BEST OUTDOOR TOYS FOR KIDS
WHAT ARE THE BEST TOYS FOR THE OUTDOORS AND GETTING KIDS OUT INTO NATURE?
By: A teacher/mom of three sets of twins
Help keep children excited about being outside and happy to stay out exploring and adventuring for hours!
PLAY IS HOW THEY LEARN
Why are toys and especially outdoor toys so important? It's because playing (learning) and being outside are some of the most important things for children to experience in childhood. I have spent so much time over the years trying to find toys that are awesome for helping children get outside and interacting with nature. Don't forget that when your child makes that "mud soup" or "coffee", they are doing their first science experiments, when they collect bugs and hold them, they are learning about empathy and compassion. They are learning how to be gentle with nature and all of earth's beautiful beings. The lessons that come from being outdoors are often spontaneous and teachable moments. Sometimes they find something unusual and are curious and have questions. What is this? It's a lichen! When I started having children, I expected they would naturally want to spend all day outside but it's not quite like that in our reality. We have to model, teach and yes, even entice them. Here are the best kid approved, quality and durable toys to help children get out and enjoy nature!
I naively thought when I started having children, they would naturally want to spend all day outside but it's not quite like that in our reality. We have to model and teach appreciation of the outdoors.
TEACHING CHILDREN TO LOVE THE OUTDOORS
Appropriate Clothing
Yes, it is natural to want to be outside, but sometimes it can be challenging for children to get their first foot out of the door! One thing we always make sure of is everyone is dressed appropriately with clothes they feel comfortable in. I remember early on with young babies, our family pediatrician told me that a good rule of thumb is one more layer than what is comfortable for you (or one layer less if it's a hot day). Older children children all run at their own temperatures and letting them have choice in their own clothes, layers, and shoes is important, as long as they are comfortable. Some kids prefer no jacket and bare feet when the temperature is in the 60's and that should be ok as long as they are happily and safely playing... I mean learning.
HERE ARE THE BEST KID APPROVED, QUALITY AND DURABLE TOYS FOR OUTSIDE PLAY AND NATURE EXPLORATION:
Getting them outside is the first step, now how do we keep them there, enjoying the fresh air? Interactive toys designed to help children explore nature. There are so many it's hard to choose but here are our family's favorite outdoor toys from over the years.
BUGGY TOYS
Each year we observe and release these butterflies! It's a tradition I started over a decade ago while teaching Kindergarten.
Here is the refill cup if you already have a butterfly house.
An insect puzzle with magnetic fishing pole. Setting up a table outside for quiet activities can be so relaxing.
FAIRY GARDEN TOYS
Creating a fairy garden is a fun way to bring kids outside. They can pretend play with them after it's set up and how adorable and tiny!!
TRUCK TOYS
These toy trucks are big and great! They are made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, safe and durable for indoor and outdoor play, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
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DIGGERS
That's right, this one gets its own category because it is the top toy of this list, tied with the frog lawn mower. I really can't believe how much kids love this one. It is a real working and nice quality, durable excavator. It is a HUGE hit with all of our kids not just the boys. They love to spend hours digging and moving dirt, sand and bark chips. There is some coordination required and it builds skills too, especially sharing since they all want to use it all the time! Playing is learning!
SANDBOX TOYS
Sandboxes can be great! Make sure yours has a cover and if you want extra soft sand, Ace Hardware sells "Dune Sand" (here in the PNW) and it's so nice for the kids to work with compared to the more standard gritty paver sand. The kids love it because it feels like you really went to the beach!
  Nice because it's big.
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  Standing style.
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  Classic Millennial Sandbox
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The BEST sand toys... I love this brand!
So fun and long lasting!
GARDENING TOYS
  Awesome gardening gloves!
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  Gardening tools with a tote!
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  This sturdy lawn mower that kids love! It brings happiness and helps develop multiple skills.
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  100% recycled plastic watering can that's durable!
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  A wheelbarrow is a perfect place to make mud soup!
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BACKYARD CAMPING TOYS AND GEAR
Our kids love to set up a tent and pretend we went camping! We start by taking a hike, then a nature scavenger hunt! Don't forget s'mores and a fire after it gets dark! Instant staycation.
These kid binoculars are so durable and highly rated for your little birders.
A basic but high quality tent that is so easy to put up! Just setting it up for a couple days in the backyard can be really fun and exciting! We like to have story time before bed in the tent when it's up, for a change.
This hammock is so comfy and can fit between two trees. It's machine washable and long lasting. Make sure it is low enough to the ground and kids are old enough to safely get in and out on their own.
JUMPING HOUSE
A jumping house that is high quality, brings lots of laughs and fun.
A BOOK FOR KIDS IN NATURE
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
This book is excellent and inspiring. It changed my life and parenting style. Please check it out!
This book is excellent and inspiring. It changed my life and parenting style. Please check it out!
IF YOU LIKED THIS, CHECK OUT...
BEST BATH TOYS
FOR LEARNING AND FUN
GARDEN YOGA POSES
GARDENING WITH KIDS
BEST SPRING BOOKS
This post includes affiliate links which just means that YFK receives a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you for recommending these products. These links are only books and products that I have used and highly recommend. Thank you for supporting YFK and reading The Best Outside Toys for Kids. I hope that you have enjoyed this list and learned from it! I hope you are able to use some of these wonderful products to help your children or students get outside and enjoy nature. Getting children outside is a huge passion of mine. The more kids interact with mother earth, the better the world will be. Please join the newsletter for more Yoga for Kids activities, poses and more.
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