Virtually every parent can attest to the fact that the average toddler acts like they've had five shots of espresso before noon. And short of taking endless trips to the park or paying for expensive classes, there are precious few opportunities to let little ones work out those toddler crazies.
However, with a little outdoor space—be it a spacious backyard or a petite patio—you can easily stem some of that energy with the right outdoor toys. To help you choose the perfect ones, we’ve rounded up the best of the best here.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | This climbing tower and slide
$187; buy now at Walmart
You don't have to spend hours watching them climb a jungle gym at the park—or let your kid go crazy scaling your furniture and doorframes—to channel your toddler's impulse to climb anything and everything in sight. With this climbing structure and slide, you can give your little ones a great way to get some of that energy out right in your own backyard. .
2 | This LED-lit fairy playhouse
$30; buy now at Amazon
Who says stuffed animal tea parties have to be indoor-only affairs? This adorable outdoor play tent, which comes complete with an adorable set of LED lights, is the perfect spot for some tea al fresco.
3 | These stepping stones
$63; buy now at Fat Brain Toys
Whether they're pretending the grass is lava or setting up an obstacle course, these stepping stones are sure to become a fast favorite with your little ones.
4 | This bubble mower
$25; buy now at Amazon
A perfect toy for kids getting confident in their walking skills, this bubble mower can make mowing the lawn seem almost fun.
5 | This castle-climbing set
Amazon$210; buy now at Walmart
If you have multiple kids or host your fair share of playdates, this castle-inspired climbing structure is great for both cooperative and independent play.
6 | This deluxe saucer swing set
$133; buy now at Wayfair
Who says you have to hit the park to play on the swings? With this saucer set, which can handle weight up to 300 pounds, you can have multiple kids swing together—even ones too young to comfortably sit up in a traditional swing.
7 | This water table
$31; buy now at Amazon
Even if bath time is still a hard sell for your little ones, they're sure to love playing in the water with this water table. Unlike many outdoor water sets, there's no need for extra toys to make this one fun—it has a fishing game built right in.
8 | This caterpillar bowling set
$14; buy now at Target
Want a game both you and your toddler will love playing together? This caterpillar bowling set certainly fits the bill.
9 | This rope swing
$27; buy now at Amazon
Even if you don't have room for a huge swing set, your toddler can still enjoy swinging outdoors with this adjustable swing, which can attach to a tree branch and is rated for children up to 50 pounds.
10 | This wooden swing set
$680; buy now at Wayfair
Have a little bit more outdoor space to spare? Then splurge on this amazing wooden swing set, which comes complete with three swings, a slide, a climbing wall, and a sandbox.
11 | This easy score soccer set
$38; buy now at Target
Let your kids channel their inner Lionel Messi with this ball and goal set, perfect for practicing those corner kicks.
12 | This construction block building set
$80; buy now at Walmart
Duplos are plenty of fun, but if you want to channel your kids' building impulses outdoors, these oversized blocks are sure to keep them entertained for hours.
13 | This high chair seesaw
$100$88; buy now at Wayfair
While those towering seesaws of yesteryear are increasingly vanishing from playgrounds due to safety concerns, you can let your kids play on one right at home with this secure and fun high chair-inspired set.
14 | This sprinkle and splash pad
$20; buy now at Amazon
Don't feel like braving the crowds at your local splash pad? This walk-on sprinkler set requires little more than a hose to set up and will provide your kids hours of excitement.
15 | This turtle sandbox
$40; buy now at Target
An outdoor favorite for decades, the Little Tikes turtle sandbox is a nostalgic play set your toddler won't be able to get enough of.
16 | This waterfall wall
$40; buy now at Amazon
If your kids love playing with water but you're not always so enthused with how much of it ends up on your floor, there's a toy that can help. This Step 2 waterfall wall can satisfy your little ones' love for pouring and splashing without major cleanup.
17 | This adjustable batting tee
$30; buy now at Target
Channel your toddler's impulse to hit things into something constructive with this batting tee. This set is also adjustable, making it a great choice for multi-kid families.
18 | This climb-and-crawl caterpillar
Walmart$230; buy now at Walmart
If you don't love spending hours having your kids climb through your legs and under furniture, there's a simple solution: invest in this caterpillar tunnel and let them play to their heart's content.
19 | This jungle-themed water play set
$70; buy now at DICK’S Sporting Goods
Even if you don't have the space for the pool, your kids can still enjoy some fun in the water this summer with this adorable animal-themed water play set, complete with a ring toss game and a slide.
20 | This bubble blower
Amazon$22; buy now at Amazon
The only thing kids love more than bubbles? Tons of bubbles. And that's just what you'll get with this bubble blower, which can create hundreds of glistening bubbles in mere seconds.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
