Looking for some new ideas for outdoor play? This Outdoor Toy Gift Guide highlights the toys and sports equipment our boys are loving right now. Well thought-out toys for outdoor play can inspire creativity, exploration, and movement. We’re also loving the new sports equipment highlighted below, which is helping our kids to hone their skills, understand the value of practice, and have fun!
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BEST OUTDOOR TOYS: EXPLORE & CREATE
Here’s a look at some of our favorite toys to explore and create in the outdoors:
Lawn Mower – This Little Tyke Gas ‘n Go Mower has been such a hit with all of our boys. I’ve been suprised at how much legs it has, acting as a walker for the young ones and a go-to gardening tool as kids grow older
Roller Coaster – I debated before gifting this Step 2 outdoor roller coaster to our boys since it takes up a lot of space. However, after reading several reviews that stated kids would play with it over and over again for hours, I took the plunge, and it was so worth it! Our boys love riding it, using it as a car ramp and more. It’s also a big hit whenever we have kids over and also easy to clean for an outdoor toy. This unicorn version is also so cute for any unicorn fans out there
Micro Scooters – We love our Micro scooters, and they are the go- to brand for our boys and their friends. This is the first Micro Scooter first scooter we got Jack on his 2nd birthday, made for ages 2-4. He’s loved it and it’s held up so well! Jack just got the this larger adjustable version for ages 5-12 linked here, and we’ll be passing his original down to little bro 🙂 . I love the look of the Banwood Helmut to go with the scooter, but this more reasonable Nutcase Helmut is great too
Construction Vehicles – This rugged Bruder Excavator and Steel Tonka Dump Truck combo will make your kiddo feel large and in charge of their own outdoor construction site. These are big and sturdy, and they’re great for scooping and dumping leaves, sticks, dirt and more in your backyard or park. Also these Mini Pull Back Construction Vehicles are tiny, but make for great stocking stuffers and on-the-go entertainment
Play Doh Vehicles & Mess Mat– Our kids love Play Doh and trucks, so when we tried the Play Doh vehicles for the first time, they were a huge hit! Here’s some links to some of our favorites, the Cement Mixer, the Fire Truck, the Construction Set, the Crane and Forklift Set, and the Gold Mine
Also a mess mat is the perfect complement to help contain the mess or protect your table. We love this Mess Mat, which currently looks to be unavailable, but you can find a similar one that actually looks to be more compact linked here
Outdoor Kids Tables – We have this Little Tykes Kids Table, and it’s the perfect size for 2-5 year olds. It’s a little bigger than some of the other versions, so it will last longer and it’s wipeable and easy to clean. Also linked here at Target. If you want to step it up a notch for a version that’s a bit more upscale to match your overall decor, I’ve long admired this Crate & Kids Modern Picnic Table
Sports toys & EQUIPMENT
Next up, here’s our favorite sports equipment and gear. It’s been fun to see the boys experiment with different sports equipment to see what they gravitate to. Our 2 year old LOVES golf, truly, he’ll practice his swing for 30 minutes of independent play . Our oldest is getting really into basketball and score keeping to practice his math and writing.
Golf Club Set – This Nitro Junior Golf Set is the perfect first official club set for your budding golfer and is recommended for ages 3-5. I’ve also seen a friend had these monogrammed for each of her boys for a more special, personalized touch. Complete with a driver, putter, irons, and….. If you’re looking for something a little more toddler friendly, this Little Tykes Easy Hit Golf Set is a great starter club set
Soccer Goal – We love these 4 ft pop up Portable Soccer Goals. They are high quality, lightweight and sturdy, while also folding up easily for easy storage
Basketball Goal – Jack just got this Adjustable Pro Mini Basketball Hoop for his 5th birthday, and he’s been loving it! It looks just like a pro basketball hoop, but is adjustable from 3′ to 7′ to grow with your kiddos. While we loved the classic Little Tikes Basketball Hoop, this one was a much needed upgrade for year 5 and beyond. This would even be the perfect pool hoop as your kids get older on the lowest height
Tee Ball Set & Glove – This Franklin Tee Ball Glove is a great starter glove for kids. It’s soft, lightweight, and mesh, which makes it easy to use for younger players and all of the color options are fun too! This Foam Bat and Tee Ball Set is a great complement as well, along with this Velcro Paddle Set that helps teach your kid to move their hand to the ball
