Plus, she points out that spending time outdoors provides ample opportunities for social interaction and relationship-building.Īll good things, right? So, to help make that outdoor play happen, we’re bringing you some tried-and-true favorites from real-life parents, along with some best-sellers and classic outdoors toys, all designed to get your toddler outside and lighten your load. “ Outdoor play physical and emotional development, provides a great way for them explore their natural environment, and helps them build essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lifetime,” says Lauren Tingley, a mother of two, elementary school teacher, parenting coach, and creator of Simply Well Balanced. Getting outside has plenty of benefits for kids and parents alike. After all, as the weather warms up and we all start to shake off the doldrums of winter, it might be time to think about some ways to get out of the house with our kids again. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature.Whether you’re looking to get outside with large-scale fun, like a giant waterslide, or something on the smaller end, like an electric bubble blower, the best outdoor toddler toys help the whole family make new memories together. When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She has two kids of her own and lives in sunny Arizona, so she knows the value of great outdoor toys. In her spare time, she researches and reviews the latest kids’ toys and gear. Learn More: 50 Things to Do Outside With Kidsĭeanna McCormack is a freelance writer who specializes in family and lifestyle products. "Parents also want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations," she says. When it comes to ride-on toys, Michalik emphasizes the importance of the age recommendation set by the manufacturer, protective gear like a helmet and pads, and adult supervision. Take safety into consideration when choosing a toy, especially for toddlers (a sharp bike wheel or slide that is too high, for example, should be avoided) or when water is involved. Both younger and older children may play with toys like slides and trikes, and just like at a park, accidents happen. Unlike indoor toys, your child probably won’t be as careful when playing with their outdoor toys. Avoid anything with small, breakable pieces or anything that tears easily. No matter where you live, your outdoor toys will see all kinds of weather and should be built to withstand rough play as well as seasonal changes. The goal is to keep your child occupied and for them to build new skills. For instance, get one toy that incorporates water like a sprinkler, one for pretend play, and one for creativity. If you’re investing in two or three outdoor toys for the summer ahead, choose a few different types of play. "Families should also consider what their child in interested in," Goldman says, "This season’s must-have toy is only fun if it’s fun for your child." "When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged." Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at the Toy Association, emphasizes the importance of the manufacturer’s age-grading on products. What to Look for in Outdoor Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers Age Level We also consulted with Maddie Michalik, senior editor at The Toy Insider, and Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at the Toy Association, for any considerations or product recommendations, while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on toy buying safety. We considered age recommendations, design, ease of use, ease of assembly, additional features, material, and value when deciding our picks. We chose the best outdoor toys for toddlers by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and studying the features of more than 50 products on the market. How We Selected the Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
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