10 Best Outdoor Toys For 8-Year-Olds To Stay Active In 2024

✔ Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

10 Best Outdoor Toys For 8-Year-Olds Buy In  2021

Image: MomJunction Design Team

Outdoor play is an important part of healthy child growth, and parents should encourage their little ones to indulge in outdoor activities. Picking the best outdoor toys for an 8-year-old would help reduce their screen time and encourage them to play outside frequently. So if you have been wondering about what toys to bring home for your children, you’ve come to the right place. We bring you some entertaining and best-selling outdoor toys for eight-year-olds to pick from.

In This Article

10 Best Outdoor Toys For Eight-Year-Olds

1. Best Non-Toxic: Power Your Fun Fun Forts Glow Creative Building Set

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4
Power Your Fun Glow Fort Building Kit Image: Powerurfun

With this imaginative building set, your children can improve their fundamental engineering skills and planning, problem-solving, cooperation, negotiation skills. This set from Power Your Fun has 81 pieces, including building rods and spheres. The glowing rods are simple to connect at different angles, using spheres to form various structures. The rods glow in the dark, making them more fun and interesting to play, whether outdoors or indoors.

With several pieces available, the building set allows children to play in groups or alone. In addition, children can use their imagination to construct a play tent and other structures. This award-winning backyard toy set is made of non-toxic materials and is suitable for children aged four and older. You can also check out this YouTube video for more information about this interesting outdoor play equipment.

Item Weight: 4.82 pounds | Product Dimensions: 15.69 x 12.8 x 3.54 inches
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 7,854 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.

2. Best 360-Degree Wheel Rotation: Free To Fly Waterproof Remote Control Car

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.1
 Free To Fly Waterproof Remote Control Car Image: Free To Fly

The Free To Fly remote-controlled car is one of the best outdoor cars suitable for eight-year-old boys and girls. You can control this amphibious vehicle with a remote. It is a four-wheel-drive car that can traverse most terrains, including sandy, rocky, marshy, and other rugged landscapes. It can even run through the snow and swim through water. The double-sided design and 360-degree wheel rotation make it ideal for stunts.

The wheels are contoured with rubber material to resist damage caused by crashes. The transmitter allows you to drive the car from a distance of more than 60 meters away. It also has a rechargeable battery and is made of safe materials. In addition, this RC car is resistant to shock and water and makes an ideal active toy for kids. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube.

Item Weight: 2.25 pounds | Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 10 x 5 inches

protip_icon Pro tip
Since remote control cars take at least two to three hours to recharge fully, it’s always better to pre-plan playing with these cars to ensure a pleasurable and extended playtime.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The tried-and-true product has earned over 2,078 good reviews on Amazon.

3. Best Outdoor Kit: Small Discoverer Outdoor Exploration Kit

Exploring the outdoors is enjoyable and interesting, and this Small Discoverer exploration kit allows children to enjoy their little adventures. It allows your child to get away from their addictive screens and enjoy the outdoors. This tried-and-trusted set includes binoculars, a mini flashlight, a compass, a magnifying glass, a whistle, and a backpack. This is all your child needs to scout, explore nature, conduct wilderness investigations, or travel. This set is ideal for children aged six and older.

Item Weight: 14.4 ounces | Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 3.5 inches

4. Best Travel-Friendly: Trimagic Magnetic Dartboard

Having a cloth-covered dartboard at home allows your child to play with concentration apart from having fun. With designs on both sides, this magnetic dartboard can let your child play the classic game with their friends. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for travel. Simply unroll it and hang it anywhere. It has a traditional dartboard design on one side and a target bulls-eye design on the other. It is a great way to promote hand-eye coordination in your child. The time-tested set includes 12 multicolored magnetic darts that are suitable for children aged six and older. Indulge in this target game for outdoor play with your kids to have a memorable time and help improve their hand-eye coordination, numeracy, and strategic thinking skills.

Shape: Rectangular | Color: ‎Magnetic Dart Board | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎17.32 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches

5. Best For Smaller Spaces:Wham-O Mini Frisbee Golf Disc Toy Set

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.4

The frisbee golf toy set by Wham-O is a fun package for the whole family and is suitable to keep your child engaged for hours. It includes one golf target and six mini golf frisbees in bright colors and can be played by two or three players at a time. The golf target has a compact size of 12 inches and is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it suitable for use in small spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Bond with your child and create memories that last a lifetime over this entertaining outdoor game for children.

Item Weight: 0.06 Pounds | Shaft Material: Plastic | Color: White | Item Weight: 0.96 ounces

protip_icon Pro tip
Engaging in outdoor games not only improves the child’s physical health but also enhances their sensory skills and attention span (1).

6. Best Lightweight: Mimidou Four-Piece Catapult Slingshot Plane

Slingshots are a fun way to play outside. Mimidou offers a simple slingshot toy with four colorful planes and four slingshots. Older children can throw the planes by hand, while younger children can use slingshots to fly the planes. These high-performance planes have two flight modes. The playground toys are made of EPP polymer and are lightweight, safe, and non-toxic.

Item Weight: 2.08 ounces | Product Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 3 inches

7. Best Flexible: Omway Hand-Operated And Remote-Controlled Drone

Outdoor spaces are ideal for flying toys, such as this Omway drone toy, operated by hand or remote. It is a small drone that can take off on its own after being placed on a horizontal surface for two seconds and is easy to control by hand using induction control.

The remote control lets your child fly the drone in multiple directions. It also has an indicator light, which can indicate take-off, landing, and low-voltage. It is lightweight, flexible, and made of ABS material and alloy. This cute flying toy for outdoor fun is best for children aged six years and older.

Material: Plastic | Batteries: 1 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 6.4 ounces

8. Best Multiplayer:Stomp Rocket Original Dueling Rocket Launcher For Kids

Stomp Rocket Original Dueling Rocket Launcher For Kids Image: Stomp Rocket

The award-winning rocket launcher game set by Stomp Rocket is a STEM-based toy set that encourages children to spend time outdoors. It includes a dueling stand and four rockets that need to be launched by stomping on the launcher base–the rockets can reach a height of up to 200 feet. The base has a sturdy and durable construction to endure rough usage by kids, keeping them engaged for hours on end. In addition, the expert-approved game encourages children to experiment with various angles and force intensities to launch the rocket to a maximum height, thus generating interest in STEM-inspired play.

Item Weight: 1.05 pounds | Product Dimensions: 8.57 x 21.27 x 29.53 inches


protip_icon Quick tip
When selecting dart games, ensure that the ends of the darts do not have sharp, pointed projections to reduce the risk of injury, making the game more child-appropriate.

9. Best Adjustable: Hahakee Height-Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop

Hahakee brings you this basketball hoop that comes with a height-adjustable stand, making it perfect for keeping growing children active. The triangular base design provides stability, and you can fill the base with water to increase its weight and make it more stable. Suitable for children with a height of up to four feet and six inches, this one can provide your children with endless fun and keep them busy for hours.

Color: red | Material: Metal | Product Dimensions: ‎15.75"D x 12.6"W x 72.05"H | Frame Material: ‎Alloy Steel

Pros

  • Quality sports equipment for kids
  • Easy to carry
  • Can be assembled in just 20 minutes
  • Great for gifting
  • Includes nails and hangars
  • Height-adjustable from 33 to 64.5in

Cons

  • Net material might be a little flimsy
  • Hoop is not designed for standard sized balls

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I bought my kids this basketball hoop recently, and I was surprised at how easy it is to move around. We managed to assemble it, even though it took some time. I like that the height is adjustable, so it works for both my children. It's also pretty durable."


Our Reviewer's Experience

"My children managed to set this unit up themselves. I like that it encourages hours of outdoor play and keeps my children engaged. However, if additional cluster buildings are nearby, avoid attempting it. Overall, it's durable and entertaining!"


10. Best Drop-Resistant: Tal Ennt Kids Walkie-Talkies

Walkie-talkies let your child engage in pretend play and small outdoor adventures. These walkie-talkies include the VOX feature, allowing hands-free operation and voice transmission with less noise. These walkie-talkies have a wireless communication range of three kilometers and support 22 main channels. The LCD screen and flashlight make them ideal for nighttime play. The belt clip and the 1.2m drop-resistant material make it simple to use and long-lasting. This outdoor adventure toy comes with a 12-month warranty.

Color: Green | Weight: 6.4 Ounces | Product Dimensions: ‎5.7 x 3.1 x 2.6 inches
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

How To Choose The Right Outdoor Toy For An Eight-Year-Old?

Here are a few factors you should consider when selecting the right outdoor toy for your eight-year-old.

  1. Age-specific: Most toys are appropriate for boys and girls over eight, but you should consider their safety when selecting a toy. Choose age-appropriate toys to keep your child engaged for hours.
  2. Type of activity: Select a toy based on your child’s interest in activities. Some children prefer interactive or adventurous toys, while others prefer outdoor sports toys or remote-controlled toys.
  3. Easy to carry and install: Select a simple toy to transport and install outside. Ensure that the toy is easy to carry to a park or your backyard, where you may want to install it. Toys that are lightweight, take up less storage space, and are easy to install will make your job easier.
  4. Durability: Select a toy made of strong and long-lasting material. Toys made of durable material can withstand rough play and have a long life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to clean my outdoor toys?

Yes, you need to clean your outdoor toys to ensure your child’s health. And some toys are very easy to clean. You just need to dip a soft cloth in a soap solution and squeeze out the excess, then use this cloth to wipe your outdoor toys to remove any dirt or gunk on them. After that, just wipe them clean with water. Avoid getting water into toys that are battery-operated.

2. Can regular toys be played outside?

Regular toys might not survive the outside environment, like a windy climate or harsh sunlight. Therefore, it is best to use outdoor toys when playing outside.

3. What do most eight-year-olds play with?

Eight-year-olds like to play with toys that have fascinating features that can hold their interest for a long time. There are several outdoor toys you can invest in for your child, including swing sets, water toys, outdoor ride-on toys, sand and beach toys, climbing toys for kids, and bikes for eight-year-olds.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose is an experienced writer and reviewer of toys and gifts. In this article, she has prepared a list of the best outdoor toys for eight-year-olds after considering factors such as age, safety, ease of use, durability, and more. All the time-tested toys recommended by her are of premium quality and help children derive maximum benefits from their outdoor playtime. You may go through the detailed description and the buying guide to understand which toy will best suit your child’s requirements.

It can be challenging to nudge your children to play outdoors rather than sticking around indoors, but with the right incentive, children are bound to start enjoying themselves outdoors. These skill-building outdoor toys for 8-year-olds are super-entertaining and educational and can keep them engaged for hours on end. In addition, you can use them to bond with your preteens and help them develop their motor and cognitive skills. From magnetic dart boards and exploration kits to slingshot planes and basketball hoops, there’s a gift for every child based on their interests and preferences. When choosing one, ensure it is made of child-friendly and safe material.

Infographics: How To Ensure Your Child’s Safety When Playing Outdoors?

Playing outdoors is essential for your child’s holistic growth. It improves their motor skills, physical strength, and socializing skills. However, while outdoor playtime is significant for their development, it poses a risk of injuries. Here are some safety tips in the infographic to enhance your child’s safety outdoors. Check it out.

Things A Child Should Do To Stay Safe When Playing Outdoors-Recovered (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Top 5 Benefits Of Children Playing Outside:
    https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/play-outside/
Was this article helpful?
Like buttonDislike button

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Tom Green is an experienced early years educator and deputy head at a Thailand-based international school. He has 16 years of teaching background in Bangkok and Seoul. He currently guides a team of early years educators, fostering a hands-on, child-centric learning atmosphere to nurture self-sufficient learners.

Read full bio of Tom Green
Priti Bose
Priti BoseMA (English)
Priti Bose is a poet, songwriter and blog writer. She did her masters in English, Public Relations and Advertising from Delhi University. Her creative skills and hunger for details make her do in-depth research on the topics she covers.

Read full bio of Priti Bose
Poulami Nag
Poulami NagMA, PG Dip.
Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty