With the sun shining brighter and the temperatures soaring, it can only mean one thing: summer is here! And you know what that means? It’s time to gear up and get ready for some epic outdoor fun!
In this article, we’re going to dive into the top five must-have outdoor toys for kids in 2023. So, if you’re a parent or simply a cool aunt, uncle, or older sibling on a mission to keep the little ones entertained and active, you’re in the right place.
Less Screen Time Is Always The Goal
In today’s digital age, where screens seem to dominate every aspect of our lives, it’s crucial for kids to strike a healthy balance and decrease their screen time. While technology can be incredibly useful and entertaining, excessive screen exposure can have adverse effects on children’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Encouraging kids to limit their screen time opens up a world of opportunities for them to explore, learn, and grow in alternative ways.
First and foremost, reducing screen time allows children to engage in more physical activity. Instead of being sedentary and glued to screens, they can unleash their energy by playing outdoor games, riding bikes, or simply running around and having fun. Physical activity not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also improves motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Additionally, spending less time in front of screens encourages social interaction and the development of important communication skills. Kids can engage in face-to-face conversations, participate in group activities, and build meaningful relationships, fostering empathy, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. By stepping away from screens, children can truly connect with others and experience the joy of genuine human connection.
Summer Is The Prime Time To Get Your Kids Outdoors
Summer is the ultimate season for kids to unleash their boundless energy and explore the great outdoors. With school breaks and longer daylight hours, there’s no better time to engage in thrilling and exciting activities that will leave them with unforgettable memories.
When the weather is great, it’s a breeze to get kids outside. Summer encourages children to soak up vitamin D, engage in physical activity, and indulge in imaginative play amidst nature’s beautiful backdrop. But even during this warm season, it can be difficult to get the little ones off the couch. That’s how awesome outdoor toys can help.
Whether your young ones are aspiring athletes, imaginative explorers, or just seeking endless amusement, our hand-picked selection of outdoor toys will have them grinning from ear to ear and begging to venture outside every chance they get. So, let’s jump right into the list!
1. GROWGO Mud Kitchen & Grocery Store
- Engagement level: 10/10
- Outdoor activity range: great
- Price range: $$
For an engaging and educational playtime experience, look no further than the GROWGO mud kitchen. With its waterproof coating and sturdy construction, this versatile piece offers endless possibilities. Equipped with running water, a spacious worktop, an “oven,” and even blackboards, kids can unleash their creativity and learn practical skills. The dual-sided design allows for imaginative play as a kitchen, café, or lemonade stand. Plus, the sustainable packaging box transforms into a DIY bug hotel, boosting the nature-inspired aspects. The mud kitchen from GROWGO is good for kids 2-7 years old, so it serves a long time and offers amazing value. With its versatility and a great range of outdoor activities, this toy tops the charts.
2. BLINWORLD Trampoline For Kids
- Engagement level: 8/10
- Outdoor activity range: medium
- Price range: $$$
The BLINWORLD trampoline is an exceptional outdoor toy that promises endless fun and excitement for kids. With its sturdy construction and thicker base, it guarantees stability and safety during playtime. The upgraded protective foam tube and soft-touch fence provide additional peace of mind for parents. What sets this trampoline apart is the range of included accessories, such as rings, swings, sandbags, ocean balls, and baskets, which enhance the jumping experience and offer versatile play options. With the BLINWORLD trampoline, children can engage in active outdoor play, experience the joy of bouncing, and explore a world of imaginative and interactive fun.
3. JONYJ Splash Pad
- Engagement level: 7/10
- Outdoor activity range: medium
- Price range: $
When it comes to summer toys for kids, the JONYJ sprinkler pad is worth considering. With its engaging animal and educational prints, it stimulates brain development while offering refreshing water play. Additionally, its versatility makes it perfect for various games, including ball games, ensuring endless fun throughout the sunny season. The JONYJ sprinkler pad is the ideal choice for a summer toy that guarantees endless hours of fun!
4. LIBERTY IMPORTS Backyard Safari Explorer Set
- Engagement level: 7/10
- Outdoor activity range: medium
- Price range: $
This backyard safari explore kit for kids from LIBERTY IMPPRTS is very exciting! This comprehensive kit includes essential gear to ignite the spirit of adventure in young explorers. With a Safari cargo vest, non-working flashlight, plastic hat, binoculars, shovel, water jug, and a multi-tool with a built-in compass, kids are fully equipped for their nature expeditions. This kit not only sparks imagination but also encourages children to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. With the LIBERTY IMPPRTS backyard safari explore kit, kids can unleash their inner adventurer and embark on thrilling outdoor explorations like never before.
5. PLAYVIBE Saucer Tree Swing
- Engagement level: 6/10
- Outdoor activity range: low
- Price range: $$
This saucer-shaped swing from PLAYVIBE offers a spacious and circular design, perfect for multiple kids to enjoy together. Built to withstand the test of time, it boasts exceptional durability and weather resistance, making it ideal for long-lasting outdoor use. The swing is crafted with sturdy materials that ensure a safe and reliable experience for children. With the PLAYVIBE tree swing, kids can create unforgettable memories as they soar through the air, enjoy the great outdoors, and embrace the joy of shared playtime adventures. However, you do need a trusty tree for this, so it won’t fit everybody.
So, Does The Mud Kitchen Top Them All? Yes, It Does!
The GROWGO mud kitchen unquestionably reigns as the ultimate choice when it comes to outdoor play and imaginative learning. Its remarkable features and outstanding design make it the best overall pick for kids.
First and foremost, its durable construction, complete with a waterproof coating, ensures longevity and resilience, allowing children to indulge in countless hours of messy play without worrying about wear and tear. Additionally, the GROWGO mud kitchen goes above and beyond in terms of engagement and educational value. With running water, a spacious worktop, an “oven,” extra baskets, a bell, and blackboards for creativity, this kitchen stimulates imaginative play, practical skill development, and social interaction.
Its double-sided design further amplifies the fun, as it effortlessly transforms into a café or a lemonade stand, encouraging children to explore various role-playing scenarios. Moreover, the sustainable packaging box that doubles as a DIY bug hotel elevates the nature aspect, offering an eco-friendly twist that fosters environmental awareness.
In addition to its outstanding features, the GROWGO mud kitchen stands out as the best overall choice due to its versatility and ability to cater to a wide range of interests and developmental needs. Whether children aspire to be master chefs, budding entrepreneurs, or nature enthusiasts, this kitchen has something to offer everyone. It promotes open-ended play, allowing kids to unleash their creativity, fine-tune motor skills, and learn through hands-on experiences.
The GROWGO mud kitchen goes beyond being a mere toy—it’s an all-in-one immersive learning platform that seamlessly integrates fun and education.