Outdoor toys for older kids offer a great way to encourage physical activity and social interaction. These toys range from sports equipment to adventure-based items, catering to diverse interests and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
With so many choices available, it’s important to find toys that will engage and excite kids while providing durability and safety.
When choosing outdoor toys for older kids, consider a few key factors.
First, look for durable materials that can withstand rough play and various weather conditions. Next, ensure the toy is age-appropriate and challenging enough to keep older kids interested.
Also, think about the size and storage requirements, as larger toys may need more space.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various outdoor toys to identify the ones that are both fun and durable.
Best Outdoor Toys for Older Kids
We’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor toys for older kids. These selections are fun, engaging, and sure to keep them entertained for hours.
Outside Catching Game for Kids
This toy offers exciting outdoor fun for kids and helps them stay active.
Pros
- Great for outdoor fun and exercise
- Easy for kids to use and play
- No batteries needed
Cons
- Discs can get lost easily
- Some components may break with rough use
- Limited to younger age groups
Our experience with the Pamexin Outside Catching Game has been fantastic. Kids find it easy to use and really enjoy chasing and catching the discs.
The toy is completely kid-powered, meaning no batteries are needed.
A small downside is that the discs can sometimes get lost, especially if they land in a neighbor’s yard. Also, some parts might break if not handled gently. Despite this, the toy is safe and provides plenty of fun.
The ability to adjust the difficulty makes this toy enjoyable for children of various ages. It’s a great way for kids to stay active and develop their motor skills.
JOYIN Arcade Basketball Game Set
A fun and exciting arcade basketball game that kids will love, but beware of some assembly challenges.
Pros
- Easy to assemble once you figure it out
- Highly engaging and fun for kids
- Adjustable height caters to a wide age range
Cons
- Instructions can be difficult to follow
- Not extremely sturdy for rough play
- May not be suitable for older kids or adults
Setting up the JOYIN Arcade Basketball Game Set was a mixed experience. The instructions were a bit confusing, but we managed by looking at the pictures on the box.
Once assembled, the kids couldn’t get enough of it. They loved the four included basketballs and the fact that the hoop height could be adjusted.
The game set is quite colorful and catches the eye. It fits perfectly in playrooms or even outside in the backyard. This game helps keep kids active and entertained, especially during gatherings or parties.
One thing to note is that while the game is fun, it might not be robust enough for older kids who play rough. Younger kids enjoyed it the most. This set is a great gift idea but keep in mind its limitations.
MindSprout Dino Blasters Rocket Launcher
The MindSprout Dino Blasters Rocket Launcher is a great choice for active and imaginative outdoor play.
Pros
- Kids will have endless fun launching rockets
- Simple setup and storage
- Encourages STEM learning
Cons
- Plastic base could be sturdier
- Coordination needed for proper use
- Tube may disconnect from air bladder
The MindSprout Dino Blasters Rocket Launcher delighted us with its simple yet engaging design. The kids were thrilled to stomp on the volcano launcher and see the dinosaur rockets shoot up into the sky.
The soft foam heads on the rockets ensured safe play, even with younger siblings joining in.
Assembly was a breeze, and the foldable launcher made storage easy. The kids loved adjusting the launch angles and jump force—an unexpected educational twist that added a layer of STEM learning.
We could see their curiosity grow as they experimented with different methods to see how high they could launch the rockets.
While we appreciated these features, the plastic base could be more durable. It required precise positioning to keep everything stable. Despite this, the excitement and energy it brought to our outdoor playtime were definitely worth it. It’s a fantastic choice for a birthday or holiday gift, sparking both fun and learning.
TOY Life Bean Bags Toss Game
Great fun for both kids and adults, but consider the build quality before purchasing.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Fun for all ages
- Improves hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Not very durable
- Can easily break
- Requires assembly
The TOY Life Bean Bags Toss Game provides hours of entertainment for our family. We love how uncomplicated the setup is.
We can set this game up inside or outside, making it very versatile. It’s an engaging way for kids to get outside and play while also learning basic math skills.
Though it is fun, we did notice a few issues. The materials are not the most durable, so we had to be cautious to avoid rough play. The game can easily break, especially if someone heavier sits on it or if it’s used too roughly.
Still, the portability of this game is a plus point. We can easily take it to family gatherings or even on trips, ensuring that fun is always within reach. Overall, it’s great for light, careful play.
Kids Camping Set 50pcs with Tent & Space Projector Flashlight
This camping set is perfect for kids who love adventure and pretend play.
Pros
- Engaging variety of accessories
- Realistic light-up campfire
- Educational safety manual
Cons
- Tent fabric can rip easily
- Legs on cooking set don’t stay put
- Tent folding can be tricky
We recently took the Qtioucp Kids Camping Set out for a spin, and it was a hit. The 50 pieces included everything from a pop-up tent to a flashlight projector, making it a fantastic set for sparking imagination.
The quality was pretty impressive with sturdy accessories that felt like they could handle plenty of playtime. Our kids particularly loved the starry sky projector, which created a magical camping atmosphere in the dark.
On the downside, we did notice the tent’s nylon fabric could tear if not handled gently, especially when folding it back up. Some of the smaller pieces, like the legs of the cooking set, were a bit fiddly and didn’t always stay attached well.
That said, these small issues didn’t take away much from our overall enjoyment of the product.
One of the standout features was the realistic campfire that lights up and mimics smoke, which added a true-to-life element to the pretend camping experience. We also appreciated the educational touch with the camping safety manual and insect cards, providing a learning opportunity as well. This set is definitely a great buy for any young, aspiring camper.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best outdoor toys for older kids, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the toy is suitable for the child’s age. Older kids need toys that challenge their skills and keep them engaged.
Safety
Safety should always be a priority. Check for sturdy construction and non-toxic materials. Ensure there are no small parts that can be swallowed.
Durability
Kids can be rough on toys. Choose items made from robust materials that can withstand outdoor play.
Features to Consider
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Adjustable | Can grow with your child. |
| Portability | Easy to move and store. |
| Weatherproof | Can withstand rain and sun. |
Variety
Look for toys that offer different types of play. This helps keep kids interested and can promote different skills like teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
Ease of Setup
Some toys can be complex to set up. Choose ones that are easy to assemble so kids can start playing quickly.
Reviews
Reading reviews can give us a sense of how well the toy performs in real-life situations. Pay attention to common complaints and praise.
Price vs. Value
It’s not just about the price tag. Consider the value the toy offers. Sometimes spending a bit more up front can save money in the long run if the toy lasts longer and keeps the kids entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we answer some common questions about the best outdoor toys for older kids. We cover popular choices, durability, and options for both boys and girls.
What are the most popular outdoor toys for kids aged 10-12?
For this age group, sports equipment like basketball hoops and scooters are very popular. We also see a lot of interest in water blasters and backyard obstacle courses.
Which outdoor toys are best suited for 8-10 year old girls?
Outdoor playhouses and gardening sets are great choices. Many girls also enjoy chalk sets for drawing on sidewalks and bubble wands for creating big bubbles.
Can you recommend durable outdoor toys for 10 year old boys?
Sturdy options like BMX bikes and skateboards are favorites. Nerf blasters and robust soccer nets also hold up well under active play.
What are the top-rated outdoor toys for older children available on Amazon?
Laser tag sets and inflatable water slides often receive high ratings. Swing sets and climbing dome kits are other top-rated items that we highly recommend.
What type of outdoor toys are ideal for promoting physical activity in older kids?
Trampolines and tetherball sets are excellent for getting kids moving. Jump ropes and hula hoops also promote physical activity and can be used alone or with friends.
Are there any outdoor toys that are particularly well-suited for kids over 5 years old?
Balance bikes and kick scooters are ideal for kids over 5 years old.
Sidewalk chalk and sandboxes are versatile and keep kids entertained for hours.