


“When kids are outdoors, they are more likely to take risks, try new activities and build new friendships.” Suffice it to say, outdoor toys are ultimately a win-win for both parent and child. “Playing outdoors fosters self-confidence and builds healthy habits with active play,” adds Russell, a parenting development expert. Some more specific benefits include lower rates of depression and obesity, less anger and aggression and improved motor development. So I guess Mom was on to something when she kept shooing us outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Health圜 says that kids who get enough outdoor time are generally physically healthier, can better engage in learning, have more positive behavior and are mentally healthier. What Benefits Do Kids Get From Being Outside? This article is frequently updated and was most recently reviewed in May 2023. I included firsthand feedback if we had used the toy here on the team, but also pored over the reviews looking for customer insights into the sturdiest, most fun items. Contributor How We Chose The Best Outdoor ToysĪfter speaking with a play therapist, two developmental experts and mining our own backyards for inspiration, we curated this list of the best outdoor toys with the ideal options to appeal to a range of kids’ ages and stages.
