28 outdoor toys that will get your kids moving and creating this summer

Let’s be honest. Not every play structure is an attractive addition to your outdoor space. This one on the other hand turns your yard into a kid-friendly oasis. Designed by a toy industry expert and mom of three, Bijou Build’s modular play structure is all at once a place to play and relax, with endless possibilities for expansion. The standard package includes the Clamber Climing Wall and a cozy 5 foot hover platform for inside. Want to expand? You can add another and connect with a rope bridge. Or hang the Bijou Sway swing inside and sip your coffee in the shade. It’s truly an investment for the entire family!

On a dollars to fun ratio, Stomp Rockets may be the best toy investment I ever made. I mean, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of stomping something into space? Kids will spend literally hours setting them up and chasing them down, experimenting throughout the process with direction and force. This particular set includes three different styles of rockets, adding an additional layer of STEM learning. Trust me when I say you’ll be asking for a turn yourself.

Even the smallest of gardeners need the right tools to get the job done! These wooden + metal gardening tools look (and work) just like the real thing, and are crafted from natural materials and without toxic paints or finishes. Your little one will love getting their hands dirty while also developing their motor skills.

When it comes to outdoor fun, a bike is a no-brainer. The award-winning rides from Guardian Bikes are a top pick for new and experienced riders given their totally kid-centered design. Most impressive is their patented SureStop braking system which leverages a single hand brake that’s perfectly placed for small hands (as opposed to pedal brakes which can stop them just as they get their balance) and prevents flipping, even if they brake fast and furiously. We also love how their size guide makes it easy to find the right bike for your kiddo by measuring their inseam. But best of all? It shows up on your doorstep nearly fully assembled with the tools to finish the job in five minutes. 🙌 Prices start at $269.

Got a toddler on your hands? No need to wait for bike riding fun! Also known as glider bikes or strider bikes, balance bikes are designed without pedals so that little ones can learn to balance on their own as they power themselves with just their feet. Eventually, when they have more coordination and trust, they can glide with their feet up. There are a ton to choose from but one of our favorite budget options is the GOMO balance bike. GOMO (which stands for “get out more often”) originally hit our radar for their awesome scooters, but earns top marks for balance bikes as well! It’s similarly affordable, super sturdy and made from high-quality materials. The intuitive design features an extended wheel base with lots of room to maneuver and grow, while a turn-limiter allows them to keep control as they learn to steer. And even though it’s a budget-friendly style, it’s still made to last through multiple kiddos.

Simple, timeless and endlessly entertaining, there’s nothing better than a big ol’ box of sidewalk chalk. We’ve tested dozens and dozen and can attest to the fact that nobody does it better or brighter than Crayola. This well-stocked box has 36 colors including six super bright and vivid tropical hues for creating all kinds of masterpieces.

Designed for kiddos ages 3-8, this climbing dome gives them thrills without giving you a heart attack. It’s made from interlocking plastic tubes and connectors which are super durable but also lightweight for easy relocation around the yard or inside when the weather cools.

I’ve got three words for you. Reusable water balloons. (And another four: What took so long??) We discovered them on Tik Tok and have to say they’re totally brilliant. The soft silicone design features embedded magnets around the rim that keep water inside. Then, ready, aim, FIRE! They burst open to soak the intended target. Not only are they better for the planet (and your sanity!), they’re also so much easier to fill than actual water balloons. Just dunk in a bucket and they seal themselves. No more “Mom! Will you tie this?” every 20 seconds. For that, we’d pay double.

(While the magnets are securely housed inside the silicone, it’s important to inspect them before use to make sure there isn’t any damage that could allow them to escape. If there is, be sure to discard them!) 

Bouncing off the walls? Let them try this instead. Designed for ages 3 and up, My First Flybar offers kiddos who are too young for a pogo stick a frustration-free way to get their jump on. The wide foam base and stretchy bungee cord “stick” is sturdy enough to withstand indoor and outdoor use and makes a super fun addition to driveway obstacle courses and backyard races. Full disclosure—it squeaks when they bounce, but don’t let that be a deterrent. One clever reviewer noted that with a pair of needle-nose pliers, you can surgically remove that sucker without damaging the base.

If your kids are anything like mine, there’s no better bang for the buck than a Micro Kickboard scooter. Designed with three wheels, it can expertly carve sidewalks and driveways at breakneck speeds (there’s a reason you see hoards of kids traversing NYC streets on these bad boys). They’re super easy and fun to ride and I can’t say enough good things about their customer service. After years of abuse (and some older brother antics) my daughter’s suffered a cracked piece between the front wheels. It was super easy to get a replacement part which made it as good as new. Best of all, it didn’t mean adding to the landfill!

If you’ve got younger kiddos, check out our favorite scooters for toddlers!

Simple, open-ended toys are always on the top of our list. These colorful stepping stones are an engaging addition to outdoor (and indoor!) play, challenging kiddos to jump from one to the next. The non-slip rubber edge helps them stay put on pretty much any surface, but we especially love them for driveway obstacle courses!

According to one Motherly mom of five, “This might seem like a seriously overpriced toy, but it is absolutely not—it’s the most versatile toy in our collection.” What are the German-made Stapelstein Originals? Well, a better question might be what aren’t they? The water-proof, stackable toys are everything from water and sand scoops to obstacle course and tower builders. They’re strong enough for full grown adults to stand on and light enough for toddlers to manipulate and maneuver. And yes, they’re definitely pricey but when you consider how much play time they offer, it’s easier to rationalize!

If you have a big grassy lawn, the Hearthsong giant inflatable roller is the toy you need this summer. Just inflate and get ready for hours of rolling, laughing and wearing them out. Ready for a break? Turn it on its side and they’ve got a fun place to hide.

Every kid who has ever played with bubbles has likely cried over spilling bubbles. That’s why we love the spill-proof (and shareable!) bucket o’ bubbles from Fubbles. The oversize re-fillable bucket comes with three wands and enough solution to last you a good long while.

Sensory tables are a staple in any preschool classroom—and can be in your own home, too. They’re perfect for stimulating your little one’s senses and facilitating play, creativity and exploration. This fun table has two recessed and removable bins that can each hold up to 10 lbs of play sand or a half gallon of water. The included umbrella keeps them protected as they play. And with the table plank in place it doubles as a place to paint, color or snack!

With more than 7k great reviews, this bestseller gets rave reviews for quality and a super-easy set up. The thick, 7mm PE rope-wrapped steel frame holds up to 700 lbs so multiple kids can hop on and even parents can join in! It attaches to a sturdy tree or swing frame in several different configurations with super durable ropes and hardware.

Tiny thrill-seekers will love this kid-powered coaster which will send them (safely) sailing across the backyard. The durable set comes with a high back coaster car and 10.75 feet of track, providing endless opportunities for developing gross motor skills, balance and learning to take turns. The track is made up of three separate pieces which are easy to assemble and take apart for storage (but we don’t think it will be put away too often!)

If you really want to dial up the adventure, a zip line kit will do the trick. This highly recommended kit is safe and durable option since it comes equipped with a stainless steel spring brake system which keeps it from coming to a sudden (and often alarming) stop. What’s more, if your yard can’t accommodate the out-of-the-box measurements, you can contact the company to get a custom setup.

Sure, there are tons of inflatable pools out there, but we love the fact there’s a wealth of fabulously photogenic ones these days. Of all of them, we’re partial to the super fun options from Minnidip. Measuring 5.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall, they’re big enough for you and the kiddos (ummm or just you?) to stay cool and come in so many fabulous prints it’s impossible to choose. (Find more in our inflatable pool round-up!)

If this crazy contraption can’t tear them away from screen time, not much will. At four feet tall and eight feet in diameter, the planet-like giant inflatable dome rocker can be climbed up, bounced on, rocked and rolled by up to three kiddos at a time. It’s bringing me all the American Gladiator vibes and could be an epic way to settle sibling disputes, IMHO.

Nothing says summer like a giant inflatable rainbow sprinkler in your backyard 🤣 This playful sprinkler showers and is the perfect way for kids to cool off during those hot days. ( Shh , we won’t tell if you want to join in on the fun, too!)

For the littlest ones, it’s easy to keep it simple. Take their bath toys and use them in a new way outside. With this tide pool set, there are so many opportunities for fun sensory play, whether it’s in a sandbox, a rice sensory bin or just good old fashioned dirt. We especially love that these toys are made from 100% recycled plastic and that they come in their own adorable storage bag that can also be used for play.

This one is spendy for sure, but a sturdy, beautiful playhouse is an investment that will pay off in years of imaginative play for everyone from young toddlers to school-aged kiddos. This one is large enough for several children yet compact enough to work in even tiny backyard spaces. It’s made from 100% cedar wood and features several large built-in windows, an attached picnic table and benches, a working door, and even a chalkboard.(Check out our other picks for outdoor playhouses!)

Little monkeys will love the tree climbing boost these provide! Made from high quality, weather-resistant plastic resin, the textured holds turn any tree into a ninja-worthy obstacle. Ratchet ties make set up and take down a breeze and keep the tree safe in the process.

The t-ball set from Little Tikes has been a little slugger staple for ages. Complete with everything they need to practice their home runs, it’s got multiple balls to chase after and is virtually indestructible.

The endlessly fun PlasmaCar has been winning toy awards since 2005—and with good reason. All they have to do is hop on, put their feet up and turn the steering wheel to get moving. With a bit of side to side motion and elbow grease, kids (and even adults up to 220 pounds!) can reach speeds up to 6 mph. It’s perfect for driveway derbies and parking lot doughnuts—the only disappointment will be waiting your turn.

If you’ve got a future Cirque du Soleil performer on your hands, these beginner stilts will help them get started on their resume. The ergonomic design and extra-wide, non-slip footrests and tips make learning how to stilt walk easy-peasy for kiddos ages 5 and up. As they grow and improve, both the arms and footrests adjust to grow right along with them.