Today’s child spends half the time outdoors as their parents did when they were growing up.
This is a scary statistic as adolescence lose their connection with nature and get less exercise. So, what is the best way to combat this daunting realization?
Getting your kids interested in playing in the sun with outdoor toys is one way to get them out of the house. New toys that promote hands-on activities should be more appealing than a screen.
Here are the top 10 exciting toys that will have your little ones begging to step outside.
1. Intex Surf ‘N Slide Inflatable Play Center
If you don’t have a pool in the middle of the summer, try some water toys for kids as the next best thing. This modern remake of the classic slip and slide will have your kids racing for the yard.
All you need to do is hook up a garden hose to get the 160-inch slide ready for fun. Kids use two inflatable boards to shoot through a shark’s mouth and down the slop.
The cushioned pond at the end keeps your child safe while making it easy to stop and go again for hours of wet and wild play.
2. gofindit – Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt Card Game
Keep your whole family curious about the great outdoors with this family-fun scavenger hunt card game. Your kids get to explore what’s in their backyard while discovering new words and adjectives.
They will also use the 5 senses to touch, smell, see, hear, and maybe even taste what nature has to offer. Matching words to objects promotes creativity and word association.
3. aGreatLife Huge Rainbow Kite
Outdoor toys should invoke curiosity and discovery. A new kite makes kids think about how wind works and the science of flying. Plus, putting a kite together involves following directions, patience, and an appreciation for engineering.
When your kite is ready to fly, finding the best location is another thing for children to consider. They have to learn about open spaces to get the kite moving while avoiding obstacles using coordinated motor functions.
4. Lil Monkey Playground Jungle Gym Frame Set
Beginning as a toddler, kids love to climb anything they can reach from stairs to trees. Give them what they want with this climbing dome.
The fun shape makes them able to hang upside down, hide inside, and conquer the top of the dome.
It also gives kids hours of exercise and can double as a fort with a little imagination. Just drape a sheet over the top and place a blanket on the bottom for an instant fort.
5. Crayola Special Effects Sidewalk Chalk
Getting to draw on the sidewalk combines art with nature. That is why chalk is one of the best outdoor toys for kids. And it is also one of the cheapest options to get your kids moving.
These new bright glitter sidewalk chalk pieces let kids leave their mark with style but without making a mess. They are completely washable and roll-away proof, so you won’t have to go chasing them down the neighborhood.
6. Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
Older children may have an obsession with monsters and zombies. Help them keep bad guys away while getting them outside with this advanced dart gun.
The double chamber keeps your child loaded with 12 darts at a time. When one drum runs out, you can easily flip the second drum to the top without missing a walking dead target.
And if your child needs more ammo for their friends then check out these nerf gun reviews for more apocalyptic kids outdoor toys.
7. Educational Insights GeoSafari Solar Rover
What better way to get your child excited about a sunny day like outdoor toys for kids that use solar power? This STEM-friendly toy comes with its own solar panels to get kids curious about how the sun provides energy.
The panels flip to expose them to the sun. Then the controls are your child’s hands as they block the right panel to turn left, the left panel to turn right, and both to stop. It comes with obstacle cones to practice light and shadow control.
8. Tangle NightBall Glow in the Dark Light Up LED Football
Summertime also means long summer nights, so don’t think that the TV has to be turned on just because the sun has set. Getting a game of nighttime catch going with this glowing football is a spectacular sight.
The small size makes it perfect even for the little ones. Plus, the automatic LED lights let you see the twirling ball fly through the air and right into your hands.
Create your own light show while getting some nighttime exercise.
9. Melissa & Doug Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand
Outdoor toys for kids can also mean business. Get your child started as an entrepreneur with their very own outdoor shop. They can pretend to sell snacks to the neighborhood kids or even make their own lemonade to sell on a hot day.
Kids get their imagination going when they brainstorm about what to sell and can even start with simple math while making up prices. It is also a great way to socialize and meet new people.
10. Walkie Talkies
You might think that walkie talkies belong in the ’80s since we have cell phones to communicate. But, these classic toys never get old because they can be useful in a variety of outdoor games.
From hide and seek to superheroes, these radios will have your kids thinking of new reasons to use them.
And this modern version has been upgraded with an over 2-mile radius, LED flashlight, voice activation with no push-to-talk button, and an earbud jack for top-secret missions.
Outdoor Toys For Family Time
Remember that outdoor toys aren’t just for your kids. They can allow you to step away from electronics to spend time together as a family.
Many of these toys can be shared and enjoyed by parents and kids alike. For more ways to be together, see the family time section of our blog.
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