Toys can be valuable resources for developing a child’s imagination, logic, motor skills, physical fitness, and curiosity. This is particularly true for outdoor toys, which represent a great way of keeping your child healthy, as well as entertained.
An early introduction to fun outdoor activities helps contribute to a child’s all-round development. Plus, they can help your child avoid spending an excessive amount of time staring at screens.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best outdoor toys available right now.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Toy for Kids
The best outdoor toys can support intellectual development in children, build self-discipline, strength, endurance, problem-solving skills, confidence, and independence. But when choosing the best outdoor toys, it’s important to check for all of the following.
Durability
Outdoor toys will prove to be a waste of money if they don’t have a long-lasting build/design. Durable toys can be passed down to siblings, effectively saving the parents money and eliminating the need to replace parts, etc.
While compiling this list, toys that can’t survive abuse by children of the product’s recommended age range failed our selection standard. The Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick For Kids is a good example of a durable, outdoor toy.
Age-Appropriacy
We understand that feeling when you spot an amazing product at the toy store, only to find the label says the product is recommended for children just a year or two above or below your child’s age. We advise that you resist the temptation to buy these toys, as just a year can make plenty of difference.
That’s to say, your child may not have the balance, weight, motor skill, attention span, or coordination to use a particular toy, and ultimately, they won’t get much out of it. To help, we have listed the appropriate age range for every toy in our product list.
Safety
The joy of toys can quickly be replaced with regret if children end up in hospital emergency departments due to exposure to toxic materials, injuries caused by sharp edges, or avoidable falls.
Plus, toys often have small detachable parts that can put smaller children at risk of choking. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ensures that toys made or imported for sale come with non-toxic, flame-retardant, lead-free paints, and washable materials.
We’ve made sure to only include toys that are unlikely to prevent any serious health risks. Of course, it’s impossible to mitigate risk entirely, and you should supervise your children at all times during play.
Educational Benefit
The best toys engage and improve intellect in a manner that is so much fun that kids do not even realize they are being “schooled." Educational toys can teach STEM subjects, life lessons, and valuable skills. The Outdoor Explorer Kit is an excellent example of an outdoor toy that provides an educational benefit.