Parenting
Our Editors’ Go-To Backyard Kids Toys for Summer
To help inspire hours of outdoor play, we put our heads together to build a comprehensive backyard toys guide that hits every price point and interest. From items that will spark imaginative, open-ended play to a bevy of toys that promise to get them moving, this article includes summer standards like sandboxes and water tables alongside some newer favorites like mud kitchens and an elevated obstacle course. This list brims with fun, creative ways to make the most of your outdoor space while the sun shines and before the kids head back to school this fall.
Read on for 30 of our favorite backyard toys to keep your kids entertained this summer.
Water Toys
Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
When it comes to entertaining little ones outside, you will never regret buying this staple for summer play.
Minni-Minni Luxe Inflatable Pool
The mini inflatable backyard pool includes a padded bottom to keep little bums comfortable and safe.
Splash Pad & Sprinkler
A fresh take on the outdoor sprinkler set-up, this splash pad promises hours of summer fun.
Aqua Maze Marble Run
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+
Inflatable Water Play Center
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!
Ride-On Toys
Ride-On Push Car
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
Ride Along Vintage-Style Scooter
Toddlers will learn stability, have fun, and get around independently with this sleek ride-on toy.
more colors available
Micro Kickboard Scooter
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
Fiat Push Car
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
Frozen Ride-On Kids Car
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
Classic Toys & Games
Gas ‘n Go Mower
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.”
Deluxe Grill & Pizza Oven Play Set
A great toy to inspire imaginative play, kids can fire up this pretend BBQ grill, smoker, and pizza oven. It comes with a set of play food and utensils to enhance the fun!
Outdoor Pizza Oven
Unleash your inner pizzaiolo with this outdoor pizza oven that comes with all the accessories needed to whip up delicious summer meals.
Backyard Fun & Games
Toddler Slide
The classic Little Tikes slide, a beloved backyard toy for generations of kids, is easy to assemble and clean. It’s a great addition to a basement playroom during the winter.
Happy Giddy Kids Bowling Set
Set up the bowling pins on the sidewalk or driveway for outdoor fun this summer, or play with them indoors in a hallway for year-round enjoyment.
Kids Cornhole Game Set
This portable cornhole game is perfect for helping kids practice their hand-eye coordination skills while having fun.
T-Ball Set
Kids can learn T-ball basics such as hand-eye coordination and motor skills safely with this oversized plastic bat, five balls, and tee.
Unicorn Kids Croquet Set
Introduce the kiddos to a game that’s 200 years old—croquet! Can be used indoors as well.
Adjust ‘n Jam Basketball Set
This Little Tikes basketball hoop, with its adjustable height rim and durability, has stood the test of time and is small enough to fit into an indoor play space.
Playhouses, Swings & More
Wooden Playhouse
This charming playhouse is a reader and editor favorite, perfect for imaginative play.
A-Frame Wooden Hideaway & Climber
This two-in-one outdoor play structure serves as both a hideaway tent and a small rock climbing wall for active kids.
Outdoor Summer Sandbox
This charming sandbox with a scalloped canopy provides shaded play all summer long in your backyard.
Kids Teeter Totter
This outdoor rocker brings playground fun to your own backyard.
Rolling Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane
This sit-on digger tool is a special addition to a large sandbox, allowing your little one to feel like a real construction worker.
Mud Kitchen
Kids can have messy fun with this mud kitchen featuring wet and dry activity areas, a removable splash sink, chalkboard, “oven” cupboard, and a starter set of stainless steel pots and pans with a mixing whisk.
Fabric Baby & Toddler Swing
This swing is so beautiful, you won’t mind mounting it inside after summer for year-round fun.
Regatta Ship Swing
Kids will adore this “flying” ship swing inspired by Peter Pan, offering fun and imaginative play opportunities.
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