Our Editors’ Go-To Backyard Kids Toys for Summer

When it comes to entertaining littles outside, you will never regret buying this staple for summer play.

The mini inflatable backyard pool includes a padded bottom to keep little bums comfortable and safe.

A fresh take on the outdoor sprinkler set-up, this splash pad promises hours of summer fun.

Just add water to this marble run for STEM learning this summer. The set includes 96 building pieces, 20 floating marbles, an inflatable plastic mat for easy clean-up, a large scoop, and a dropper.

recommended for ages 4+

Get kids playing outside with this inflatable play center, which is the perfect summer activity to keep them entertained. It features a water slide, a rainbow sprayer, and a few other fun games!

This push-powered ride-on car features a working horn and storage under the hood for trinkets, toys, or other summer outdoor finds.

also available in pink

Toddlers will learn stability, have fun, and get around independently with this sleek ride-on toy.

more colors available

This scooter has incredible customer reviews and is an editor favorite for its adjustable handles to grow with your child, three-wheel stability, and easy steering and braking.

more colors available

Your little one will be riding in style with this Fiat push car. Doors open and close, steering wheel plays music, and LED headlights make for perfect evening strolls with your little speed racer.

also available in pink

Remember these from when we were little? This big-ticket toy is sure to bring a smile to any little Frozen fan’s face as they ride around the backyard in this battery-powered vehicle.

many themes and characters available

Not many things are cuter than your kid pushing their own lawn mower around the yard behind their parent cutting the lawn. This mower comes with turnable knobs and a gas can to “refill.”

A great toy to inspire imaginative play, kids can fire up this pretend BBQ grill, smoker, and pizza oven that includes every accessory they’ll need to create a yummy summer meal.

This Little Tikes slide is a classic backyard toy that’s spanned many generations of kids. It’s easy to assemble and clean and would make a great addition to a basement play room during the winter.

Set the bowling pins up on the sidewalk or driveway for outdoor fun this summer. Plus, you can play with them in a hallway inside for year-round fun.

This portable corn hole game is perfect to help your little ones practice their hand-eye coordination skills and have fun while doing it.

Your little on can learn T-ball basics like hand-eye coordination and motor skills safely with this oversized plastic bat, five balls, and tee.

Get the kiddos interested in a game 200 years old—croquet! Can be used indoors, too.

This Little Tikes basketball hoop has stood the test of time with its adjustable height rim and durability (plus it’s small enough to add to an indoor play space).

A reader and editor favorite, this pretty playhouse is primed for imaginative play.

This two-in-one outdoor play structure is both a hideaway tent and a little rock climbing wall for active kids.

You won’t mind having this adorable sandbox in your backyard with a scalloped canopy for shaded play all summer long.

This outdoor rocker brings playground fun to your own backyard.

An extra-special touch to a big sandbox, this sit-on digger tool will make your little one feel like a real construction worker.

Give kids a spot you won’t mind getting messy with this mud kitchen with wet and dry activity areas; includes removable splash sink, chalkboard, and cupboard “oven” as well as a starter set of stainless steel pots and pans with a mixing whisk.

This swing is so beautiful, you won’t mind mounting it inside after summer for year-round fun.

What kid wouldn’t love this Peter Pan-inspired “flying” ship swing? Fun and imaginative play is calling with this one!

Mount this outdoor obstacle course for kids between two trees for tons of summer fun—and plenty of burned energy!

A great toy to use indoors or out, your kids will have so much fun riding this mini unicorn roller coaster all summer long.

This rolling wheel offers endless play possibilities for active outdoor fun!

Bounce houses have saved many-a-parent’s sanity during the past few years by promoting tons of active energy-burning playtime.