31 Awesome Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
June 23, 2021
There’s nothing like fun in the fresh air. Playing outdoors can be a real confidence-booster for little kids and has even been shown to foster healthy development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), outdoor play stimulates the senses and helps kids develop key skills like spatial awareness, strength and balance. And while all you really need to take playtime outside is a little imagination, outdoor toys can certainly help nurture that creativity. The best outdoor toys for toddlers are durable, engaging and, most importantly, fun! Although you may be tempted to go all out when you see the myriad of amazing outdoor toys on the market, always check to make sure your product picks are age-appropriate for your child’s developmental stage.
Ready to get your tot exploring and exercising al fresco? We’ve done the hard work for you, and selected the best outdoor toys for toddlers categorized by age. From beginner swings and playhouses to interactive sand and water must-haves, these awesome outdoor toys will help make your backyard playground the place to be, come rain or shine.
In this article:
Where to buy outdoor toys for toddlers
Best outdoor toys for one-year-olds
Best outdoor toys for 2-year-olds
Best outdoor toys for 3-year-olds
Don’t know where to start your search? Before we reveal our picks for the top outdoor toys for toddlers, we’re sharing three of the best places to shop for these playtime essentials. These online stores have tons of outdoor toys for babies, toddlers and big kids, with options to suit every budget.
•buybuyBaby: If you’re looking for a wide selection of affordable outdoor toddler toys, buybuyBABY is a great place to start. This online retailer has a whole section devoted to outdoor play, featuring best-selling brands like Step2, Little Tikes, Fisher-Price and more.
• Maisonette: This online store is one of the best places to shop for aesthetically pleasing outdoor toddler toys. From whimsical wooden playhouses to vintage-inspired toddler bicycles, Maisonette is perfect for parents looking for unique items with charm and whimsy.
• Melissa and Doug: Don’t have room for a bulky toddler outdoor playset? No worries! Melissa and Doug has a wonderful range of compact, portable outdoor toys that you can bring on your next trip to the park or beach.
Want to nurture a love of the great outdoors from the get-go? There are tons of age-appropriate outdoor toys for one-year-olds on the market. From ride-on toys to tunnels and slides, check out our favorite baby toys for your backyard. Bonus: Some of the options listed below can be adjusted to accommodate toddlers too.
Little Tikes 2-in-1 snug n’ secure outdoor swing
A swing is a classic outdoor toddler toy—and with good reason. Swinging is a calming activity that’s been proven to build sensory skills in babies. There are tons of great swing sets on the market, but we love this simple option by Little Tikes. It has adjustable shoulder straps and a T-bar safety harness that can be folded away once baby graduates to big-kid status. And at only $28, it’s super-affordable to boot! Suitable for children 9 to 48 months old.
Buy it: $28, buybuyBABY.com
Skip Hop zoo 3-In-1 ride on toy
This vehicle starts as a push-and-pull wagon for early walkers, and then transforms into a ride-on toy for tots. Finally, it becomes a scooter once your child is older. In wagon mode, there’s an ultra-convenient storage space, ideal for taking toys to and from the park (or wherever they’re scooting around). Pro tip: If you’re planning to use this toy as a scooter be sure to pick up a helmet too.
Buy it: $56, SkipHop.com
HAPE tilt & turn sand cars
Mini motor-enthusiasts will go wild for these sand cars. Perfect for indoor and outdoor play, these colorful cars twist and tilt as toddlers explore the terrain in their sandbox. Suitable for children ages 12 months and up.
Buy it: $50 for a set of 3, Target.com
Green Sprouts sprout ware stacking cups made from plants
The best outdoor toys for toddlers are affordable, cheerful and multi-purpose. Case in point: These simple stacking cups by Green Sprouts Baby. Made from BPA-free plant-based materials, this set is perfect for the pool, park or beach. Patterned holes at the base of each cup allows baby to explore their environment by scooping and sprinkling water and sand. And when playtime is over, you can simply stack them for easy storage.
Buy it: $8, GreenSproutsBaby.com
Step2 ford F150 raptor 2-in-1 ride-on in red
Searching for outdoor toys suitable for babies and toddlers alike? Check out this awesome ride-on toy by Step 2. It comes with a push handle for parents, so baby can sit back and relax while you take them for a stroll. And, when your kid is ready to take the wheel, you can easily stow the handle away and transform it into a foot-to-floor vehicle.
Buy it: $105, buybuyBABY.com
Lovevery the organic cotton play tunnel
Take hide-and-seek to the next level with this awesome indoor and outdoor toy for one-year-olds. Made from organic cotton, this play tunnel is perfect for crawling babies and toddlers taking their first steps. It’s expertly designed to encourage the development of motor, strength and coordination skills. Plus, it’s foldable and comes with a cotton carry case.
Buy it: $50, Lovevery.com
Pottery Barn Kids beach ball
Classic outdoor toys for toddlers are hard to beat. That’s why we love this rainbow-inspired beach ball by Pottery Barn Kids. Baby can roll it across the yard, while older kids can use it to play a game of catch.
Buy it: $30, PotteryBarnKids.com
Grow’n Up 2-in-1 quikflip slide & rocker
Enjoy double the fun with this two-in-one slide and rocker. It’s made from UV-protected plastic and has wide, sturdy steps that baby can easily scale. When you’re ready, simply flip the slide over to convert it into a rocker for a guaranteed rockin’ good time.
Buy it: $70, Kohls.com
Chillafish clic’n play 4-wheeler bike and trailer combo
Here’s yet another awesome ride-on outdoor toy for toddlers. Available in pink and blue, this four-wheel balance bike has an adjustable seat and wide, easy-grip handles. The best part? It comes with a clip-on trailer that’s perfect for toting baby’s favorite trinkets around the backyard.
Buy it: $69, FatBrainToys.com
Lily & River 5-star little climber
Last up on our list of the best outdoor toys for one-year-olds, is this chic wooden climber that promises to grow with your child. Designed for children 6 months to 3-years-old, this weather-resistant climbing toy is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Simply raise or lower the accessories to adjust it to suit your little one’s developmental stage.
Buy it: Starting from $220, Etsy.com
Playing outside is a wonderful way for toddlers to explore the world around them, all while developing key motor skills. Read on to discover our picks for the best outdoor toys for toddlers. From balance beams to playhouses, there are plenty of options to keep your little one happily engaged in play.
KidKraft turtle trotter balance beam
Check out this cool balance beam by KidKraft. The beam slots into four stackable turtles, creating an instant obstacle course that’ll help your tot build balance and stability. Set it up indoors, or take it outside for some backyard fun. Rain or shine, this outdoor toddler toy is a real winner.
Buy it: $100, Maisonette.com
Little Tikes easy score basketball set
Raising a little athlete? They’ll love this cool basketball hoop. It can be adjusted to six different heights, meaning your kiddo can play with it for years to come. Score!
Buy it: $33, buybuyBABY.com
Step2 shower tower splash pond water table
What makes water play so appealing to kids? All the sensational pouring and splashing—and this water table by Step2 offers plenty of both. It comes with 13 accessories, including a large bucket for scooping water into the top tier, which trickles back into the pond to create a realistic rainfall effect.
Buy it: $80, Kohls.com
TP Toys spiro bouncer seesaw
This pick is perfect for siblings or playdates with friends. The super-bouncy seesaw bobs up and down and even spins 360 degrees—wow! It can be used indoors or outdoors and is suitable for children 2 to 5 years old.
Buy it: $99, Maisonette.com
Melissa and Doug froggy kickball
Searching for outdoor toys for toddlers that’ll get loads of use? Take a look at this froggy-face kick-ball by Melissa and Doug. It’s made from a durable rubber material that’ll withstand even the most rambunctious toddler games.
Buy it: $13, MelissaandDoug.com
Little Tikes magic flower water table with blooming flower and 10+ accessories
Watch your child’s imagination bloom with this engaging water table by Little Tikes. Kids can pour water over the flower and watch as it magically unfurls and grows. And the interactive features don’t stop there: There’s also spinning turtles, floating ducks, a frog fountain and swimming fish.
Buy it: $59, Walmart.com
Step2 unicorn up & down roller coaster
How about a pint-sized roller coaster for your little thrill-seeker? This roller coaster comes with a ride-on unicorn car, complete with a high back seat, foot rests and handles for added safety. With over 9 feet of track to cruise, this top-rated toy is the perfect addition to your backyard playground.
Buy it: $130, buybuyBABY.com
Melissa and Doug giddy buggy bowling set
Games are a fantastic way to spice up outdoor playtime. Case in point: This bug-themed bowling set by Melissa and Doug. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this game is a great addition to long summer afternoons. Plus, the seven-piece bowling set encourages hand-eye coordination and early counting skills. Win-win.
Buy it: $22, MelissaandDoug.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.
Buy it: $240, Walmart.com
Little Tikes go green! playhouse
Who knew an outdoor toddler playhouse could be so inspiring? 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.
Buy it: $278, Amazon.com
Any parent with a 3-year-old child knows that keeping them occupied is key to avoiding major toddler meltdowns. Luckily, heading outside to play in the fresh air is a fantastic way to stave off boredom in babies, toddlers and adults too! Want to upgrade your collection of outside toddler toys? Check out our favorite toys for 3-year-olds.
Little Kids fubbles light up bubble blaster
One thing is for sure, kids are wild about bubbles. This light-up bubble blaster will provide endless entertainment for your little one. Simply attach the solution bottle, and they’ll be ready to rock. Plus, this outdoor toddler toy is super-affordable, so you can buy one for every member of the family. Bring on the bubble war!
Buy it: $6, buybuyBABY.com
TP Toys muddy maker mud kitchen
Budding chefs will adore making mud pies in this outdoor toddler playset. Made from FSC-certified wood, the play kitchen comes complete with a hob, pots and pans, a removable splash tub and built-in storage. There’s even a blackboard so your toddler can record their favorite recipes.
Buy it: $179, Maisonette.com
Creative Cedar Designs 78" x 9" solid wood octagon sandbox with cover
Shopping for outdoor toddler toys that’ll become a permanent fixture in your garden? Wayfair has a great selection of sandboxes, swing sets and more. We’re big fans of this solid wood sandbox with four built-in seats. It’s big enough for the whole brood, and comes with a cover to protect it from weather and pests between uses.
Buy it: $143, Wayfair.com
Twee unicorn and narwhal sidewalk chalk horn set
When it comes to outdoor toys for toddlers, sidewalk chalk is a total classic, but this set gets a modern upgrade thanks to its animal-inspired glittery design and biodegradable (read: extra-kid-friendly) ingredients.
Buy it: $33, TheTot.com
TOMYOU kids golf toy set
This outdoor toy fore toddlers is just the cutest. Your little one can practice their putt with the oversized clubs, balls and golf mat. The brand also recommends using the toys to practice those all-important sportsmanship skills. Plus, cleanup is easy thanks to an included caddy.
Buy it: $51, Exit15.com
Step2 neat & tidy cottage
You can’t go wrong with a charming playhouse. This super-cute cottage design includes a working doorbell, a mailbox and a play phone for an extra-fun surprise. Trust us, they’ll want to move right in.
Buy it: $215, Wayfair.com
Fat Brain Toys deluxe outdoor explorer kit
What can we say? We’re obsessed with outdoor toys for toddlers that feature playful elements. This adorable explorer set comes with an outfit fit for any adventurer, plus the tools of the trade: binoculars, a magnifying glass, compass, flashlight, bug-catching net and more!
Buy it: $25, FatBrainToys.com
Eezy Peezy monkey bars climbing tower
Treat your little monkey to this lightweight climbing frame by Eezy Peezy. Made from heavy-duty, UV-resistant plastic this climber is surprisingly lightweight, meaning it’s easy to cart indoors on rainy days. Suitable for children 3 to 6 years old.
Buy it: $199, Maisonette.com
Fat Brain Toys the big dig & roll
Diggers make excellent outdoor sand toys for toddlers. You’ll be surprised just how entertained your tot is filling them up and dumping them out—over and over again. We like this model’s cool ride-on feature.
Buy it: $63, FatBrainToys.com
Step2 car wash splash center
Kids will have a splashing good time in this stationary car wash. This outdoor toddler toy is a great way for kids to mimic their adult role models; they can wash the car with the cloth and spray bottle, fill the gas tank and open the drain plugs to “change the oil.”
Buy it: $140, Wayfair.com
KidKraft a-frame hideaway & climber tent
The final pick on our list of the best outdoor toys for toddlers is this ingenious campout retreat. The triangular hide-out has a built-in climbing wall, a window to let in the light and front and back entrances to allow air to circulate while your little tyke is busy having fun.
Buy it: $130, Target.com
Plus, more from The Bump:
