After being cooped up all winter long, it’s officially time to get your kids outside. These toys are perfect for kids of all ages this spring, summer, or anytime if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where it’s always beautiful outside See which ones made my list!
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Depending on where in the country you live, your kids may spend more of the colder months inside and on their electronics. But when the weather gets nicer, it’s more important than ever to actually get outside and play. According to the health experts at Harvard, four reasons why kids need to get out and play include:
EXERCISE
Kids should be active and moving for a least 1 hours per day.
SUNSHINE
Being out in the sun (in moderation) can help with Vitamin D intake and boost your immune system.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
Imagination, troubleshooting, and planning skills are highly important. A lot of outdoor games and toys will help them develop these skills.
SOCIALIZATION
Children need to learn how to work together with others, make friends, cooperate, and share.
Check out some of the best nice-weather-approved outdoor toys and games in 2023. Now get out there!
1.
Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
Ages: 8+
4 - 10 Players
Batteries Included
It was one of their favorite games to play in gym class back in the day and now they can play the glow-in-the-dark version of capture the flag. It comes with 25 different light-up games pieces and has 12 different games you can play. Not only will this get them outside running, jumping, and hiding, but it can also be played at night – which is actually way more fun.
2.
350 Rapid Fill Water Balloons
Ages: 4+
2 - 10 Players
None Required
I was always told that a balloon is not a toy, but when you can fill up 100 of them in just 60 seconds, these water balloons actually become the perfect summer toy. This starter pack comes with 350 colorful balloons, where they come wrapped as 10 bunches so your hose can fill them in no time. It’ll get them running, playing, and just having so much fun in the sun. Who doesn’t love a water balloon fight?
3.
Classic Cornhole Set
Ages: 8+
2 - 4 Players
None Required
Cornhole is always fun, especially when the entire family can get involved or other friends from the neighborhood. This rustic inspired set comes with 8 all-weather bags, 2 cornhole boards that are UV and water resistant. Just keep in mind that even though it’s water resistant, don’t leave these outside especially if it’s going to rain.
4.
The Ninja Warrior Outdoor Obstacle Course For Kids
Ages: 7+
1 - 8 Players
Batteries Not Required
Your kids are still obsessed with watching American Ninja Warrior on TV, so why not get them outside, into the backyard, and trying their hand at it to see if they’ll ever be ready for the actual show?
This complete Ninja Warrior set is geared towards kids, comes with 8 different obstacles for them to master, and can eve hold up to 600 lbs, so you and your drunk buddies can probably give it a whirl without breaking it.
It’s a great way to get them active, work on their upper body strength, and have fun all at the same time. As always, I recommend that a parent, gaurdian or responsible adult sticks around to monitor the situation to make sure everyone stays safe.
5.
The Toy Rocket Launcher
Ages: 3+
1 - 2 Players
None Required
When you’re in the safety of your own backyard, a rocket launcher is always a good idea. This one even made our annual toy awards list, mainly because kids can use this one for hours trying to see who can launch their rocket the highest. It can shoot up to 100 feet into the air and this set comes with 8 colorful foam rockets.
6.
Glitter Sidewalk Chalk
Ages: 4+
1 - 5 Players
None Required
7.
The 3-in-1 Splash Pad For Kids
Ages: 12-Months+
1 - 3 Players
None Required
When you want them moving a bit, but still staying cool in that summer sun, you can’t go wrong with this cute 3-in-1 sprinkler splash pad. This one is definitely more for the really little ones, but if you’re looking for more of an actual pool we’ve got those here.
8.
Giant Backyard Bowling Set
Ages: 4+
2 - 4 Players
Batteries Not Required
Who doesn’t love bowling, especially when it’s a giant inflatable version that’s built for the outdoors!
This complete bowling set comes with 6 pins, 1 bowling ball, and a repair patch and hand-pump so you can blow it up and/or fix it when needed.
Each pin is about 27-inches tall and is sand weighted so they don’t fall over on their own and can be balanced evenly on your grass or right in your driveway. The bowling ball is 24-inches and is strong enough to knock the pins down even without a ton of force, which is good for the little ones.
If it starts raining or you just want to bring the party inside, you can easily move these indoors and they won’t take up too much room.
9.
The Foam Target Shooting Toy Game
Ages: 6+
2 Players
None Required
Let them get their target practice in with this fun foam shooting game that comes with 2 foam poppers that can shoot up to 20 feet and 24 blue/green foam balls you use to try to fit your targets. Setting the target up only takes about 5 minutes (or less) and provides hours of fun. This is also a great option if they just want to play by themselves.
10.
The Big Dig Sandbox Digger
Ages: 3+
1 Player
None Required
Got a sandbox or just some dirt in the yard? They’ll have a blast using their imaginations thinking they’re digging up major dirt pits just like the pros do! This digger has 360-degree rotation, can dig up to 15-inches deep, and can fully extend to 33-inches.
11.
The Outdoor Ring Toss Game
Ages: 4+
2 Players
None Required
I still love a ring toss! But this one is geared more towards the kids, even though us adults can join in on the fun. This one helps with hand-eye coordination, turn-taking skills, and good sportsmanship. Regardless, it’s just plain old fun and brings the back to basics.
12.
The Bubble Wand Set
Ages: 2+
1 - 9 Players
None Required
13.
Tangle NightBall Light-Up Basketball
Ages: 2+
1 - 10 Players
Batteries Included
This one made our overall “best toys of the year” list. The Tangle Nightball Basketball is a unique and innovative basketball that lights up when in use. The ball itself is made of durable rubber and has a textured surface for improved grip. It also comes in a bright, eye-catching color that makes it easy to see in low light conditions.
One of the best features is its built-in LED lighting system. This not only makes the ball easy to see at night, but also makes it easier to track its movements. It’ll stay lit for up to 50 hours (with batteries) making it perfect for long games or practices.
14.
Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers
Ages: 4 - 12
2 Players
Batteries Not Required
Inflate, get in, and start bumping each other to the ground – in a fun, safe, and friendly way of course!
These body bumpers come two to a pack, comes with a repair patch just in case things get too out of hand, and should be inflated to about 80% air capacity. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t come with the air pump but many reviewers were able to do it by mouth or by using a small air pump. It’s like American Gladiators is coming to your backyard!
15.
Lacrosse Rebounder Net
Ages: 8 - 17
1 Player
Batteries Not Required
I wanted to add an outdoor option for the older kids (and dare I say “teens”) too. When you think of outdoor sports, especially school-related, nothing says spring and early fall quite like lacrosse. Now your all-star can toss the ball into their own 4′ x 7 ‘ lacrosse rebounder net. It’ll help them practice throwing, catching and overall shooting. It’s a great way to get them outside and get them practicing for the current season or try-outs next season. Definitely on the pricey side, but check it out if you can.
16.
Outdoor Twister Splash Game
Ages: 6+
2 - 4 Players
Batteries Not Required
Get ready to splash into the ultimate outdoor fun with Twister Splash! It’s the fun, slippery, water-filled version of the classic Twister game that will have you and your kids slipping and sliding your way to victory.
After you attach it to your garden hose, spin the colorful wheel to find out which body part and color you need to place on the designated spot. But wait, there’s a twist! Instead of a regular mat, you’ll be placing your hands and feet on a the wet mat that shoots water, making it trickier and more slippery than ever before.
Get ready to dodge water and twist your body in ways you never thought possible! This game is perfect for hot summer days and will have you and your friends laughing and having a blast. Don’t forget to wear your swimsuit because things are about to get soaked!
17.
Inflatable Horse Races
Ages: 5+
1+ Players
Batteries Not Required
Ready, set, go! Giggy up with these top selling outdoor (although you could use them inside too) inflatable animals that are quick and easy to blow up, have a hard bottom, and can hold up to 200 lbs. Your kids will have fun racing each other (they come as a set of two), hopping around the yard, or play-fighting with their siblings, friends, or even you!
Right now you can choose from a set of 2 horses, dinosaurs, or the popular magical unicorn. They’re made of top quality vinyl, so don’t worry about them popping when you’re bouncing (they’re not like pool floats).
18.
Tangle-Free Parachute Toys
Ages: 3+
1+ Players
Batteries Not Required
I wanted to add in a toy that’s been around for years, a total classic, and totally affordable. Re-introducing the Parachute Men/Women toy. Now, they’re tangle-free so you no longer have to spend half your summer trying to untangle the string, only to toss it in the trash by the end of the day.
These heroic parachuters come three to a pack (red, yellow, and green) and are super easy for even the littlest of kids to use. First you stretch the nylon parachute, then you just fold in the parachuter into the parachute, and toss them into the air as high as you can and watch them float back down to earth.
These can also be great little ideas for either stocking stuffers or birthday party favors.
19.
Kids Scavenger Hunt Game (Outdoor)
Ages: 6+
2+ Players
Batteries Not Required
While you can technically play this game inside, it’s also made for outside fun and adventure. The Kids Scavenger Hunt game comes with 200 different cards that they’ll flip over, get their clue, and then head outside to go and find it! The clues may contain things like tree bark, dandelion, grey rocks, and so much more. It’ll keep them busy, running and walking around, and learning about different things in their very own backyard.
This also comes with cards for an indoor scavenger hunt so if you’re stuck with a rainy day, they can spend time looking around their own home for a variety of different clues!
20.
Giant Outdoor Connect-Four Game
Ages: 3 - Adult
2+ Players
Batteries Not Required
Ok, so this isn’t technically “Connect Four” but it’s the same basic concept under a different brand name. This 4-foot tall weather-resistant game comes in a variety of different color options to choose from.
The goal is to, you guessed it, get four of your color pieces in a row (up, down, left, right, or even diagonal) without your opponent blocking you.
The giant game itself is weather-proof, UV resistant, and weights in at around 24 lbs when it’s all set up, so it’s pretty sturdy.
21.
Giant Inflatable Dome Rocker
Ages: 5+
1 - 3 Players
Batteries Not Required
I’m always into outdoor toys and games that are huge in size, it just seems to make everything more fun. This 8-foot inflatable bouncer-dome can be used by up to 3 kids (total of 250 lbs max) to use as a see-saw, a rocker, or just to bounce around on.
It has 6 handles that your kids can hold on to, is made of thick PVC so it’ll stand up to a bit of rough-housing over time, and inflates pretty easily, and deflates pretty quickly when you’re all done for the season.
My recommendation, of course, is to play with this on the grass or other soft surfaces, so if the kiddos fall off they’ll less likely get hurt. Hey, it can even be fun in the snow too!
22.
The Kids Pod Swing
Ages: 5+
1 - 2 Kids
Batteries Not Required
If you’ve seen the kids in your neighborhood swinging in what looks like a bright colored cocoon, they’re probably in one of these pod swings from Outree.
These are said to be great for kids with sensory challenges, are made of mold-resistant materials, can be hung from a tree outside or even something indoors too. While they’re really made for just one kid at a time, if you have some smaller kids you may be able to fit two inside to play, as long as their total weight doesn’t surpass 100 lbs.
