Raising Kids Gear and Products The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers to Get Moving The Kidzlane Bubble Machine is guaranteed fun in the sun By Deanna McCormack Deanna McCormack Twitter Deanna McCormack is a beauty, parenting, and lifestyle writer who has written for Bustle, Byrdie, TheEverymom.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 24, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Family / Sabrina Jiang To encourage outdoor play, great outdoor toys are a must-have. The right ones can make enjoying warm weather fun for the whole family, and help your child build new skills. What toddler doesn’t love a ride-on car or sandbox digger? Reviewed & Approved The Kidzlane Bubble Machine quietly blows out 500 bubbles per minute through 10 spinning wands. For a classic toy that's always fun, we recommend the Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk. The best outdoor toys for toddlers are age-appropriate—they promote physical activity, creativity, or playing in a new way, like with bubbles or water. "Keep in mind that this age group is continuously growing and developing, so toys that grow with kids—physically or with skill-building—are packed with major play value," says Maddie Michalik, senior editor at The Toy Insider. We carefully considered developmental milestones, toy safety, design, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Here are our favorite outdoor toys for toddlers, because the fresh air is calling! Our Top Picks Kidzlane Bubble Machine at Amazon Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk at Amazon Step2 Tower Water Table at Buybuy BABY Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper at Amazon Little Tikes First Slide at Amazon HITOP Kids Sprinklers at Amazon Little Tikes Cozy Truck Ride-On at Amazon Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike at Amazon Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Kidzlane Bubble Machine Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart Pros Easy to use Portable Quiet operation Cons Bubble solution doesn't last long The Kidzlane Bubble Machine ranks high on our list because bubbles have been entertaining kids for years, and this dolphin-shaped bubble machine is no exception. It’s automatic, easy to use, and has a 500 bubble output per minute and 10 spinning wands. Bring this bubble machine to the park, set it up at a birthday party or just have fun with it in the backyard. It’s adorable and sure to keep your toddler engaged for hours alone or with friends. Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Michaels Pros Inspires creativity Durable Easy to grip Cons Some colors may stain sidewalk Your child’s imagination will soar with this pack of sidewalk chalk from Crayola. It includes 48 color options for your little ones to choose from and each has fun color names, such as “Granny Apple,” embossed on the side. The chalk pieces are thick so they won’t break easily or run out and are easy for toddlers to grip. Reviewers rave about this sidewalk chalk because the colors stay vibrant and it’s easy to wash out of clothing. "Toddlers can make the driveway their canvas with a set of sidewalk chalk. Just a few simple colors will unleash a lot of design options," says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association. Step2 Summer Showers Splash Tower Water Table 4.6 Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Encourages sensory exploration Develops fine motor skills Includes extra accessories Cons Expensive A water table is a must for the summertime fun with your toddler. They are great because they combine sensory exploration and motor skill development. Additionally, "They also incorporate STEM play that teaches cause and effect, and promote social skills such as sharing and taking turns," says Maddie Michalik, senior editor at The Toy Insider. This outdoor toy is great when it comes to types of play and the different skills it will spark in your child. Aside from STEM play and other social skills, your child can spark their creativity and pretend play by making the duck swim on the bottom level or pouring water over other toys. We like this water table in particular for its bright colors, the springboard attachment, and the extra accessories included like the rubber duck, bucket, and scoop. Kids love the sound of the rain as the waterfalls from the top tier! What the Experts Say "Water tables introduce children to very early physics concepts. It is early science wrapped in summer fun. Toddlers start to play with motion when they splash and learn about flowing water. Parents and caregivers can ask children to make a prediction if an object will sink or float. Invite toddlers to fill, dump, and count cups of water." —Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist, The Toy Association The 7 Best Baby Activity Tables of 2022 Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Can also be used indoors Durable Develops balance and hand-eye coordination Cons Squeaks when used The Flybar pogo stick is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and made to withstand all conditions. It’s made of high-quality, durable foam that was built to last and won’t scratch your floors. You can’t go wrong with a toy that keeps the kiddos active while also working on hand-eye coordination and balance. With every bounce, the pogo stick makes a fun squeaking sound and the fun characters and colors are a bonus. Little Tikes First Slide Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros Easy assembly Folds up for easy storage Pairs with ball pits or kiddie pools Cons Plastic edges can be sharp Bring the park to your backyard with this 3-foot slide for beginners from Little Tikes. This slide is easily assembled with no tools required and folds up nicely for compact storage or to move and take on the go. This slide will grow with your toddler as it holds up to 60 pounds and is great to put on the edge of a ball pit or a kiddie pool. HITOP Kids Sprinklers Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy assembly Teaches numbers, colors, and marine life BPA-free Cons Slippery This dynamic combo of sprinkler and splash pad is sure to be a neighborhood favorite. Easily connect the hose to the inlet on the side and watch the splash pad fill while controlling the strength of the sprinkler. The 60-inch pool is deep enough to kick and splash but shallow enough to ensure your toddler is safe. The fun mermaid and marine life design is bright and playful and makes for a perfect game of “count the fish.” If your child isn’t in the gaming mood, you can rest assured they’re experiencing different types of play with this outdoor toy. Aside from sparking their imagination, this toy turns water into a sprinkler, leading to a lot of physical activity and just enjoying the summer sun. The 17 Best Pool Toys of 2022 Little Tikes Cozy Truck Ride-On Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Durable Develops fine motor skills Can also be used indoors Cons Expensive A re-designed classic, this ride-on truck with a removable floorboard is durable and comes fully loaded with a drop-down tailgate, gas cap, working horn, and off-road wheels. It has a realistic front grill that will make your child feel like a true adult driving a vehicle. From there, you can help your child tap into their imagination and go wild. They can get creative through pretend play by making truck sounds, moving their steering wheel, or even filling up their fake gas tank. Their development of fine motor skills in a fun way makes this a neat educational toy or tie-in with a homeschool curriculum if that is important to you. You can either push the car or use the removable floorboard so your toddler can exercise their independence and move the truck with their own little feet. What the Experts Say "Ride-on toys help with mobility, endurance, sensory awareness, and coordination. Kids will develop strength in their arm and leg muscles as they ride around and explore their surroundings. In addition to keeping their bodies moving, ride-on toys help to develop fine motor skills as kids grip onto the wheels and handlebars and turn to steer." —Maddie Michalik, senior editor, The Toy Insider The 9 Best Ride-On Toys of 2022 Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Durable Adjustable seat Has extra storage space Cons Wheels are plastic The Radio Flyer is a well-loved brand that’s been around for generations, and its tricycle is great for beginner riders. It has quiet wheels and durable construction. Fans of the product rave about the back compartment (or as their little ones call it the “trunk”) because it can be filled with your toddler’s favorite toys to take along for the ride. With an adjustable seat, it is perfect for your growing child and is good for ages 3 to 5 years old. The 9 Best Bikes for Kids of 2022 Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane 5 Reeves International View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 360-degree swivel Durable Easy assembly Cons Expensive Kids love to dig, and this functional digger makes them feel like true construction operators. It has a 360-degree swivel action and a two-handed crane that reaches 33 inches when extended to dig and dump. With its 110-pound weight limit and sturdy construction, your toddler will be immersed in the construction zone for many years. Final Verdict The Kidzlane Bubble Machine (view at Amazon) is both simple enough for kids to use and budget-friendly. Portable and lightweight, it's an easy addition to a pool day, backyard hangout, or a playdate. You also can’t go wrong with the Step2 Summer Showers Splash Tower Water Table (view at Sears). Toddlers are the perfect age for water play. They’ll be entertained for a long time filling and spilling cups, washing their toys, and splashing. Also, you can easily add variety to the play with the addition of other toys and don’t need a big outdoor space to enjoy it. What to Look for in Outdoor Toys for Toddlers Age Level Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, emphasizes the importance of the manufacturer’s age-grading on products. "When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged." "Families should also consider what their child in interested in," Goldman says, "This season’s must-have toy is only fun if it’s fun for your child." Play Type Toddlers like variety. If you’re investing in two or three outdoor toys for the summer ahead, choose a few different types of play. For instance, get one toy that incorporates water like a sprinkler, one for pretend play, and one for creativity. The goal is to keep your child occupied and for them to build new skills. Changing it up will keep them engaged. Durability No matter where you live, your outdoor toys will see all kinds of weather and should be built to withstand rough play as well as seasonal changes. Avoid anything with small, breakable pieces or anything that tears easily. Plastic is a good choice. Safety Unlike indoor toys, your child probably won’t be as careful when playing with their outdoor toys. Both younger and older children may play with toys like slides and trikes, and just like at a park, accidents happen. Take safety into consideration when choosing a toy, especially for toddlers (a sharp bike wheel or slide that is too high, for example, should be avoided) or when water is involved. When it comes to ride-on toys, Michalik emphasizes the importance of the age recommendation set by the manufacturer, protective gear like a helmet and pads, and adult supervision. "Parents also want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations," she says. Frequently Asked Questions How should you clean outdoor toys? Clean hard plastic outdoor toys with a mixture of hot water and bleach. If you don't want to use harsh chemicals, you can use baking soda and white vinegar with hot water instead. Using a rag, wipe the cleaning solution all over the toy. Scrub any areas that are visibly dirty. Smaller toys can be soaked in the solution before scrubbed and rinsed. How do you get water out of outdoor toys? To get water out of toys, first squeeze out all the water you can. Then, point a blow dryer right at the opening to dry out any water than didn't get out. If you think mold might have grown, you can put a mixture of hot water and bleach into the toy and leave it in there for about 10 minutes before following the above steps. Can outdoor toys be left outside all the time? It is best to cover outdoor plays when they are not in use if you want to leave them outside all the time. Use a tarp or a sheet and tie it down well, or put toys in a large plastic tub. This helps protect your toys from the elements, so they last longer. It also helps to keep them clean for the next time they are used. Why is outdoor play important? Playing outside helps to make sure kids get enough physical exercise each day. Toddlers and preschoolers need three hours of active play time each day and older children need a cumulative 60 minutes. Outdoor play also helps kids discover nature, which helps them develop their curiosity. Learn More: 50 Things to Do Outside With Kids Why Trust Verywell Family Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who specializes in family and lifestyle products. In her spare time, she researches and reviews the latest kids’ toys and gear. She has two kids of her own and lives in sunny Arizona, so she knows the value of great outdoor toys. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. Making physical activity a way of life: AAP policy explained. Kuo M, Barnes M, Jordan C. Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Front Psychol. 2019;10:305. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00305