We’re so excited to be seeing warmer temps and springtime weather all across the country. And as things warm up, we’re able to spend more time outdoors as a family, which means more fresh air, sunshine, and energy throughout the days and weeks. As parents, we know there are dozens of ways to spice up outdoor fun or entice little ones of all ages to spend more time outdoors. Relying on fun toys and activities is a great way to encourage outdoor play and keep our kiddos busy while they can enjoy time outside on their own, with friends or siblings, or as a family.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite outdoor toys of 2022 to help you prepare for a summer of adventure and more time outside. Don’t forget to lather up with sunscreen and bug spray when needed! These toys will make a great addition to the activity bin and help inspire kids to opt for time outdoors all summer long.
This XL splash pad is great for the entire family, and even once the fun wears off for mom or dad, the kids’ excitement about it only continues to rise. This is an especially great activity for hot summer days as it helps kids (and pets, too) cool down.
Chalk sticks like this one from Walmart can make it easier and more enticing for kids who feel they’ve outgrown their chalk interest to experiment with colors and shapes on the sidewalk. It doesn’t require them to bend down or sit on the ground in order to draw, which can help them feel more empowered to get creative with chalk!
We love that these octopus kites come in a set of 3 because in our experience, kites often end up stuck in trees or damaged after a diving fall. These kites feature fun streamer octopus arms and a variety of colors. Kite flying tends to be a parent-led activity, but depending on your kids’ ages, they may be able to experiment and find kite flying success on their own.
Who would’ve thought that something as simple as a parachute could provide hours of endless summer fun for kiddos? This parachute is the perfect size for at least two kiddos to create forts, play games, or emulate their gym class activities from the comfort of their own backyard.
We love this toy because it’s great for kids who love to throw things but need somewhere safe to direct their energy. It can also be brought indoors during colder months to help them continue their disc golf practice! This kit from REI includes everything you need to set up your own mini disc golf course at home.
This outdoor fort doubles as a climbing gym and features all the bells (literally) and whistles kids need for hours of shaded, quiet entertainment during hot summer days. They can bring their favorite games or activities into the fort with them to enjoy supervised alone time, or show friends how to climb the rock wall and reach the top.
Not to toot our own horn, but tooooot. Our 60×60 inch outdoor play mat makes it easy to enjoy almost any activity without having to sit on the grass or dirt outdoors. It creates a soft landing spot for kids and families during trips to the park or picnics in your own backyard. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage even the littlest ones to enjoy tummy time or playtime outdoors on a safe surface. It’ll absorb spills and messes and can be washed in the washing machine, which is one of our most-loved features!