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Our Editors’ Go-To Backyard Kids Toys for Summer

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

Amazon

Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

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

the everymom minnidip pool
The Everymom x Minnidip

Minni-Minni Luxe Inflatable Pool

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

splash pad
Amazon

Splash Pad & Sprinkler

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

 

Walmart

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+

outdoor water play center
Amazon

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 car outdoor toys
Amazon

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 scooter
Amazon

Ride Along Vintage-Style Scooter

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

more colors available

best gifts for 2 year olds
Amazon

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 toy
Amazon

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
Amazon

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

Walmart

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.”

backyard toys grill set
Melissa & Doug

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

Wayfair

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

little tikes slide
Amazon

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.

best gifts for 2 year olds
Target

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 corn hole game
Pottery Barn Kids

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
Amazon

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.

kids croquet set backyard toys
Amazon

Unicorn Kids Croquet Set

Introduce the kiddos to a game that’s 200 years old—croquet! Can be used indoors as well.

Walmart

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
Amazon

Wooden Playhouse

This charming playhouse is a reader and editor favorite, perfect for imaginative play.

backyard toys play tent
Walmart

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.

covered sandbox
Amazon

Outdoor Summer Sandbox

This charming sandbox with a scalloped canopy provides shaded play all summer long in your backyard.

kids teeter totter
Amazon

Kids Teeter Totter

This outdoor rocker brings playground fun to your own backyard.

sandbox digger
Amazon

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.

outdoor toys mud kitchen
Maisonette

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.

Etsy | Sweet Swinging

Fabric Baby & Toddler Swing

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

Amazon

Regatta Ship Swing

Kids will adore this “flying” ship swing inspired by Peter Pan, offering fun and imaginative play opportunities.

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kids outdoor obstacle course

Amazon

Kids Outdoor Obstacle Course

Mount this outdoor obstacle course for kids between two trees for tons of summer fun—and plenty of burned energy!
step 2 roller coaster gift of the day
Target

Unicorn Up & Down Roller Coaster

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

Giant Inflatable Rolling Wheel

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

Bounce House

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

 

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