With most of the USA under a wintry freeze at the time of this writing, it can be hard to imagine playing outside at a time like this! But warm days will be here again, and soon families will go camping, into the parks, and into their backyards, with toddlers in tow.
It’s time to look out for toys that will help your little ones have fun, learn, and enjoy their time in the fresh air. We’ve rounded up six of the best toddler toys available on Amazon that will delight and entertain your kiddo.
Like our other toy reviews, these offer all the info you want, and some pros and cons, too. So, let’s dive in and get started.
Outdoor Toys for Toddlers: Our Top Picks
JUMELLA Lawn Mower Bubble Machine for Kids – Automatic Bubble Mower with Music
As parents, we are always looking out for fun toys that let our kids have a good time and help them learn something as they go along.
This cute little lawn mower is one such toy. For starters, it helps kids engage in pretend play. Kids are always looking for ways to imitate mom and dad, which is one way to do that. The colors are unisex, so it makes a great gift idea for boys or girls.
It is a very lightweight toy, so even small kids will have an easy time pushing it around. The mechanisms inside the toy are capable of producing thousands of bubbles per minute, which will no doubt delight your little one. The bubble solution is non-toxic and will not irritate the child’s skin, face, or eyes.
The recommended age is 2 and up, but a child learning to walk might also enjoy this toy with proper adult supervision. It is an excellent way for kids to enhance their motor skills as well as social skills- no doubt the neighbors will pop over to congratulate your little one on working so hard!
Pros
- Ideal for boys or girls ages 2-6
- Assembly is very easy.
- It makes thousands of bubbles easily.
Cons
- Bubble solution may leak out of the bottom of the toy.
Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table
Kids just love playing around with water. Parents don’t always love the task of undressing and redressing children in their swimwear, especially if the kids are still wearing diapers or require the use of a swim diaper. It helps kids stay nice and cool on hot days, learn about water and what it can do, and is fun for boys and girls alike.
The water table is easy to move around, weighing in at just 9lbs. It is very durable, part of the high-quality Little Tikes brand name. Your child will enjoy counting up the fish they catch and then releasing them back into the pool with that satisfying splash.
The kids will also enjoy filling up the bowl and watching it tip over, creating a neat wave that splashes downward. You can also use the launcher as away to flip the little plastic creatures onto the lily pad located in the center of the table.
A total of five fishing poles are included, so siblings, neighbors, and cousins can easily get in on the fun, encouraging kids to share, socialize and cooperate as they have a good time.
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Great for kids aged 1 and up
- Keeps kids cool and entertained
Cons
- Plug that keeps water in the table may leak.
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower – Active Outdoor Fun for Kids Ages 3 to 8 Years Old, Green/Blue
Are you the parent of a daredevil child, one you are sure will join the circus one day as a trapeze artist? Or do you have a child that constantly asks to go to the park, and you feel bad because you have work or other obligations that prevent you from going?
The answer is here, and it will satisfy your little climber’s desire to scale the jungle gym without you having to go very far.
It is a wonderful unisex toy that will have your kids climbing and hanging around as they do at the playground monkey bars. The toy is made of durable plastic that locks together.
And when it’s time to mow the lawn, fear not. This jungle gym is lightweight and easy to move. The plastic will hold up in the rain, plus it is coated with UV protection so it will withstand the sun’s rays.
As a bonus, kids can toss a blanket over top and turn it into a little fort (or at the very least, pretend it is an igloo).
Pros
- Encourages kids to be active
- It brings the playground to your backyard.
- Great for kids up to 10 years old
Cons
- Assembly is a bit time-consuming.
Winique Splash Pad, Upgraded 68” Outdoor Summer Toy
Helping your child stay cool in the summer used to involve using a plastic pool or even simply spraying them with the garden hose. But now, there are home splash pads that can be used right in your backyard that provide your little one endless fun.
This splash pad measures 68 inches across, enough room for kids to stand, sit or even lie down on the pad. You can change the height of the water by adjusting the pressure of the hose- turn it up if you want higher water jets, turn it down to keep things low.
The mat itself holds a small amount of water, creating a shallow pool for kids to enjoy. The shallow depth of the water adds to the safety of this toy. The material is also made of BPA and phthalate-free plastic.
Parents do not have to worry about inflating the toy using a bike pump. Simply remove it from the box, attach the hose, and you are ready to enjoy the water. You can then fold it up for easy storage once playtime is over.
Pros
- Water does not shoot too high.
- Durable and easy to set up
- Printed with educational shapes and colors
Cons
- The toy does produce a slipping hazard- watch kids carefully.
Little Tikes First Slide (Red/Blue)
It is a classic childhood toy that kids just love. It folds down easily when it’s time to clean up the toys and put them away and is the perfect size for young children to enjoy. It can even be used indoors if you have space for it!
It requires exactly zero tools for assembly and holds children up to 60 lbs. It measures three feet long and is good for parents limited on space or who would like to take it with them to keep their kids entertained while camping, for example.
Kids aged 18 months to four years will find joy in this slide. The important thing is to make sure you really snap it into place before giving it to your kiddos. There are two handles located at the top that slide into place during assembly. Upon attaching them, be sure you push them down completely. This is going to take some force on your part.
You will hear them snap when they do lock-in. Failure to do so could result in your child experiencing a fall.
All in all, it is a solid, easy-to-use toy your kids are going to love.
Pros
- Great for boys or girls
- It helps bring the playground to the backyard.
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- You must press down very hard to ensure the handles click in safely.
Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set
You can purchase this tiny net in two colors- there’s the yellow model and the pink model to choose from. It is a great way to introduce kids to soccer or even help your little one practice handling the ball and developing motor skills.
The net assembles easily and is equipped with quick-fold corner joints that lock into place in mere seconds. The net is lightweight and so easy to move around. You can put it away and store it with no effort.
The goal comes with all a youngster needs to get started enjoying soccer. You get an inflation pump, a child-size soccer ball, and of course, the goal. Dimensions for this particular net are 24″ X 16″ X 16″.
In summary, it is an excellent gift for girls or boys, and thanks to its affordability, you can purchase two and have mini soccer games right in the backyard to promote cooperation, socialization, and friendship.
Pros
- It easily folds up and goes anywhere.
- Small enough to use indoors
- It comes with an air pump, needle, and ball.
Cons
- Some customers complained the net was flimsy in its construction.
Buyer’s Guide: Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
Want to know some great methods for choosing effective, fun, and educational toys for kids? Read our buyer’s guide below to help you choose toys that will be rewarding to both you and your child.
Safety Always Comes First
Toys you select should match the age and developmental level of the child. Toys must always be clean or be easy to clean and avoid having small parts that could pose a choking hazard. You should avoid toys made with flammable, toxic, or unsafe materials.
Easy to Use
Can your child figure it out on their own? Simple toys are best so that kids can dive right in and begin playing with them without too much frustration.
Durability Matters
Make sure the outdoor toys you select can stand up to wear and tear of not only your kids but the weather patterns of your area. For example, if you live in a windy place, make sure you weigh the toy down or put it away, so it doesn’t blow away.
Versatility
Does the outdoor toy you have your eye on offer your child different ways to enjoy it? Take, for example, the splash pad we featured in our list today.
Kids can have fun playing with water- carrying it, seeing how it changes shape in their hands, throwing it onto the pavement- but can also lie down in the water, watch the jets come up, and ultimately stay comfortable on hot days. They also learn shapes and colors thanks to the educational print on the toy.
Does the Child Learn Something?
Learning is fun, and kids should understand that from an early age. Play is designed for kids to imagine, think, and create. Toys that allow kids to pretend, role-play, solve problems, and practice various life skills are the ones you should be purchasing. The toy lawnmower featured today is one such educational toy that does all this and more.
Does It Foster Social Skills?
Kids learn social skills when they play with other children. By interacting in this manner, children learn about what it means to cooperate, make compromises, and negotiate with others to get what they want.
Choose toys that are shareable with others if you have an older toddler, such as a 4-year-old. Meanwhile for younger kids, like 1-2-year-olds, have enough toys around, so sharing isn’t needed.
Simpler Is Better
The simpler a toy is, the more a child has to use their imagination and creativity to make it interesting. For instance, the jungle gym featured today is really nothing more than pipes snapped together to form a climbing structure. But to your child, it could be a mountain, an igloo, a lookout spot, or a pirate ship.
Conclusion
Which of these fun toys do you think your child would most enjoy when the warm weather hits?
All of them are colorful and bright, and it is easy to imagine your kids and their friends or siblings playing on them. In a world where most of us are stuck inside, these toys are going to be a huge breath of fresh air. They will encourage toddlers to be active and imaginative.
Whichever one you and your toddler choose; you are sure to have a good time. Send this article to a fellow parent who might need some toy ideas!
