The Outdoor Play Guide
The weather is getting nicer (or maybe you live where the weather is nice all the time- so jelly…) Here are my favorite outdoor toys and other items, as well as how I would play with them, what ages they are appropriate for, & more!
Splash Patrol Sprinkler Toy: Hook this up to your hose and the little worms sprinkle water out of the top! So cute and only $10! Perfect for a summer day with a moving toddler.
Step2 Cascading Cove w/Umbrella: This water table comes with an umbrella for some shade! Love the mat too so if you’re playing in the grass, your little one isn’t standing in a mud puddle by the end! Great for toddlers and preschoolers, too!
Splash Pad: When I think of babies and toddlers in summer, I think of the splash pad! Sit your little one right on it or put their slide on it so your little one can slide right in. Perfect for sitting baby and beyond.
Infant Baby Pool: Love this pool with shade for your baby and young toddler to hang out without getting hit by the sun! Recommended for 6-24 months.
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table: We have this water table and it’s a lot of fun! Hook up the hose underneath and water will shoot out of the top, fill up the cups and other accessories on the side, and more! It’s lasted two summers and no complaints! Paul got for his first birthday and has loved ever since!
Reusable Water Balloons: These are all the rage! Fill up with water, splat them on the ground, wall, or toss them towards your toddler to cool off! Model words like “throw, splat, crash, boom.” Perfect for 12 months and older!
Watering Can: Get your little one involved in some outside housework with the watering can. Paul LOVES being in charge of watering my flowers and he takes his job seriously. Perfect for 18 months +
Silicone Squirt Toys: Great for the bath or just outside in a basin of water or at the pool! Squirt your little one, water the plants with the water, and more! Open them to let them dry and no mold will grow inside. WIN!
Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table: Another really great water table with several accessories! Water can “dump, spin, splash, shoot” and more! Great for toddlers and play dates with friends, too!
Kiddie Pool w/Slide: This blow up kiddie pool comes with a slide built in! It has 2,600 great reviews and is less than $40. Perfect for 18 months +
Outdoor Spray Sprinkler: This is SO cute! Attaches to your hose and sprays water all over in different directions from the colorful hoses. Only $20 and a lot of fun for toddlers to run through!
John Deere Tractor: Our neighbor has this ride-on tractor and it drives really well. Paul was finally old enough to get on it at 2 years, but needed help driving it. Perfect for 3 years and older, as your toddler has to push the pedal and steer! Love the wagon attachment to haul things!
Little Tikes Gas Pump: So cute and perfect for pretend play! Your little one can practice filling up anything with wheels and it can live in the garage!
Push and Ride Racer: A great option for younger toddlers that can be used inside or out! This one is great for the sidewalk and driveway as your little one gets used to sitting on something they can move!
LQX Electric Ride-On: The parent can control it OR your little one can steer, so it’s perfect for a toddler learning how to drive it! Battery lasts a decent while and the wheels are great for rougher ground cover and hills!
Best Choice Kids Ride-On: We got this for Paul right when he turned 2! Another great option with the same features as Number 4, just in a different color and design. The thick wheels are great for outside! Recommend for 2 years +
Cozy Coupe: The CLASSIC outside wheels toy for kids. I had a version of this in the 90s, and it’s still a best seller! Little ones use their feet to push it. Perfect for 18 months and older- you can help them at first as they get stronger.
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter: I like this one because it grows with your child. Start as a ride-on toy, then convert it to a 4-wheel scooter as your little one learns to balance, push off with one foot, etc. Great for a first birthday and beyond!
Wiggle Car Ride-On: The design of this is so cute! Love the bigger wheel that is easier for your toddler to hold and steer. Can also use this inside! Good for the driveway or sidewalk, too! Recommended for older toddlers (3 years +)
Radio Flyer Creativity Car: This is so chic! You can push your little one from behind or they can propel themselves forward with their feet. Best for about 18 months and older!
Step2 Up & Down Rollercoaster: This is such a fun set-up! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers you can make your own little rollercoaster inside or out! “Ready, set, GO!”
Bubble Wand Set: With this set you can blow bubbles, or see bubbles form when using your arms to swing the bigger wands back and forth! This set is also fun for color and shape labeling. Model “ready, set, go” as well as “blow” and “pop!” Perfect for all ages.
Bubble Wands: You can’t go wrong with bubble wands! I love that I can swing the wand back and forth to create bubbles, too. Pro tip: refill the wands with bubble solution from the Target Dollar Spot. More affordable!
Bubble Leaf Blower: This is fun for the little one that loves to help in the yard. Let them engage in pretend play and “blow the leaves” while also having fun with the bubbles. Perfect for a seasoned walker, so 18 months and older!
Fubbles No-Spill Bubble Bucket: No-spill and a couple different wands to use. If you have multiple kids, they can each use it at once! Fine motor skills develop after the first birthday for your little one to dip the wand themselves!
Fubbles Multi-pack: I love Fubbles because they don’t spill if it tips over! Practice blowing and finger isolation - encouraging your little ones to use their pointer finger to pop the bubbles (a milestone we expect by 15 months).
Bubble Guns: These offer another fun way to play with bubbles - and save your breath! My 2-year-old son got these in his Easter basket!
Bubble Machine: We have this bubble machine and love it - it just adds playfulness to outdoor fun. When Paul was 15 months, we would practice finger isolation and pop the bubbles together. Perfect for a sitting baby and older!
Bubble Lawn Mower: This is a great fun outdoor activity for pretend play. Practice “mowing” and “water the lawn” with the bubbles that come out! Perfect for a new walker, so about 12-18 months and older!
Green Toys Dump Truck: I love Green Toys because they’re well made. Practice functional language by loading things “in” and dumping things “out” of the truck! Great for crawling baby and well into toddlerhood!
Gardening Tool Set: Great for the little gardener! Practice pouring, digging, raking, etc. A great outdoor pretend play set for 2 years +!
CAT Bulldozer: Fun for dirt and sand, this one is great for the little construction enthusiast. A great first birthday gift that your toddler can play with well into preschool years.
Step2 Push Around Buggy: Great for getting your little one out for a walk, especially if they’re not a big fan of the stroller. I love the steering wheel and working horn for pretend play and keeping your little one engaged while riding. Great for about 1-3 years old!
Recycling Truck Ride-On Toy: A fun ride-on toy to engage in pretend play that your little one sees every week - the trash getting taken. Model functional language with the working horn, “beep beep!” or have your little one pick up stones, sticks, etc. and put them in the functional trash bin on the side. Great for 18 months and older!
John Deere Sand Toys: These can be used indoors and outdoors and have great reviews. A tilting dump bed and lifting front loader make them function realistically at an affordable price.
CAT Dump Truck: Can be used indoors and outdoors, and has real working parts. Load it up, dump it out, and engage in pretend play construction. Great for 12 months +.
Green Toys Fire Truck: Another Green Toys truck for the win! I love this one because the two ladders on each side come out and can be propped up for any pretend play while engaging in fine motor development. The top ladder rotates 360 degrees. Great for 12 months +.
Step2 Wagon: Another fun option instead of the stroller, this wagon is a fun ride for toddlers! Fits 2 toddlers, has a door for easy in and out, and a storage compartment under the seat for packing snacks, etc. Great for 12 months +.
Remote Control Car: Easy and simplified controls, waterproof, and can do 360 degree stunts - this is sure to please a wheels-loving toddler and I would recommend for age 3+
Sensory Table w/Lid: The is a small sensory table at an affordable price. Engage your little one in water or sand play, and have them practice standing with support. I recommend for age 12 months+ if using mouthing safe objects. Add sand and other small items in when your little is 2-3 years or no longer frequently putting things in their mouth.
Sand & Water Fine Motor Set: These tools are great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Practice and model functional language like, “squeeze, twist, scoop” as you play. Best for 2-3 years (with assistance) and older!
My First Chalk: Great for gripping/grasping and starting to draw & create! Short, thick writing utensils are recommended for toddlers as their hand strength increases and fine motor skills develop!
Paint Brushes: Again, great for gripping and grasping a utensil. I like to use paint brushes for “water painting.” Dip the brush in a bucket of water and paint on the sidewalk with no mess! Try using different shapes and types of brushes (or sponges) for more creativity. Great for 18 months +
Non-Toxic Finger Paint: Messy play is great for learning! This brand is 100% non-toxic and edible, made with organic vegetable ingredients and free of many major allergens. So yay, mouthing safe for all ages.
Sensory Bin Kit: Paul got some of these kits for Christmas and loved. Great for sensory exploration and pretend play! Outside is best since sand can make a mess! I recommend for 2 years and older (with supervision).
Non-Toxic Chalk: Non-toxic and chunky chalk for little hands to grasp. I love the colors these come in! Practice labeling shapes, colors and letters on your driveway or sidewalk! Great for 18 months- 2 years and older!
Magnetic Tiles: I love these for building and for no-mess artwork. If you have a magnetic garage door, you can let your little one create art there! Stack the tiles on top of each other to make a picture! 18 months and older.
Wooden Sensory Table: Made with solid wood and comes with collapsible bins - this table is great for a couple toddlers to play at and engage in sensory and imaginative play. Can really grow with your young toddler into preschool age and beyond!
Glitter Chalk: This is fun because it shimmers in the sun! A great addition to your chalk art line-up. 18 months +
Kinetic Sand: Great for toddlers who are learning how to manipulate things with their hands. Pull it and mold it, play with it, then put it back in the bag for another day! (Use caution with this and supervise! For 2 years + or when your little one no longer puts things in their mouth. For us, that was closer to 3!)
Sidewalk Stencils: These can be fun to use when drawing with chalk! They have smooth edges and are washable to be used again and again. Great for 2 years and older!
These trikes and bikes are most appropriate for about 18 months - 3 years of age!
Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike: A great option to grow with your child! I like the canopy and high-back seat it offers for the little rider.
Kriddo Tricycle: Affordable, great reviews, and comes in some great colors. I love the bucket in the back where your little can store all the rocks they find outside (ha!), or a water bottle, snacks etc.
Baby Balance Bike: Penelope is getting this for her 1st birthday! Helps baby work on coordination while they learn to ride, steer, and balance. Once she starts walking with confidence, I will pop her on the bike.
Baby Walker Balance Bike: Non-slip, no-scratch wheels allow your little one to ride indoors and outdoors! If you have hardwood floors- this is for you!
Thomas & Friends Trike: For the Thomas the Tank Engine lovers! A sturdy trike with large pedals and a storage compartment under the seat. Jenna’s toddler son has this and loves.
Joovy Tricycoo: With 4 adjustable stages, chunky wheels, a canopy, removable cushion & harness and storage, this trike has it all.
Radio Flyer Rider Trike: Paul has this trike and loves it! The bucket seat is comfortable and it handles really well!
Newyoo Toddler Trike w/Push Handle: How cute is this 5-in-1 tricycle?! The parent handlebar adjusts and turns so you can steer. The the pedals, handlebar, seat, and wheels are all adjustable to grow with your child as they work towards independence in riding a bike!
Strider Balance Bike: This is a great name brand for bikes! Good for 2 years and older, or for a taller toddler!
Chillafish Balance Bike: Paul got this balance bike for his 2nd birthday and loves it! Great quality with adjustable seat and handlebar. At 3, he still rides it and has room to grow. Comes in 10 inch and 12 inch options!
Kids Mini Soccer Set: This is a fun set for the little one who is starting to play soccer - I recommend for 2-years +. Practice skills like kicking and balance (stop the ball with your foot).
Little Tikes Trampoline: We have this and Paul goes bananas on it. It’s great for learning to jump and I love the bar for littles to keep their balance. This one is also great for deep pressure input. The packaging says 3 years and older, but toddlers can get great use out of this with supervision.
Sports Balls: Practice throwing (age 2-3), catching (3-4) and kicking (2+)! Great set to grow with your child!
Hopper Ball: These are great for balance and coordination - I recommend for age 3+. And just a fun time once your little one gets going on it!
Mini Goal Sports Set: Kick the soccer ball, slap shot the hockey ball, and more! Great for a little one who is trialing out different sports or you want options to play in the backyard! 2-3 years and older.
Little Tikes Basketball Set: I feel like this is a classic! Adjustable height and a wide rim, this is great for practicing hand-eye coordination and playing independently or with peers. I remember getting this for Christmas in 1995. Anyone else?
Little Tikes T-Ball Set: I would recommend this set for 3+! Another great way to get outside and practice hand-eye coordination and modeling functional language: “swing, catch, throw!”
Paddleball Toss Set: I also had these as a kid growing up! The velcro makes it easy to catch the ball, so for toddlers learning how to catch and throw and working on their hand-eye coordination, this is fun and not frustrating! 2 years +
Cones, Bean Bag & Ring Toss Set: I like the creativity and flexibility of this set. Get energy out by running back and forth between the cones, label colors, practice tossing the bean bags, etc. This set can grow with your little one as they develop skills, too. One day they will be able to toss the rings around the cones!
Toddler Golf Set: Perfect for the toddler with golfing parents or grandparents! “Putt putt” at home in the backyard and have some fun. 3 years +
SwimZip UPF 50+ Rash Guard: Sun-protective swimwear is so important. I love that this company is women/mom-owned and has matching styles for the family, too. The front zipper is nice for not pulling a tight piece of clothing off your little one’s head!
Sun Protective Baby Blanket: This is a great option if you’re sitting outside or on the beach with baby - a soft blanket with sun protection!
Fisher Price Baby Dome: We love this when baby is 0-6 months and you need a safe place to lay them down outside. This dome is easy to collapse, super portable, and has a canopy and hanging toys to engage baby. Spring and summer babies- this is for you!
Sun Hat: I love that this sun hat has 50+ UV ray protection and is made with 95% cotton. Great coverage with the visor in the front and neck protection in the back.
Swimming Float w/Canopy: Great for a pool day - I like the safety features on this pool float and that it has a sun protective canopy.
HelloBello Sunscreen: A cleaner sunscreen made without synthetic fragrance, parabens, or phthalates and uses non-nano zinc-oxide. Also has no smell at all, which I love!
SwimZip UPF 50+ Swimsuit: LOVE that this covers the whole body with UPF protection, is machine washable, and comes in so many fun prints/colors.
thinkbaby Sunscreen: Rated a 2 by EWG, this is a clean sunscreen you can feel good about putting on baby. Also doesn’t have a smell!
Badger Mineral Sunscreen: Rated a 1 by the EWG, this is a great, clean sunscreen option for your little one (and the whole family)!
Bucket Hat: Great reviews and a cute and simple design. Comes in lots of colors and is UPF 50 with a wide brim & chin strap to stay on baby’s head!
COCOSAND Sunglasses: Polarized, lightweight and great reviews - I love that these are BPA-free and shatterproof. Plus the attachment band makes them less likely to get lost!
Regalo Portable Play Yard: This is my favorite play yard for outdoor play and keeping P contained in a safe space. It’s portable and packs up easily, too! Several size options AND comes with a canopy option, too! Use in the backyard, beach, or even inside!
For more of my favorites for littles, check out my Amazon Storefront! I have favorite toys, books, feeding utensils, and more all organized!
Links in this blog post are commissionable and affiliate links.