As warm weather rolls back in, most parents are asking the same question: what are the best outdoor toys for kids to encourage independent play? Summer is a great time to bond with your kids, but having backyard toys they’re excited to grab on their own helps strike the right balance between together time and solo play.

I’ve spent a lot of time curating this list of the best outdoor toys for kids using a blend of items we own and love and items on my own kids’ wish lists. I hope it’s a helpful resource whether you’re shopping for a birthday, planning ahead for the holidays, or just looking to keep the kids busy (and off screens) this season.

Not in the market to buy anything right now? Pin or bookmark this post so it’s easy to find when you need it.

Are you a mama to babies and toddlers instead? Then this list of summer essentials is for you!

Now let’s dive into the ultimate list of the best outdoor toys for kids!

Our Top Picks: Best Outdoor Toys for Kids at a Glance

1 Hanging Tree Hideaway | 2 Slack Line | 3 Spider Web Swing | 4 LED Airplane 2-Pack | 5 Glitter Chalk | 6 Kuub | 7 Quick Release Bug Catching Tool | 8 Bug Discovery Lab with Book | 9 Geometric Dome | 10 Slip ‘n Slide | 11 Big Bubble Wand | 12 Water Soakers | 13 Adventure Girl Book

Every Pick, Reviewed in Detail

Here’s a closer look at why each one makes our list of the best outdoor toys for kids.

1 Hanging Tree Hideaway | My girls absolutely adore little nooks and crannies. Something about having a secret, cozy spot is so appealing to kids, and one that hangs in a tree and swings? Even better. It makes a perfect spot to read a book, take a nap, or run spy headquarters (I know my kids aren’t the only spy lovers out there). Here is a smaller version too!

2 Slack Line | This is a seemingly simple toy that leads to a ton of fun and activity. It’s great for working on balance and agility, playing circus, or practicing ninja skills.

3 Spider Web Swing | We have spent hours on this thing. We had a swing set which was great when the girls were toddlers, but as they got older the swings felt rickety and weren’t as exciting. This one can go high and is fun for adults too — it brings on plenty of belly laughs!

4 LED Airplane 2-Pack | Summertime lends itself to late evening play, and while these airplanes are plenty fun during the day, the fact that they light up and soar through the night sky makes them extra fun.

5 Glitter Chalk | I’m not usually a glitter fan since it gets everywhere, so I don’t let it in the house. On the driveway, though? It’s awesome. This chalk adds sparkle to designs and makes drawing obstacle courses, flowers, or practicing letters that much more magical. It’s a small, inexpensive addition to any lineup of outdoor toys for kids.

6 Kuub | Move over cornhole, Kuub is so much more fun! David made our set, but if you don’t have a workshop set up, snag this kit — adults and kids alike will love challenging each other in this fun yard game.

7 Quick Release Bug Catching Tool | Bug lovers (even the squeamish ones) will love this simple but brilliant tool. This no-harm bug catcher can be used inside for humane catch-and-release of creepy crawlers, or outside as a safe, easy way to get a closer look. Great for the budding scientist!

8 Bug Discovery Lab with Book | Skip the cheaply made bug habitats and get this quality set instead. It comes with an insect journal to help kids identify, observe, and record all their creepy crawler finds!

9 Geometric Dome | This is more of an investment, but you’ll certainly get your money’s worth. Climbing domes lend themselves to many more years of play than a traditional playset — from toddlers to big kids, this dome delivers hours of climbing and hanging fun. It’s genuinely one of the best outdoor toys for kids who love to climb.

10 Slip ‘n Slide | A staple of summertime, right? Only so many of these are well made — some are cheaply built or require gallons of dish soap just to get the sliding going. Speaking from experience, it’s worth getting one with bumpers so kids don’t fly off the side, and investing in a more solidly made option means you can use it all season, and for a couple of years, instead of a cheap one-and-done version.

11 Big Bubble Wand | I have as much fun with these giant bubbles as the girls do. We were shocked at how well they actually worked and have spent many afternoons chasing and catching these massive bubbles! Proof that some of the best outdoor toys for kids are also the simplest.

12 Water Soakers | Step aside, traditional water guns — these soakers are user friendly, hold 40 ounces of water, and have a simple, sleek design. Whether you fill them from the hose or the pool, the kids will love chasing and hiding from each other!

13 Adventure Girl Book | This book is so cool. It’s worth clicking through to read the full description and reviews, but it’s basically the perfect outdoor guide for the adventurous, nature-loving, creative kid! From telling time by the sun to building a shelter, bird watching, making a rope swing, and playing capture the flag, this book walks them through so many exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Whether you’re stocking up for one big backyard haul or slowly checking things off a birthday wish list, these are the best outdoor toys for kids that have earned real, repeat play in our yard. Unstructured outdoor play like this does more than tire kids out — the CDC notes it’s an easy, affordable way to help kids build strength, coordination, and confidence. Here’s hoping your family gets just as much use out of this list as we have!