Whether it’s due to the restrictions of a pandemic, or the siren song of video games, getting our kids out of the house and playing outdoors can sometimes seem like a real challenge. Fortunately, the encouragement that your little ones need to spend more time in the fresh air can be found in the amazing outdoor toys below. Here are ideas for toys to encourage time outdoors:
Scavenger hunts
They do indeed take a bit of time to prepare but a scavenger hunt can be so much fun for your kids to do. You can get sets that take a great deal of preparation and work out of the now too.
Of course, if your child is a little older, why not task them with creating a scavenger hunt for you or other children? Just be sure to check their placement of clues beforehand for safety!
Trampolines
A trampoline can help your kids get outside more, and get some exercise too. They are available in all different sizes too. Although, guidelines suggest that only one child should ever use them at a time. Additionally, setting the trampoline in the ground, and installing a catch net around it can help make it a lot safer for your kids to use.
Sandbox
It’s a straightforward option, but a sandbox can be a fun way for children to spend time out of doors. Add additional items like buckets, cups, trucks, and toys to help spark their imagination and you’ll find they don’t want to leave. You can even get some sandboxes that come with separate compartments for water play as well!
Of course, safety is always a priority when the kids are playing outside and that means supervision when playing with water. It also means investing in a cover for their sandbox so it’s protected from animal waste and stays clean and hygienic.
Ride ons
Another great toy option that will have your kids begging to go out of doors is a fun ride on toy. These come in all shapes and sizes too, but the most novel one we’ve seen is the PonyCycle which is available in two sizes.
The PonyCycle is a Ride-On crafted to look just like a real pony or unicorn and is the perfect gift for little princes or princesses as well as buddy cowgirls and boys! It even moves just like a real horse so you kids will be enchanted with and enjoy their outside playtime even more than they usually do.
Lego
Yes, that’s right Lego toy isn’t just a toy that can be placed indoors but it’s also ideal for outdoor play. After all, it’s made from wipeable washable plastic so even if it gets a bit dirty you can always rinse or clean it off.
For younger kids, the larger and more robust version Duplo may be the best choice as it’s easier to use and manage. It’s also easier to see as well, so it can help minimize the loss of any pieces around the yard. Large Connect Four games or Jenga can be fun, too.