The Best Outdoor Kids’ Toy - 2021
We looked at the top 5 Outdoor Kids' Toys and dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Outdoor Kids' Toys.
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Outdoor Kids' Toys
Adventure in Any WeatherSuitable for exploring the garden, beach or forest for hidden treasure, this tool will delight any young wanderer and scientist.
Share Love of WildernessFoster independence and share your love of camping with this diverse playset.
Backyard Cookout Summer FunA great choice for a kid’s table at a cookout or just enjoying the nice weather for lunch and playtime.
Colorful Children’s Sky ChairThis hammock is perfect for children who can get overwhelmed or just for those who enjoy a soft swinging space to relax.
Why we recommend these outdoor kids' toys?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 5 Outdoor Kids' Toys and also dug through the reviews from 6 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Outdoor Kids' Toys.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Adjustable Metal Detector
Our Take
You'll love this lightweight, waterproof metal detector. It can locate items up to 1 foot down, assuming proper conditions. This device comes with an education guide, detailing the history of metal detectors and how they work.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Meland Kids Camping Set, 24-Piece
Our Take
This set includes 20 pieces of toddler-sized camping gear for playing pretend. From a tent and lamp to a multitool and plastic insects, this play set offers a wide variety of fun and engaging toys.
Our Outdoor Kids' Toy Findings
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Adjustable Metal Detector
What We Liked: You’ll love this lightweight, waterproof metal detector. It can locate items up to 1 foot down, assuming proper conditions. This device comes with an education guide, detailing the history of metal detectors and how they work.
Meland Kids Camping Set, 24-Piece
What We Liked: This set includes 20 pieces of toddler-sized camping gear for playing pretend. From a tent and lamp to a multitool and plastic insects, this play set offers a wide variety of fun and engaging toys.
Step2 Sun & Shade Picnic Table With Umbrella
What We Liked: Invite your little ones and their friends to join you outside with this picnic table featuring a sun shade. This toddler-sized setup can seat four, and the removable sunbrella will help keep kids cool on hot days.
OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat Hammock
What We Liked: Usable indoors or out, this comfortable and durable hanging seat will quickly become a favorite hangout spot. The “walls” of the enclosure help to shield little ones from wind and will limit sensory input for a calming recovery space.
Melissa & Doug Bella Butterfly Outdoor Chair
What We Liked: An adorable butterfly design, cup holder and a handy carrying sheath will encourage your child to want to take this folding camp chair everywhere.
Our Outdoor Kids' Toy Buying Guide
The best outdoor toy for kids is whatever will engage little minds and provide hours of fun-filled play. Consider your child’s preferences when making a purchase. Also, think about what might get the most use in your yard.
Be aware that many outdoor children’s toys are not necessarily intended to be functional. As adorable as a toy umbrella is, it will have limited ability to keep your little one dry. On that note, if an item does not specifically promote that it’s waterproof, it’s best to assume it isn’t. Similarly, miniature versions of adult outdoor items may or may not be functional; they may just be intended for play.
Consider making more expensive purchases than you might initially plan for, based on product ratings and reviews. While higher costs do not inherently entail higher quality, lower costs sometimes do imply a lack of quality. As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” When it comes to outdoor toys for little ones, which must be long-lasting, durable, safe and sturdy, there’s little room for poorly made items.
DWYM Fun Fact
Harvard Health Publishing has released research that showed children should spend more time playing outside for a variety of reasons beyond simply getting some sunshine and exercise. By playing outdoors, children learn to exercise executive function, making choices independently of their parents, which ties into another benefit: learning to take risks.
While we discourage our children from risky behavior, if they never take any risks, it can hamper later development. This is because they never learn how to process and recover from failure. Not taking risks while young can also skew realistic expectations of the consequences of their actions.
The Outdoor Kids' Toy Tips and Advice
- When getting your child a toy to encourage going outside, consider their personality and energy levels.
- Kids who like to investigate trees and rocks and are always asking questions might enjoy educational toys or scientific ones.
- Children who prefer to enjoy the outdoors in shade and comfort will appreciate toys that allow them to do just that.
- Think about the height of your child, as well as their weight, when buying items like chairs, slides or play sets.