Image: MomJunction Design Team
Outdoor games help a child explore their creativity, boost their physical health, and give them plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. To help a child make the best of this external environment, we bring you a list of the best outdoor toys for 4-year-olds.
An enticing outdoor toy could make them spend more time outdoors. These toys also help them unplug from their screens. Moreover, they help improve teamwork, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, balance, social skills, and persistence.
All the toys on our list are durable and portable, enabling your child to play with them in backyards or playgrounds. So keep scrolling and take your pick.
Top Picks
13 Best Outdoor Toys For 4-Year-Olds In 2024
1. Best Lightweight: The Big Dig And Roll Ride-On Working Excavator
Let your little one enjoy outdoor play with this dig-and-roll ride-on excavator that is highly functional. The excavator is ideal for all seasons and is safe for use in sand, dirt, or snow. The flexibility of its handles makes it easy to operate, while the digging bucket can dig up to 15-inch deep. It also has a 360-degree swivel crane arm. The wide base wheels and comfortable seat offer a perfect ride-on experience. This excavator is suitable for children aged three years and up and can support up to 110lb of maximum weight.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to assemble
- Durable paint
- Easy to transport
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Might be smaller than expected
- May require frequent tightening of screws
2. Best Portable:Toy Life Kids Cornhole Outdoor Games
Make your child’s outdoor sessions fun with the Toy Life kid’s cornhole outdoor games. This classic game contains six sandbag tosses and three cornhole balls. It is lightweight yet firm. You can also use this portable game as a travel activity to engage your little ones. With some simple steps, the children can assemble the game by themselves under your supervision. Let the children learn to be independent and follow instructions with the cornhole outdoor games to promote overall growth and development.
Pros
- Features anti-skid fabric
- Made at a 45° angle with durable PVC pipe
- Promotes physical exercise, social interaction, and hand-eye coordination
- Enhanced creativity
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Quality of plastic may differ
- May be smaller in size
"This is a fun pastime for all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. It is weatherproof and easy to assemble, though I feel including a carry bag would havemade the entire set better."
3. Best For Motor Skills: Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer
This scooter, measuring 35.43×24.41×20.67 inches, will surely improve your child’s motor skills. The product has a 16-inch large front wheel that has an excellent performance grip since the tread prevents spins and skids.
The adjustable seat allows your child to play with it even as they grow taller. This large tried-and-tested flyer designed for children aged three to seven has chrome handlebars that add a sleek touch to its unique design.
The scooter weighs 5.6 kilograms and can carry up to 65 pounds of weight. The chopper-style design of this tricycle makes it stand out. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the product which also happens to be one of the best toys for kids.
Pros
- Improves muscle memory
- Sharpens hand-eye coordination
- Suitable for gifting for any occasion
- Available in two styles
- Perfect birthday gift
Cons
- May not suit concrete surfaces
- May require more time to assemble
Remember4. Best For Group Play: ToyVelt Kids Camping Tent Set
ToyVelt’s camping tent includes a telescope, two walkie-talkies, compass, whistle, watch, thermometer, shovel, spoon, fork spoon set, three ag3 batteries, and a tent. The set can improve the child’s social skills and develop their creativity.
Whether it is a boy or a girl, this outdoor activity kit for four-year-olds will guide your child to explore the world. All the accessories have a realistic appearance, so your toddler can gain an in-depth understanding of a real camping site. The time-tested outdoor camping gear, made of high-quality plastic, weighs two pounds, making it portable and easy to carry.
Pros
- Suitable for adventurous children
- Teaches about essentials of survival
- Keeps children entertained for long
- Long-lasting
- Ideal summer birthday gift
Cons
- Batteries may heat upon usage
- Walkie talkie may seem flimsy to some
5. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination: Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster
Step2’s slide for four-year-old toddlers is a small roller coaster toy designed to provide your child with hours of fun. When children feel the wind on their faces and the sound of wheels on the track of this slide, they will have a deeper understanding of various sensory concepts.
You can quickly assemble and disassemble the roller coaster without the use of tools. It is an ideal supplement to your toddler’s outdoor space, helping maintain balance and develop eye-hand coordination. It comes with two sets of non-slip steps for your child to easily climb up and down the slide. The car has a handrail, footrest, and a high back. The slide is nine-feet long and weighs 31.7 pounds.
Pros
- Features motion-activated sounds and lights
- Retainer keeps coaster car intact while in use
- Vibrantly designed with a variety of colors
- BPA-, VOC-, and phthalates-free
- Available in two designs
- Perfect gift option
Cons
- Stickers may peel off upon usage
- Parts may not fit evenly while assembling
"The entertaining rollercoaster is an excellent option for keeping my kids occupied, and the unicorn is just adorable! While the entire set takes up some space, I like that it is easy to assemble."
6. Best Glow-In-The-Dark:Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Launcher
Let your children feel the adventure with the Stomp Rocket Jr. glow launcher. It is 100% child-powered with no need for batteries. This award-winning toy comes with a pack of four glow stomp rockets, a launch stand and pad, and an air hose.
The children just have to run, jump, and stomp to launch the rocket. In fact, the launcher can serve as a great party activity or prop during your child’s birthday party. This parent-recommended toy is a foam-tipped rocket that goes up to 100 ft high and glows in the dark. Engage the children in this independent play and let them enjoy screen-free time.
Pros
- Enhanced interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
- Durable tripod stand
- Easy and fast assembly
- Suitable for day and night
- Multiple award holders – Top toy of the year, preferred choice award, the seal of excellence, and more
Cons
- May fall apart at times
- May have a limited fun time
7. Best Attractive: Hahaland Kids Soccer Ball
This soccer ball for four-year-olds features a stunning glitter effect and a high-quality unicorn print. The ball easily stands out due to its high visibility and attractive design, and its size is perfect for children above three years old. You can place it in the garden, backyard, playground, and beach.
The durable ball is made of high-quality faux leather that is water- and abrasion-resistant. It has a gentle touch and is easy to control. This machine-stitch construction makes it sturdy and long-lasting. Its inner rubber bladder is sealed to keep the air inside for a longer time and prevent the ball from deflating.
Pros
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Induces muscle development
- Made from eco-friendly rubber
- Toxin-free
- Comes with a hand pump for easy inflation
- Ideal for backyard fun time
Cons
- Size may be smaller than expected
- Colors may fade
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 2,725 positive reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Durable: Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper
The Flybar My First foam pogo jumper for children is made from durable foam that makes the jump hazard-free. With an in-built squeaker, you will hear an adorable squeaky sound with each jump. The jumper is designed to promote the healthy physical growth of your child as it encourages fitness in a fun way. It comes in various colors, which may appeal to your child’s personality.
The jumper is crafted to hold up to 250 pounds of weight, which makes it long-lasting. This fun and safe active play experience can boost a growthful habit for your kids.
Pros
- Made for indoors and outdoors
- Does not make scratches on the floor
- Improves balance and coordination development
- Teaches better motor skills
Cons
- May have a smaller base
- May not bounce much
Quick Tip9. Best Adventure Kit: Europa Kids Bug Catching Kit
The outdoor adventure kit includes a magnifying glass, binoculars, insect-catcher, butterfly net, and compass. Loved by many reviewers, this kit will enable your children to observe birds, plants, critters, and insects, allowing them to learn all aspects of nature in the comfort of your home or garden. You can carry this backyard science experiment kit to campsites, beaches, and playgrounds.
Children aged three to 12 can use the nets and catching tongs to catch insects and store them in a container for observation. The gear pack is water-proof, making it suitable for any weather. The compass can give children an insight into the directions, and the binoculars can help them monitor birds and insects.
Pros
- Outdoor hat comes with SPF 50 protection
- Compass teaches children about directions
- Flashlight does not require additional batteries
- Teaches environmental awareness
- Suitable for parent-child bonding time
Cons
- Some pieces may be thinner than expected
- Small parts may lead to choking hazards
"My young explorers love this outdoor exploration set because of its accessory blend and informative parts like play-insects and binoculars. Their favorite items are the cap and bag, which enhance the overall play experience."
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 899 positive reviews on Amazon.
10. Best Racing Toy: Narrio Monster Trucks Remote Control Car
Narrio’s monster truck is suitable for anyone who likes racing, speed, cars, and control. The toy is specifically designed to give your toddler a realistic feeling. This RC racing car will enable your child to play interactively and improve their social skills and eye-hand coordination, and increase their outdoor time.
The brightly colored graffiti on the car makes it look sporty, and the four sturdy rubber tires on the power wheels add much-needed robustness to the product. The truck can move left or right and forward or backward.
The toy measures 5.7×3.2×3 inches and is made of non-toxic ABS plastic, making it suitable for children aged three to eight years. The remote control truck weighs 8.05 ounces and requires four AA batteries to run.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Offers easy installation of batteries
- Operated by easy-to-follow remote control
- Comes in three colors
- Serves as an ideal birthday gift
Cons
- May drain battery charge quickly
- Car may be smaller than expected
11. Best With LED: Toy Life Bow and Arrow For Kids
Transform regular play days with the Toy Life bow and arrow for kids. This tested and trusted archery set contains two bows (blue and green), two quivers, 20 arrows with strong suction cups, and an adjustable stand to keep the target straight. With the easy use of the quivers, children can easily carry the arrows from one place to another.
To make it look attractive, the bows are designed with LED lights that light up the nighttime archery sessions. Additionally, the elastics in the bows help the children shoot far away. Suitable for indoor and outdoor games, this kids sports equipment can keep your little archers engaged for a long time.
Pros
- Detachable and easily adjustable bows
- Quite easy to assemble
- Suitable for target practice
- Promotes concentration and self-confidence
- Develops fine motor skills
Cons
- Size of the arrow or quiver can be smaller
- Arrow suction cup may not be sticky enough
12. Best For Problem-Solving: Fat Brain Toys 2-In-1 Musical Jump ‘N Toss Set
This spinning hole and hopping toy set can be transformed into a spiking ring and toss set in a matter of minutes, making it one of the best sports equipment for four-year-olds. To set up the game, connect the poles, choose a suitable speed, and begin tossing to the beat of the music. This active play set will improve children’s problem-solving and decision-making skills, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills.
You can install it in your room, backyard, and garden. It is easy to assemble and does not require any tools, and ideal for boys and girls. The product runs on three AA batteries and is made of sturdy and long-lasting materials perfect for your toddler.
Pros
- Pole is adjustable to three heights
- Spins at two speeds
- Encourages cooperative play
- May help promote spatial awareness
- Batteries included
- Ideal backyard accessory for outdoor playtime
Cons
- Sticks may fall out frequently
- May be lighter than expected
"This multipurpose toy caught my attention since it blends physical activities with developmental skills. It's amazing to watch my kids so engrossed, jumping and throwing rings."
13. Best For Social Skills: Selieve Walkie Talkies
The two-way radio set is ideal for children aged three to ten years and has a range of three kilometers and features 22 channels. This quality-tested toy is designed to improve children’s social skills and boost their confidence.
The three walkie-talkies run on 12 AAA batteries. Each walkie-talkie is designed to provide clear, high-quality sound, and the in-built flashlight function adds convenience even in low-light situations. It has a keypad lock function, which prevents the child from changing the settings once the walkie-talkie is turned on.
It comes with a VOX function which means your child won’t have to press the ‘talk’ button every time they use the gear.
Pros
- Comes with adjustable volume levels
- Non-toxic ABS plastic
- Water-proof and weather-resistant
- Available in three color combinations
- Smooth finish
Cons
- May drain battery upon usage
- May connect with unknown frequencies at times
"These walkie-talkies accompany my children in all their outdoor adventures. Though a more user-friendly design could improve the overall experience, they're useful for keeping them engaged outdoors."
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Toy For A 4-Year-Old?
Consider the following factors while looking for an outdoor toy for 4-year-old toddlers.
1. Durability: Make sure that any outdoor toy you buy for your child is weather-, dust-, rust-, and corrosion-resistant. It shouldn’t break easily. Choose a toy made of plastic because it is sturdy and lasts longer.
2. Safety: Avoid buying toys with sharp edges because they can injure a child. Choose toys made of non-toxic, environmentally safe materials, and make sure that the toy has passed security tests.
3. Selection: When purchasing a toy for your toddler, allow them to select their gear. This way, you’ll be able to select a product that the child enjoys.
4. Price: Make sure you do not spend too much money on high-end products. Although a durable toy is essential, it does not have to be costly. Remember to buy a product that not only piques your child’s attention but also doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a product writer and reviewer who focuses on toys and games. Her well-researched articles help readers find the best toys and games for their children by going through numerous user reviews and product listings. In this post, she has enlisted some of the best outdoor toys for four-year-olds, along with their features. She has also included a buying guide and some pointers on how to choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
In this era of smartphones and digital devices, getting children to play outside has become increasingly challenging. But with the best outdoor toys, you can help your little ones enjoy nature in all its glory and reduce screen time, which is beneficial for both the eyes and the mind. The outdoor toys you pick can range from race tracks to roller coasters, such as the Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster, to see-saws and soccer balls like the Hahaland Kids Soccer Ball, as well as unique toys like The Big Dig And Roll Ride-On Working Excavator to keep your kids busy and entertained for hours on end and promote physical activity. And yes, ensure you choose those that are made of child-friendly materials and are safe, durable, and toxin-free.
Infographic: Various Types Of Outdoor Toys For A Four-Year-Old
Outdoor toys are great for motivating toddlers to be physically active and offer an alternative to screen-based playtime. Understanding the different types of outdoor toys and their purposes can help you select the perfect toy for your child’s needs. The following infographic can help you explore the various types of outdoor toys. Check it out.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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