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The 20 Best Outdoor Toys for Summer

Modified: · Published: by Kamille Andya · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

The 20 Best Outdoor Toys for Summer are here to turn long, sunny days into hours of giggles, splashing, and running around! Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or teacher, you know that keeping kids active and happy in the summer can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite toys that make outdoor play easy and fun. These picks also pair perfectly with other awesome summer activities—so you'll never run out of ways to keep little hands and feet busy.

These ideas are fun, simple, and sure to bring big smiles all summer long. Let’s dive in!

During the summer, my kids spend hours each day outdoors. Sometimes it's at the park or at a beach, but most of the time it's in our own backyard. These are some of our favorite and most used outdoor toys and supplies that my kids come back to again and again. Some are designed to get kids moving, others to inspire imagination and creativity, and some are great for keeping cool during the hot summer months. Did your favorites make the list of our 20 Best Outdoor Toys for Summer? After your kids get tired of being outdoors do some of these fun summer art activities together.

Why You'll Love Outdoor Toys for Summer

  • Get kids moving and off screens
  • Great for sunny days and backyard fun
  • Help burn energy (and lead to better naps!)
  • Simple, low-mess, and no big setup needed
  • Fun for toddlers, big kids—and even grown-ups
  • Perfect for playdates, classrooms, or summer camp

These toys make outdoor time easy, exciting, and full of smiles!

Tips for Outdoor Toys

Tip 1: Set up a play zone! A shady spot or a patch of grass works great. Keep water nearby if it’s hot.

Tip 2: Let kids lead the fun. Most toys don’t need instructions—just imagination!

Tip 3: Keep cleanup simple. Have a towel, bin, or basket ready so you’re not chasing pieces all over the yard.

FAQs About Outdoor Toys for Summer

How do I choose the right outdoor toy?

Think about your child’s age, how much space you have, and what kind of play they love—like water, climbing, or pretend play.

Can I use these toys at the park or beach?

Absolutely! Many of them are easy to pack and take on summer adventures.

Can outdoor toys help with learning?

Definitely! Many toys build skills like coordination, sharing, and creativity while kids have fun.

Best Outdoor Toys for Summer

Ready for some summer fun? These toys make outdoor play simple and exciting for kids of all ages. From water games to active adventures and creative play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your go-to list for the best outdoor toys this season!

Play Tent
This play tent is perfect for backyard camping adventures. It has a waterproof floor and mesh top, so kids can stay dry and still enjoy the view. It’s great for sleepovers or just a cozy hideaway during the day.
Click here for this fun toy
Scoop Ball Set
This toss-and-catch game comes with two scoops and two balls, making it perfect for playing with a friend. It’s great for outdoor fun at the park, beach, or backyard. Plus, it helps kids improve their hand-eye coordination while they play.
Click here for this fun toy
Scoop Ball Set
Kids Camping Set with Tent
This camping playset comes with a tent and lots of fun accessories like sleeping bags and camping tools. It’s perfect for kids who love pretend play and outdoor adventures. Easy to set up, it turns any backyard into a camping spot full of imagination.
Click here for this fun toy
Hopscotch Mat
This hopscotch playmat features 10 interlocking foam tiles, each numbered for a classic hopping game. The soft, cushioned surface makes it safe for indoor or outdoor play. It's a fun way for kids to develop balance, coordination, and number recognition while staying active.
Click here for this fun toy
Hopscotch Mat
Bug Catcher Set
This bug-catching set is great for little explorers. It has a tank with a clear window and tools to safely catch and study bugs. It makes outdoor adventures even more fun!
Click here for this fun toy
Water Table
This water table lets kids scoop water and watch it rain down through spinning wheels and ramps. It comes with 13 fun accessories for creative play and can hold sand too. Perfect for backyard fun and playdates!
Click here for this fun toy
Sidewalk Chalk
This sidewalk chalk comes in lots of bright colors, perfect for drawing on sidewalks, driveways, or patios. Its special shape helps keep the chalk from rolling away while kids create their masterpieces. Plus, it’s easy to wash off with just water, making cleanup simple and quick.
Click here for this fun toy
Sidewalk Chalk
Flower Sprinkler
This flower sprinkler sprays water all around, making it perfect for running through and cooling off. Just attach it to a hose for easy, fun outdoor play on hot days.
Click here for this fun toy
Flower Sprinkler
Egg and Spoon Race
This classic egg-and-spoon race game brings outdoor fun to any gathering. It includes colorful spoons and lightweight eggs, perfect for kids to balance and race without the mess of real eggs. Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or school events, it encourages friendly competition and helps develop coordination.
Click here for this fun toy
Egg and Spoon Race
Colorful Cones
Colourful cones are fantastic for sparking outdoor fun and creativity in kids. They can be used to set up obstacle courses, mark boundaries for games, or create fun challenges that improve coordination and teamwork. Their bright colours make them easy to spot, adding an extra element of excitement to any activity.
Click here for this fun toy
Colorful Cones
Water Balloons
Water balloons are a classic summer treat, and these self-sealing ones make cleanup a breeze. They fill up quickly and tie themselves off, so kids can get back to the fun faster. Perfect for backyard battles, birthday parties, or just cooling off on a hot day.
Click here for this fun toy
Water Balloons
Monkey Kite
This is a big kite shaped like a happy monkey. It has long arms and a tail that move in the wind. It’s easy for kids to fly and great for outdoor fun.
Click here for this fun toy
Monkey Kite
Bubble Machine
This bubble machine is a must-have for summer fun. It blows hundreds of bubbles in seconds, filling the yard with floating, shiny bubbles. Its cute design and easy button make it perfect for kids to enjoy at outdoor parties or sunny day play.
Click here for this fun toy
Plasmacar
The Plasma Car is a ride-on toy that moves without pedals or batteries—just turn the steering wheel and it goes. Kids can zoom around driveways or sidewalks using only their hands to steer. It's a fun and smooth ride that’s perfect for active summer play.
Click here for this fun toy
Target Game
This is a fun target game shaped like a smiling turtle. Kids throw bean bags at the numbered spots on its back to score points. It's great for improving aim and having fun outdoors.
Click here for this fun toy
Target Game
Bowling Set
This bowling set is a fun way for kids to play indoors or outdoors. It includes 10 colorful pins and 2 soft balls, making it safe and easy for little hands. Children can enjoy learning numbers and improving their hand-eye coordination while playing.
Click here for this fun toy
Scooter
This scooter is perfect for kids who love to zoom around outside. It has three wheels to keep them steady and fun lights that flash as they ride. The seat folds up so it can be used as a regular scooter or a ride-on, making it great for different ages and lots of outdoor fun.
Click here for this fun toy
Scooter
Beach Set
This beach set is perfect for kids who love playing in the sand and water. It’s easy to carry with a handy mesh bag, making it great for trips to the beach. The bright colors and fun shapes keep kids busy and happy for hours.
Click here for this fun toy
Tee Ball Set
The Tee Ball Set is a fun way for kids to learn baseball basics. It has an adjustable tee, making it easier for children to hit the ball. This toy helps improve hand-eye coordination and is great for outdoor play.
Click here for this fun toy
Tee Ball Set
Hula Hoops
Hula hoops are a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun outdoors. They help improve coordination, balance, and rhythm while encouraging creative play. Whether used for traditional hooping, obstacle courses, or group games, hula hoops offer endless entertainment for children of all ages.
Click here for this fun toy

So what outdoor toy gets the most use at your house? What were your favorites as a kid?

For more summer outdoor recipes check out these Camping Recipes to Cook Outdoors.

If you enjoyed the best outdoor toys for summer, check out:

20 Gifts for the Budding Artist

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  1. Lyla Morris says

    I was searching for the toy for my son for his birthday which is in next month. he is interested in Bowling so, bowling set will be the perfect gift for him. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  2. Emilie J. Hedegaard says

    I like all these toys, especially the beach set. Although I am not a child.

    Reply

  3. Ellie Bell says

    Great post. I would like to add one more toy i.e rocket copter, which is an excellent outdoor toy for kids.

    Reply

  4. Suzanne Schlechte says

    These are great toys! We own many of the same ones you've mentioned. I haven't found my buddies to be as fond of the catchers, though. The water table is our number one fave and we have the exact same one as you - I've owned others but that particular one is the best.

    Reply