There’s nothing like the magic of warm weather to bring kids outside and into a world of adventure. With school out and long summer days ahead, there’s no better time for kids to head outdoors and dive into creative play. From backyard digging to imaginative role-play, the great outdoors becomes the ultimate playground when paired with the right toys. Whether they’re pretending to build a construction site, exploring nature, or simply soaking up the sunshine, these standout product picks are designed to spark creativity, encourage active movement, and make every moment under the sun even more fun. Get ready to turn ordinary afternoons into unforgettable outdoor memories!
The Hape Outdoor Kitchen inspires hands-on, nature-based play for kids ages 3+
The Hape Outdoor Kitchen is the ultimate warm-weather play companion, inviting kids to whip up backyard-inspired creations using everything from mud and rocks to leaves and flower petals. Equipped with a pot, ladle, bowls, flowerpots, sieve, water tank, working sink and faucet, oven plate, and a menu chalkboard, it has all the essentials for endless imaginative fun. The open design encourages sensory play and creativity, while the anti-corrosive wood ensures long-lasting durability through sunny days and messy moments alike. Perfect for ages 3 and up, it sparks collaborative, hands-on play using natural elements—making it a go-to pick for outdoor summer adventures.
Price: $369.99
Available: toys.hape.com
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Go Deck
Turn boredom into curiosity and play with this nature-themed activity and card game deck for kids.
When kids complain about being bored, the Go Deck is a fun and easy way to turn things around—suddenly the backyard becomes an adventure! Designed for elementary to middle school-aged kids, this clever deck of cards blends nature-based learning with hands-on fun. Each card features an outdoor activity paired with a bite-sized science explanation, sparking curiosity and encouraging exploration. With 52 activity cards and a full instruction booklet included, kids can stay entertained while learning something new every time they play. Bonus: it doubles as a full deck of playing cards and comes with instructions for over 25 classic games, from Rummy to Snap. Compact and travel-friendly, it’s a perfect companion for park days, road trips, or spontaneous backyard fun.
Price: $18.99
Available: Etsy.com
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Zipstring Luma
ZipString Luma is a glow-in-the-dark toy that floats and spins a loop of string in the air, creating mesmerizing light patterns.
The ZipString Luma is a glowing marvel perfect for warm summer nights, turning any backyard into a playground of light and motion. This captivating toy floats a simple loop of string in the air by expertly balancing forces like gravity, lift, tension, and drag, so wherever a user moves, the glowing string follows—creating mesmerizing patterns that invite endless tricks and games. Born from a basement invention by two college students in Georgia, ZipString quickly went viral in 2021 and has since captured the imaginations of millions worldwide. Its glow-in-the-dark design makes it especially magical after sunset, encouraging kids and adults alike to play, create, and connect under the stars.
Price: $29.99
Available: zipstring.com
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Selkirk Pickleball Must-Haves
A portable net and beginner paddle set make it easy to turn any open space into a pickleball court.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity as a fun, fast-paced sport the whole family can enjoy—and with the right gear, it’s easier than ever to turn any driveway, cul-de-sac, or backyard into a ready-to-play court. Selkirk makes it simple with the SLK Prime Portable Pickleball Net, a lightweight, tool-free setup that brings the game anywhere. For those looking to get started or level up their paddle game, the Latitude 2.0 Bundle and the Dude Perfect Bundle offer great options for all skill levels. The Dude Perfect Bundle, designed in collaboration with the wildly popular YouTube group, brings bold style and performance kids and teens will love—making it a standout pick for active play this season.
Price: portable nets – $120+, paddle sets mentioned – $90+
Available: selkirk.com
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KEEP>GOING First Aid Kits
Be ready when life happens with the KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit—a stylish, compact, and well-stocked first-aide solution.
With outdoor play comes plenty of fun—but also the occasional scraped knee, bump, or unexpected tumble. That’s why having the KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit on hand is a must for every family. With 130 pieces of essential supplies—from bandages to burn relief—you’ll be prepared for life’s little mishaps wherever your adventures take you. The creators truly thought of everything—even including stickers for brave kids after their first aid moment. TSA approved and thoughtfully packaged in a lightweight, water- and stain-resistant case, this organized kit was created by a mom of four for parents, travelers, and adventure-loving families. Choose from four kit options: the SuperKit (270 pieces), Adult GoKit (130 pieces), GoKit (130 pieces), and MiniKit (60 pieces)—all available in a range of stylish, trendy patterns. Find them at keepgoingfirstaid.com or on Amazon.
Price: $24.99+
Available: keepgoingfirstaid.com
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Hammacher Schlemmer Bubble Kits
Pure, simple fun: create giant, shimmering bubbles and tasty, edible pops with Hammacher Schlemmer’s award-winning bubble kits!
Chasing shimmering bubbles sparks joy and wonder—especially with two award-winning kits from Hammacher Schlemmer. The Giant Bubble Kit, honored with eight awards including the Family Choice and Mom Choice Awards, equips up to four users with dual-handle, cotton-string wands and five pouches (each yielding a quart) of proprietary solution to create bubbles bigger than a beach ball. For a delicious twist, the Set of Four Award-Winning Edible Bubbles—a 2022 Mom’s Choice Award winner—features FDA-approved, pediatrician-formulated flavors (watermelon, cotton candy, chocolate chip, and cinnamon roll) so kids can blow, chase, and safely pop their bubbles for a sweet treat.
Price: Edible Bubble Kit – $24.95 Gigantic Bubble Kit – $49.95
Available: hammacher.com
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Rising Stars My First Free Throw Basketball Set
Scoring big fun indoors or out, all year long with this all-in-one set.
Rain or shine, this Rising Stars pint-sized basketball court brings big-time fun! Perfect for kids ages 3 and up, it comes with an adjustable hoop that grows with your little athlete, three mini basketballs, a sturdy base with a ball rack, and a non-slip mat that works indoors or out. Whether they’re shooting hoops in the playroom or dunking in the driveway, kids will love staying active while having a blast. It’s designed to encourage hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and a love of movement. Easy to set up, simple to store, and totally affordable – it’s a slam dunk for spring and summer.
Price: $29.99
Available: Target.com
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Costway Large Dart Board
Kick, Score and Play All Day with a new take on darts!
This oversized, foldable dartboard game blends soccer and classic darts for the ultimate outdoor activity. Lightweight at just 6 lbs and complete with a convenient carrying bag, it’s perfect for beach days, yard parties, and school carnivals. Kids can throw or kick the four included sticky balls at the durable oxford cloth board, which features clear scoring and a stable triangular frame reinforced with ground stakes. Easy to set up in minutes—no tools needed—it’s a fun and interactive way to boost physical activity and coordination for kids ages 6 and up. Available on REBEL, the largest open box and overstock marketplace, you can score this play kitchen at a significant discount—up to 50% off retail prices. And don’t worry, it’s not secondhand, just a return that’s never been used.
Price: $69.99
Available: fromrebel.com
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The Original Tree Swing – Classic Ash Bench Swing
A beautifully handcrafted swing made from reclaimed Ash, the Classic Bench Swing brings timeless charm and outdoor fun to any yard.
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your backyard with the Classic Bench Swing — an heirloom-worthy gift that celebrates the joy of simple play. Handmade from reclaimed Ash, a strong and beautiful hardwood, each swing is kiln-dried, sanded smooth, and finished with Thompson’s Weather Sealer for lasting protection and rich natural beauty. The smooth, tan polypropylene rope is hand-spliced for a polished look and secure hold. Designed to blend seamlessly into any outdoor space, this swing invites children of all ages to unplug, relax, and enjoy timeless fun in the fresh air. Whether you’re gifting it as-is or customizing it with an engraved message, this handcrafted swing is a charming way to create lasting memories under the trees.
Price: $185
Available: theoriginaltreeswing.com
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Midland T10X3M Walkie Talkie 3-Pack
Stay connected during backyard adventures or indoor hide-and-seek with these colorful, kid-friendly walkie talkies.
Bring a little adventure to your backyard (or living room) this summer with Midland’s T10X3M Walkie Talkie 3-Pack! Perfect for nighttime hide-and-seek, neighborhood games, or even indoor missions around the house, these walkie talkies keep kids connected with clear, reliable communication. With a 20-mile range, hands-free operation, and weather alerts, they’re great for outdoor fun and safe play. The three bold colors make them easy to tell apart, and simple button controls mean even the youngest explorers can join in. Whether it’s flashlight tag after dark or secret agent games inside, these are a must-have for summer fun.
Price: $49.99
Available: here.
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Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family
Over 60 fun, screen-free games designed to get kids outside and connect with family.
Play Together is a screen-free activity book packed with over 60 creative games and ideas designed for families with kids 12 and under. Created to help families build stronger connections through play, the book blends fun with purpose—supporting emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and movement. Many of the activities—like Snap-A-Letter Scavenger Hunt, 3-2-1…Freeze!, and the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge — are perfect for getting kids outside and moving, no special equipment required. Along with easy instructions and fun variations, the book includes conversation starters to spark meaningful moments and lasting memories. Whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole afternoon, this guide makes it simple to turn ordinary outdoor time into playful, connection-building fun.
Price: $18
Available: barnesandnoble.com
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Grand Tongo Insect Repellent – Variety Pack Bundle
Summer Adventures, Bug-Free Fun.
From backyard campouts and beach days to warm evening hikes and park picnics, the TONGO Insect Repellent Variety Pack is a must-have for every family’s outdoor adventures. This DEET-free, non-toxic spray is made with kid-safe ingredients and offers up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky bugs—without the greasy feel or strong chemical scent. The variety pack includes refreshing scents like Green Tea + Mint and Citrus + Sandalwood, plus a Fragrance-Free option for extra sensitive skin. Having multiple bottles on hand is perfect for stashing in beach bags, glove boxes, and camping gear, so you’re always ready for the great outdoors all summer long. Bonus: the recyclable cans and lightweight mist make this a sustainable and family-friendly essential. *Variety pack options may vary, depending on current stock.
Price: $35.99
Available: Amazon.com
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The Overlook Playhouse
The Overlook Playhouse by King Swings brings next-level backyard fun with dual slides, a towering playhouse, and charming details like a lemonade stand and rope swing.
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate backyard setup, King Swings delivers in a big (and seriously fun) way. This family-owned brand blends top-tier Amish craftsmanship with modern design to create swoon-worthy playsets that kids—and parents—love. A standout set, The Overlook Playhouse, is a total showstopper with two levels of fun, dual slides, a 7-foot-tall playhouse, and cozy extras like a lemonade stand and rope swing tucked underneath. Whether your little ones are racing down slides, ruling their “castle,” or enjoying a shady snack break, this swing set brings the magic of a playground right to your backyard. Built to last and designed to spark big imaginations, King Swings makes outdoor play unforgettable.
Price: $14,398+
Available: here.
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Note: Some products featured were provided as editorial samples; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own
