Outdoor play is crucial for toddlers as it helps them develop motor skills, social abilities, and a sense of exploration.
Toys designed for the 18-24 months age group are crafted to introduce young children to the wonders of the outside world. These toys encourage movement and curiosity while ensuring safety and engagement.
When picking out outdoor toys, it’s important to consider materials and design.
Look for toys made from non-toxic, durable materials that can withstand rough play and exposure to the elements. Safety features like smooth edges and secure parts are essential to prevent accidents.
Size and weight are also crucial since larger or heavier toys can be difficult for little ones to handle.
Finding the right outdoor toys can lead to endless fun and healthy development for toddlers. We spent time assessing a variety of outdoor toys to figure out which ones offer the best play experience for children in this age bracket.
Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers
We’ve gathered a selection of top outdoor toys for toddlers aged 18-24 months. These toys encourage exploration, creativity, and active play, ensuring your little ones have fun while developing important skills.
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
This sturdy T-ball set is perfect for toddlers beginning their journey in baseball or softball.
Pros
- Height adjusts to grow with your toddler
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Limited color options
- Bat could be longer for older toddlers
- Tee could be more stable in windy conditions
The Little Tikes T-Ball Set delivers loads of fun for young kids eager to swing a bat. It comes with an oversized bat and five balls, making it easy for little ones to hit.
Our child loves how simple it is to see the ball soar across the backyard, and we like that it helps improve motor skills while playing.
Setting up the T-ball set is very straightforward. We appreciate its adjustable height, which allows children to continue playing as they grow. The bright red color also ensures that we don’t lose track of it outside.
What really stands out is its convenient storage feature. After an exciting game, it hangs neatly on the wall, saving space in our home. Although it wobbles a bit on breezy days, its overall impact and durability make it a worthwhile purchase for active toddlers.
Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower for Toddlers
A fun and engaging toy for outdoor toddlers that provides a bubbly experience, perfect for playtime and special occasions.
Pros
- Encourages outdoor play with bubbles that kids love
- Easy to store with its detachable handle
- Enhances pretend play as kids mimic yard work
Cons
- Lightweight design might seem flimsy
- Bubble solution can spill easily
- Not sturdy enough for use as a walker
The Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower really captures the spirit of outdoor fun. As our little ones push it around, they are greeted with an array of bubbles that never fail to bring smiles. This toy is fantastic for keeping toddlers entertained, letting them participate in playful yard work alongside adults.
One major plus is how it encourages children to get outside and be active. The bright colors and bubble-blowing feature make it an adorable addition to any outdoor adventure. We appreciate how easily the handle can be disassembled, making storage a breeze.
While it’s great for creating fun memories, we noticed the bubble solution can tip over. Plus, it’s not heavy enough to support a toddler learning to walk. These minor issues aside, the Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower remains a delightful toy that offers hours of amusement.
iPlay, iLearn Bowling Set
Perfect for engaging toddlers, this foam bowling set combines safety and fun, making it a great choice for active play.
Pros
- Made of soft foam, the toys are safe for young kids.
- Lightweight design makes it easy for toddlers to handle.
- Encourages coordination and balance through play.
Cons
- Foam material may not hold up with rough use.
- Pins might not stand perfectly on uneven surfaces.
- Could be chewed up by teething children
The iPlay, iLearn Bowling Set is a delightful addition to our collection of toddler toys. The foam pins and balls are soft, ensuring safe play and reducing worries about injury. We find them perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, offering great versatility.
Playing with this set helps improve motor skills, fostering balance and hand-eye coordination. It’s always entertaining to see how much joy it brings to little ones, especially when they manage to knock down a strike. The colorful pieces add a fun visual element that keeps toddlers engaged.
Though it’s highly enjoyable, we noticed the foam might not withstand overly rough play. The durability is good for toddlers who are gentle but might not be best with older or rougher kids. These are ideal for encouraging active play in a safe and carefree way.
Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue
Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue offers fun and safety for toddlers, making it a wonderful addition to any play area.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-made design
- Requires no assembly
- Easy to clean and lightweight
Cons
- Sticker eyes instead of painted
- Limited to small spaces
- Might tip slightly with strong rocking
This rocking horse is durable and well-built, giving us confidence that it can withstand our toddler’s playtime. Its no-assembly design makes it convenient for immediate use.
Toddlers can enjoy plenty of rocking fun while improving their balance and coordination skills.
The horse’s lightweight feature allows us to move it effortlessly between rooms, which is great for both inside and outside play. The soft blue color fits nicely in any setting, adding a touch of charm. Its compact size ensures that it doesn’t take up much space.
The design appeals to children, with a wide seat and easy grip handles for secure riding. We noticed our little ones love the gentle rocking motion that keeps them entertained for long periods. While it does have sticker eyes rather than painted ones, the overall design remains appealing and engaging.
iPlay, iLearn Bouncy Pals Pink Fox
A delightful choice for young toddlers to engage in physical play and develop their motor skills while having fun.
Pros
- Soft and cuddly outer fabric
- Encourages active play and balance
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Can be tricky to clean the fabric
- Requires adult supervision
- Limited use indoors if space is tight
This inflatable pink fox is both adorable and fun for little ones. We noticed that its soft plush cover is gentle on kids’ skin, making it perfect for playtime outside.
Grabbing its ears is easy, letting toddlers balance and bounce around safely.
It’s simple to set up with the included air pump, and we love how quickly it gets ready for action. The bright design is not just cute but also quickly catches kids’ attention, inviting more engagement and physical activity.
While using this hopper outdoors, it holds up well on different surfaces. Indoor use can be more limited if space is an issue, though. Parents might need to clean the outer fabric regularly, especially after some energetic outdoor fun, but the removable cover helps with that.
Buying Guide
When choosing outdoor toys for toddlers aged 18-24 months, safety is most important. We should look for toys made from non-toxic materials and ensure there are no small parts that can be swallowable.
Toys should be age-appropriate. Check the packaging for age recommendations to ensure the toy is suitable for a toddler’s developmental stage.
Features to Consider
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Durability: Outdoor toys should withstand various weather conditions. Look for sturdy, weather-resistant materials.
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Ease of Cleaning: Toddlers get messy! Choose toys that are easy to wipe down or can be washed.
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Educational Value: Toys can be both fun and educational. Look for toys that encourage learning, such as those promoting motor skills or imaginative play.
Feature | Importance |
---|---|
Safety | Non-toxic, no small parts |
Durability | Weather-resistant, rugged materials |
Easy Cleaning | Simple to clean with soap and water |
Educational | Encourages learning and development |
Tips for Choosing
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Space: Consider the size of your yard or play area. Larger toys need more space to enjoy.
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Interest: Choose toys that match the child’s interests to keep them engaged.
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Portability: If you travel often, look for toys that are easy to pack and move.
Frequently Asked Questions
We often hear parents asking which toys are best for their toddlers. Safety, durability, and engagement are key factors in making a good choice. Let’s explore these questions further.
What are the top-rated outdoor toys for toddlers aged 18 to 24 months?
Some favorites include sand and water tables, ride-on toys, and small slides. These toys are often praised for their ability to entertain and engage young toddlers.
How can I select safe outdoor play items for my 1-year-old child?
We should look for toys with smooth edges and non-toxic materials. Checking for certifications like ASTM or CPSC can also ensure safety standards are met.
What are the most engaging outdoor toys for toddlers to promote physical development?
Push toys, balls, and small climbing structures are great for physical activity. These toys help our toddlers develop motor skills and encourage them to be active.
Can you recommend durable and weather-resistant outdoor toys for young toddlers?
Choosing toys made from high-quality plastic or treated wood can be beneficial. Look for items that promise resistance to sun exposure and rain to keep them in good condition.
What types of outdoor play equipment are suitable for both girls and boys in the 18-month age range?
Neutral toys like slides, sandboxes, and climbing frames fit this category. They offer enjoyment for all kids, regardless of gender, making playtime inclusive.
Which outdoor toys for toddlers encourage both active play and learning?
Toys like interactive water tables and musical playsets excel here. They not only offer fun but also introduce basic concepts like cause and effect, aiding cognitive growth.