While certainly there is plenty for your child to do in the way of backyard games that don’t require any additional equipment, sometimes outdoor play can be enhanced with specially-made outdoor toys like swing sets, playhouses, water tables, sandboxes, and others. Check out our top picks! Usually made of plastic or wood and suitable to place in a yard or a playroom for indoor play, playhouses offer a base for a host of different play options, including “house,” “school,” “restaurant,” and more. Even without an organized game in place, playhouses promote socialization with other children like friends and siblings by helping kids learn how to take turns, how to share, and even conflict resolution. Playhouses are available at a variety of different price points and sizes, choose one that is going to grow with your child and your family. Swing sets have definitely evolved over the years, too. While simple sets are available with staples like a slide and swings, you can now find swing sets with rock walls, tunnel slides, climbing nets, and more. Many times, the equipment can be switched in and out so play can be varied from day-to-day. Swing sets are made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, or metal and come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations. While it might be tempting to get a small set for your young child or children, consider looking at the next size up so it grows well with your child’s skill level and your (potentially) growing family. Water tables (and combination sand/water tables) offer kids a chance to get wet without having to sit by the side of a pool, watching like a hawk. Sand and water tables do a great job of encouraging kids to use their imaginations and engage in creative play while teaching important science and math principles like cause and effect and even some basic physics. Simply by pouring water or sand from one cup to another is a lesson in science and encourages logical thinking. While there are some water and sand tables that are bigger than others, the sizes of the majority of these aren’t huge—most fit nicely on a deck or in a yard. If you have a few children or a crowd gathers at your house often, consider buying a larger one just so everyone can get in on the fun. Available in a variety of heights, sizes, and materials, climbers are great for young kids of all ages. It’s important, though, before purchasing a climber, that you pay attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum height and weight as well as the number of children on the equipment. From jump ropes to balls, from cones to bubbles, these simple toys do it all—from working their muscles to encouraging socialization, rule following, and imaginative play. Best of all, outdoor toys on the smaller side are often less expensive than their bigger counterparts. They’re also portable! Bring them to the park or over to a friend’s house for on-the-go play.
