The Best Outdoor Toys to Keep Your Toddler Entertained and Active All Summer Long

As parents, it’s important to keep our little ones active and engaged in their surroundings. With warmer temps inviting us outside and school breaks upon us, it’s time to invest in the great outdoors. Or at least those in the backyard, anyway.

Not only is outside playtime a fun and stimulating activity, it gives young kids a chance to think creatively, solve problems on their own, and better understand the world around them. Whether it’s playing in sand or grass, digging with play machines, kicking balls, or climbing trees, outside playtime is a perfect physical activity that also supports mental development. So whether you’re looking for a new toy overhaul, or just want to invest in some stimulating outdoor kid entertainment, today’s lineup is for you.

While entertainment is definitely the name of the game, we also found outdoor toys that support developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities. So, get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and let your toddlers have fun with these cool outdoor toys.

Peg Perego John Deere Mini Tractor

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Walmart

John Deere Mini Tractor provides endless excitement and is the perfect ride-on vehicle for little kids looking for heavy-duty adventure. Working lights and sound lead the way, while an accelerator pedal makes it easy to stop and go. This preschool ride-on vehicle drives at the speed of 1.5 mph. The John Deere Mini Tractor includes a 6-volt rechargeable battery and recharger. Made in the USA.

Creative QT - Curious Gardener

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Amazon
single icon $79.99 from Amazon
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Don't forget about the little aspiring growers! This adorable Curious Gardener set features real tools but for little hands. Creative QT provides a fun and practical source for toys, organizational products, and real tools with playful designs that inspire play, learning, and clean-up.

Edx Education Step-a-Logs

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Amazon
single icon $84.95 from Amazon
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These yard balancers are perfect for toddlers and budding little athletes. Six brightly colored, sturdy logs are connected with nylon rope in this fun and useful tool for building balance and coordination. Practice balancing across the whole obstacle course, pull out a stopwatch for races, and more.

Step2® Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

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Amazon
single icon $89.99 from Amazon
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Time for fun in the sun! A toddler favorite with over 500 5-star reviews. Toddlers can enjoy backyard play time while developing their fine motor and sensory skills with the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table. Scoop up water and watch it cascade back down through spinners and ramps. This set comes with 13 accessories that are sure to keep your toddler occupied for hours of fun!

SKIP*HOP® Zoo 3-in-1 Ride-On Dog

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SkipHop

Get that toddler energy out! This SKIP*HOP version grows with your toddler, providing hours of fun for years to come. The ride-on converts from a walker, to ride on or scooter. It also has a headlight, melodies and fun sound effects.

The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Float

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Walmart

An adorable twist on a classic! The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is the classic car we all know and love — except now it’s built to float on water! With a motor! Available at Walmart, the Cozy Coupe is the perfect pool float for your little ones. The inflatable boat is designed to look just like the classic Cozy Coupe car, complete with a steering wheel and an adorable smiling face. The inflated roof of the Cozy Coupe will keep out the sun, while the motorized propellers safely and gently move your little one around the pool. Perfect for kids ages 1 to 3.

GeoSafari Jr. Bugnoculars from Educational Insights

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Amazon
single icon $14.99 from Amazon
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Little scientists can catch and observe critters, leaves, flowers, and more in this bug-friendly, kid-cool, transparent container. It's perfect for STEM learning and independent exploration!

Learning Resources Solar Lantern

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Amazon
single icon $24.99 from Amazon
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Let kids see the concepts of renewable energy in action. Small solar panels on the lantern's top collect energy from the sun during the day, storing it in batteries that power the lights within. With the help of their lanterns, kids can plan an evening expedition into the backyard, add a soft glow to blanket forts, or light the way through darkened rooms during nighttime fun around the house.

Bolder Play Adventure Toys

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Amazon
single icon $179.98 from Amazon
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Kids have plenty of opportunities to test their skills this season with Bolder Play adventurous toys! It limits screen time and gets them focused on active play. The bold product designs develop kinesthetics, core muscles, and problem-solving skills during important milestones throughout childhood development. The industry-leading toys include outdoor setups like ziplines, slacklines, and backyard and indoor swings and games. Bolder Play’s Ninjaline® and Slackers® products transform the traditional slackline by adding dozens of fun elements that turn it into a playground.

*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Mom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.