Summer is finally here. So if you're looking for ways to help keep your little one engaged, entertained and perhaps off their screen, we've compiled a list of the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages.
Let's face it: getting outside can do wonders for our wellbeing — and the same goes for kids. Which is where games that encourage them to do so are worth their weight in gold. Not only does getting outside help your little one run off some steam after a long day of being inside, or learning in a classroom. But getting plenty of fresh air makes for a good night's sleep. So investing in the best outdoor games is a winning formula.
With a heatwave set to hit the UK, there's never been a better time to dig out toys that will provide endless fun from AM to PM. From arty games to summer essentials, like water balloons, slides and paddling pools — we've packed this guide with seriously fun options for all.
While you're here, as well as stocking up on the best outdoor toys, you could also take a look at the top things to do with kids in the next school half term or to help while away the weekends. Whether that's easy crafts to keep them crafty or days out with the National Trust that you can all enjoy. Do also check out our guide to the best paddling pools to help all the family keep their cool when the sun does decide to shine.
Best outdoor toys 2024
From trampolines to water balloons and moon shoes to giant chalks, we've compiled a list of the best outdoor toys with pocket-friendly prices starting from £5.
Suitable for ages: 3 - 12 years
Our Family Editor Stephanie Lowe reviewed this SmarTrike Extend scooter - the only scooter in the world that has a 3-stage extendable footboard, and it was a game-changer. "This clever extendable scooter is amazing. It's so sturdy and still folds up too. While there are no Disney characters the simple design is part of why and how it will grow with your kid so well. Plus the light-up wheels are always a winner. It was so easy to put together too. Worth the money in my opinion."
Suitable for ages: 14+
There are water guns, then are Nerf guns and then there's the Gel Blaster Surge which is hands down one of the best outdoor toys we've ever put to the test. This battle blaster takes outdoor play to a whole new level of fun.
It's kind of a cross between a water pistol and a paintball gun but there's absolutely no mess to clear up – the gellets are eco-friendly and non-toxic, plus they burst on contact.
Suitable for ages: 3+
It's hard to convey just how much fun can be had with these cleverly designed water balloons. Forget the mess and chaos you associate with water balloons - these are genuinely quick and easy to fill.
Simply attach the stem to a hose and they're ready in seconds. Best of all, you don't have to tie them. The stems and caps are made from recycled plastic and the balloons themselves are made from plant-based natural rubber.
Suitable for ages: 18 months+
Your little one won't even have to leave your home to feel some sand between their feet thanks to this sandpit which we listed as one of the best toys for 18-month-olds.
What's great about this Early Learning Centre table is the fact that it has two compartments where little ones can play with different textures, like water and sand, using the 10 tools and utensils included. And once they've finished, pop the lid on and it becomes a table.
Suitable for ages: 3+
The snazzy Sonic the Hedgehog 'skin' on this dart blaster made this an instant hit with our testers, who love the iconic video game character almost as much as they like shooting each other in the garden with foam darts.
It comes with 12 darts and the double-rotating barrel is brilliant for keeping the fun going as there's much less time wasted on waiting for playmates to reload — you just switch to the second barrel.
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
If you've got a green-fingered gardener on your hands, then this great gardening tool set will help their love for gardening grow and grow.
Coming with an apron, to help keep them mud and mess-free, a sun hat, water bottle, gardening gloves, plant labels, rake, trowel and shovel, they can learn about the great outside world around them. Why not get them to start their own little vegetable patch? Or fruit garden?
Suitable for ages: 3+
What's more fun than Swingball? Even small gardens and tots as young as three years old can handle one of these all-surface beginner Swingball sets. With a foam ball and lighter bats, this is the best outdoor game for developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
But forget the Swingball set of your youth - this one comes with an all-surface bas that you simply fill with sand or water so you can literally play anywhere, any time. It even has an in-built carry handle so it's brilliant for taking to the park or the beach.
Suitable for: 8+
This underwater telescope is such a cool gadget — definitely one of the best outdoor toys for curious kids who love rock pooling and exploring the natural world. It's suitable for use on both land and underwater, without anyone needing to get wet. (Although obviously, someone will...).
It's easy to view creatures, even in poor light, thanks to the extendable body and 5x magnification plus a built-in LED flashlight. So whether you take this to the park or you have a pond (or puddle) in your own garden, this is a well-worthy investment for any water baby.
Suitable for: 18 months +
An activity gym that's perfect for indoor and outdoor use? Where do we sign up. Come rain or shine, fun is most definitely on the cards once you've kitted your outside space (or living room) with this bright and beautiful creation.
They can play peek-a-boo, climb, slide, crawl, and hide in one passageway and the next with this quirky addition. Put simply, it's ideal to help promote your little one's fitness, balance, and coordination.
Suitable for: 3+
Hours of outdoor fun are guaranteed with the Aquaplay Lock Box from Smoby. It's designed to educate children about locks and canal systems in a fun way, so they can steer the little transport boat through the canals and watch the water cause it to rise. There's even a crane to move the containers between the boat and the car.
All kids love water play — especially in a heatwave — and this is an easy way to keep your splashy fun contained if you're short on outdoor space. And best of all, it's really quick and easy to pack away when playtime is over and it's time to tidy up.
Suitable for ages: 5+
Smart Ball is one of those outdoor toys that I thought might be a bit gimmicky before we tried it out. As a mum of three, I've bought way too many things like that over the years. Happily, Smart Ball doesn't fall into that category.
Not only is it a clever idea - you use your feet, legs, knees, chest, and shoulders to prevent the ball from hitting the ground and it counts every time you make contact — but it's also well executed.
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
Ah, a trampoline — otherwise known as the best outdoor toy to have ever have existed. This 6ft trampoline comes with a safety enclosure for peace of mind and 15mm thick perimeter to help keep your little bouncer safe as they play.
Rust is always a worry when leaving garden toys outside. But this trampoline has a galvanised steel frame and zinc-coated spring to keep it rust-free.
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
What do all kids love? Mud! We don't know why either, but if you've got a mud-loving kid on your hands and looking for a way to hone their creativity, enter: this mud kitchen.
Designed with a transparent planter box, this messy but magical creation encourages kids to observe the growth of plants from rooting to sprouting, inspiring their love for nature. They can also make mud pie, store soil and cook up their creation on the stove.
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
Once they're kitted out with a football the world is their oyster. And, with a summer of sport well underway, this kid-friendly ball, which is suitable for 3-8 years will score all the points.
Help them enhance their physical fitness, develop their football skills and just have fun with this outdoor addition. It's made of high-quality PVC leather for top-notch softness, bounce and durability.
Suitable for ages: N/A - shoe size one and over
Who doesn't love a pair of skates? An enduring trend, these inline skates are a sure-fire way to liven up a weekend or round the garden in the afternoon.
They come up high on our list of the best outdoor toys for kids for good reason. Hours of fun can be had in these, simply strap them on their feet and let them maneuver like never before. These skates are available in sizes 1 to 3.5 or 4 to 6.5 so as your little ones grow, the skates will grow with them.
Suitable for ages: 7+ years
Defy gravity with these incredible mini-trampolines which attach to their feet. These unique shoes are made of quality, high-density plastic with adjustable Velcro closure straps. This means your little outdoor adventurer can play outside safely.
So once they've popped these on they'll be ready for plenty of bouncing around the garden.
Suitable for ages: 2+ years
Suitable for everything from a low-key birthday to a Sunday afternoon in the sun, this Lava Lagoon Water park has inflatable guardrails and mesh walls to keep little jumpers safely contained.
It comes with a heavy-duty repair patch too, just in case the bouncing gets a little boisterous.
Suitable for ages: 7+ years
Who remembers the humble pogo stick? Take a trip around the garden on this pogo stick, which has had a 21st-century update.
Available from Amazon in a wide variety of colours, it's suitable for kids and offers hours of fun, as the stick comes with an attached ball rather than the classic pole. This makes it easier for littler ones to get involved too.
Suitable for ages: 5+ years
Wannabe nature experts will love this easy-use bug safari kit. Included in the set is everything they need to catch, study and identify common garden creatures.
They can take it out to the beach or the local park too, as there's a full colour booklet to help them use the equipment in different spaces as well as charts to help them figure out what they've caught.
Suitable for ages: 18+ months
Calling all racers! We couldn't miss out this classic outdoor toy off the best outdoor toys list, as it's been serving up hours of fun for little ones for decades now.
It comes with a working horn and a contained storage area (perfect for taking toys on the road) as well, so there will be smiles all round.
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
Fun for all the family and great for entertaining large groups of children, this Connect 4-style four-in-a-row game was dreamt up on the beaches of Sydney.
It's hand-painted in natural wood, stands 48cm tall, and includes 42 blue and green chips. That should keep all ages occupied outdoors for a while!
Suitable for ages: 3+
Kids can learn to jump faster and master more tricks with Wicked’s Mega Jump. The specially designed rope release mechanism makes it easy to adjust the length of the rope, meaning it's a great outdoor toy for kids of all ages and suitable for both beginners and advanced jump ropers.
There’s also a longer-length version for multiple skippers and Double Dutch play so the whole family can get involved.
Suitable for ages: 2+years
This playhouse is one of the best toys in our selection because it comes with everything little ones will need for a whole day out in the garden.
Along with the house and adjoining plastic sink, it comes with two glasses, two plates and cutlery. You'll have trouble getting them back inside with this one!
Suitable for ages: 6+ years
Go retro and relive your own childhood with this classic game of Twister — perfect to play in the sunshine.
With challenging balance positions and unpredictable changes in the game, Twister is a brilliant game to take to the beach or the park, or even just into the garden.
Suitable for ages: 3+
Kids won't be able to resist this bubble blower. Your little one will be able to 'mow the lawn' and create a whole load of bubbles in the process.
Our favourite thing about this toy is that as you push it around the garden, more and more bubbles are created - so the faster they go, the better!
Suitable for ages: 3+ years
Kinetic Sand is my go-to outdoor toy when the kids start claiming they're bored. And this ice cream-themed set is just perfect for a sunny day.
You get three different colours of scented sand (strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, of course) along with an assortment of different tools, moulds and topping accessories, so you can create your own sundaes, waffles, cookie sandwiches and ice cream cones - with minimal mess!
Suitable for ages: 8+ years
A fabulous outdoor toy that has stayed in rotation in our summer games arsenal for years.
The plastic target with suction cup arrows is safe for even the youngest family members to have a go at developing their archery skills. (For use only under adult supervision.)
Suitable for: 7+ years
Looking for a hilarious game that will get all the family involved? You need Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Outdoor Edition in your life. All you really need to know is that this wacky outdoor game involves giant inflatable burritos which you get to throw at your competitors. Told you it was brilliant.
It's dodgeball meets a game of cards. The object of the game is to collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents - whilst throwing giant inflatable burritos at each other and trying not to get hit!
Suitable for ages: 12 months+
Bring a rocker home with this animal-inspired see-saw which will have them jumping (or rocking) for joy all summer long. This crocodile-shaped rocker is ideal for solo play, but it can fit up to three little ones on. So the fun never has to end.
Plus, did you know playground equipment like this seesaw can help kids develop fine motor skills by putting their balance and coordination under the spotlight? Not bad, hey?
While you're shopping for the best outdoor toys for kids, you might also be interested in our guide to choosing the best kids' wellies to keep them protected outside when the weather turns. We've also got guides on choosing the best toys in 2023 and the top Christmas toys to buy if you're getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
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