This page contains affiliate links. We will receive a commission on qualifying purchases using these links.

The weather is getting nicer (or maybe you live where the weather is nice all the time - so jealous…). Here are my favorite outdoor toys and items for water play, as well as how I would play with them, what ages they are appropriate for, & more!

Best Toys For Water Play

Splash Patrol Sprinkler Toy: Hook this up to your hose and the little worms sprinkle water out of the top! Affordable water play for under $20! Perfect for a summer day with a moving toddler.
Infant Baby Pool: Love this pool with shade for your baby and young toddler to hang out without getting hit by the sun! Recommended for 6-24 months.
Splash Pad: When I think of babies and toddlers in summer, I think of the splash pad! Sit your little one right on it or put their slide on it so your little one can slide right in. Perfect for sitting baby and beyond.
Reusable Water Balloons: These summertime favorites are so fun for outdoor water play AND working gross motor skills! Fill up with water, splat them on the ground, wall, or toss them towards your toddler to cool off! Model words like “throw, splat, crash, boom.” Perfect for 1 year olds and older!
Watering Can: Get your little one involved in some outside housework with the watering can. Paul LOVES being in charge of watering my flowers and he takes his job seriously. Perfect for 18 month olds and up!
B. Toys Squirt Guns: These come in a 2-pack for under $10 and can work gross motor skills, too! The whole family can join in the fun!
Kiddie Pool w/Slide: This blow up kiddie pool comes with a slide built in! It has 2,600 great reviews and is less than $40. Perfect for 18 months +
Outdoor Spray Sprinkler: This is SO cute for water play! Attaches to your hose and sprays water all over in different directions from the colorful hoses. Only $20 and a lot of fun for toddlers to run through!
Inflatable Bounce House w/Splash Pool: Go big or go home (and work gross motor skills like jumping!). This bounce house with splash pool is a little kid’s dream come true. Bounce, climb, slide, splash, or crawl. It can be used wet or dry.
Silicone Squirt Toys: Great for any type of water play - the bath, outside in a basin of water, or at the pool! Squirt your little one, water the plants with the water, and more! Open them to let them dry and no mold will grow inside. WIN!

Water Tables

Step2 Two-Tiered Water Table: Water tables make some of the best toys for kids! This one is big enough so multiple little ones can play together. It hooks up to a hose for water flowing fun!
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table: We have this water table and it’s a lot of fun! Hook up the hose underneath and water will shoot out of the top, fill up the cups and other accessories on the side, and more! It’s lasted two summers and no complaints! Paul got for his first birthday and has loved ever since!
Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table: Such a fun water table with a fishing toys included so you can work on gross and fine motor skills while playing!
Step2 Cascading Cove w/Umbrella: This water table comes with an umbrella for some shade! Love the mat too so if you’re playing in the grass, your little one isn’t standing in a mud puddle by the end! Great for toddlers and preschoolers, too!
Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table: Another really great water table with several accessories! Water can “dump, spin, splash, shoot” and more! Great water play for toddlers and play dates with friends, too!
Step2 Playtime Patio: Have fun on every side while staying shaded. Grill some food, serve it on the other side, and have water or sand play, too!
Wooden Sensory Table: Made with solid wood and comes with collapsible bins - this table is great for a couple toddlers to play at and engage in sensory and imaginative play. Can really grow with your young toddler into preschool age and beyond!

Best Ride-On Toys

John Deere Tractor: Our neighbor has this ride-on tractor and it drives really well. Paul was finally old enough to get on it at 2 years, but needed help driving it. Perfect for 3 years and older, as your toddler has to push the pedal and steer! Love the wagon attachment to haul things!
Push and Ride Racer: A great option for younger toddlers that can be used inside or out! This one is great for the sidewalk and driveway as your little one gets used to sitting on something they can move!
Little Tikes Gas Pump: So cute and perfect for pretend play! Your little one can practice filling up anything with wheels and it can live in the garage!
Best Choice Kids Ride-On: We got this for Paul right when he turned 2! Another great option with the same features as Number 4, just in a different color and design. The thick wheels are great for outside! Recommend for 2 year olds and older.
Step2 Wagon: Another fun option instead of the stroller, this wagon is a fun ride for toddlers! Fits 2 toddlers, has a door for easy in and out, and a storage compartment under the seat for packing snacks, etc. Great for 1 year olds and older!
Cozy Coupe: The CLASSIC outside wheels toy for kids. I had a version of this in the 90s, and it’s still a best seller! Little ones use their feet to push it. Perfect for 18 months and older- you can help them at first as they get stronger.
GoTrax Scooter: Paul got this for Christmas and is really getting the hang of it! The wheels light up when you move, so that’s really fun! It’s a perfect way to work on gross motor skills like balance and coordination!
Radio Flyer Creativity Car: This is so chic! You can push your little one from behind or they can propel themselves forward with their feet. Best for about 18 months and older!
Wiggle Car Ride-On: The design of this is so cute! Love the bigger wheel that is easier for your toddler to hold and steer. Can also use this inside! Good for the driveway or sidewalk, too! Recommended for older toddlers (3 year olds & older)
Step2 Push Around Buggy: Great for getting your little one out for a walk, especially if they’re not a big fan of the stroller. I love the steering wheel and working horn for pretend play and keeping your little one engaged while riding. Great for about 1 year olds, 2 year olds, up to about 3 years old!
Step2 Up & Down Rollercoaster: This is such a fun set-up! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers you can make your own little rollercoaster inside or out! “Ready, set, GO!”
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter: I like this one because it grows with your child. Start as a ride-on toy, then convert it to a 4-wheel scooter as your little one learns to balance, push off with one foot, etc. Great for a 1 year old and beyond!

Best Bubble Toys

Bubble Wand Set: With this set you can blow bubbles, or see bubbles form when using your arms to swing the bigger wands back and forth! This set is also fun for color and shape labeling. Model “ready, set, go” as well as “blow” and “pop!” Perfect for all ages.
Fubbles Multi-pack: I love Fubbles because they don’t spill if it tips over! Practice blowing and finger isolation - encouraging your little ones to use their pointer finger to pop the bubbles (a milestone we expect by 15 months).
Bubble Leaf Blower: This is fun for the little one that loves to help in the yard. Let them engage in pretend play and “blow the leaves” while also having fun with the bubbles. Perfect for a seasoned walker, so 18 months and older!
Fubbles No-Spill Bubble Bucket: No-spill and a couple different wands to use. If you have multiple kids, they can each use it at once! Fine motor skills develop after the first birthday for your little one to dip the wand themselves!
Bubble Wands: You can’t go wrong with bubble wands! I love that I can swing the wand back and forth to create bubbles, too. Pro tip: refill the wands with bubble solution from the Target Dollar Spot. More affordable!
Spike Bubble Blower: This is AMAZING for teaching the concept of blowing. By simply exhaling into the mouthpiece, your little one will make bubbles! Then the blocker in the mouth will stop the liquid from going into the mouth when your little one breathes in. Genius!
Bubble Gun: These offer another fun way to play with bubbles - and save your breath! Use it to play freeze tag - take turns trying to make the other person freeze by getting them with the bubbles! Then practice “Ready, set, GO!” to unfreeze each other!
Dino Automatic Bubble Blower: Work on isolating pointer finger to press and maneuver the on/off switch. Use the wand to practice imitation skills by waving the wand above your head or down by your feet, then wait to see if your little one imitates you. Great for 2 year olds and older!
Bubble Lawn Mower: This is a great fun outdoor activity for pretend play. Practice “mowing” and “water the lawn” with the bubbles that come out! Perfect for a new walker, so about 12-18 months and older!
Bubble Machine: We have this bubble machine and love it - it just adds playfulness to outdoor fun. When Paul was 15 months, we would practice finger isolation and pop the bubbles together. Perfect for a sitting baby and older!
Mini Bubble Wands: These are so fun and great to practice pinching the tiny wand and blowing little breaths to see the mini bubbles appear!

Best Toy Trucks

Green Toys Dump Truck: Green Toys make high-quality toys we love! Practice functional language by loading things “in” and dumping things “out” of the truck! Great for crawling baby and well into toddlerhood!
The Big Dig: Exactly what it looks and sounds like - this is a big digger your child can operate! There are 2-handed controls that make it easy to both dig and dump. Take it in the sandbox, out to shovel snow, or dig holes to plant a garden!
John Deere Sand Toys: These can be used indoors and outdoors and have great reviews. A tilting dump bed and lifting front loader make them function realistically at an affordable price.
CAT Bulldozer: Fun for dirt and sand, this one is great for the little construction enthusiast. A great first birthday gift that your toddler can play with well into preschool years.
Recycling Truck Ride-On Toy: A fun ride-on toy to engage in pretend play that your little one sees every week - the trash getting taken. Model functional language with the working horn, “beep beep!” or have your little one pick up stones, sticks, etc. and put them in the functional trash bin on the side. Great for 18 months and older!
CAT Dump Truck: Can be used indoors and outdoors, and has real working parts. Load it up, dump it out, and engage in pretend play construction. Great for 1 year olds and older!
Mini Monster Trucks: These plastic monster trucks can go on sidewalks, in dirt, sand, and more! Perfect for pretend play and affordable, too!
Green Toys Fire Truck: Another Green Toys truck for the win! I love this one because the two ladders on each side come out and can be propped up for any pretend play while engaging in fine motor development. The top ladder rotates 360 degrees. Great for 1 year olds and beyond!
Remote Control Car: Easy and simplified controls, waterproof, and can do 360 degree stunts - this is sure to please a wheels-loving toddler and I would recommend for 3 year olds and older!
Pink Dump Truck: Practice passing items back and forth with your toddler. Ask them if they want a ball or a stuffed animal, then let them make a choice and you can pass the item to them in the truck.

Arts & Crafts You Can Bring Outside

My First Chalk: Great for gripping/grasping and starting to draw & create! Short, thick writing utensils are recommended for toddlers as their hand strength increases and fine motor skills develop!
Inflatable Easel: How fun is this outdoor inflatable easel?! Let your little one paint and get messy, then just hose it down!
Non-Toxic Finger Paint: Messy play is great for learning! This brand is 100% non-toxic and edible, made with organic vegetable ingredients and free of many major allergens. So yay, mouthing safe for all ages.
Paint Brushes: Again, great for gripping and grasping a utensil. I like to use paint brushes for “water painting.” Dip the brush in a bucket of water and paint on the sidewalk with no mess! Try using different shapes and types of brushes (or sponges) for more creativity. Great for 18 months +
Magnetic Tiles: I love these for building and for no-mess artwork. If you have a magnetic garage door, you can let your little one create art there! Stack the tiles on top of each other to make a picture! 18 months and older.
Non-Toxic Chalk: Non-toxic and chunky chalk for little hands to grasp. I love the colors these come in! Practice labeling shapes, colors and letters on your driveway or sidewalk! Great for 18 months-2 years and older!
Glitter Chalk: This is fun because it shimmers in the sun! A great addition to your chalk art line-up. 18 months +
Sidewalk Stencils: These can be fun to use when drawing with chalk! They have smooth edges and are washable to be used again and again. Great for 2 year olds and older!

Toddler Trikes and Bikes

These trikes and bikes are great for gross motor development and most appropriate for about 18 months - 3 years of age!

Kriddo Tricycle: Affordable, great reviews, and comes in some great colors. I love the bucket in the back where your little can store all the rocks they find outside (ha!), or a water bottle, snacks etc.
Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike: A great option to grow with your child! I like the canopy and high-back seat it offers for the little rider.
Baby Balance Bike: Penelope is getting this for her 1st birthday so it’s great for a 1 year old! Helps baby work on coordination while they learn to ride, steer, and balance. Once she starts walking with confidence, I will pop her on the bike.
Baby Walker Balance Bike: Non-slip, no-scratch wheels allow your little one to ride indoors and outdoors! It’s a great way to work on gross motor skills with your little one!
Thomas & Friends Trike: For the Thomas the Tank Engine lovers! A sturdy trike with large pedals and a storage compartment under the seat. Jenna’s toddler son has this and loves.
Joovy Tricycoo: With 4 adjustable stages, chunky wheels, a canopy, removable cushion & harness and storage, this trike has it all.
Radio Flyer Rider Trike: Paul has this trike and loves it! The bucket seat is comfortable and it handles really well! Perfect for working on gross motor skills with your child!
Newyoo Toddler Trike w/Push Handle: How cute is this 5-in-1 tricycle?! The parent handlebar adjusts and turns so you can steer. The the pedals, handlebar, seat, and wheels are all adjustable to grow with your child as they work towards independence in riding a bike!
Strider Balance Bike: This is a great name brand for bikes! Good for 2 year olds and older, or for a taller toddler! Work gross motor skills like balance and coordination!
Chillafish Balance Bike: Paul got this balance bike for his 2nd birthday and loves it! Great quality with adjustable seat and handlebar. At 3 years old, he was still riding it and had room to grow. Comes in 10 inch and 12 inch options!

Toddler Sports Toys

Kids Mini Soccer Set: This is a fun set for the little one who is starting to play soccer - I recommend for 2 years olds +. Practice skills like kicking and balance (stop the ball with your foot).
Little Tikes Trampoline: We have this and Paul goes bananas on it. It’s great for learning to jump and I love the bar for littles to keep their balance. This one is also great for deep pressure input. The packaging says 3 years and older, but toddlers can get great use out of this with supervision.
Sports Balls: An outdoor play staple! Practice gross motor skills like throwing (age 2-3), catching (3-4) and kicking (2+)! Great set to grow with your child!
Hopper Ball: These are great for balance and coordination - I recommend for 3 year olds+. And just a fun time once your little one gets going on it!
Mini Goal Sports Set: Kick the soccer ball, slap shot the hockey ball, and more! Great for a little one who is trialing out different sports or you want options to play in the backyard! Great for 2 year olds and older.
Little Tikes Basketball Set: I feel like this is a classic! Adjustable height and a wide rim, this is great for practicing hand-eye coordination and playing independently or with peers. I remember getting this for Christmas in 1995. Anyone else?
Little Tikes T-Ball Set: I would recommend this set for 3 year olds+! Another great way to get outside and practice hand-eye coordination and modeling functional language: “swing, catch, throw!”
Paddleball Toss Set: I also had these as a kid growing up! The velcro makes it easy to catch the ball, so for toddlers learning how to catch and throw and working on their hand-eye coordination, this is fun and not frustrating! 2 year olds +
Toddler Golf Set: Perfect for the toddler with golfing parents or grandparents! “Putt putt” at home in the backyard and have some fun. 3 year olds +
Little Tikes Game Time Sports Climber: This toy has it all and works a ton of gross motor skills! Your little one can climb, slide, crawl, kick a goal, throw a ball through the hoop - it’s so dynamic. There are little knobs to keep score playing basketball - how CUTE! It’s a toy that will grow with them, too.
Cones, Bean Bag & Ring Toss Set: I like the creativity and flexibility of this outdoor play set. Get energy out by running back and forth between the cones, label colors, practice tossing the bean bags, etc. This set can grow with your little one as they develop skills, too. One day they will be able to toss the rings around the cones!
Bean Bag Toss Game: Bean bag toss games are great for increasing hand eye coordination, balance, and overall gross motor coordination. Take a few steps back or try to stand on one foot to make the activity harder!

Toddler Gardening Sets

Wheelbarrow & Gardening Tool Set: This interactive gardening set is perfect for your toddler’s imitation skills and outdoor play. We love it for springtime play! The age-appropriate sized gardening tools and wheelbarrow will allow your toddler in increase their independence while working with you outside.
Flower Seeds: Plant some seeds with your little one in the garden! These are easy to plant and grow quickly!
Gardening Gloves: Work on dressing skills by putting the gloves on and taking them off again. These gloves are a great addition to your gardening set so your little one can dig & get into the dirt without getting too dirty. We have these for Paul & P and they love helping to dig!
Garden Cart: Engage in pretend play with this flower cart. It’s great for developing gross motor strength and coordination in order to pick up and move the cart around.
Gardening Tools: You need a good gardening set for outdoor play! Dig, rake, scoop, and pour with these handy sand and dirt tools. Perfect for toddlers to engage in sensory-rich play while developing fine and gross motor strength and coordination.
Toddler Gardening Set: A cute set with all you need to start a little garden of your own!
Flower & Herb Growing Kit: Teach your preschooler how to garden with this kit! Decorate the pots together, plant, and watch them grow!
Toddler Gardening Set: Another great set for toddlers that will allow them to help in the garden! We love the wagon that comes with this to haul plants around!
Raised Garden Bed: Head to the nursery and pick out a couple of flowers or plants to plant with your little one. Practice caring for others and building responsibility as you check on and water your seeds and plants every day.
Green Toys Watering Can: Toddlers love to help and water the plants! This is a perfect age appropriate skill that works on increasing independence, wrist rotation, motor strength and coordination, and following directions.
Herb Garden: A way to combine art and gardening together! Let your preschooler decorate the pots, then plant the herbs together. Once the herbs are ready, cut them and let your child meal prep with you to add flavor to whatever dish you make!

For Kids Who Love Exploring The Outdoors

Binoculars: Binoculars made specifically for little ones! They have a comfortable design to fit your little one’s face and great for outdoor play and exploring!
Rocknoculars: Find a rock, shell, or other piece of nature and put it under a magnifying glass to examine it! Great for the little explorer who loves details!
Bugnoculars: This bug catcher has magnifying binoculars on top for your little one to look through and see the bugs close up!
Scavenger Hunt Cards: Get outside and give these cards to your toddler/preschooler. They will be able to see the picture on each card to know what to find!
Botanical Press: Get outside! Have a seek and find with your toddler to look for flowers, grass, and other items in nature. Collect and bring them back to press in this kit. Model “I see…” and fill in the blank with items you see around your yard.
Bug Bungalow: Catch and study your favorite bugs in your own yard. This toy is great for promoting independence as your little one catches, houses, and studies their favorite insects.
Explorer Vest & Hat: This is perfect for dressing up to play pretend! Send your little one out to explore their world - at the park, in the backyard, or on the trail!
Scavenger Hunt Set: Amazing activity for problem solving, matching, and looking around the environment. Pick out 6 cards and help your little one look around outside (or indoors!) for the same items in real life! After a few go-arounds, you can have a race to see who can find their items the fastest.
Kaleidoscope: These are so fun and great to take outside when it’s sunny to look at the beautiful patterns and colors. Ask your child what they see, or even play pretend with it. Paul loves taking mine (from the 90s) outside to “explore.”

Looking for more of Eat Play Say’s playtime favorites? We compiled our favorite toys for baby and toddler and suggestions for how to play just for you!