31 Toys And Games That'll Keep Your Kids Outside

Jul 28, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

When school's out for the summer, it's crucial to figure out how to keep your kids out too.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "What a awesome gift for a kid! I bought this for my 3-year-old daughter's Easter basket. We were out of chalk and looking for something fun. All three of my daughters (ages 3, 5, 11) loved these and played 'ice cream shop' outside for almost three hours. And then off and on the next few days. Some broke after being dropped but that didn't bug my kids, they ground them up and made chalk paint. We will be buying again to give as gifts to friends for birthdays." —Reil07

Get it from Amazon for $17.90.

Promising review: "I bought this for my granddaughter's fourth birthday. She and her 2-year-old sister play outside with this mud kitchen for hours. They absolutely love it! It's sturdy and great value for money. I will give this as a gift again." —H.E.

Get it from Amazon for $89.99.

Promising review: "These paint pens are really great and easy for all ages! I purchased them for rock painting at my son's birthday party and they were a big hit! Both of my kids wanted to do the project again the next day too! Love these!" —mabozich

Get them from Amazon for $10.99.

This game includes four rubber chickens, a tracking sheet, and a disc. To play, toss the disc and then see who can get their chicken closest to it. Players are also encouraged to break off from the rules and create their own!

Promising review: "Our grandkids and family have had lots of fun with this game." —Joe Mama

Get it from Amazon for $19.68.

This set includes 10 premium team bracelets (5 RED, 5 BLUE), three amber color territory markers, two flag cubes, two jail markers, and one premium storage bucket.

Promising review: "I bought this for our kids to enjoy with their friends...well we adults have had a blast playing with them. The kids love it! The adults love it! This adds another layer of fun to the old fashioned favorite! My kids are begging me to buy another set so they can have all their friends over for a massive neighborhood game of capture the flag." —MMcB

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Promising review: "This is equally loved by kids and adults. Playing the table top version is boring (to me) but I love this oversized version! If you have the space for it buy it! When computer time is over this is the first thing my kids want to play. I was a reluctant buyer because I wasn't sure it would keep their interest and was afraid it would take up too much space. But we are still playing it over a month later and it easily slides out of the way. Looking forward to when we can again use it during back yard barbecues with friends." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $161.21+ (available in 12 color combos).

This set includes six 28" Burlywood hardwood handles, six 8" hardwood mallets with caps for added protection, two 18" hardwood ending stakes, six 2.8" weather-resistant molded balls, nine steel wickets with vinyl coating, and a nice bag to carry it all in.

Promising review: "This croquet set is artfully made and really such a steal for the money you will pay! The sticks and mallets are all made out of durable hard wood and the mallets have a rubber sleeve that goes on each end to help protect the mallet from damage overtime. The balls are on the heavier side, as they should be. They are resistant to weather, so no need to pick them up if you didn't finish your game, same with the wickets. All of this comes in a nice carrying case that can actually handle the weight of the set itself! The colors are vibrant so there will be no question which ball is yours and genuinely I do not feel like they will fade or lose their quality. I would absolutely buy this again!" —Dido

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "We played slip and slide kick ball with a group of teenagers by using four of these. The expectation was that they may get popped or damaged, but they looked nearly new even after our wild game. They were long enough to make a great in-field and the red monsters on the end made clear bases." —M Mac

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

Promising review: "Our 5-year-old son loves to take this to the park with dad. Even dad loves to shoot the arrows! It attracts all of the other kids at the playground/ park so be prepared to share, haha." —J.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Promising review: "This water blaster connects to your garden hose — and then it's so much fun for the kids. We've had some recent hot days, and my son and his friends have entertained themselves for hours outside with this SuperSoaker blaster. It comes with some targets to aim at — but the kids like spraying each other." —Kevinbeijing

Promising review: "Summer fun game changer. My son and his cousins absolutely love this! They had so much fun when we set this up! It was easy to set up and brought so many smiles to their faces!! If you don't have this, I highly recommend you order it for summer fun!!" —Mary Kate Matthews

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two styles).

The set includes two Velcro paddles, two balls, and a storage bag.

Promising review: "My 5-year-old granddaughter loves playing catch with me. She is able to easily develop great eye-hand coordination with this toy. Great for indoors or outdoors." —Barbara Smith

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 10 colors).

The game comes with an inflatable splash mat, hose connector, waterproof spinner, and gameplay instructions.

Promising review: "Fun for all ages. Such a fun twist on an already loved game! This kept my 4- and 7-year-olds' attention for a while! Each spot you put your hand on sprays water, whoever stays up the longest wins! Even the adults had to try it out. I was a little nervous with the quality of the plastic, but it withheld adults and kids moving all round it without any holes." —Deborah Gaffney

Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in two sizes).

Set comes with nine holes, four golf balls, and a dry erase scorecard. To play at night like the reviewers above, grab some light up golf balls. And don't forget clubs!

Promising review: "We tried to set it up in the grass, and that's not really ideal but on a patio or down a hall — it's so much better. The silicone molding is so light-weight and the little flag centers are marvelous to make you feel like you are more than a new learner! The set is complete with four foam balls and a score board that you use a dry-erase marker on. GREAT to use only a few of the pieces for a short game for kiddos or the entire set for a more competitive experience." —Momakookie

Get it from Amazon for $29.74.

I'm gonna go ahead and recommend wearing helmets too — gotta watch out for those noggins!

Promising review: "Absolutely hilarious to watch! I got these for my kids (7 & 8) because I thought it would be a perfect way to blow off steam and get out some energy... It was great! They ran at each other pretty hard, but it didn't pop and no one got hurt! If your kids do a lot of bickering like mine do, get these!" —Sky Moran

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

The kit comes with the giant bubble wand, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a booklet to help you become a skilled bubble creator!

Promising review: "Love this!! Easy for kids to use — my six-year-old son figured it out pretty quick — and fun for adults as well (my husband and I might have played with it as much as our son did...) Makes amazing bubbles. The bubble mix it comes with is fantastic." —Thomas Durant

Get it from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in six styles).

Promising review: "This works like magic! It's easy to use and makes a beautiful gift from the kids!" —Sj773

Get it from Amazon for $20.19.

The set includes four rechargeable guns, four rechargeable vests, and one charging station. You can play approximately eight games per charge. The cool LCD screens on the vest keep count of how many lives you have and the vest vibrates when you get shot, aka tagged. Play with up to four teams and eliminate your enemies to win the game. Recommended for ages 8+.

Promising review: "Pew. Pew. Pew. Pew. My family loves these guns. Last weekend we literally ran around the house and through the woods for two hours playing with these laser guns. There is a stealth mode which is great for hiding and surprise attacks. Pro advice: While you're running, hit the butt of the handle against your thigh to reload. We set our sensors for 15 lives, and that lasted for about 20–30 min per each game. Great family fun, and you can play during the day or night." —Steve Austin

Get it from Amazon for $149.99.

For ages 2-5 years. Also includes a two-year manufacturer's warranty.

Promising review: "Best scooter ever! It's an easy assembly. It's a smooth ride and the perfect size for a 2-year-old. Spend more money and go with the deluxe model especially if your child is only 2. I brought this to the park today, and two more of my mommy friends went home and bought their kids these today, too! They come in the most beautiful colors. Kids are not really taught how to use these, they seem to just get on them and go! It was amazing to see my 2-year-old-take off like a champ!" —Tex_spaceman 12

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three colors).

The kit comes with a tin planter, plastic liner, soil, three seed packets, six-color paint strips, two paintbrushes, paint palette, three wooden plant markers, shovel, watering bottle, and an instruction booklet.

Promising review: "Worth every penny! I ordered this a a gift for my 6-year-old niece. She absolutely loves it. She painted the container and planted the seeds all by herself. She talks to the little plants every day and is loving watching them grow! Absolutely recommend!!!" —Honey

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).

For ages 4+. Includes three AAA batteries.

Promising review: "Given to our 4-year-old during her birthday party. Our 8-year-old grandson put it together with a little help from grandpa. The 4-year-olds to 8-year-olds all had fun running and jumping. I even got asked to play the tossing rings! Fun was had by one and all." —Joann

Get it from Amazon for $25.95.

For ages 3+.

Promising review: "This toy is so much fun and different from the usual dinosaur fare. It's very easy to assemble and in no time at all. When complete, all that's required for this toy to perform as expected is a stomp on the air bubble. Once that happens, the darts, or dino missiles, actually launch straight upward for quite a ways, depending on the force of the stomp. You will believe you can launch it to the moon, but I suggest taking it easy, as I'm sure too much force would damage or ruin the bubble. Happy with this purchase and would refer any parent or grandparent with a dinosaur-obsessed child in their life to this item." —SD GIRL

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

For ages 3+ years (weight limit of 110 pounds).

Promising review: "I don't write reviews often, but we have had this for two days, and my boys (3 and 5) woke up at 6:30 a.m., ate breakfast and got dressed, and hustled outside on a gloomy rainy mid-February morning in Seattle to play with this. They normally fight over whose turn it is, but instead, they have been taking turns and playing like civil humans for an hour already. Best toy ever, bought a second one already so they don't have to share because there's only so long siblings can go before someone throws down." —Rk

Get it from Amazon for $39.90+ (available in three styles).

For ages 4+ and maximum 110 pounds. Bucket seat adjusts into two positions to allow for growth.

Promising review: "Sturdy, good quality, and easy to assemble. One of the best I have seen compared to other competitive products. Got it for my 2-year-old kid, and even my 6-year-old uses it, too." —Varun

Get it from Amazon for $191.24.

For ages 2+.

Promising review: "I needed something that would keep my 3-year-old busy while I cooked dinner in the kitchen. This thing is amazing. It fits nicely in my small kitchen, and I can even toss the bean bags with him while I cook. So, we are interacting, he is entertained, and not tugging on my leg every few seconds. It also provides him something that he can do on his own. You can stand it up, or lay it down, and it provides two different levels of difficulty. It folds up really small and comes with a carrying case, so we can easily take it with us on vacations and such! I'm pretty happy with this purchase." —Jose Martinez

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three styles).

Maximum weight up to 250 pounds (so fun for adults, too). Whirly Board is a small, family-owned business run by a husband-and-wife duo.

Promising review: "We bought this for our kids ages 7-4. They all love it. Hubby and I use it, too. Great for core and stability work. Currently use it on the carpet in the basement, but will eventually switch to the hard floors as that will be more challenging." —colsus

Get it from Amazon for $149.95 (available in two styles).

For ages 5+.

Promising review: "We are so happy with our pod swing! We will be purchasing two more for our other children because they all fight over it. The fabric is so cute and durable. Our 7-year-old received this for Christmas, and it is his favorite gift. He is able to climb into his swing when he doesn't feel like having contact or is overstimulated. It has held up well with everyday use." —Reilley

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in eight colors).

For ages 8+ and requires three AAA batteries.

Promising review: "This is one of the coolest RCs I have ever had. It inflates quickly and drives really easily. Because of the size, it is best in a room with some space to move around. However, the soft material of the body is fine if/when it bumps into something. It is great fun to chase your friends or the family pet around with. It is a must-have for fans of Jurassic Park or dinosaur fans in general. I can't wait to have it out for Halloween as well." —Chris

Get it from Amazon for $126.09.

Promising review: "Big enough for three kids under 5 to play on, so easy to set up, best $10 I have spent! Would have easily paid $20 for it. I'm sure we'll get a few years' use out of this." —Haynes Humphries

Get it from Amazon for $19.99

Promising review: "This is hands-down the best sand toy we’ve purchased. Sturdy and high quality. Our boys will get years of use out of this, unlike the thinner toys we’ve purchased in the past. Very comparable to a true kitchen mixing bowl and measuring cups." —Kevin

Promising review: "Super cute set for the beach...my daughter loves it!! It's kind of hard to get 'creative' when it comes to stuff for the beach, so the second I saw this on Amazon, I had to get it. She was awestruck when I showed her what I bought! We took it to the beach in Hawaii for our trip last week, and she played with this mostly while leaving the other sets of buckets, rakes, shovels, and molds I purchased off to the side. This is definitely worth the money, especially for kids who like playing with sand but are sick of the usual beach 'stuff,' especially if your child really likes cooking or pretending to cook. They will throw seashells and rocks in their simulated 'soup' they are making right on the beach while you can relax and read a book for once! :-)." —Monica Main

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

Promising review: "Lots of bubbles! We bought this for our 2.5-year-old, as the one her big sister has (the more expensive brand everyone knows) doesn't blow bubbles anymore, and we wanted her to be able to have one that worked. The first time they used it, I only put in maybe a third of the bubble solution, and they were out there FOREVER chasing bubbles and 'mowing.' We are very very happy with this purchase!" —Jennie

Get it from Amazon for $23.99.

Promising review: "Y'ALL ... This thing is the bomb! I have three wild children who jump and bounce on anything inflated and this thing has lasted MONTHS. It was super easy to blow up and assemble (recommend having a pump). The kids LOVE it. We play on it, if not every day, every other day. My kids play on it for hours. Once it's blown up, you just have to hook up the hose and it's ready to go. This thing is crazy durable. I'm sure it'll pop eventually but it's going strong! Initially, I was a little taken aback by the price, but now that we've gotten so much use out of it, it's well worth the money. Cannot recommend enough!"—Amazon Customer

Promising review: "Absolutely LOVE this slide! It is so refreshing to find a product that is crafted so well for a fair price. Bought this for my daughters first birthday and it was a total hit with the other toddlers as well as older children. We have had it for a year now and no wear or tear. Some of us (adults) even go down it carefully from time to time and it holds up (although we are well over weight limit). My daughter plays in it daily and it's been a lifesaver during this hot summer."—Tescily England

Get it from Amazon for $88.99.

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.