The Best Outdoor Toys for Active Toddlers
From feeling the grass under their feet to discovering new sights and sounds, outdoor play can stimulate a child’s curiosity and inspire their sense of wonder.
As screens are omnipresent in our lives, getting kids outside has become even more important than ever. Introducing outdoor play early, like during toddlerhood, can facilitate a lifelong love for nature. We all know toddlers have short attention spans. So how can you maximize their time outside? With great toys, of course! Summer outdoor toys for toddlers keep the fun going by providing a variety of options for play.
This blog looks at a curated selection of Melissa & Doug’s best outdoor toys for toddlers. Our picks not only encourage physical activity, they also help children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Outdoor play also provides new ways to connect with your child.
The Importance of Outdoor Play for Toddlers
Outdoor play provides a wide range of benefits for toddlers that contribute to their healthy development. Physically, it helps them build strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. Running and climbing stimulates kids’ muscles and sets a foundation for physical fitness as they grow.
Cognitively, outdoor play gives toddlers a chance to investigate the world around them. Even the backyard offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and learning as children discover the wonders of their environment. By looking at plants and other natural wonders, toddlers can learn about all the shapes, colors, and textures found outside. Being in nature also sparks their creativity and imagination.
Emotionally and socially, outdoor play allows toddlers to experience a sense of freedom and independence. They learn to assess risks and overcome challenges, developing resilience and confidence. Playing outside also provides opportunities for interaction with other children, boosting social skills like sharing and cooperation. Plus, you can bond with your little one while playing outdoor games together.
What to Look for in Outdoor Toys
When selecting summer toys for toddlers, safety should be top of mind. Ensure that the toys are age-appropriate, non-toxic, and will hold up to outdoor play. Look for toys that offer educational value and promote different aspects of development.
For example, a ball promotes physical development and coordination as toddlers practice throwing, rolling, and kicking. Playing with sandbox and beach toys flex cognitive skills like creativity and imagination. In addition, sandbox play with others sparks social skills and cooperation. Water toys, such as squirters, illustrate cause and effect, while the squeezing motion promotes fine motor skills.
Top Outdoor Toys Picks for Active Toddlers
Check out this carefully curated list of our best outdoor toys for toddlers, including options for the 2 and 3 set:
Seaside Sidekicks Squirters Water Toys (6+ months)
These adorable sea creatures are ready to entertain your little one with squeezing and squirting fun! Each one is sized right for little hands. These are great water toys for kids to bring to the beach, wading pool, or backyard. They're designed so little ones can easily fill them with water and comfortably hold them while they squeeze and squirt the water out of the sea creature's mouth. These water toys not only add a splash of fun to playtime, they can help kids recognize different ocean animals, and offer opportunities for pretend play.
This bright green Froggy-face ball will encourage happy times in your backyard or on the playground! Made of durable rubber, this ball is ideal for early catching and kicking games, which can boost physical development and coordination.
Giddy Buggy Bowling Set (2+ years)
You and your child can have fun to "spare" playing with this brightly colored plastic bowling set! Set the Happy Giddy pins in formation and you're ready for a perfect game in your backyard. Rolling the ball and knocking down the pins is a great way for kids to discover cause and effect.
Snappy Turtle Mower (2+ years)
This cleverly designed plastic lawnmower has lots of ways to interest little ones: a storage compartment under the shell, a plastic fuel can to "pour," dials that turn, slide, and click, and a pull-cord that makes a motor sound! Made from durable materials, this mower is great for outdoor play. It has a sturdy handle to help new walkers, and will encourage gross motor skill development, role play activities, and an exploration of the natural world.
Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set (3+ years)
Foster your toddler’s creativity with this sand baking set, which includes a mixing spoon, measuring cup, and various molds. Little chefs can have fun mixing, sifting, packing, and decorating their creations while also practicing important motor skills and creative expression.
Dilly Dally Target Game (3+ years)
Take turns tossing the self-sticking bean bags at the turtle-shaped fabric target with numbered sections. For use indoors or outside, the sturdy base and a smiling turtle face make this an exciting, inviting way for kids 3 and older to learn simple addition and practice hand-eye coordination.
Giddy Buggy is happy to invite active kids to crawl through a rainbow of color in this bright tunnel. Giddy's smiling face covers one end, making it extra fun to hide and seek in this nearly 5-foot-long tube. Made of durable wipe-clean materials, it sets up quickly and easily folds flat for convenient storage. Sturdy steel frame is padded for comfort and hours of activity.
How to Incorporate Outdoor Play into your Toddler’s Routine
Here are a few tips for encouraging regular outdoor play, and making the most out of playtime with your toddler.
Schedule outdoor playtime: Set aside specific times each day for outdoor play to make it a consistent part of your toddler's routine.
Join the fun: Children love to imitate their loved ones. By participating in outdoor activities with your child, you’ll express the enjoyment of being outdoors. Roll a ball, walk in nature, or engage in pretend play. Kids will quickly learn how much fun being outside can be.
Rotate outdoor toys: To keep the playtime fresh, switch up the outdoor toys for toddlers regularly. Introduce new toys or alternate between favorites to keep your toddler's interest.
In Conclusion
Outdoor play is vital to a toddler's growth and development, offering physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. By selecting safe and age-appropriate summer toys for toddlers, you can expand these benefits while keeping little ones entertained. Melissa & Doug's outdoor toys for toddlers are safe, durable, and promote learning through play. So, let your child’s adventures unfold outdoors and create cherished memories.
# # # # # #
For more toy content from Melissa & Doug, click through the links below:
Explore Melissa & Doug Skills at Play
Shop Melissa & Doug Pretend Play Toys
Explore Melissa & Doug Living Playfully Blog
Shop Melissa & Doug Arts & Crafts
Our Top 10 Toys for Summer Travel
A Teacher's Favorite Toys for Learning & Building Life Skills
