The weather is heating up fast here in the Midwest, and we are ready!
As we continue trying to avoid large crowds, we’re playing more and more in our backyard and driveway.
Here are some fun kids toys for playing hard in the backyard.
15 Fun Backyard Toys for Kids
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Foam Rocket Launcher
Our kids’ cousins got Elena hooked on this rocket launcher. It’s so easy to use. Put the rocket on the stand, then jump onto the launcher box to launch the foam rocket.
Splash Mat
Our favorite park has a huge splash pad for the kids to play in. We’ve been missing that, and this splash mat is the next best thing. Just hook up to a garden hose and and turn the water on!
Kids Gardening Tools
Grandma has a set of garden tools just like this one with real metal heads. Our 4-year-old loves to help out in the garden and this set is just right for her size. I love how they are just like the grown-up version–sturdy and strong–but kid-size!
Animal Hopper
We recently bought a pair of these animal hoppers for our kids (ages 4 and 2) and they both have loved playing with them both indoors and outside in the grass. I’m hesitant to use this on concrete as I don’t want them to get scuffed, but it’s held up so far with use in the grass and in the house.
WOODEN GRILLING Set
Who’s ready for grilling season? I love this wooden grill and rotisserie set. Our kids love being outside while Daddy grills up dinner, and this table-top version would inspire so much imaginative play!
Bug Catching Kit
I used to love catching bugs as a kid. My four-year-old is a little squeamish, but there’s still hope that she’ll turn into a bug catching fiend with a full kit like this one!
Wading Pool Toys
Fishing, anyone? This adorable fishing set can be played with in the wading pool, bathtub, or a big sensory bin. My girls love going fishing and scooping toys out of the water any day of the week!
Sandbox Wagon
The bucket and wagon will get sooo much use by a toddler that loves to transport. Both our girls love collecting leaves, rocks, and flowers in their buckets or wagon when we play outside. Combine this with a sandbox or a sand and water table and the fun will never end.
Foam Pogo Jumper
Here’s the perfect toy for a kid who loves to jump. It’s great for young ones who aren’t coordinated enough for a real pogo stick, and the foam makes it safe enough to use on hardwood floors if you’re inclined to do so.
Teepee Tent
My kids love creating cozy little spaces to snuggle in and hide. This tent can be used indoors or outdoors to create a nice shady space for kids to play and relax in. Of the reviews I read, this one had the most reviewers loving how easy the teepee is to set up. That’s a big win in my book!
Bubble mower
I don’t know how we survived last summer without a bubble machine like this one. The girls love bubbles and this is a more mess-free way for them to get their bubble fix without me having to blow the bubbles for them!
Scavenger Hunt Game
Here’s a sweet game for all the nature lovers out there. Go Find It is a deck of cards encouraging kids and families to explore nature. I like that each card has both text and pictures to help the littlest kids figure out what the card says. This would be a perfect game to bring along on a nature trail walk.
Tricycle
Of all the trikes out there, this one takes the cake. Why? The little secret compartment in the back for the kids to store their hidden treasures and cart around their stuffed animals. We got this one 2 years ago, and it gets used so often in our driveway by both our kids.
Climbing Tower
A neighbor has this in their backyard, and I’ve been eyeing it all spring. It looks so fun for little climbers like my two-year-old. She has no fear!
Mud Kitchen
This outdoor play kitchen makes a great workbench for kids to make mud pies or pot up some new plants. Fill the tub with water, mud, or sand. It’s up to you!
I hope you’ve found some great ideas for backyard toys for the summer. Stay safe out there and have fun!
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