17 Awesome Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

There’s nothing like fun in the fresh air. And while all you really need to take playtime outside is a little imagination, outdoor toys can certainly help—and even nurture that imagination! Ready to get your tot exploring and exercising al fresco? Stock up on these perennial favorites with modern designs. We’re sharing all the best outdoor toys for toddlers, from beginner swings to sand and water toys that’ll stimulate their senses.

In this article:
Outdoor toddler swings
Outdoor toddler playhouses
Outdoor water toys for toddlers
Outdoor climbing toys for toddlers
Outdoor sand toys for toddlers
Outdoor ride-on toys for toddlers
More awesome outdoor toys for toddlers

Outdoor Toddler Swings

Prepare to do a lot of pushing—that is, until they start practicing their pump! These outdoor toddler swings will entertain your kid for hours. (Or at least until your arms get tired.)

Ecotribe Varnished Wooden Toddler Swing

This outdoor toddler swing will keep your child secure and look adorable doing it. The wooden plaything comes in three whimsical designs: a horse, a giraffe and a unicorn. Bonus: It’s made from all-natural materials for an eco-friendly activity.

Age: 6 to 36 months
Buy it: $60, Amazon.com

Baby KEA Swing

This minimalist swing claims supreme durability and comfort for your kid. Not only that, but it’s said to boost spatial awareness and even develop their core muscles. Curious about the brand name? The company honors an endangered species: Kea parrots. In fact, it donates a portion of its proceeds to protect the creatures. We’re all for outdoor toys for toddlers that support a good cause!

Age: 6 to 36 months
Buy it: Starting from $135, Amazon.com

Outdoor Toddler Playhouses

Outdoor playhouses give tots a special space of their own. You’ll love watching them mimic you at home; they’ll love all the pretending possibilities. Plus, the structure is sure to be a hit with all their friends over the years.

Keter WonderFold Children’s Folding Playhouse

Don’t have a lot of land? No problem. This foldable, portable playhouse—which transforms into a compact suitcase—can be stored or taken on the go with ease. Leave it outside (it’s weather-proof) or stash it somewhere inside when playtime is over.

Age: 2 to 7 years old
Buy it: $140, Amazon.com

Little Tikes Go Green! Playhouse

Who knew an outdoor toddler playhouse could be so creative? There are tons of uniquely themed models on the market, but we love this one’s “go green” message. It comes stocked with bins for play recycling, a rain barrel to teach water conservation and even a planting box for gardening. It’s a prime example of outdoor toys for toddlers that foster a love of the earth.

Age: 2 years old+
Buy it: $173, Amazon.com

Outdoor Water Toys for Toddlers

What makes water so appealing to kids? All the sensational pouring and splashing opportunities—both of which help develop motor skills. Skip a sopping mess inside and take the H20 outside with these outdoor water toys for toddlers.

Intex Mystic Unicorn Inflatable Spray Pool

You can’t go wrong with an age-appropriate kiddy pool. This super-cute unicorn design includes a tail that squirts water for an extra-fun surprise.

Age: 2 years old+
Buy it: $22, Amazon.com

Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table

Go fish! This toddler water toy comes complete with a fishing game, perfect for practicing hand-eye coordination. The interactive features don’t stop there: There’s also a toy launcher and a spinning lilypad to land them on.

Age: 2 years old+
Buy it: $35, Amazon.com

Step2 Spill & Splash Seaway Water Table

Sun protection is so important, which is why this outdoor toy for toddlers makes our list. The bi-level water table is equipped with an umbrella to shade your little one as they play.

Age: 18 months+
Buy it: $63, Amazon.com

Outdoor Climbing Toys for Toddlers

Up your child’s activity level with outdoor climbing toys for toddlers, designed to get them really moving. It’s like having their own personal playground right in their backyard.

Step2 All-Star Sports Climber

Raising a little athlete? Try this cool climber. The accessories include a basketball hoop and a toy basketball, football and soccer ball. As they learn to count, there’s a score keeper too.

Age: 2 to 6 years old
Buy it: Starting from $93, Amazon.com

Little Tikes Jr. Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer

Bouncy houses aren’t just for fairgrounds—at least not anymore! Don’t worry: This inflatable outdoor climbing toy for toddlers comes with a safety net. They’ll love jumping around and zipping up and down the blow-up slide.

Age: 2 to 8 years old
Buy it: $155, Amazon.com

Outdoor Sand Toys for Toddlers

No wonder outdoor sand toys for toddlers are ever-popular: There are so many adorable boxes and accessories to choose from. (They’re also amazing developmental toys.) Here are three especially awesome choices.

Grow’n Up Sand N Play Build a Box Sandbox Set

Here’s more proof that outdoor toys for toddlers don’t have to take up a ton of space: A sandbox you can build then break down again. Work with your child to put it together and take it apart (hello, motor skills). The center can be filled with sand while the walls double as a water moat.

Age: 18 to 36 months
Buy it: $49, BuyBuyBaby.com

Green Toys Dump Truck

Dump trucks make excellent outdoor sand toys for toddlers. You’ll be surprised just how entertaining your tot finds filling ‘em up and dumping ‘em out. We like this model’s refreshing color scheme.

Age: 1 year old+
Buy it: $17, Amazon.com

Step2 Crabbie Sand Table

What can we say? We’re obsessed with outdoor toys for toddlers that have playful designs. This standing sand table will get your child on their feet and includes two pails and shovels for digging. Better yet, it comes with a cover to keep weather and pests out post-play.

Age: 18 months+
Buy it: $42, Target.com

Outdoor Ride-On Toys for Toddlers

Ride-on toys give toddlers a sense of independence as they move around on their own. Bring them outdoors and there’s even more to explore. Best of all, these two outdoor toys for toddlers are multipurpose, earning them both a major round of applause.

Careplay Ride-On Play Squirrel Critter

This silly squirrel on wheels can also be used as a push toy—we call that a win-win. The toddler outdoor ride-on toy’s plastic body is sturdy and resistant to the elements.

Age: 12 to 36 months
Buy it: Starting from $69, Amazon.com

Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter Ride On

This vehicle starts as an outdoor ride-on toy for toddlers then transforms into a scooter once they’re older. In ride-on mode, there’s an ultra-convenient storage space, ideal for taking toys to and from the park (or wherever they’re scooting around).

Age: 1 to 4 years old
Buy it: $32, Amazon.com

More Awesome Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

On the hunt for even more outdoor toys for toddlers? These miscellaneous finds are too sweet to pass up.

Little Tikes Whale Teeter Totter

This pick is perfect for siblings (or cousins or friends). The three-seat seesaw is shaped like a friendly whale and guarantees a rockin’ good time.

Age: 18 months+
Buy it: $36, Amazon.com

Little Tikes TotSports Easy Hit Golf Set

This outdoor toy fore toddlers is so gosh-darn cute. They can practice their putt with the oversized clubs and balls. The brand also recommends using the toys to practice their sportsmanship! Plus, cleanup is easy thanks to the caddy.

Age: 2 to 6 years old
Buy it: $27, Amazon.com

Handmade Toys Organic Sidewalk Chalk

When it comes to outdoor toys for toddlers, sidewalk chalk is a total classic, but this set gets a modern upgrade thanks to its organic (read: extra-kid-friendly) ingredients.

Age: 1 year old+
Buy it: $15, BellaLunaToys.com

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, some of which may be sponsored by paying vendors.

Published April 2019

Plus, more from The Bump:

Kids’ Gardening Tools and Toys for Your Little Sprout

The Best Toddler Bikes for Little Riders

Kids’ Bath Toys for Good, Clean Fun