Image: MomJunction Design Team
Get some of the best outdoor toys for kids and save them from the trap of extreme screen time. Children need to go out and indulge in physical activities. Spending time in nature has immense benefits when it comes to a child’s overall development. However, it is not an easy task to make the tiny ones play out in the outdoor world. The trick is to buy them outdoor play toys beneficial for the development of a child.
Here you’ll find some of the best-selling outdoor toys that are perfect for kids of all ages. Running and chasing in nature outside has immense benefits when it comes to a child’s overall development. Do not ignore its importance. The tried-and-tested outdoor toys listed out here are of all price ranges; take a look.
Top Picks
15 Best Outdoor Toys For Kids In 2024
1. Best Durable:MotoWorx Rocket Launcher
The Motoworx Rocket Launcher is an all-foam rocket and launcher set that makes for a fun and exciting day outdoors. Watch your child load, stomp, launch, and run after these outdoor flying toys that are not only easy-to-assemble but also durable. The set does not require batteries, is tried and trusted by many, and includes eight foam stomp rockets in three fun colors along with a folding yellow launcher stand.
Your child will have a blast with these high-flying rockets that can soar up to 100 feet. Don’t wait to get your hands on this fun outdoor sports toy if you want your child to engage in an energetic game while they learn about adjusting angles, jump force, and so much more. Learn more about this toy by exploring a tester’s experience in this review video.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and store
- No batteries required
- Foldaway launch stand
- Launch stand can be set at different angles
- Has a sturdy tripod design
Cons
- Delivery of the rocket may be slightly slower than expected
- Wings may appear flimsy
"Although simple, these stomp rockets quickly captured my young child�s attention. They have also been perfect for teaching him about the fundamentals of physics. While a delicate touch was required to assemble some of its connectors, the straightforward process made it easy."
2. Best For Pretend Play:Lydaz Bubbles & Go Mower
Encourage your children to head outside and move around in the garden with the Lydaz Bubbles & Go Mower. This outdoor gardening toy can also be the perfect gift as it features a realistic engine with gear sounds that mimic an actual lawnmower, so your child can engage in pretend play. The easy-to-assemble and disassemble mower comes with an electronic bubble machine with an activated fan to blow tons of bubbles as they walk around. The super-realistic bubble machine also has a flexible handle. Inspire your child with this brightly colored, durable, portable outdoor toy to encourage them to think of yard work as a fun playtime activity. Check out this review cum testing video to learn more about this product.
Pros
- Easy-to-access battery compartment
- Textured wheels to prevent skidding
- One-key operation
- Helps improve children’s motor skills
Cons
- Made of lightweight plastic
- Bubble solution may spill when the mower is lifted
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 21,898 fine reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Coordination Skills:South Beach Bubbles Wowmazing Kit
If you are on the lookout for an engaging outdoor toy for children, here’s a unique outdoor water toy with large bubble wands that create huge and long bubbles to keep children entertained on a day out at the park, beach, or even in the backyard. The two-handle design adds to the wow factor, helps enhance your child’s imagination and hand-eye coordination skills, and alleviate boredom. All it takes is one pouch of the bubble concentrate mixed with water to make these giant bubbles, and you can watch your child happily playing outdoors. This video provides added insights into the product.
Pros
- Includes tips and tricks booklet
- Safe and non-toxic
- Environmentally-friendly
- Lightweight and durable
- Ideal for camping, picnics, and parties
Cons
- May be a bit hard for tiny hands
- Bubbles may pop instantly
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 11,504 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
4. Best For Fine Motor Skills:Toy Velt Super Archery Bow And Arrow Set
Let your children have the best time playing outdoors with this light-up archery set that comes with six suction cup arrows. Designed for imaginative play, this set comes with three lighting settings that keep your child thoroughly engaged. The toy set is both fun and educational as it helps your little ones practice their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, balance, and stability, making it one of the best outdoor gifts. Watch them aim and fire at a target with arrows that also glow in the dark. You won’t have to worry about safety as this toy is made of premium, high-quality, and non-toxic materials.
Pros
- Adjust the straps for a custom fit
- Convenient to carry
- Arrows have strong suction cups
- Helps practice balancing
- Teaches patience
Cons
- Tips may not be highly durable
- Bag might be slightly small
"The best part of this archery set is the adjustable bow, which made it easy for my daughter to use. Its suction-equipped arrows also offer peace of mind when the siblings try to aim it on each other. While it required some DIY adjustments, the fun it brings has been endless."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 8,589 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
5. Best For Little Explorers:Meland Pretend Play Camp Set
The Meland Pretend Play Camp Set includes 20 camping accessories, including a play tent, binoculars, oil lamp, and a magnifier. This must-have outdoor exploration toy set for little explorers helps them enjoy a true camping adventure with all the necessary tools that can be set up in just a few minutes. The true-to-life stove and oil lanterns can even light up with 2 AA batteries to let your children make the most of this realistic camp set.
The outdoor adventure toy helps toddlers build a unique interest in outdoor experiences and teaches them to be more independent. Get your child excited about backpacking and develop their imaginative skills with this toy set.
Pros
- Encourages parent-child bonding
- Includes a backpack and hat
- Boosts self-confidence
- Encourages pretend-play
Cons
- Camp set may not be waterproof
- Tent may be a tad small
"This set has allowed my son to go on pretend camping adventures in our backyard. He finds the accessories pretty fun, too, especially the lantern. I did have to use a touch of glue on the smaller accessories, but the hours of joy it sparks make that a minor hassle."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 5,995 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
6. Best For Stimulating Imagination:Power Your Fun FunForts Glow Creative Building Set
Encourage your childs’ constructive skills with this glow-in-the-dark fort kit. This parent-recommended outdoor activity toy can make your child’s imagination run wild as they create countless geometric structures using the 53 building rods and 28 multi-link connector spheres. The award-winning creative building set doubles up as a fun outdoor activity and helps children master basic engineering skills.
The safe and non-toxic outdoor toy for children is super easy to assemble and comes with 81 pieces that enable free creative thinking. You can count on this play tent made of BPA-free and child-safe plastic to provide a safe playing experience for curious children aged four years and above.
Pros
- Enhances hand-eye coordination and motor skills
- Stimulates problem-solving skills
- Safe and non-toxic material
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- May need adult supervision during assembly
- Some sticks may bend
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 7,854 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
7. Best With Fun Features:Obuby Kids Walkie Talkies
The long-range Obuby Kids Walkie Talkies are designed for children aged four and above and make for an engaging outdoor toy. These walkie-talkies have a range of up to three kilometers in an open field. Not only do they support two-way communication with smooth sound quality and adjustable volumes, but also come equipped with 22 channels that are reinforced by 99 CTCSS sub-codes. The auto-squelch function mutes unnecessary background noises to enable clear conversation even in crowded places, such as parks, outdoor trampolines, or near outdoor swing sets.
This entertaining outdoor toy has fun features, including ten call tones, roger beeps, and a backlight display. The ergonomic toys can easily be operated with one hand and stored with the help of belt clips. Made of high-quality materials, these walkie-talkies have a long battery life and consume low power.
Pros
- Easy-to-access buttons
- Designed with an in-built flashlight
- Has an auto power saver and HD voice
- Features built-in microphone
- VOX activated
Cons
- Battery compartment may not be sealed with screws
- May not have a power on/off button
"My child could set these up in just a few minutes despite featuring multiple buttons. Their sound quality is also surprisingly clear for a plaything, and the colors look vibrant. Moreover, its lock feature has been a boon for keeping its settings from changing even when turned off."
8. Best For Balance Skills: Hapinest Turtle Stepping Stones
Create and connect with your little one using the Turtle Stepping Stones set featuring six differently colored turtle shells, one spinner, and 24 fun activity cards. Designed with durable plastic and anti-slip edging, this age-appropriate outdoor toy helps improve children’s balance and coordination skills. Watch them play and learn with this toy that promotes social skill development with five classic games. The durable turtle shells can be stacked for easy storage, so you don’t even have to look for outdoor toy storage solutions. Encourage pretend play and improve your child’s gross motor skills as they hop around fun and challenging obstacle courses.
Pros
- Stackable stepping stones for easy storage
- Can withstand up to 195lb of weight capacity
- Includes easy-to-understand instructions
- Comes with a drawstring closure bag
Cons
- May not be fade-resistant
- Shells may not be crack-resistant
"These pretend stones have come in handy for everything from improving my kid's balance to enhancing their color recognition skills. They are sturdy, too, and the non-slip top offers peace of mind. Aside from minor fraying on the cards, this set has also withstood the test of time."
9. Best With Realistic Sounds:Fisher-Price Bubble Mower
Keep your child active with the bubble mower by the trusted brand Fisher-Price. It can be used on grass, sidewalk, or driveways and features a lightweight handle that is easy to maneuver and prevents tipping. As your little one rolls the mower, the motor spins and produces bubbles and realistic lawn mower sounds. This toy can boost children’s self-confidence and enhance their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination and could be the best outdoor gift for young ones.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Easy-to-maneuver wheels
- Include a bubble solution
Cons
- May leave a sticky residue
- May not be easy to assemble
"This toy mover quickly caught my kid's attention with its vibrant colors and realistic sounds. The included bubble solution was lower than expected, but the mover, on the whole, has been worthwhile as it has been easy to maneuver, clean, and store."
10. Best Kid-Powered:PlaSmart PlasmaCar
Lay your hands on the award-winning PlaSmart PlasmaCar, designed for indoor and outdoor use to strengthen your child’s muscles and develop their balance, coordination, and motor skills. Unlike regular toy cars that rely on pedals, gears, or batteries, the PlasmaCar encourages children to use their feet and the steering wheel to control the direction of the car, making it easy to use.
The car is suitable for children aged three years and above and can reach speeds of six miles per hour. The slightly raised back keeps your little one from sliding off the seat. Moreover, this vehicle can support weights up to 220lb and is made as per ASTM, CPSIA, ISO, and CCPA standards. It’s a perfect addition to your little one’s outdoor playhouse.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Manually propelled
- Made of ABS plastic
- Improves problem-solving abilities
Cons
- May not be compatible with hardwood floors
- May be smaller than expected
"Not only was this easy to assemble, but it has also proven sturdy enough to sustain the weight of adults. Its wheels may not be soft enough for hardwood floors, but their performance and durability are praiseworthy. Plus, the steering has made maneuvering it hassle-free."
11. Best For Parent-Child Interaction: EagleStone Mini Golf Trainer
If you’re on the lookout for an educational toy to help your child improve their knowledge about sports and other on-field skills, then this outdoor sports equipment for kids is right for you. The easy-to-assemble golf toy set enhances child-parent interaction and promotes sports skills and so much more. The durable outdoor playset for kids is ideal for indoor and outdoor games for children above the age of four. Parents and children will enjoy the 15-piece golf playset that is lightweight and portable. It does not require batteries, so all you will need to do is assemble the club and base unit before you head out for a fun day outdoors.
Pros
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Boosts self-confidence
- Provides full-body balancing
- Improves concentration
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Some clubs may be flimsy
- May not withstand rough use
"This golf set's adjustability and adaptability have allowed my younger and older ones to use it. Its ball return mechanism also works well, and the base doubling as storage has been a boon for portability. Overall, it has made it easy for me to introduce the kids to this fun sport."
12. Best Compact Storage:Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster
Introduce your child to the exciting world of driving and improve their motor skills, confidence, and hand-eye coordination with the roller coaster ride-on toy tracks by Step2. The outdoor ride-on toy includes detachable tracks that extend up to nine feet when combined and come equipped with steps, making it easy for toddlers to climb into the toy car.
When disassembled, the coaster parts of this delightful outdoor climbing toy can be stacked for compact storage. In addition, you can extend the roller coaster’s length by getting similar and compatible tracks.
Pros
- Can be spot-cleaned
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Chip- and fade-resistant
- Easy to assemble
- Smooth wheels
Cons
- May not have a seatbelt to secure your child
- Some parts might not snap seamlessly
"I found it easy to assemble this roller coaster toy, and its sturdiness keeps my toddler from toppling even when he pulls stunts. It's pretty lengthy and requires ample open space to set up, but the entertainment it provides my kids has made it our favorite."
13. Best Multiplayer Game Set:Kidpal Laser Tag Set
Distract your children from screens with this fun outdoor toy that can give them a real laser tag experience. The multi-player set comes with four different colored laser tag guns and vests that can be used to separate teams. Suitable for children over the age of six years, these laser tag guns work on 12 AA batteries and can also be used in different modes such as solo, pistol, machine gun, and rocket launcher, making it the perfect gift for birthdays.
Your children will have loads of fun with this outdoor game for kids as they can easily reload their laser tag guns themselves after every ten shots. For endless hours of fun, this laser tag toy set offers a range of 130ft and uses 100% safe infrared technology that parents won’t have to worry about.
Pros
- Flashing life bar indication
- Prompts with a human voice
- Teammate or opponent function
- Provides a fine grip to hold comfortably
- Includes an instruction manual
Cons
- Batteries may not be included
- Battery may drain out pretty quickly
"I took this laser tag set along on a recent camping trip, and they filled our evenings with thrill and laughter. While setting it up may take some time, the option to use it in teams and the weapon modes only enhanced the fun."
14. Best For Beginners:KidzLane Kids Metal Detector
Encourage your child to explore their surroundings and discover hidden treasures with the Kidzlane toy metal detector. It is super lightweight and portable and can be carried to the beach, backyard, park, and garden. In addition, the adjustable sensitivity detection feature enables your child to distinguish between valuable objects and trash.
The detector can detect objects buried up to six inches deep in the soil, making stepping outdoors fun for your child. Its adjustable handle allows your child to use it as a full-size wand or a handheld device, and its volume-adjusting dial allows you to keep its beeping noise at the desired level.
Pros
- Light indicator
- IP54 internal protection
- Detects jewelry, coins, and other metals
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy-to-grip handle
Cons
- Some might find it difficult to operate the buttons
- May not work well on wet grass
"My daughter stays thoroughly entertained whenever I hand her this toy metal detector. Its beeping is a little excessive for my ears, but it's good fun and encourages her to stay away from the screens, so I am happy I got this for her."
15. Best For Long-Lasting Fun:Gazillion Mega Zillion Wand
Let your children bubble with joy by creating zillions of bubbles by simply waving the Gazillion Mega Zillion wand. The pack includes a three-foot-long bubble wand, a tray to hold the soapy bubble solution, and two eight-ounce bubble solution bottles to provide hours of fun.
In addition, its tray features a convenient spout for pouring unused bubble solution back into the bottle. Attach the wand’s accessories, dip it in the bubble solution, and wave it in the air to produce bubbles of different sizes.
Pros
- Compatible with all bubble solutions
- Made of quality plastic
- Non-toxic solution
- Textured handle
Cons
- Some bubbles may pop instantly
- May not include batteries
"Watching my child get excited to play with the bubbles created by this set has been delightful. Besides, its wand is robust enough to withstand my son's enthusiastic waving. Hence, it gets a thumbs up from this mother."
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Toys For Kids?
Here are a few factors you should consider when choosing an outdoor toy for kids.
- Quality: When you’re on the lookout for the best outdoor toys for kids, you’ll want to keep in mind that they’ll appreciate colorful ones, and well-designed ones to keep them occupied for hours of fun. You will want to invest in a thick and durable outdoor game set made from good-quality materials that can withstand the test of time and rough play. You’re good to go if you look for a functional product that won’t require too much cleaning and maintenance so they can use it for years to come!
- Practicality and portability: If you want to keep your young one entertained while simultaneously teaching them a new skill or perhaps even improve their developmental skills, then look for outdoor toys for children that are instructional or instructive. Kids that tend to be curious would enjoy assembling their toys, so you can look for a simple toy that they will want to interact with. Consider that most outdoor toys can tire out your child at the end of a game, so you won’t want to waste any time packing and moving the toy when you’re done. Opt for lightweight and easy-to-install sets that will help you on this front.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I clean outdoor toys?
Yes, you should clean the outdoor toys frequently. However, ensure the toys dry completely before use to prevent mold growth.
2. Can my baby play with regular toys outside?
There will be no harm if your little one plays with regular toys outside. But remember that regular toys may get damaged.
3. Are outdoor toys durable?
Outdoor toys are designed to withstand weather conditions. So, they are more durable than regular toys.
Why Trust MomJunction?
After scouring several websites and product reviews, we have compiled a list of the best outdoor toys for kids that will allow them to enjoy the fresh air and be away from the screen. These consumer-tested toys are safe, durable, and encourage physical and mental development in children. You may go through the list to understand the distinctive features and unique aspects of each product. We also included a buying guide highlighting the different factors you should consider before making a selection.
As more children get hooked on electronic devices, buying toys that encourage little ones to play outdoors has become more than necessary. There are many fun and exciting outdoor toys such as soccer balls, bubble blowers, water slides, light-up archery sets, mini-golf trainers, laser tag sets, pushing your kid to spend more time in nature. The best outdoor toys for kids can enhance cognitive skills and stimulate creativity while helping them develop essential physical and mental skills.
However, before choosing the perfect one, ensure that it is one that deeply interests them. For instance, if they love to garden, buying them an outdoor gardening playset would be helpful, whereas if your child has a passion for golf, you could get them started with a golf training kit. Apart from their interests, ensure that it is made from high-quality, durable materials and is lightweight and portable when choosing a toy.
Infographic: Advice On Choosing The Right Outdoor Toys For Children
From walkie-talkies to laser tag sets, outdoor toys greatly reduce screen time and encourage children to explore the natural environment. However, choosing the right toy for their safety and ensuring sustained interest is important. Discover the key factors to consider when selecting outdoor toys in the infographic below for your child’s active adventures.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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