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The 12 Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

There’s you, a pristine backyard and a wild and zany toddler who can’t wait to be chased down keep you on your toes. You need something that will keep him or her occupied for longer than 90 seconds. These outdoor toys definitely fit the bill.

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spiralin seas waterpark play table
Little Tikes

Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table

You’ll love watching them work on their fine motor skills. They’ll love seeing just how far they can splash and get you wet.

sand table water table for toddlers toy
Step2

Cascading Cove Water Table With Umbrella

An upgrade to the all-water table: This design allows your toddler to play with both water and sand under the shaded sun protection of an umbrella.

food truck for toddlers toy
Fisher Price

Laugh & Learn Servin’ Up Fun Food Truck

The joy they’ll have flipping pretend burgers on the light up grill is totally worth the amount of time you’ll spend fake eating the food they serve.

melissa and doug sand and water fun
Melissa and Doug

Seaside Sidekicks Funnel Fun

Use it in your backyard or cart it to the beach. Either way, this colorful toy—which allows your toddler to pour water or sand, then watch it cascade down between levels, will keep them occupied for 10 minutes at least.

froggy pond splash mat
Banzai

Froggy Pond Splash Mat

It’s basically a water-sprinkler-turned-pond—and the perfect way for non-swimmers to quickly cool off.

t ball set
Little Tikes

Triple Play Splash T-ball Set

Complete with three different levels of play, so that kids can grow into their confidence.

easy hit golf set
Little Tikes

Easy Hit Golf Set

Because what toddler doesn’t want to play a micro-sized version of putt-putt in the backyard?

basketball hoop for toddlers
Little Tikes

Easyscore Basketball Set

Complete with a hoop you can adjust (up to 4 feet) to accommodate their ever-changing height.

scooter for toddlers
Scootie Bug

3-wheel Folding Scooter

For when they’re desperate to get around, but aren’t quite ready for a big-kid bike.

bubble machine
Kidz Lane

Bubble Machine

It dispenses 500 bubbles per minute. Need we say more?

garden table play set
Little Tikes

Garden Table Play Set

So, they can have their own gardening projects while you’re busy with yours.

fold n store picnic table with market umbrella
Little Tikes

Fold ‘n Store Picnic Table With Market Umbrella

OK, so it’s not a toy per se, but it’s built for kid conversations, so at the very least you’ll get a mini-break.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College