20 Best Outdoor Summer Toys in 2020 for Toddlers and Kids

by Nalda Parker | Last Updated: 04/13/2019

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With summer almost upon us, finding the best outdoor summer toy kids to keep them busy is needed. This is the time of year when a kid’s mind turns to summer break from school and parents begin to panic. Summer is a special season that provides the whole family with increased unstructured time, and this has both good and bad aspects.

Increased unstructured time allows us all to decompress and relax. Unstructured time is highly important for your child’s developing minds. It is in the unstructured moments of life that children learn to entertain themselves and develop their creativity. However, as all parents know, unstructured time can quickly lead to boredom.

So, now is a good time to consider the best outdoor summer toys in 2020 for toddlers and kids. This will help make this summer memorable for your little ones. By choosing the right summer kids toys you can help your children grow in so many positive ways.

The right toys and games can help your children build their creativity, social skills, and motor skills. Having these toys on hand can help you turn a family road trip into a fabulous bonding experience, that would otherwise be spent glued to the TV, phones, and gaming systems. These are memories that last a lifetime.

There are so many reasons why parents want to encourage outdoor play during the summer time. Not the least of these is our own memories of the fun of exploring our world as kids and our understanding of the value of learning through experience.

Best Summer Toys for Kids in 2020

1. Play and Shade Pool

This colorful shaded wading pool is an appropriate toy for children aged 2 years and up. This sturdy wading pool features a formed bottom providing comfortable space for your child to sit and play. There are also patterns moulded into the bottom to prevent slipping. The Play and Shade Pool allows your child to enjoy outdoor fun without the risk of sunburn due to the attachable umbrella.

This is one of the best summer toys in 2020 for your toddler as it also includes a set of three funnels and a water wheel. Your toddler will have hours of fun building their fine motor skills and watching the cause and effect of what happens when water tumbles through the funnels to the water wheel.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Bright colors to engage your toddler’s eye
• Shade to prevent sunburn
• Shaped seating for comfort
• Molded patterns to prevent slipping
• Funnels and water wheel for building motor skills

Cons:

• Difficult to drain as there is no plug
• Big and quite heavy

2. Step 2 Finding Dory Swim and Swirl Water Table

This colorful sturdy water table is appropriate for children 18 months and up. Kids love playing in the water, and who better to spend time with than the adorable and persistent Dory.

This brightly colored water table comes with Dory and a pal. The table offers a slide, a manual whirlpool, and a catapult to launch the plastic creatures into the water. This well-built water table will provide your children with hours of fun and passive learning.

Whether they are catapulting Dory into the water, spinning the center wheel to create a whirlpool, or sending Dory and her pal down the slide, they will be building fine motor skills, building their imagination, and learning about cause-and-effect. The water table has the added plus of allowing your kids to cool off without the added issues that go along with pool play.

Pros:

• Includes Dory and her pal for creative play
• Is brightly colored to hold your child’s attention
• Has a built-in plug for easy draining

Cons:

• The drain may leak

3. Boochie Game

This brightly colored game is appropriate for children 8 and up. The game includes a boochie target that is initially tossed and used as a target, as well as four wrist trackers for keeping score, four colored bean bags, and four colored rings for tossing. The object of the game is simple and can be played by two to four players.

Each player gets a colored wrist tracker and a hoop and bean bag that match their chosen color. Once the boochie target has been tossed, players take turns trying to land their bean bag and ring as close to the target as they can.

Although this is a simple and fast-paced game, it will keep your children amused for hours. Tossing the bean bags and hoops are a fun way for children to improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. As with all competitive games, this game also teaches social skills like turn taking.

Pros:

• Easy to follow instruction
• Game can be played by 2-4 people
• Game improves hand-eye coordination
• No special skills required
• Travels well in included bag

Cons:

• Only four can play at a time

4. Crayola Outdoor Glitter Sidewalk Chalk

This sparkling art-product/toy is appropriate for children of all ages. This low-cost toy is ideal for summer fun and will keep your children amused for hours. Each pack comes with five sticks of sidewalk chalk infused with glitter. Not only will your children be amused with the images they can make, they will be amazed at how their pictures sparkle in the sun.

These stunning chalks are ideal for times when your child has to play alone or for events like summer gatherings and birthday parties. This sparkling low-cost product is one of the best summer toys for 2020. Crayola Outdoor Glitter Sidewalk Chalk will allow your children to expand their imaginations and improve their fine motor skills.

Pros:

• Low-cost and easy to use
• Cleans up easily with water
• Provides hours of fun
• Encourages solo-play
• Amuses all age groups
• Travels well

Cons:

• Requires a sidewalk or other appropriate surface

5. All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse

This durable open-air playhouse is appropriate for toddlers and are great 2-year-old Christmas presents. Kids will enjoy hours of play in this canopied playhouse with three distinct stations. Included in our best playhouses for kids guide, it includes a grilling space with a sink and swiveling faucet for sand and water play.

There is also a snack table which includes a dish set. Kids will have ample space for play outdoors while remaining cool in the shade. This outdoor playhouse, made to accommodate several children and spacious enough to accommodate a wheel chair, is one of the best summer toys for 2020. The toy encourages creativity and can be used for hours of cooperative fun.

Pros:

• Spacious open playhouse accommodating multiple children
• Canopy provides for cool summer play
• Spacious enough to accommodate a wheelchair
• Comes with multiple play areas
• Dishes included

Cons:

• Playhouse is unanchored and can topple over
• Some assembly required

6. Banzai Play Mat Jr. Sprinkel N Splash

This brightly colored durable splash pad and pool is appropriate for children 18 months and up. Made of durable brightly colored material, this combination pool and splash pad will provide hours of fun. The 54-inch pool is large enough for multiple kids making it ideal for play dates. It is one of the best summer toys for toddlers.

The pool holds water even when you don’t have a hose available. However, attach a hose and watch your little ones come to life trying to grab the elusive water. This wonderful summer toy will keep your kids cool and support growth in both sensory development and fine motor skills.

Check out guides on the best pirate ships and best bath boat toys for kids to go with their new splash pool.

Pros:

• Can be used as a pool even when there is no hose handy
• Large enough for multiple children
• Dries easily after play
• Travels well
• Encourages development of fine motor skills

Cons:

• Slippery when wet
• Requires a hose for the sprinklers to work

7. Wham-O Mini Frisbee Golf Set

This mini frisbee golf set is a wonderful summer toy for kids. Whether you use it inside or out, it will give your children house of summer fun. The Mini Frisbee Golf Set comes with six mini frisbee discs in a variety of colors and one target. The target is small enough to be set up indoors but sturdy enough for outdoor play. The target comes with a basket and metal chains designed to catch the incoming discs. This toy will help your kids improve their hand-eye-coordination while enjoying hours of summer fun.

Pros:

• Made of sturdy plastic
• Small enough for indoor or patio use
• Chains designed to stop incoming disc
• Comes with six mini discs
• Discs are small enough for little hands

Cons:

• Requires hand-eye coordination
• Comes with only one target. You will want several to set up a mini frisbee golf course.

8. Little Tykes Shady Jump and Slide Bounder

This brightly colored bounce house is appropriate for kids 3 – 8 years old. Made of sturdy material this bounce house can hold up to 300 lbs of bouncing kid energy making it a great summer toy for kids. Ready to inflate for summer fun, this canopied bounce house has netting on the sides to prevent bumps and bruises.

Kids are prevented from tumbling from the bounce surface. Kids are encouraged to work off all that summer energy while improving their gross motor skills.

Pros:

• Netted sides to prevent falls
• Canopied top for shade and comfort
• Durable material
• Easily inflated
• Easily deflated for travel

Cons:

• Limited interior space for large crowds

9. Capture the Flag REDUX

Capture the Flag REDUX is appropriate for kids aged 8 years old and over. This modern rendition of capture the flag is an ideal outdoor summer toy for 2020. The glow in the dark game comes with 25 glowing pieces can be played by anywhere from 4 to 20 players.

Kids of all ages will find this nighttime game engaging. It is a great way to introduce new groups without the violence inherent games like in laser tag. Kids will spend hours outside together running and building social skills. It game is a great way to encourage the development of team cooperation and strategy while being physically active.

Pros:

• Can be used with groups from 4 to 20
• Encourages cooperative play within teams
• Encourages active play
• Is a great icebreaker for large groups
• Can be taken anywhere

Cons:

• Requires batteries
• Requires a minimum of 4 players

10. Big Bubble Wand

The Big Bubble Wand is appropriate for kids 6 and up. Although younger children will enjoy playing with the bubbles, they do not have the manual dexterity to make the bubbles themselves. The simplicity of this toy is what makes it one of the best summer toys for 2020. The bubble wand is remarkably sturdy and light.

The Big Bubble Wand comes with bubble mix and is easily transported on family outings. This is a toy everyone loves as it requires no special skills. Chasing bubbles will both encourage physical activity and improve fine motor skills.

Pros:

• Durable
• Transportable
• Simple to use
• Safe for all ages
• Encourages physical activity and improves fine motor skills

Cons:

• There is little bubble making mix included

11. Champion Sports Parachute 6-foot

The large, brightly colored, parachute helps your kids learn social skills and the concept of team work. The reinforced handles for small hands and double stitched brightly colored nylon panels make this one of the best 2020 toys for toddlers.

Kids love watching the bright colors billow above them and slowly fall to Earth. The parachute can be used to toss balls in the air and requires cooperation. This toy is good for sensory development, improving social skills, and passively teaching cause and effect.

Pros:

• Double-stitched panels provide durability
• Reinforced handles fit into small hands
• Mesh center provides air to pass through the parachute
• Bright colors keep children’s attention and supports sensory development
• Teaches concepts of teamwork and cause and effect

Cons:

• Requires multiple children
• Nylon can tear with rough play

12. Big Time Toys Sumo Bumper Boppers

These large inflatable toys are appropriate for kids 4 and up. Just inflate the bumper bopper and surround your child with a cushion of air. Kids will enjoy hours of active play while securely cushioned in an air-filled doughnut.

The colorful Bumper Boppers allow your kids to play rough without getting hurt, making them a great summer toy in 2020 and an ideal addition to parties. This toy is a great way to encourage your kids to get their energy out without worrying about scrapes and bruises. Learning to walk and run in these circles of air helps kids to improve their coordination and agility.

Pros:

• Encourages hours of active play
• Improves coordination and agility
• Teaches cause and effect
• Comes with a repair kit included
• Travels easily

Cons:

• Can puncture
• Sold individually

13. Kiddie Play Toy Archery Set

The Kiddie Play Toy Archery Set is a brightly colored, lightweight set with three arrows. The arrows have large super-strong suction cups on the ends making them safe for kids and insuring their place as one of the best summer toys of 2020.

The target is easy to set up and can be used separately from its stand making this a game that can be easily taken anywhere where there is room enough to pull back a bowstring. This toy helps children improve their hand to eye coordination while giving them hours of outdoor fun. This archery set is appropriate for kids aged 5 – 9 years old.

Pros:

• Encourages active play
• Improves hand-eye coordination
• Safe for kids
• Travels easily
• Made of durable plastic

Cons:

• Arrows can be lost
• Super-suction cups may be hard to remove from some surfaces

14. Step 2 Game Time Sports Climber and Slide

This brightly colored mini sports center is appropriate for kids 2-6 years of age. Your miniature sports fan will find everything he or she needs in this one toy, making it one of the best outdoor toys for 3 to 4 year olds in 2020, according to Pigtail Pals.

Ideal for setting up outside their kids playhouse, the Step 2 Game Time Sports Climber has a slide, a basketball hoop, a climbing ladder, and a soccer goal. There is even a scorekeeper that will help your child track of who is ahead. This toy helps growing kids improve their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination while enjoying hours of outdoor fun.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Encourages outdoor activity
• Brightly colored to hold your child’s attention
• Can be used for multiple games
• Keeps track of the score

Cons:

• A bit small for multiple children

15. Nerf Super Crossbow Soaker Water Gun

The crossbow holds up to 26 ounces and shoots three streams of water for maximum soaking power. Your kids will love the amount of power this crossbow packs, giving them the edge in a neighborhood water fight.

The Nerf Super Crossbow Soaker Water Gun is a great way for your kids to cool down in the heat of summer encouraging them to have a more active summer. This toy encourages physical activity, helps kids improve their hand eye coordination, and can help break the ice in novel play settings. This new take on the traditional water gun is appropriate for boys aged 6 and up.

Pros:

• Durably built
• Easy to use
• Travels anywhere
• No batteries required
• Encourages hours of active play

Cons:

• Most kids won’t use this toy for solo play
• Fully loaded crossbow can be heavy for some kids

16. Intex Surf N Slide Inflatable Play Center

This inflatable slide is appropriate for kids 6 and up. Easily attached to an outdoor water hose, this super summer toy will keep your kids entertained for hours. The Intex Surf N Slide Inflatable Play Center is 160 inches long and ends in a raised lip to keep kids on the padded surface and reduce injury.

The slide comes with two inflatable surf riders and offers your kids a wonderful and safe way to cool off in the heat of the summer. The slide is designed such that there is a barrier at the end of the slide, so kids don’t slide off into the yard and hurt themselves. This toy is great for summer gatherings and birthday parties.

Pros:

• Encourages hours of active outdoor play
• Durable vinyl
• Great for multiple kids
• Padded surface with end barrier helps prevent injuries
• Comes with two surf riders included

Cons:

• Takes a while to blow up
• Doesn’t include a patch kit.

17. Sunny Patch Sand Baking Set

The colorful molded plastic sand set encourages sensory development and improves fine motor skills. This set includes a pot with a turtle shell top, shell-shaped measuring cups, a whisk with an octopus face, and a red crab mixing spoon.

Kids will enjoy hours of playing at making their favorite sand recipes with this sturdy baking set. This durable sand set is a fun beach toy for kids aged 3 – 5 years old.

Pros:

• Made of durable plastic
• Encourages sensory development
• Improves fine motor skills
• Travels anywhere
• Encourages counting skills

Cons

• The turtle top doesn’t fit snuggly on the pot

18. Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber

This 5-foot-tall kids jungle gym made of steel and coated to prevent rusting, this geometric Jungle Jim is large enough for several kids to enjoy at a time. This wonderful outdoor summer toy will encourage hours of active play. Kids will love the high-density polyethylene grips located at the joints.

These grips make climbing easy for little hands. Your kids will improve their gross motor skills and work off excess energy playing with their friends on this durable dome. Make your backyard the place to be with this great 2020 outdoor summer toy.

Pros:

• Durable construction with kid friendly grips
• Holds up to 600 lbs
• Comes with a one-year guarantee
• Rust resistant
• Encourages hours of active play

Cons:

• Requires assembly
• Not easy to move once assembled

19. Spikeball Game Set

The sturdy set encourages hours of competitive outdoor fun. Requiring four players, this simple game can be taken anywhere. The set comes with three spikeball balls, a spikeball set, and a drawstring bag for storage and travel.

The net can be adjusted to allow for more or less bounce. The spikeball set is made of a circular net supported by five sturdy collapsible legs. Your kids will learn cooperation and enhance their hand eye coordination while engaged in this fun to play activity.

Pros:

• Encourages hours of active play
• Improves hand eye coordination
• Easy to learn
• Collapsible legs make the game moveable
• Durable
• Adjustable net tension

Cons:

• Requires four players

20. Geospace Deluxe Bungee Boing

This durable entertaining pogo can hold up to 250 lbs and has motion-activated LED lights making it one of the best summer toys for 2020. With each bounce your child will be rewarded with a squeak and an LED light show.

While engaged in burning off their excess energy, your kids will be improving their coordination and building muscles. The engaging entertainment of the lights and sounds will also teach your young kids the principles of cause and effect.

Pros:

• Encourages outdoor active play
• Teaches cause and effect
• Builds strong muscles
• Improves coordination
• Can be use day or night, indoors or out

Cons:

• Pogo stick can be short for some users
• Lights can be inconsistent

Additional Toy – Balance Bike

If your toddler isn’t fully able to ride a bike yet, then the summer is perfect for them to hone their skills. Balance bikes are specifically designed as training bike to help children improve their balance until they ride a proper bike. Balance bikes are lightweight and great fun to watch little ones scoot along on. To learn more about choosing the right bike, read our ultimate guide to balance bikes for toddlers.

Summer Toys Selection Verdict

With so many great summer toys there is no reason to worry that your kids will have a boring summer break. Unstructured summer time is a great time for kids to explore the world around them and build new friendships. Regardless of the age of your child, and your desires as parents, there are plenty of great outdoor toys to choose from in 2020.

With the right toys, you can encourage your kids to have a great summer, building skills through play. Great toys can be simple or complex, expensive or low-cost and will certinaly build stronger bodies and minds. They can break the ice in new situations or allow kids to explore their creativity all by themselves. A variety of toys will help your kid continue to grow while making a lifetime of memories. Have a wonderful summer of 2020!

Article by Nalda Parker

Nalda is a mother of four, so is well-versed in what constitutes the best toys and games for your little ones. As a life learner, she has acquired two master's degrees and many hours of doctoral work. She enjoys writing, painting, teaching, and research. Nalda has worked as a college professor, substance abuse counselor, psychosocial rehabilitation therapist, and community support specialist.