Are you having a tough time trying to find out what the best outdoor toys for toddlers are? Well, you’ll be glad to know that you’re in the right place if you were looking for some guidance for some awesome summer toys. We’ve researched and reviewed what the top toddler toys for playing outside are to save you time and effort! So if your little boy or girl has a summer birthday and you’re on the hunt for a gift for them you’re sure to find something below.
Also, if you’re still stumped by the end there is a buyers guide section to give you some valuable insights into the different types of outdoor toys, as well as the benefits your child can gain from them.
our top 3 picks for Outdoor Summer Toys for Toddlers
Runner Up |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Overall |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Budget Pick |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Our List of the Best Outdoor Toys for Toddler This Summer
Quick Summary: Our Top 10 Picks for Outdoor Summer Toys for Toddlers
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Little Tikes First Slide |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews |
Runner Up | Little Tikes Water Table |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Pick | Lydaz Bubble Mower |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews |
Homfu Kids Play Tent |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Little Tikes Basketball Set |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Banzai Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Totsports Easy Hit Golf Set by Little Tikes |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Gas ‘N Go Mower by Little Tikes |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews | |
Bug Catcher with Habitat Bucket |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →Read Customer Reviews |
Whether you’ve got a 2 year old toddler or 5 year old kid, all ages of children absolutely love playing outside. So below we’ve got some great options for your little kid to enjoy this summer with plenty of outside time.
Homfu Kids Play Tent
Summary
The Homfu Kids Play Tent comes with an ocean ball pit, tunnel, triangle play tent area, and a basketball hoop that has another tunnel. We liked how you can choose to combine all these parts together to make for one large playing tent. Alternatively, you can also use them separately. This tent is great for a 1 to 2 year old but is also loved by 4 to 5 year olds.
Parents have been liking how the materials used are nylon and mesh that’s very breathable. These fabrics are incredibly soft and ensure that plenty of airflows is able to make its way into the tent. You can also easily see through the mesh to keep an eye on your child.
We were impressed by how this play tent can be folded and put into a carrying bag provided. This makes it easily portable and more convenient to store away.
This tent is the perfect toy for any 1 year old boy!
Pros
- Breathable mesh fabrics
- Easy to transport/store
- Various parts can be joined or used separately
Cons
- Little flimsier than some were hoping for
What age is this recommended for?
12 months old and over
What makes this option stand out?
If your child is playing with this tent on their own, using just one or two of the parts may be best. However, if they’re playing with a bunch of friends, you have the option to extend the play tent to accommodate more kids easily.
Little Tikes Basketball Set
Summary
This Little Tikes basketball set is equipped with a hoop that can be easily adjusted. You can alter its height from anywhere between 2 and 4 feet. As a result, it can be made to be the perfect height for your 3 to 4 year old all the way up to age 5, meaning it’s a toy they can enjoy for years.
The rim itself has an oversized design. This makes it a little easier for your child to aim. With 3 basketballs included that are of a junior size, you can be sure your toddler can handle them easily.
This basketball set is awesome for improving motor skills and coordination. If played with friends, it’s also fantastic for improving social skills.
It is a great outdoor toy for kids during the warmer months that they will enjoy day after day during their summer break from school.
We wholeheartedly recommend this toy as a gift for any 2 year old boy!
Pros
- Good size rim & balls for toddlers
- Develops motor skills
- Improves coordination
- Great for social play
Cons
- Hoop could be sturdier
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old to 5 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Kid are able to develop their motor skills and coordination while playing with this basketball set. If they’re playing with other people, their social interaction abilities are improved too.
Banzai Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat
Summary
The Banzai Sprinkle and Splash Play Mat is a total of 54” in diameter. This provides your toddler with plenty of space to play. It also means there’s room for them to play with their friends. As a result, they can improve upon their social skills.
We liked how you can easily attach the pat to your garden hose. Your child is able to have tons of fun playing the gentle water that sprays and sprinkles out of the mat.
It has been made using PVC materials. Therefore, you can be sure that it’s durable for outdoor use.
This splash mat is a wonderful gift for a 2 year old girls birthday!
Pros
- Plenty of space to play
- Easily attaches to garden hoses
- Can improve social skills
- Durable materials
Cons
- Only big enough for one child at a time
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old and over
What makes this option stand out?
The 54” diameter of this play mat enables kids to have plenty of space to play with their friends. This is a fun way for them to develop their social skills.
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Table
Summary
This Little Tikes Spiralin’ Table comes with some great interactive features. The one that kids have been enjoying the most involves dropping the balls down and observing how they move in around motion int the water.
They can also turn the Ferris wheel to pick up balls and drop them in. These features are incredibly effective at helping your child develop their motor skills and hand eye coordination.
There are also characters on the balls which make them seem more fun for kids to play with. They also squirt water, which is very entertaining for 2 to 3 year old toddlers and older kids up to age 7.
This waterpark toy is the perfect gift for any 3 year old boy since it will last them for several years beyond toddler age
Pros
- Develops motor skills
- Improves hand eye coordination
- Lots of fun!
Cons
- Can be prone to tears
What age is this recommended for?
24 months 7 years old
What makes this option stand out?
The features that involve placing balls in and taking them out of this play table make it effective at developing your child’s motor skills and coordination.
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On
Summary
The Step2Down Roller Coaster Ride On has been created with steps that have an antislip design. Therefore, your child is able to climb up to the top with a smaller risk of slippages. While climbing onto the toy (which can be done from either side) the recessed retainer works to keep the structure steady.
Climbing up the toy is a great way for toddlers to improve their balance. This can help significantly in ensuring their confidence while walking.
We were impressed by how it provides your child with 10 feet to travel. It makes them feel like they’re on a mini rollercoaster. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble and doesn’t require any tools. You simply need to connect a couple pieces together and it’s good to go.
Another great option for older toddlers since this will last them for years after they are no longer a toddler we strongly recommended this toy for 3 year old girls!
Pros
- Develops balance abilities
- Anti slip design
- Tons of fun!
Cons
- Kids may outgrow it quickly
What age is this recommended for?
24 months to 6 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Kids love climbing onto this mini rollercoaster toy and sliding down it. As a result, their ability to balance themselves is improved. Not to mention, their strength is also able to develop too.
Totsports Easy Hit Golf Set by Little Tikes
Summary
This Totsports Golf Set gives kids a chance to play gold within their backyard. Parents love to use this as an opportunity to teach their kids about the techniques of golf – it can make for some great bonding time!
Through the experience of learning how to putt the balls, children are able to improve their coordination and motor skills. The more they play, the better their developmental skills will become.
This set includes a total of 3 golf balls, 2 golf clubs, and even a cart which you use to hold the clubs. We were impressed with the cart as it adds a more realistic effect to the game. Toddlers may start to roleplay what they’ve seen golfers do, which is great for their memory.
This little golf set is a wonderful gift idea for 1 year old girls!
Pros
- Improves motor skills
- Develops coordination
- Realistic cart included
- Great bonding time
Cons
- Clubs may be too short for taller toddlers
What age is this recommended for?
12 months old to 7 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Teaching your little one how to putt the golf ball is a fantastic way to enhance their coordination and motor skills. You can be sure that they’ll have fun for hours on end.
Gas ‘N Go Mower by Little Tikes
Summary
The Little Tikes Gas ‘n Mower kids outdoor toy comes with a variety of realistic features. For one, it makes numerous mechanical sounds which don’t require any batteries to work. Kids can pull the cord provided to hear the engine rev too.
Not to mention, a gas can is included and kids can move the throttle and click the key in like a real mower! All of these features combined make it feel very realistic for toddlers.
Walking around and pretending to cut the grass can be a great roleplaying game which promotes creativity. It’s also effective at helping them to walk more often and become more confident in their balance abilities.
Pros
- Realistic features
- Encourages creativity
- Develops balance
Cons
- Maybe too light for some kids
What age is this recommended for?
18 months and over
What makes this option stand out?
Toddlers have been loving how this Little Tikes mower feels and sounds realistic. It urges them to copy what they’ve seen their parents do and cut the grass. As a result, their creative side is sparked.
Little Tikes First Slide
Summary
This Little Tikes Slide is a great first slide for your 3 to 4 year old toddler. Since it’s just 3 feet long, it’s a fantastic choice to introduce your toddler to a slide. You can be sure that they’ll have hours of fun climbing up and sliding down this one.
Climbing up to the top is effective at improving your child’s strength.
We also liked how this slide can be easily folded down. This makes it super easy to store away or take with you. No tools are required which makes it hassle free.
[Related: The 10 Best Inflatable Kids Water Slides]
Pros
- Improves strength
- Excellent first slide
- Folding feature
Cons
- Could be too steep for some
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old to 4 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Parents have been liking how this slide works as a stepping stone to get their toddlers used to how to play on a slide. It’s just 3 feet tall and encourages kids to use their strength to climb up and slide down.
Bug Catcher with Habitat Bucket
Summary
Nature Bound’s Bug Catcher is a slightly different toy choice for your toddler. It comes with a total of 7 pieces which help encourage your child to explore the outdoors and have fun.
Children don’t have to physically touch any critters, instead, they can simply use either the tweezers, tongs, or net. This allows them to catch and observe the bugs. The magnifier provided gives kids a closer and more detailed look at what they’ve caught too.
We liked how they included a booklet that’s full of activities. It’s very colorful and visually stimulating for kids.
This is a wonderful toy for any toddler girl who likes science and natures!
Pros
- Promotes outdoor exploration
- Colorful booklet included
- 7 piece set
Cons
- Plastic materials could be stronger
What age is this recommended for?
36 months old and over
What makes this option stand out?
This is an extensive set that provides your child with everything they need to explore nature in your backyard. The colorful booklet is fun and stimulates their visual senses too.
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
Summary
This Monkey Bars Climbing Tower is an excellent outdoor toy for kids that enables them to play for hours on end while having a blast. They’re able to hold onto the monkey bars and swing around with their friends. This is a great way to keep your toddler active and healthy.
It also helps them to improve upon their coordination and motor skills too.
We liked how the construction includes an interlocking design and locking springs. It keeps the entire structure stable and safe for your kids. Not to mention, all the materials used are safe for kids. The plastic is able to withstand damage from UV rays which makes it perfect as an outdoor toy.
The lightweight design also means that you can easily transport and put this climbing tower into storage without the hassle.
Pros
- Easily portable
- Improves coordination
- Develops motor skills
- Durable materials
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this option stand out?
The strong structural design and durable materials make this a fantastic outdoor climbing toy for your child. It’s effective at strengthening their coordination and motor skills too.
Little Tikes Garden Table
Summary
The Little Tikes Garden Table set comes with a watering can, flowers, and a basin to hold water. Parents have been liking how it also comes with a drain plug. This makes it easy to empty out the water and prevent mold from building up.
There’s also 2 flowers, 4 flower pots, 1 shovel, a rake, tray, and a couple soil discs included. Therefore, you can be sure that your child will be occupied for hours.
We liked how the design of the table top encourages children to play in groups. This is awesome for helping your 2 year old to 4 year old to develop their social skills and play in groups.
Pros
- Encourages group play
- Lots of pieces for hours of fun
- Drainage plug included
Cons
- The design may be too low for some toddlers
What age is this recommended for?
18 months to 7 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Toddlers are encouraged to use this garden table set to play with other kids. They can create their own games together which is fantastic for imagination. It also improves their social skills too.
Step2 Sit and Play Kids Picnic Table With Umbrella
Summary
The Step2Sit and Play Kids Picnic Table comes with an umbrella to keep your kids in shade and protected from the sun.
Parents have been glad to find how easy this set it to put together. There are no tools required. You simply snap the various pieces together and it’s ready to go. You can also easily disassemble the picnic table set too.
This makes it a hassle free process for times where you need to put it into storage. It folds flat, meaning it takes up minimal room.
The design of this picnic table is meant for multiple kids. Therefore, the children can seat and play together on the table in a group. This is fantastic for developing your child’s social skills.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Simple to disassemble & store
- Improves children’s social skills
- Umbrella for shade
Cons
- Could be sturdier
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old to 4 years old
What makes this option stand out?
The umbrella is awesome for keeping your kids protected from the rays of the sun. We were also impressed by how this toy encourages kids to sit and play in groups as it’s great for strengthening their social skills.
Easy Store Junior Picnic Table with Umbrella by Little Tikes
Summary
This Easy Store picnic summer toy is another option that comes with an umbrella. This works well to keep your children safe from the sun during hot summer weather.
It’s an awesome way for up to 4 kids to sit and play on the table together. They can create their own games together to play with imagination. This is also an awesome way to help your child to become more comfortable in social situations.
Setting this picnic play table up is very easy as there are no tools needed! It involves locking the different parts together, and that’s it. This also makes folding it down for transportation and storage.
Pros
- Umbrella to protect kids from the sun
- Encourages imagination
- Develops social skills
- Easy setup/storage
Cons
- Maybe too small for some
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old to 5 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Kids are given the chance to get in groups and play creatively with this picnic table. As a result, you’re able to boost your child’s confidence when it comes to social situations.
Step2 Play Up Teeter Totter
Summary
This Play U Teeter Totter by Step2 comes with two sides that both have seats. This allows for 2 kids to play together at the same time. This is a great opportunity for your toddler to develop their social skills.
We liked how the seats have a contoured design. This makes them very comfortable to sit on for long durations of play. Moreover, the handlebars that they’ve used are very easy for toddlers to hold onto which increases their safety.
They’ve implemented various colors in the design of this one. As a result, it’s more visually appealing and fun for kids. It can also help develop their color recognition skills. Parents have been appreciating how they can simply use wipes to clean this toy for easy maintenance.
Pros
- Develops social skills
- Comfortable seats
- Improves color recognition skills
Cons
- Smaller than some were hoping for
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old and over
What makes this option stand out?
This is a super fun toy that kids will be bouncing up and down with together outdoors. This improves your 3 to 4 year olds ability to be social while also improving upon their color recognition skills due to the design.
Little Tikes Activity Garden Playset Kids Outdoor Toy
Summary
The Little Tikes’ Activity Garden Set comes with a variety of activities which kids have been having a blast with. There’s an archway for them to crawl through, mailboxes for shape sorting, a working piano, telescope, and bead tumbler.
With such a wide range of activities available to play with, your toddler will be able to develop their fine motor skills significantly.
We liked how the structure has an enclosed design which makes it safer and easier for you to keep an eye on your child.
Pros
- Encourages activity
- Develops fine motor skills
- Plenty of activities
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
What age is this recommended for?
6 months old to 3 years old
What makes this option stand out?
We were impressed with the number of activities that kids are able to play with by using this playset. It keeps them engaged for hours on end, which is great for their fine motor skill development.
Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber With Slide For Toddlers
Summary
Step2’s Play Ball toddler climber enables little kids to climb up the stairs and go down the slide. This is super fun and will keep them engaged for hours on end. The process of climbing up the stairs is fantastic for their leg and arm strength.
Not to mention, it reinforces your child’s ability to balance too. This helps them to feel more confident while walking.
We liked how they’ve included a total of 10 balls for more playing activities. Catching and throwing them is a lot of fun and improves their motor skills and coordination.
Pros
- Improves strength & balance
- Develops motor skills
- Coordination is improved
Cons
- Assembly can be complicated
What age is this recommended for?
18 months old to 4 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Kids have a blast climbing up and sliding down the slide with this outdoor toy. It improves their balance and strength to help them walk with more confidence. The balls included also develop their coordination and motor skills.
Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse
Summary
This is another Step2 item which is an All Round Playtime Patio that comes with a Canopy Playhouse. It has an excellent open pavilion design which makes it great for outdoor use. We were impressed with how it comes with a faucet that swivels, a sink, as well as a kitchen and grill.
This provides kids with the ability to roleplay and pretend to cook meals. This is an awesome and fun exercise their stimulates your child’s imaginative side.
There is also a play area with water and sand. This comes with various accessories which kids can use to play with a mini beach. This is great for their motor skills.
We liked how the inside of this playhouse is pretty spacious too. It allows room for other people so that your child can play in a small group. As a result, their social skills are able to improve.
Pros
- Encourages social play
- Promotes creativity
- Develops motor skills
Cons
- Smaller than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
24 months old to 8 years old
What makes this option stand out?
The pretend play aspect of this playhouse is what inspires kids to play with so much imagination. It’s also what encourages them to play in groups and play more socially.
Spill & Splash Seaway Water Table by Step2
Summary
This Spill and Splash water table comes with a variety of sea creature toys. Kids can use these toys to make them swim, dive of the board, or have a ride on the swinging slide that’s available. They can also put water into the top section and make their own mini tidal waves.
This provides kids ages 2 all the way up to 6, 7 and 8 years old with a lot to play with. The toys are an excellent way for them to play with more imagination. Not to mention, simply holding onto them and creating pretend scenarios helps to develops their motor skills too.
You’re able to fill this water table up with a total of 2.22 gallons of water in the upper part. On the lower section, you can use up to 3.24 gallons.
We also liked how they’ve included an umbrella to keep your kids safe from the sun during hot weather.
Pros
- Encourages creative play
- Develops motor skills
- Umbrella for protection
Cons
- No drain spout available
What age is this recommended for?
What makes this option stand out?
This water table toy set is a gives toddlers an outlet to create scenarios and play with the different creature toys available. As a result, their imaginative side is stimulated more.
Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay
Summary
The Splash N Scoop Bay toy by Step2 comes with a cover that is used to keep the water and sand separate. Kids love to use the water tower and mountain cover to make their own waterfall. This is highly stimulating for their visual senses and a lot of fun to observe.
There is a total of 7 accessory pieces included too. These include the water tower, a slide, removable cup, shark scoop, spinner, a shovel, and a regular cup.
This provides children with plenty to play and experiment with. It’s a fun way to improve upon their motor skills and coordination too.
Parents have been liking how a drain plug is included. It prevents water from accumulating and becoming moldy.
Pros
- Develops motor skills
- Improves coordination
- Drain plug available
Cons
- Prone to leaking
What age is this recommended for?
24 months old to 5 years old
What makes this option stand out?
The variety of accessory pieces gives children a lot to experiment with as they play with this Scoop Bay set. It’s fantastic for their coordination and motor skills.
TSMD Kids Play Tents With Tunnel Set for 3 to 4 Year Olds
Product Currently Out Of Stock!
Summary
TSMD’s Kids Play Tent comes with a tunnel that enables kids to have a lot of areas to play in. As a result, it encourages group play, which is fantastic for helping your toddler develop their social interaction abilities.
With a square, triangle, and two tunnel tents available, your toddler will be occupied for hours. Parents have been liking how this set is surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport by using the zipper carry bag provided. The popup design is awesome for effortless setups and takedowns.
All the materials used are free from toxins and don’t produce any odd smells. As a result, it’s very safe for your toddler to play in for hours of fun.
Pros
- Super easy setup/takedown
- Develops social skills
- Safe materials for toddlers
Cons
- Strap connectors can be prone to breaking
What age is this recommended for?
3 years old to 4 Years old
What makes this option stand out?
There is plenty of space for your toddler to have an incredibly fun time in this play tent with all their friends. it encourages them to play socially and be creative in the games they play.
Game Time Sports Slide And Climber by Step2
Summary
The Step2 Game Time Sports Slide & Climber have an awesome sporty design which encourages kids to be active. There’s a feature that keeps count of the score equipped, as well as a slide.
The jungle gym available has a ladder for kids to climb up and down. This is a fantastic way for them to develop their strength and balance.
There’s also a basketball hoop and soccer goal available too. So, kids are given a variety of ways in which they can play. This makes it perfect for your child and their friends to play together outdoors.
Pros
- Improves strength
- Develops balance
- Encourages activity
Cons
- Wobblier than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
2 years old to 6 years old
What makes this option stand out?
With a range of playing options available, including basketball, soccer, and climbing up and going down the slide, your kids can be entertained for hours. It’s great for keeping them active and healthy.
MGA Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
Summary
This Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set has been designed to be very colorful. As a result, it’s more engaging for kids and stimulates their visual senses.
It can be used as a way of teaching your child the basics of soccer. During the process, they’ll be having a ton of fun and keeping active. Furthermore, their motor skills and coordination will be improved.
If your child starts to play soccer games with other kids, they will also be able to develop their social skills.
You can easily adjust how high you want the net to be to make it the perfect size for your toddler. Parents have also been liking how they can easily disassemble the set to make for hassle free transportation and storage.
Pros
- Develops motor skills
- Improves coordination
- Encourages social play
- Keeps kids active
Cons
- The ball is a little small for some
What age is this recommended for?
2 year old to 15 years old
What makes this option stand out?
If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your child active while developing their coordination and social skills, this soccer set could be just what you need. Not to mention, when played in groups, it’s great for your child’s social skills.
Sunny Patch Blossom Bright Sprinkler by Melissa & Doug
Summary
Melissa & Doug’s Sprinkler Toy can be easily attached to any garden hose. This makes it super easy to use and will keep your child entertained for hours.
We liked how they designed the sprinklers to have the Sunny Patch Friends on them. It creates a better sense of excitement for kids.
This is an especially great outdoor toy for those hot summer days. You can keep your child cool while also entertaining them. it’s a ton of fun when children get together in front of this sprinkler toy. This encourages your child to play in groups and develop their social skills.
Pros
- Fun design
- Easy to use
- Can improve social skills
Cons
- Water may leak from the sides of the sprinkler
What age is this recommended for?
36 months old to 6 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Keeping your child cool and entertained during the hot summer months outdoors is super easy with this sprinkler toy. The design is fun and it encourages kids to play with each other and work on their social abilities.
Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House Dust! Sweep!
Summary
This is another Melissa & Doug outdoor Playhouse that’s fantastic for promoting pretend play. As a result, your child will be able to use their creative side to come up with their own games.
There is a total of 6 pieces available with this cleaning set. This includes a duster, mop, broom, brush, dustpan, and a stand for storage. Therefore, your child is provided with plenty of pieces to keep them thoroughly entertained.
We liked how all the pieces have been made to be the perfect size for toddlers. This helps them to handle the different pieces more comfortably and have a better chance of improving their motor skills.
Pros
- Encourages creativity
- Develops motor skills
- Great size for toddlers
Cons
- Head on broom piece could be stronger
What age is this recommended for?
36 months old to 6 years old
What makes this option stand out?
This pretends cleaning set helps kids to play with a ton of creativity. The pieces are a perfect size for your little one’s hands which means they’re able to develop their social skills too.
Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table
Summary
The Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table is a lot of fun for kids. It includes a fishing net, a fishing pole, one water cup, and five floating pieces.
This enables kids to play in a variety of ways to have endless hours of fun. They can try and catch the different pieces in the water using the net. We found this to be an effective game that strengthens children’s counting abilities.
This water table is also awesome at helping kids to develop their coordination and motor skills.
Kids have also been liking the feature that lets them fill up the fishbowl until it’s full. When it is, the bowl tips and creates a wave within the this water toy for toddlers and kids.
Pros
- Develops motor skills
- Improves coordination
- Strengthens counting abilities
Cons
- Prone to leaking
What age is this recommended for?
24 months old to 5 years
What makes this option stand out?
Kids have a blast playing with this water table outdoors. It encourages them to count the various pieces before releasing them and trying to catch them again. This is excellent for their motor skills and coordination.
UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Play Tent with Tunnel
Summary
The UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Play Tent has been made with high quality 190T polyester fabrics. These are very strong and can resist damage over time which makes them durable. They’ve also been created with a colorful design that makes them more visually appealing and exciting for kids.
You can use the tent and tunnel sections together or separately. This gives you more freedom to set it up in the best way possible. If your child is playing on their own, you may only need one section. But if they’re playing with friends, you can always combine the two sections for a bigger area.
A ball pit is included which adds another element of fun. Kids can be left by themselves and be entertained for hours. To give you a peace of mind, there are mesh sections for you to easily see through. They also keep the inside well ventilated.
Pros
- Colorful design
- Durable materials
- Encourages group play
Cons
- Tunnel topples over when used on its own
What age is this recommended for?
6 months old and over
What makes this option stand out?
This is a great outdoor set for your child and their friends to have a blast with. This makes it awesome for developing their social skills too.
iPlay iLearn Golf Toys Set
Summary
This iPlay iLearn Golf Set is very light and enables you to take it out with you easily, wherever you go. It includes two golf clubs and 12 balls. You can use this as an activity for you and your child to spend some quality time together.
You’re able to teach your child how to hit the golf ball by showing them the proper techniques. This is an effective way to improve their learning abilities and critical thinking. It’s especially great for improving their motor skills and hand eye coordination.
We also liked how playing with this golf set helps to keep kids active and improves their strength.
Pros
- Develops coordination & motor skills
- Improves strength
- Better learning abilities
- Bonding time
Cons
- Heads of the golf clubs could be stronger
What age is this recommended for?
24 months old to 12 years old
What makes this option stand out?
Spending time with your child teaching them how to play golf is fantastic for your relationship. However, it’s also awesome for developing your child’s strength, hand eye coordination, and motor skills.
Joyin Toy 8 in 1 Pop Up Play Tent
Product Currently Out Of Stock!
Summary
The Joyin 8 in 1 Pop Up toy provides your child with a lot of tunnels, tents, and areas to play in for hours on end. All the various parts can be easily connected to each other to make for an easy setup and takedown process.
Due to the size of this pop up play tent, your child will be able to have a blast with all their friends. Therefore, it’s a fantastic choice to help your child develop their social skills.
We also liked how they’ve designed the structure with bright colors. They’re more stimulating for your child’s visual senses and makes it more exciting.
Pros
- Bright colors
- Easy setup/takedown
- Improves social skills
- Encourages imagination
Cons
- Tunnels are smaller than some expected
What age is this recommended for?
What makes this option stand out?
With a ton of activities at your child’s disposal, their imagination is let loose. They’re also able to get creative with their friends, which helps to strengthen their social skills.
Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship Water Play Table
Summary
This pirate ship outdoor water table by Little Tikes is one of the top outdoor toys for toddler boys. It comes with some great spinning features that are a lot of fun for kids to use. Therefore, it’s awesome for developing your toddler’s motor skills and hand eye coordination.
There’s a function that causes the water to move around in the table. This is a result of the pump that’s been fitted. Alternatively, the crows nest can be filled with water to achieve the same effect.
We liked how they included a water cannon which can squirt water. This feature is a lot of fun for kids to squirt each other. Due to the design of this water table, it encourages kids to play in small groups.
This makes it effective at helping your child become better in social situations.
Pros
- Fun pirate theme
- Encourages group play
- Develops motor skills & coordination
Cons
- No drainage system available
What age is this recommended for?
1 to 6 year old
What makes this option stand out?
With various spinning parts and water cannons, kids are able to develop their coordination and motor skills greatly with this pirate ship toy. They’re also able to have fun in groups to strengthen their social skills.
Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper
Summary
Fat Brain Toys’ Teeter Popper comes with a board that has a concave design. This adds a unique visual flair that makes it look fun to play with. We liked how they’ve covered the bottom of the board with numerous suction cups that are made out of silicone.
The way your child plays with this outdoor toy is left up to them. They can stand, sit, and move around on it as they please. As the toy rocks back and forth, the suction cups make incredibly fun popping sounds.
These are stimulating for your child’s visual senses. It also helps to teach them about cause and effect.
The nature of this outdoor toy inspires toddlers to play with more imagination. It’s also effective at improving motor skills, coordination, and balance.
Pros
- Unique suction cup design
- Encourages imaginative play
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Improves balance
Cons
- Rubber pieces may fall off over time
What age is this recommended for?
36 months and over
What makes this option stand out?
we were impressed by how this toy gives toddlers the freedom to play with it as they like. As a result, their creative side is left to flourish. It’s also awesome for developing your child’s motor skills, balance, and coordination.
Step2 All Star Sports Climber
Product Currently Out Of Stock!
Summary
This All Star Sports Climber by Step2 is a fantastic outdoor toy that encourages children to be more active. It comes with a climbing ladder which is excellent for helping your child to improve their strength, while also developing their coordination and motor skills.
This set also features a soccer ball, basketball hoop, basketball, and a football. As your child plays with these sports accessories, they’re able to develop their coordination and motor skills significantly.
We also liked how they’ve created the construction of this set to be durable. Therefore, it can withstand some rough and tumble play for years to come.
Pros
- Improves strength & balance
- Encourages active play
- Develops motor skills & coordination
Cons
- Colors can be prone to coming off over time
What age is this recommended for?
24 months and over
What makes this option stand out?
Climbing up and down the ladder improves your child’s strength and balance. Moreover, the sports toy accessories are incredibly effective for developing your toddler’s motor skills and coordination.
Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table by Step2
Summary
This Rain Splish Splash Water Table comes with a rainfall feature. We were impressed by how this feature makes realistic sounds of rainfall to audibly stimulate kids. This helps them to learn via their hearing senses.
There is a variety of maze pieces available which kids can arrange in different orders. The variety of orders creates a different waterfall. We found this to be a great exercise that helps kids to learn the concept of cause and effect.
There are figures included too. Kids love putting them onto the springboard and flipping them into the water pond. It’s fantastic for their motor skills too.
Pros
- Improves motor skills
- Teaches cause & effect
- Realistic sounds
Cons
- Can be difficult to assemble
What age is this recommended for?
18 months to 8 years old
What makes this option stand out?
The realistic rainfall sounds are excellent for developing your child’s ability to learn via their audible senses. It’s also a great playset for teaching cause and effect and improving motor skills.
Green Toys Wagon Outdoor Toy
Summary
This Green Toys wagon is a fantastic outdoor play toy for your toddler. It seems pretty simple, and it is, but that’s what makes it so great. We liked how it helps toddlers to develop their motor skills and coordination by pulling the wagon around.
They love walking around the backyard and filling it with things. It’s an excellent way for them to play with more imagination and be active outdoors. The larger tire and lower design make this wagon the perfect size for your little one to pull around.
All the materials used are completely free from harmful components. Therefore, you can be sure that it’s safe for your child.
Pros
- Great size for toddlers
- Promotes creativity
- Develops motor skills & coordination
Cons
- Smaller than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
1 year old and over
What makes this option stand out?
Toddlers have a blast pulling this wagon toy around the backyard. During the process, their motor skills and coordination are improved. Furthermore, they’re encouraged to play with more imagination too.
ECR4Kids Outdoor Buccaneer Boat
Summary
This Buccaneer boat toy has been designed with bright colors. This is highly stimulating for your child’s visual senses and help to encourage imaginative play.
We liked how they’ve used a coating over the top that’s resistant to fading. This keeps the colors bright to make the playset perfect for outdoor use for years.
There’s a steering wheel included which kids have a blast moving. It’s a fun way for them to develop their coordination and motor skills.
We impressed with their attention to detail in the design too. They’ve created molded features of the anchor, flag, and even a parrot.
The deck on the top also has plenty of room for multiple kids to play. As a result, it’s a fantastic playset to encourage your child to play with other kids and improve their social skills.
Pros
- Promotes creativity
- Encourages social play
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Durable
Cons
- Smaller than some were hoping for
What age is this recommended for?
2 to 6 years old
What makes this option stand out?
This pirate themed boat playset is a lot of fun and enables kids to play in groups to develop their social abilities. It’s also an entertaining way for kids to improve their coordination and motor skills.
our top 3 picks for Outdoor Summer Toys for Toddlers
Runner Up |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Overall |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Budget Pick |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Buyers Guide to the Best Outdoor Toddler Toys
To help guide you towards picking the best outdoor toy for your toddler, we’ve created a quick buyers guide section. Simply have a quick read through to learn more about the various factors to consider, as well as the different types of outside toys that we’ve reviewed above.
Factors to Consider When Choosing An Outdoor Toy
When choosing an outside toy for toddlers, there are a few factors to consider beforehand to help you pick out the best one. Let’s take a look at them below.
Motor skills
Since these toys involve lots of activity and physical play, toddler’s can develop their fine motor skills significantly. As a result, this has a positive effect on their balance and hand eye coordination.
Imagination
The playhouses and play tents are specifically geared towards encouraging kids to play more creatively. This is an overlooked aspect of a toddler’s development that has a huge effect on their critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
Kids who play creatively have a lot of fun doing so. As a result, they’re also developing their other skills without even knowing it.
Physical Play & Bonding Time
Encouraging toddlers to play outdoors is vital for their health. Not only does it keep them physically fit, studies have shown that kids who exercise have better mental health too.
Parents have been liking outdoor toys for another major reason. It enables them to have quality bonding time with their child, away from any screens and electronics. The more time you can spend playing with your child outdoors, the stronger your relationship can become.
Popular Types of Summer Toys for Little Kids to Play with Outside
If you’re wondering what some of the top outdoor toys for toddlers are, we’re going to outline them clearly for you in this section.
Dirt Bikes & Ride on Toys
Another awesome type of outdoor toy for toddlers and kids are ride on toys. Though we covered a few very briefly here we highly recommend you check out our ride on toys section, where we write about all kinds of other ride on toys including the best dirt bikes for kids, toddler ride on toys, power wheels for girls and boys, children’s motor operated cars and much much more.
Water Toys & Sprinklers
Water toys and sprinklers can serve purposes other than keeping your lawn healthy – during the summer. They can keep your child thoroughly entertained too. The water toys mentioned in our review are awesome for encouraging kids to play imaginatively.
Running around with the sprinkler toys is fantastic for physical development, as well as coordination and motor skills.
These tend to be among the cheap outdoor toys for toddlers that can keep them busy for hours regardless.
Gardening & Beach
There are toys in our guide that function as both gardening tools and beach toys. This makes them versatile and ensures kids can have fun creating sand castle and digging on the beach when you go on days out.
They’re also fantastic for simply letting your little one roam the backyard and help out with the gardening!
Swing Sets & Playhouses
Playhouses and swing sets are some of the most fun outdoor toys for toddlers that are incredibly effective in encouraging them to stay active. It keeps their muscles strong and promotes good balance and coordination.
Playhouses are awesome for helping kids to pretend play and use their imagination.
Both playsets and playhouses are fantastic for ensuring your toddler plays in groups and improves their social skills.
Water Tables
Water tables provide children with a number of developmental and educational benefits. They’re fascinated by how certain items sink to the bottom, while others stay afloat.
These outdoor water tables are also excellent for group play and strengthening social abilities.
Play Tents
Being able to crawl around through tunnels and play in ball pits is every toddler’s dream. Play tents have various pieces that can be connected to create one giant play area. This is great for parties and enables kids to play more socially.
If there’s a smaller group, you have the option to just one or two sections. Either way, play tents inspire your toddler’s creative side to flourish.
Binocular & Nature Sets
If you have curious toddlers that want to learn, a binocular or nature set could keep them engaged for hours. They’re awesome at helping kids develop their observational skills and encourage them to explore nature.
Therefore, these are among the best outside toys for toddlers that are highly educational and cognitively stimulating.
Backyard Games
Though we didn’t include any options for backyard games here they are something that older toddlers really enjoy. You can view a bunch of great back yard games at Own the Yard.
Final Thoughts on the Top Rated Toddler Summer Toys for Outdoor Play
With so many unique and fun toys for toddlers available, we’ve narrowed down the list and provided you with detailed guide to the best options available.
Be sure to use our review and the buyer guide section to help you pick out the best possible outdoor toys for toddlers.
our top 3 picks for Outdoor Summer Toys for Toddlers
Runner Up |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Overall |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Budget Pick |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |