The Best Outdoor Toys & Games for Little Kids (including toddlers and preschoolers)

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We relocated from Manhattan to NJ and now have a deck and yard where my kids can play. We mainly avoided playgrounds in 2020 so I did a lot of research to keep their outdoor play interesting. Here is a roundup of the best outdoor toys for kids.

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My kids’ favorite outdoor toys

It takes convincing to get my kids (ages five years and two years old) out of the house. These are the toys that most motivate them to go out and also the ones that they play with the most. Below are lots more ideas.

  • Dueling stomp rocket // stomp rockets are very popular because they are fun and and they provide a lot of opportunity for physical activity as the child needs to use force to stomp and go chase down the rockets. The dueling version adds a competitive aspect and may keep your kids from fighting over it. Even I find it fun! Recommend for ages 3 to adult (my two year old mainly serves as the rocket retriever, though she recently figured out how to stomp the rocket). Available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart.



  • Mini cones and rings // these are great for a range of ages — my two year old likes to line up the cones and match the rings. My five year old uses them as an obstacle course when he bikes or scoots, and as a makeshift soccer goal. Both kids use them for ring toss and we often play games hiding the rings in the garden. My two year old’s physical therapist incorporates these into most of her sessions. Available at Amazon.

  • Water sprinkler splash pad // this is loads of fun. Mine is 68”, which is the perfect size for us. This is the exact one I have. The quality is just OK and weirdly, has a picture of a bottle or rum on it, but my kids love it. I recommend getting whichever is highly rated, in stock and visually appealing to you (here is the full selection at Amazon).

  • Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall // This reminds me of a cross between a water table and a marble run. I chose it because it seemed perfect for my five year old who loves to tinker and is tall enough for him to use without constantly hunching over. My two year old enjoys it too but I’m considering getting her a traditional water table since we will be on the deck so much this summer. We like to set it up next to a big bucket or by the water sprinkler splash pad so the kids fill up the wall from there. As a plus, the parts seem to be compatible with other Step 2 water tables. It’s hard to find in stock, try Step2, Amazon, Wayfair, Kohl’s, and Target.

  • 3-In-1 Triple Splash T-Ball Set // I considered buying a second because my kids love this so much. My two year old just likes making the balls pop up , but my five year old got pretty good at hitting within a day. You can also attach it to a hose so that the water pops the ball up. Available at Target and Walmart.


  • Remote control cars // we got a few of these as birthday gifts and are great for tricking my son into going for a walk. I recommend getting two so that you can race. Big wheels are easier to maneuver on uneven streets. Amazon has lots of o

  • Stepping stones // we’ve been using these indoors for a while. We have the Gonge hilltops and riverstones, which are pretty expensive. This lower priced set seems great for outdoor use.

  • Scooter // Both my kids love their scooters. Make sure to get a helmet too! Despite the age ranges listed on the packaging, I recommend these models of Swiss-Designed Micro Kickbaord scooters (this brand is worth the price tag):

More outdoor toy ideas

Scooters, bikes and other ride-on and push toys

  • Scooter // my kids use these year round. See above for my specific recommendations.

Water and sensory toys and activities

  • Water Table // We have a Step2 water table and tower and highly recommend them! They’re nice looking and facilitate lots of fun! Available at Step2, Amazon, Kohls, Walmart, Wayfair and Bed Bath & Beyond.

  • Sand box // I highly recommend a covered one, otherwise you will be inviting rodents in.

  • Water sprinkler splash pad // this is loads of fun. Mine is 68”, which is the perfect size for us. This is the exact one I have. The quality is just OK and weirdly, has a picture of a bottle or rum on it, but my kids love it. I recommend getting whichever is highly rated, in stock and visually appealing to you (here is the full selection at Amazon).

  • Kiddie pool // I recommend getting one with a plug, ideally that is foldable for easy storage. Here is an example.

  • Color tablets // we mainly use these in the bath, but they are fun for outdoor play too.

  • Sand / water toys // we get a ton of use from these at the beach and on our deck.


Outdoor art

  • arts and crafts tray // this is helpful to keep all the supplies organized (and avoid rolling) and to serve as a smooth surface for coloring.

  • washable watercolor paint // always fun, and involves water, so it’s great for outdoors.

  • water painting brushes and surfaces //

  • Sidewalk chalk // ideally dust-free, but that’s hard to find now.





For homes with outdoor space to spare

Miscellaneous

For more toy and other product ideas, check out my Amazon storefront and see my Instagram “kids@home” story highlights for more creative play ideas. Also be sure to join my Facebook deals group for access to deals on my favorite items.