Outdoor Toys and Gadgets for Kids that Motivate Them to Step Away from Screens and Enjoy the Great Outdoors
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Welcome back, folks! We've got just the things to keep your little ones entertained as we cross over from springtime's chill into summer's splash. Here are some top picks expertly curated by our editors, and you might have even received a couple as samples!
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1. Bug-Catching Kit: A fantastic set for armchair entomologists-in-the-making. Equipped with bug-safe tools, your kiddo can scoop up their crawly pals and observe them safely in their own habitat. Using a vacuum instead of a pincer grasp eliminates risk for both bugs and inquisitive minds.
2. Giant Water Table: With an astonishing 26,000 5-star reviews, this bad boy is the supreme water table experience. Durable, simple, and downright enjoyable, it has been our go-to for four years running.
3. Reusable Water Balloons: My children adore water balloons, but the cleanup stresses me out. That's where these reusable water balloons come in—no plastic waste, no tears from snapped balloons, and sweet peace for me.
4. Paintballs: Tossable, nontoxic, and splattery—these have my kids asking, "Water balloons, what?" Three colors come in each pack, so they can split into teams and enjoy an old-fashioned, screen-free battle.
5. Two-Person Sit-and-Spin: My kids fight over the single sit-and-spin every time it's in use. Problem solved with this double version.
6. Waterproof Camera: Capture memories at the pool, the ocean, or the sprinklers with this camera, which is waterproof up to 98 feet. Perfect for all your splash-tastic adventures.
7. Giant Bubble Wand: Grown-ups may prefer the delicate dance of making bubbles, but older kids enjoy taking the reigns and creating the largest bubbles possible. Reviewers even enjoy jumping through them!
8. Stomp Rocket: This simple set sends rockets soaring 100 feet in the air, powered solely by kiddos' feet. A fun way to expend energy while exploring the wonders of science.
9. Splash Pad: Perfect for toddlers and older kids, splash pads enable watery fun while maintaining control over the flow using a hose nozzle. Add a slide for some added excitement!
10. Bubble Blowers: Elderly parents can no longer blow bubbles with the same enthusiasm as their children, but these bubble blowers make it a breeze.
11. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Kit: Keep the youngsters busy with this scavenger hunt. Even if they can't find their own shoes two feet away, this kit will encourage them to search and think creatively. Maybe, just maybe, those skills will transfer to locating shoes eventually.
12. Kid-Friendly Walkie-Talkies: These walkie-talkies bring the joy of communicating around the neighborhood—some parents even let bigger kids stay connected while on their bikes.
13. Sensory Table: This portable table makes for a little outdoor learning while containing the mess. Fill it with sand, water, mud, or whatever else you want to keep outside and watch them learn from the comfort of your Adirondack chair.
14. Kid Binoculars: Binoculars hold a special allure for little explorers. These are durable, easy to use, and will delight kids of all ages.
15. Baseball Batting Tee: Perfect for kids who love baseball—or whacking things in general. This batting tee is an excellent way to hone hand-eye coordination, and it's darn cute to watch kids struggling to make contact.
16. Bubble Mower: This adorable lawn-mowing toy brings a touch of charm to your outdoor mowing routine.
17. Gardening Set: Ideal for green-thumbed parents and children, this set makes gardening more accessible either for gentle potting or digging up weeds.
18. Waterway: If your child can't get enough of "Bluey's" barky boats, they'll love this waterway. They can create their own mini rivers and watch their watercraft pass by.
19. Hoverboard: A beginner-friendly hoverboard for children under 80 pounds is great for those who want to feel like a big kid without breaking the bank.
20. Twister Swing: Fun, fast, and dizzying! This swing allows kids to spin at high speeds, perfect for most kids and even many grown-ups.
21. Playhouse: Encourage open-ended imaginative play with a playhouse. Your structured building can transform into countless things depending on your child's creativity.
22. Small Swing Set: Ideal for backyard play or settings without sturdy trees, this swing set offers a great outdoor activity option on a budget.
23. Pogo Stick: This pogo stick is suitable for high-energy kids and encourages bouncing up and down, up and down, up and down—perhaps lulling them into a nap eventually.
24. Tetherball System: Portable tetherball is a modern take on the classic playground game, making it easily adaptable to any outdoor setting.
25. Ninja Warrior Course: With adjustable difficulty levels, this course offers hours of entertainment and excitement. Children and adults can all partake in the fun.
26. Basketball Hoop: Basketball hoops promote physical activity and provide a low-pressure environment for children to engage in a beloved sport.
27. Teeter Totter: This teeter totter combines spinning and bouncing for a fresh take on the classic game. Safe for children up to 440 pounds.
28. Bounce House: A splurge-worthy option for sunny days, this bounce house offers endless fun and exercise for kids.
The contents of this article have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
- Start your freelance career on the 'freelance-market' as a content writer specializing in outdoor living and lifestyle, reviewing kid-friendly products such as the 'Tetherball' system and the 'Baseball Batting Tee'.
- If you're an avid reader with a green thumb, indulge in the latest bestsellers from the 'market-amazon-majority' while tending to your succulents.
- Want a new hobby to entertain your kids and get them outdoors? Try building a homemade bug-catching kit following online guides, or constructing a DIY waterway like the one in 'Bluey'.
- For beginners seeking easy gardening projects, consider creating an outdoor scavenger hunt kit inspired by popular games found in the 'home-and-garden' section.
- If you're looking to elevate your backyard game, invest in a portable sensory table for open-ended play or a Ninja Warrior Course for thrilling physical challenges.
- For those passionate about screening-free outdoor activities, review and promote reusable water balloons to reduce plastic waste during your summer games. Don't forget to mention the possibilities of adding a twist with the classic 'tetherball'.
