The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers to Ride, Climb, Splash, Toss, and Create With

Sunny & Fun Ultra Climber Waterslide

Why We Like It: This double water slide offers twice the fun, can accommodate multiple ages, and is incredibly durable, with a 350-pound weight limit. 

But Take Note: This slide is on the larger side, so you’ll want to be sure you have room in your yard to accommodate it. It also might damage grass underneath if you don’t move it around regularly.

This inflatable waterslide has been able to accommodate and entertain my five children ranging in age from toddler to preteen during the warm weather months.

I love that it has a 350-pound weight limit—which is on the higher end for inflatable waterslides—so even my 10-year-old son has been able to enjoy it. It’s also incredibly sturdy and has held up after being dragged around to different houses for birthday parties, playdates, and even to our daycare provider’s backyard. (She loved it so much, she also bought her own!) 

The built-in air pump makes inflating a breeze, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for how big the slide is; my 12-year-old daughter managed to put it away all on her own when cleaning the yard one day. And because the slide is so large, you’ll want to move it or stash it away regularly to avoid damaging your grass. 

By far, the best part is the different play options the slide provides. There is a pool area at the bottom the toddler loves to play in, a spray gun she surprises people with, and sprinklers set up at the top of the slides. If your toddler is on the younger side, they may need a boost to get up the climbing portion of the slide, so definitely keep that in mind before you buy. For younger kiddos, a smaller waterslide may be a good alternative. 

Price at time of publication: $450

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 3-10 years old
• Weight limit: 350 pounds 
• Dimensions: 157.2 x 134.4 x 94.8 inches
• Material: Nylon
• Special features: Carrying bag and air pump included

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

Why We Like It: You can adjust the water pressure to find the perfect splashing height, or use it primarily as a wading pool. 

But Take Note: As with any splash pad, slippage and water leaking into the yard can create some messy conditions, so proper placement is key. 

Suitable for toddlers 12 months and up, this splash pad and wading pool combines water and sprinkler features for double play power. Of course, any water play with kids will need to be supervised, but a backyard splash pad can make it a little easier to enjoy watching your little one play while minimizing the risk of drowning dangers. 

We love that the mat of this splash pad is BPA and phthalates-free and includes an educational design that can teach them letters too. (That is, if they stop giggling long enough to learn!) The splash feature height is fully adjustable with a hose, so you can keep the sprinklers low for young toddlers to explore or raise it up for older toddlers ready for more adventure. 

To use the splash pad, you will first need to inflate the outer rim with water through an attached hose, so be sure to plan accordingly, as filling it for the first time can take some time. After it’s filled, however, the outer rim will stay inflated, even if you shut the hose off, your toddler can still splash and use the pad as a wading pool. And that rim can come in handy if falls happen, because water + toddlers can be a slippery equation. 

Price at time of publication: $25

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 12 months and up
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 4 inches
• Material: Polyvinyl chloride
• Special features: Foldable

Step2 Play & Shade Pool

Why We Like It: You get the best of both worlds for fun in the sun and safety with this play pool that comes with its own attached umbrella shade. 

But Take Note: There’s no drain on this pool, so to empty it, you will have to detach the umbrella and tip the whole thing over. 

Pool fun is the best for toddlers, but it can also be a challenge to keep young skin safe in the harsh rays of the sun. This pool solves that timeless dilemma with an umbrella shade. Your toddler will enjoy splashing in the pool, but if that’s not enough, it also comes with its own accessories. You’ll get three three funnel cups for dumping and scooping water, and a spinning water wheel. 

On the side of the pool, there are also two handy steps that can double as seats for toddlers to sit in and splash or enjoy their favorite hydrating poolside beverage. All of the cups and funnels also attach directly to the side of the pool, making clean-up a snap. 

Price at time of publication: $77

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 2-10 years
• Weight limit: 12 gallons of water or 165 pounds of sand
• Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 50 inches
• Material: Plastic
• Special features: Umbrella shade and cup accessories

Electric Bubble Blower

Why We Like It: Toddlers can delight in an endless cascade of bubbles floating around them, while you don’t have to lift a finger to produce said bubbles. Win-win. 

But Take Note: Batteries aren’t included, and you’ll need to set it up on a toddler-height surface to get the best bubbles. 

I am not even joking when I say that I got through a large chunk of the pandemic with a puppy and a baby by spending literal hours blowing bubbles for the two of them. Eventually, I got smart and picked up this electric bubble blower, which was a life-changing decision. 

Now, all I have to do is fill it up with bubble solution, switch it on, and sit back as I watch the two of them chase down bubbles together—all without me dripping bubble solution all over me, having my toddler demand to “do myself” then spill it everywhere, or get dizzy spinning around in endless bubble-blowing circles.  

Price at time of publication: $17

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 3 years and up
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches
• Material: Plastic with metal motor
• Special features: Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)

Gabby's Dollhouse Jumbo Chalk With Holder

Why We Like It: We’re huge fans of sidewalk chalk, and holders help keep the mess at a minimum. 

But Take Note: Broken-off bits of sidewalk chalk can be a choking hazard, so it might be helpful to sweep up any excess pieces. 

You really can’t go wrong with a set of classic sidewalk chalk—except for the mess. But this set featuring favorite “Gabby’s Dollhouse” characters will help your toddler’s coordination in handling the chalk and prevent lots of colored chalk mess on their hands. 

The set comes with four different sidewalk chalk colors in purple, pink, blue, and green, along with already-assembled sidewalk chalk holders, ready to use right out of the box. And when your toddler has completed all of the sidewalk chalk masterpieces they can with the first batch, you can pick up replacement sidewalk chalk and continue using the holders. 

Price at time of publication: $5

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 3 years and up
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: 1.225 x 5.1 inches (with the holder)
• Material: Chalk and plastic
• Special features: 4 holders included

Step2 Push Around Ride-on Buggy

Why We Like It: This ride-on buggy is complete with a beeping horn, a “hood” that opens, and a convenient push handle for parents. 

But Take Note: If your toddler has older siblings, just be prepared for lots of “helpers” who want to push!

I have eyed these ride-on buggies for as long as I’ve been a parent, but they always seemed too impractical to purchase, because they can only be used for a year or so until your toddler outgrows it. But the pandemic pushed me into doing a lot of things I never would have done, so I picked up this Step2Push buggy for my then 2-year-old, and she absolutely loved it. 

Now, I wish I would have bought it sooner, because we have gotten so much use out of it. At first, we used it in the house on our wood floors, and then, once the weather warmed up, we pushed her all around outside. Even though the wheels are plastic, I’ve been shocked at how durable they are and how easily they roll. My daughter rides up and down our gravel driveway to get the mail with me, and I push her through the yard on it when doing yard work. It’s been extra handy for the times I just can’t carry her around anymore, want to get stuff done, or just to get some fresh air during the witching hour. 

As far as features go, an attached seat belt ensures your toddler won’t tip out, while the footrests are comfortable to keep little toes from being run over. She also loves storing special items in the opening “hood.” The buggy can hold up to 50 pounds, so we are still getting a lot of use out of it, and my older kids love pushing her around on it too. 

Price at time of publication: $56

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 24 months
• Weight limit: 50 pounds
• Dimensions: 34.5 x 18.5 x 43.5 inches
• Special features: Seat belt, storage

Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll Trike

Why We Like It: Two words: push handle. Toddlers are notorious for wanting to bike on their own, but not as well-known for actually being able to move those pedals, so this bike with a parent-push handle solves that problem. 

But Take Note: The pedal brakes are fully working, so be prepared for some stop-and-starts. 

Now that I know how amazing an outdoor toy with a push handle is, I wish I would have invested in this three-in-one tricycle years ago. It starts a toddler bike with a push handle, so you can push and steer your child (you can also disable the steering if you have a NASCAR wannabe), then as they get older, you can remove the push handle to make it a fully functioning independent tricycle. The bike also has pedal brakes, so you may have some rocky stops as your toddler adjusts to use. 

Price at time of publication: $69

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 2-5 years
• Weight limit: 49 pounds
• Dimensions: 27 x 19.7 x 24.2 inches
• Materials: Steel frame
• Special features: Storage, adjustable seat, bell

Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler

Why We Like It: This vehicle can tackle any terrain, from grass to gravel, with two passengers and lots of accessories in tow. 

But Take Note: Be sure to pick up at least seven additional AA batteries to get all of the accessories, like the radio and “working” microphone, ready to use. 

For car-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers ready to ride, there’s nothing better than a set of Power Wheels. This Jeep Wrangler version comes with a lot of accessories, like a light bar and voice-changing microphone, plus realistic driving sounds to make hitting the open road even more exciting. 

You get two speeds (2.5 mph or 5 mph) in forward and reverse directions, and like a true Jeep, it can handle a lot of different terrains, including both hard surfaces and grass. Plus, there’s a parent-controlled lockout to prevent your adventurer from getting too fast and furious. 

Price at time of publication: $298

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 3-7 years
• Weight limit: 130 pounds
• Dimensions: Not listed
• Materials: Not listed
• Special features: 2 seats, voice-changing microphone, toy shovel

Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse

Why We Like It: It’s a classic playhouse cottage that all ages can enjoy, plus, it’s easy to put together on your own without any tools. 

But Take Note: It is lightweight, so if you get a lot of high winds or severe weather, you may want to move it indoors so it doesn’t blow away or get damaged. 

Our family has personally owned this Little Tikes playhouse for over 8 years now. I really appreciated how easy it was to put together. My 7-year-old, 5-year-old, and I assembled it without any tools required. The playhouse is also very lightweight, at only 32 pounds, so I could move it around the yard, and during the winter, I put it in our basement for the kids to play with all year round. (This year, I forgot to bring it inside, and it did end up blowing away, so be sure to learn from my mistakes!)

The playhouse includes two working doors, a flag holder (flag sold separately), and a mailbox slot for all of your toddler’s important deliveries. My favorite feature: the opening windows that work for playing “drive-through.” I’ve enjoyed many a delicious meal of sand fries from this fine establishment.

Price at time of publication: $139

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 2 years and up
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: 42.8 x 35 x 49 inches
• Materials: Plastic
• Special features: 2 working doors and windows, mail slot

Sand Toys With Mesh Carrying Bag

Why We Like It: You get everything you need to create a sand castle masterpiece, all in one convenient carrying bag. 

But Take Note: If you have more than one kid, you may want to pick up extra toys to avoid sibling fights, because the set includes only one shovel and one rake. 

If you’re planning a trip to the beach or have some other sandy place to enjoy, this is a must-have. The mesh bag is a nice bonus for carrying toys on the go, and along with a classic sand castle mold, you’ll find a bucket, shovel, rake, seahorse, crab, fish, lobster, and watering pot. Choose from a 13-piece set, or upgrade to 18 pieces for more choices to create a sand castle masterpiece.

Price at time of publication: $11

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 3-10 years old
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.8 x 11 inches (in box)
• Material: BPA-free plastic
• Special features: Seahorse, crab, fish, lobster, and castle molds included

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Why We Like It: Balance bikes help even young toddlers learn the necessary skills and coordination before they ever hit the road with pedals. 

But Take Note: Your kid might catch on really fast, warranting a quick upgrade.

Strider balance bikes take a twist on teaching kids to ride a bike and transform the classic parent-holding-onto-the-seat-and-running method that many of us grew up with. Instead, the balance bike comes without pedals and teaches kids to first grasp the fundamentals of learning to balance on the bike before they ever even touch a foot pedal. 

Kids with inseams of 12-20 inches can use this bike starting as young as 18 months old, all the way up until they are 5 years old—both the seat and the handlebar are adjustable to use as they grow. At just 6 pounds, the Strider is lightweight enough to throw into your vehicle for travel or new local adventures. Plus, it can handle rough and smooth terrain. Choose from eight different colors for every toddler style, and when your child is ready, you can add foot brakes or rugged tires (sold separately) for more off-roading adventures. 

Price at time of publication: $120

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 18 months-5 years with 12-20” inseam
• Weight limit: 60 pounds 
• Dimensions: 33 x 15 x 22 inches, 12-inch wheels 
• Material: Alloy steel frame
• Special features: Option to add foot brakes or rocking kit

Kids Coloring Co. Gardening Kits

Why We Like It: From a company owned by two Black nurses, the all-in-one kits allow you to grow daisies, sunflowers, herbs, flowers, or organic vegetables. 

But Take Note: While basil can be safely grown and kept indoors, you’ll need a large planter or outdoor garden space for your carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers if you choose the vegetable kit. 

Gardening enthusiasts will appreciate picking up an all-in-one kit to introduce your toddler to the art of growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers. Each beautifully-packaged kit from this Black-owned company comes with everything you need to get started, from a pot to plant in, soil pellets, seed packets, and labels with accompanying decorations so you know what’s growing. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up a watering can for your toddler to keep their new flowers or veggies growing strong. 

Price at time of publication: $30+

The Details: 

• Recommended age: Not listed
• Weight limit: n/a
• Dimensions: Not listed
• Materials: Terra cotta planters, biodegradable liners, seeds
• Special features: Kits include pots, seeds, labels, and decorating accessories

Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table

Why We Like It: It comes with extra accessories, like a fishing pole and a tipping fishbowl that’s sure to make toddlers giggle. 

But Take Note: The plug to keep water in can be tricky to install at first. 

Water tables are usually a hit on their own, but this Little Tikes Fish `n Splash version takes things up a notch with the added excitement of fishing fun. Your toddler can enjoy fishing for the included critters, filling up the fishbowl at the top that will tip over into the attached lily pad when it’s full for a splashing surprise, and playing with the included water cup too. Thanks to all of the bonus accessories, it’s also an ideal table for multiple toddlers to play with. 

The table does include a plug so you can drain the water out when you’re done using or to clean it, but you may need a set of pliers to set it up initially. If you prefer, you can also fill the table with up to 50 pounds of sand for tactile play. 

Price at time of publication: $49

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 2 years and up
• Weight limit: 50 pounds of sand
• Dimensions: 29.25 x 29.13 x 7.25 inches
• Material: Plastic
• Special features: Tipping fishbowl, fishing pole, water cup, and 5 “critters”

3-in-1 Micro Kickboard Scooter

Why We Like It: This three-in-one scooter can be used by toddlers as young as 12 months old, and converted as they grow. 

But Take Note: The seat-on-a-scooter concept might take some getting used to, so be wary of falls with your tot. 

Little kids of all ages love scooters, but for toddlers that want to join in, traditional scooters can be a little outside their skill set. The 3-in-1 Micro Kickboard solves that by offering a low-to-the-ground seat that a toddler as young as 12 months can sit on while “scooting” with their feet. 

Then, when they’re ready to move up a level around age 2, you can remove the seat and the scooter is ready to use as a stand-on scooter with a short O-bar. As one last level, swap the O-bar for a T-bar, and the scooter transforms into the Micro Mini Original scooter that can be used all the way up to 5 years old. 

Price at time of publication: $120

The Details: 

• Recommended age: 12 months-5 years
• Weight limit: 75 pounds
• Dimensions: 21 x 4.5 x 25 inches
• Material: Plastic
• Special features: 2-year manufacturer warranty, seat included, various colors

Classic Playground Ball

Why We Like It: A playground classic, this Champion sports ball is virtually indestructible. 

But Take Note: There’s no inflation pump included, and it does ship deflated. 

Bring back the nostalgia of the playground with this classic Champion sports ball. It’s soft enough for open-ended toddler play, yet durable enough to endure endless games of kickball by older kids. (Ah, the memories.) The ball does ship deflated and an inflation pump isn’t included, so you may want to pick one up if you don’t have one at home already. 

Price at time of publication: $9

The Details: 

• Recommended age: n/a
• Weight limit: n/a: 
• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: 10 inches diameter
• Special features: Also comes in a variety of sizes and colors