colored stones is made of sturdy material and has a textured surface to help your child grip the stone and reduce the risk of slipping. Additionally, the bottom of each stone has a non-slip rubber base to keep them in place, should your child err on the wild side.

Since hopping between stones can lose its wonder after a while, the set also includes a spinner that turns the rocks into a game that’ll help toddlers practice their colors and balance at the same time.

Buying Options

Age range: 1 and up

Material: Plastic

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

If you’re going on a vacation and need some outdoor entertainment, Joyin’s collapsible sand buckets are a must-buy. As the name suggests, these flexible buckets collapse into a flat circle that can be stored in any bag without taking up too much real estate. In addition to a bucket, you’ll get three shovels and a mesh bag to carry everything while getting rid of unwanted sand.

Bonus: The buckets and shovels are made of BPA-free material. So you don’t have to stress if your child decides they double as teething toys.

• 2021mama2022

  "If you haven’t traveled with baby yet a few of my favorites are a travel bottle washing kit, collapsible bucket, stroller fan, blanket and jacket for plane, car seat backpack if taking car seat, suction spinner toys for plane, cup for water, hat, sunglasses, lots of babies favorite snacks. Have so much fun!"

• cinquieme

  "For toys I’d bring a few things along but don’t go crazy. Maybe a coloring book or water painting. Whatever sort of small packable toys they’re into (cars, animals, or action figures) and then a small amount of beach toys (collapsible bucket, shovel, etc), a pool swim float that’s appropriate for their age."

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Polyester and velcro

Size: 5.5 x 22.5 x 12 inches

Part bean bag toss, part target game, Melissa & Doug’s Sunny Patch Dilly Dally is perfecting for helping kids reach various milestones. For toddlers, the tossing and the bean bag hones their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while older kids can work on their counting and adding with an easy-to-follow scoring system.

It can also help kids, particularly toddlers, learn to share. “One social skill that toddlers are working hard on is learning how to take turns,” “This is a shaky skill through preschool, and toddlers can benefit from lots of practice,” says Goss. “You can play ‘stop and go’ games outside, which gives your child the opportunity to practice waiting and is great for boosting self-control.”

Aside from the toy’s many developmental benefits, Melissa & Doug’s bean bag toss is a quality toy. The turtle target has a durable, non-wobbly base to withstand the hardest throws. The bean bags are super lightweight, so even younger toddlers will be able to handle them.

Buying Options

Age range: 18 months and up

Material: Plastic

Size: ‎12 x 11 x 22 inches

The Little Tikes t-ball set is a classic toy that can be used for years, starting when your child is 18 months old . Complete with two balls and an oversized bat that’s perfect for small hands, your little one can practice their swing while improving their hand-eye coordination. And, because the tee is easy to adjust, the toy can grow with your child.

Despite being lightweight and easy to move, the stand is relatively sturdy. That said, if your toddler shows signs of playing in the MLB, parents recommend weighing the base down with sand bags. The set also comes apart easily, making it easy to store. In fact, the bat and tee can slide into the base, which can then be hung on the wall for more compact storage.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 36 x 24 x 24 inches

For kids just starting soccer, the Franklin Sports mini goal and ball set is perfect for indoors or outdoors play. At 5 inches, the ball is just right for tiny feet. As your child grows both in size and skill, you can easily swap it for a bigger ball. As for the net, it’s a lightweight but durable option that can be folded when not in use —perfect for storing or transporting to the park.

Even if your child doesn’t show signs of being a soccer star, Dr. Johns says this type of toy can teach your child the crucial skill of playing with others. “Activities that involve taking turns or sharing, like kicking a soccer ball back and forth, can help children sharpen their consideration and communication skills,” she says.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Aluminum

Size: 28 x 13 x 8 inches

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

Balance bikes encourage kids to use their core and maintain the posture needed to transition to a traditional bike. And What to Expect parents highly recommend on the woom 1 to introduce your child to two-wheeling, so to speak.

The bike is light enough for toddlers to easily manipulate, but still sturdy enough to hold kids up to 110 pounds. The high weight limit combined with the quality material means this is a bike that’s built to last, making the high price worth it.

Unlike most balance bikes, the woom 1 has a hand-brake system for a little extra security. There’s also a steering limiter to prevent the front wheel from overturning, which can cause the bike to tip over. Parents appreciate how easy the woom 1 is to assemble and adjust as their child grows.

As with any bike or scooter, make sure your child has the proper additional safety equipment: specifically, a helmet.

• hppygrrl33

  "My five year old has been riding without training wheels since he was just past 3. We got him the Woom bike and he picked up on it in no time. My 3 year old is now riding it as a balance bike and is almost ready for pedals without training wheels. I think the hardest part for them to figure out is how to balance. I suggest getting a balance bike and then trying them out on the pedal bike."

• Leesnov2021

  "We've got a woom. We love it. I used to work for a health and fitness company, and so many folks got their kids the strider and loved it. Both are great. Woom just has better components, which means in theory an easier and better ride. Price tag is higher though, but I think they offer some trade-in programs to trade-up sizes when ready. I honestly think both are great."

Buying Options

Age range: 2 to 5 years

Material: Aluminum

Size: 25 x 10.5 x 21 inches

Scooters are a great way for toddlers to work on their coordination and gross motor skills, all while zipping around – as fast as they can, of course – in the fresh air. And the Micro Mini Foldable LED Scooter is an excellent addition to round out your outdoor toy collection. With an adjustable handlebar, lightweight body, and eye-catching light-up wheels, your little one will have fun with it for years to come. (Mine certainly have!) The best part: You can easily fold it up and bring it with you to the park, to a friend’s house, or even on vacation. Just make sure you buy a helmet to go with it.

“Many toddlers start to use scooters or tricycles around age 2 and 3 and should wear an appropriately fitted helmet at all times,” says Dr. Johns, adding that kids will get used to them rather quickly.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Plastic

Size: 30 x 12.5 x 15.25 inches

Although there are infinite ride-on toys on the market, the Lil’ Rider Wiggle Car stands out because, unlike other ride-ons, this one doesn’t require your child to use their legs to get it moving. And before you ask, it doesn’t require batteries either. It is operated by the easy-to-use steering handle that controls the front wheels and your child wiggling on the seat. The design is also unique, requiring kids to stretch their legs out rather than bend them down. This is great for kids with longer legs or older, taller kids.

Another plus: It can be used outside or inside on linoleum or tile floors.

My boys have — and love — this ride-on. Although my 2-year-old took a little longer getting a hang of steering it, my 5-year-old was racing around the yard in no time. It’s definitely a toy that will grow with younger kids and be a favorite for years to come.

Buying Options

Age range: 3 to 7 years

Material: Cedar wood, plastic, hardware

Dimensions: 123 x 108 x 93 inches

Swings are great for developing gross motor skills in toddlers. And if you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space for a swing set of your own, KidKraft’s wooden set is worth the money. Made from 100-percent cedar lumber, the swing set is sturdy enough to accommodate up to 660 pounds. The swings themselves are made of a soft plastic and use rope —not metal —to attach to the set, making it more comfortable for little hands. If your child isn't ready for a belt seat just yet, you can easily swap one or both swings out for bucket seats.

In addition to two swings, this set includes a slide, rockwall and sandbox, so the options for play are truly limitless.

If you don’t have the space for such a large set, we’ve rounded up the best swing sets which include several smaller and more affordable options.

Buying Options

Age range: 1 to 4 years

Material: Plastic

Size: 36 x 15 x 11.35 inches

Why We Love it

Community Reviews

The ideal outdoor toy can be easily transported to another location, a criteria that rarely applies to things like swing sets and slides. Unless it’s the Gupamiga Toddler Slide. Made of a super smooth plastic, this sturdy yet small-scale slide folds in half for relatively easy transport. (It weighs a little over 14 lbs, so some people may require a second hand to move it.) This means you can move it inside during the colder months or to the grandparent’s house if you're there on an extended visit.

Parents appreciate that the steps have rails to better assist children as they climb to the top. And the neutral color scheme assures it won’t be an eyesore.

Just remember slide safety: Whether it’s this slide or one at the playground, Dr. Johns says, “adults should resist the temptation to go down a slide with a child on their lap as this poses an injury risk of the child’s leg getting caught under the adult’s, which can result in a fracture.”

Buying Options

Age range: 2 and up

Material: Wood, plastic

Size: 82.7 x 42 x 38.4 inches

Dr. Johns recommends super sturdy climbing structures, as they can help your child build balance, improve gross motor skills and even aid in critical thinking. Although it’s a bit of an investment, Avenlur’s 5-in-1 playset is loved by parents and kids alike. Made of sustainable, splinter-free material, the playset has multiple features to keep your child entertained (and wear them out): a ladder, a rock wall, a slide and a fabric tent for hiding.

Parents can also rest assured knowing the playset has been tested and certified by ASTM International and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, meaning it meets all safety standards and is strong enough to withstand repeated use from children.

It will take some time to assemble, so be patient with yourself. And if you run into any issues, parents say Avenlur’s customer service is excellent.

Buying Options

Age range: 2 to 5 years

Material: Plastic, fabric

Size: 58.1 L x 24.67 W x 61.3 inches

I can personally vouch for Radio Flyer treetop tower, a well-made playhouse that will provide hours of fun. There are multiple features to encourage multiple types of play and help develop different skills: A climbing ladder to help with coordination and balance; a steering wheel to work on gross motor skills; a telescope and hidden alcove to encourage imaginative play. And, of course, a slide for fun. My 2-year-old has enjoyed learning to climb up its ladder and use the slide over and over (and over) again, while my 5-year-old loves playing hide-and-seek underneath.

As a parent, there is one feature I really appreciate: The playhouse is light and folds flat. This not only makes it easy to store, but makes it easy to bring inside during the colder months. Another plus is that it’s smaller than other playhouses, so you don’t need a giant playroom or sprawling yard to use it. The only downside to that is your kids will outgrow it within a few years.