Outdoor Toys and Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
With the summer upon us and many camps and schools on hold, we are all looking for ways to keep our kids entertained outdoors. Being outdoors is vital to development – physical development, sun exposure, socialization, appreciating nature, increased imagination and creativity and just letting kids be kids are just a few aspects that experts point out.
There are so many things that kids can do outside that are both fun and educational. We’ve put together a list of activities as well as product suggestions. We are so thoughtful about the toys that we purchase for inside the house and so we have put together recommendations for toys for the outdoors that will be tools for fun, learning and development.
Note: These activities generally work well for 18 months – 5 years old. We have not separated this out into age groups as different kids like different activities and we encourage you to customize based on what is appropriate for your child.
Best Outdoor Toys for Kids
We research, test, and only recommend products and brands that we love. If you buy from our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for your support!
Best Balance Bike
We highly, highly recommend balance bikes as your child’s first bike. This type of bike has no pedals or training wheels and teacher children balance, coordination and steering easily – allowing them to skip the training wheels all together! My son started on his balance bike at age 2, and was riding a regular bike without training wheels before the age of 3!
Click here for our detailed balance bike post.
Woom 1 Balance Bike
Woom bikes are our favorite. The Woom bike’s design including placement of the handlebars and adjustable seat allow little ones to sit comfortably, in a natural upright position that helps little ones feel more comfortable balancing. The light weight aluminum frame also allows for easy maneuverability for little ones.
The Woom 1 can be used by toddlers as young as 18 months through 3.5 years.
Bigger Kids Option: Woom makes a bigger model, the Woom 1 Plus especially designed for kids 3 years and up who are starting with a balance bike. If your child is on the larger size or over 3.5 years old, this may be a better option. Check out their website for sizing specifics.
Yes, Woom bikes are pricey, but they are made with high quality components, will last through multiple children and holds its value for resale.
If the Woom bike is over you budget, the Strider Sport Balance Bike is another great option.
Best Kids Scooter for Toddlers:
Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter
The Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter is hands-down our favorite scooter for little ones. It has a solid, quality construction, is lightweight and comes in a variety of colors that kids love. It is also easy to maneuver and the “lean to steer” mechanism lets kids intuitively learn how to ride a scooter and builds early confidence!
This deluxe version has an adjustable handlebar which is great as your child grows and allows the scooter to be used for a longer time (and with multiple kids!).
Recommended Ages are 3-5 year old, and up to 44 pounds.
Best Kids Scooter for Bigger Kids:
Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter
If your child is closer to the 4-5 age range or a larger kid, it may be best to skip the mini version and head straight to the larger Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter.
It has quality construction, is easy to steer and maneuver with the “lean to steer” mechanism, has an adjustable handlebar to fit kids as they grow and kids love choosing from the many colors they offer.
Micro also offers the Micro Maxi LED Scooter with LED motion-activated light-up wheels that many kids love.
Best Water Table
Kids love playing in water. This is a category where I would say that there is no “best” water table. Pick one that has the features, theme or size that you like and fits within you budget. The brands Little Tikes and Step2 both make great water tables. Some also have a section for sand play while others have fun sprinklers and toys.
Note: If this is not within your budget just use a plastic bin and some buckets and cups and your kids will still love it!
Step2 Rain Showers Water Table
Kids love this water table. It comes with a bucket, scoops, and a few toys, has 2 levels and the maze-like waterfall makes for fun cause and effect STEP play.
The large table gives multiple kids plenty of space to play.
Product Dimensions (inches): 39″ x 24″ x 32″
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Water Table
This Little Tikes water table has a smaller footprint which is great if you are short on space. It also features a number of toys and kids can improve fine motor skills with making the water turn or just splashing around.
Product Dimensions (inches): 29″ x 29″ x 32″
Best Outdoor Sports Toys
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
This is a great first soccer set for little ones. It includes the net, ball and a pump. We leave it outside during the summer and it has held up well. The ball it comes with is on the small side, so you may want to buy an extra ball, though it isn’t necessary.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
This basketball set is a family favorite. We actually keep it in our basement during the winter. The height is easy to adjust and our littles ones love playing with this – and we love getting their energy out!
Bonus – The Amazon.com version comes with 3 basketballs, which is very handy when my kids don’t want to share!
Outdoor Climbers & Slides
There are so many great slides out there, but I have removed this section as many of them are sold out by retailers since kids are stuck at home with the current Covid 19 pandemic. I see some still listed online by 3rd party sellers at crazy prices that seem to be taking advantage of the out of stocks, so I don’t feel comfortable recommending these items right now.
Other Easy(ish) Activities!
Here are some ideas for outdoor activities with our kids that we love with things that you may already have at home.
- Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt – Google “kids printable scavenger hunt” for a list you can take outside with you
- Playing with Chalk
- Help with Gardening
- Take a walk (or run!)
- Bubbles
- Make an obstacle course
- Ride a bike or scooter (recommendations above)
- Dig in the dirt
- Play with Balls
- Inflatable pools, splash pads and sprinklers
- Fun with water and sand
