Are you a parent looking to transform your backyard into a haven of joy and excitement for your kids? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the top 5 toys for the backyard that will not only keep your little ones entertained but also maximize the potential of your outdoor space.
With the abundance of options available, choosing the perfect toys for your backyard can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve curated this list to provide you with a range of exciting and stimulating choices. Whether your child is active, creative, curious, or even a home bug, there’s something here for everyone.
What Are The Criteria?
These toys will be judged on 4 aspects, and here they are:
Is it fun?
When it comes to backyard toys, fun is the name of the game! Kids won’t be interested in a toy unless it’s super-duper fun to play with. It’s all about capturing their attention, igniting their imaginations, and creating an irresistible urge to run outside and dive right into the excitement.
Is it cute?
Not only should backyard toys be fun for the kids, but they should also add a splash of style to your outdoor space. Aesthetics matter, and a well-designed toy can elevate the overall look of your backyard, making it a visually appealing and inviting environment. After all, why settle for ordinary when you can have a backyard that’s both fun and fabulously stylish?
Is it beneficial?
While fun is a priority, the ideal backyard toy goes beyond mere amusement and offers a plethora of benefits for your child’s growth and development. We looked for toys that encourage physical activity, helping kids build strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. We looked for toys that stimulate their creativity and imagination, fostering cognitive development and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, toys that promote social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills are the best ones, as these aspects are crucial for their emotional and social growth.
Is it expensive?
When it comes to purchasing backyard toys, the cost is an important factor to consider. While some high-priced items may offer exceptional value, it’s essential to strike a balance between quality and affordability. We understand that not everyone can splurge on extravagant toys, and that’s perfectly understandable. The key is to find options that fit within your budget while still delivering enjoyable experiences and long-lasting durability.
Now, let’s get to the list!
1. Best in all criteria – Mud Kitchen & Grocery Store from GROWGO
- Is it fun? It’s a fun town out there!
- Is it cute? Hella!
- Is it beneficial? It’s Montessori-inspired, so… yup!
- Is it expensive? For the value? Not at all.
This toy is so versatile and has so many options, it’s hard to imagine kids will get bored with it. These play options also cover the “beneficial” part, as most of them are educational. Moreover, the design is so cute you’ll be squealing yourself! And considering the quality, all the extras, and the age range of this toy (2-7 years), the price is more than reasonable.
When it comes to versatility and skill development, you can’t go wrong with the GROWGO mud kitchen. This incredible toy offers real running water, realistic details, and endless possibilities for cooking, mixing, measuring, and cleaning activities. Not only does it promote practical skills, but it also fosters social interaction and teamwork when transformed into a grocery store or restaurant as it is double-sided. Its wooden frame has a waterproof, skin-safe coating, and the worktop is a solid wood piece. The toy features an “oven” door, a few blackboards, extra wire baskets, a bell, and, get this, actual running water! And if you thought it was already amazing, let me take you a step further: the packaging box for this toy also transforms into a DIY bug hotel. Say what now?
2. Best in “Fun” – Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Sprinkler from Mellisa & Doug
- Is it fun? It’s a summer hit!
- Is it cute? The cutest!
- Is it beneficial? So-so.
- Is it expensive? Not very.
You can’t argue that kids LOVE splashing in the water, especially on a hot summer day! This sprinkler delivers, plus it’s so pretty! The cute little flowers will look beautiful on your lawn, and you’ll get your grass watered while the kids play! However, it doesn’t offer much more than that.
3. Best in “Cute” – Lifetime Dome Climber from NGARY
- Is it fun? Fun enough.
- Is it cute? Not exactly cute, but it looks awesome!
- Is it beneficial? Somewhat.
- Is it expensive? Well… this is that extravagant toy we were talking about.
If you’re looking for something that will add to your backyard, this toy is IT. The construction is just striking! It’s so simple yet so impressive at the same time! Also, it’s extremely durable and high-quality. Kids will be in love with this futuristic shape and will spend time outdoors climbing on it or playing inside the construction. However, it’s a truly premium item, so not many will be able to afford it.
4. Best in “Beneficial” – Wooden Playhouse by VidaXL
- Is it fun? For kids that love challenges – totally!
- Is it cute? Define “cute.”
- Is it beneficial? You bet!
- Is it expensive? Somewhere in the middle.
Now this is something that can compete with the mud kitchen in multifunctionality! This play tower has many different uses: a climbing rope, a climbing wall, a ladder, and even a sandpit underneath. If you want your kids to develop their physical skills, this play tower offers a ton of benefits! On the flipside, it might not be the cutest thing in the world, and it only suits older kids.
5. Best in “Affordable” – 2-in-1 Washer Pitch and Beanbag Toss Set by Hey! Play!
- Is it fun? It’s alright.
- Is it cute? It’s not ugly.
- Is it beneficial? It has its benefits.
- Is it expensive? Nope!
Being 2-in-1, this affordable toy definitely delivers value! Your kids can play both the beanbag and washer toss games. It teaches children accuracy, math, and critical thinking as they play and keep score, so it’s a nice addition to any toy collection. The design isn’t anything outstanding, but it’s nice and well-made, and the price is great!
A Final Note About The Winner
So, why the GROWGO mud kitchen?
Not only is it cute, durable, and fun, it offers many play options and comes with many features. So what, you may ask? Well, it’s absolutely amazing for your child! In our humble opinion, the mud kitchen/grocery store from GROWGO will benefit kids greatly. This toy:
- – Encourages imaginative play and storytelling
- – Enhances fine motor skills through mixing, shaping, and manipulating mud
- – Promotes sensory exploration and tactile development
- – Fosters creativity and self-expression through decorating and personalizing the mud pies
- – Develops social skills through cooperative play and role-playing scenarios
- – Introduces basic concepts of kitchen appliances and home chores
- – Provides opportunities for learning about nature and bugs through the bug hotel craft project
- – Promotes responsibility and cleanliness through the use of running water for dishwashing
- – Cultivates an appreciation for the natural world and environmental stewardship
- – Builds confidence and self-esteem as children take ownership of their creations and role-play scenarios
These benefits make the GROWGO Mud Kitchen an enriching and educational toy that supports holistic development in children. All while looking bomb in your backyard!