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1. A set of reusable water balloons for outdoor fun without the mess. My kids LOVE water balloons, but I hate them because of the cleanup involved. These balloons save all of the trouble and reviewers say that kids as young as 2-years-old can figure out how to use them.
2. A saucer swing that comes with a frame for those of us who don't have a strong tree in the backyard. This set solves the problem of finding something to swing on and has a weight limit of 440 pounds, meaning your kids will get some major play out if for a long time.
3. A splash pad you can grab for toddlers and bigger kids alike. Splash pads are such a fun way to cool off in warm weather and the ability to control the flow just by controlling the hose nozzle makes it fun for kids of all ages. You can even add a small slide for a little extra fun! Reviewers rave about how durable it is and how easy it is to store.
4. A set of high-powered bubble blowers — it'll give you maximum bubbles with minimum effort. Save yourself from getting lightheaded and enjoy watching your kids run after bubbles while you stay seated and sip a beverage.
5. And a giant bubble wand for when it's time to up those bubble-making skills into something more impressive. While young kids may still prefer to be the popper, reviewers love that older kids enjoy getting in on the action and creating the largest bubble possible. And, honestly, who doesn't need a little more bubble fun in their lives?
6. A scooter board allowing kids of all ages to zoom around as they see fit. Scooter boards are a classic toy and with a 175-pound weight limit, the possibilities are endless! It also comes with large handles to make sure that little fingers stay out of the way of the wheels. It's also an inclusive toy for those with sensory processing needs, which is always a bonus.
7. An always reliable water table — your basic bread and butter of outdoor toys for littles. From toddlers to bigger kids, your kids will find some way to use this baby for some fun. It's also an awesome option for some water play where you don't have to bring out swimsuits or a ton of gear if you're not feeling it. Just send them out and let the magic of the water table work.
8. A good old-fashioned Velcro catch game perfect for kids too young for a mitt. I had completely forgotten about this game until I saw it last summer and some major memories were unlocked. I picked one up and I'm so glad I did! My kids love it and it's such a simple concept. There's something oddly satisfying about this game and it's fun for kids and adults alike.
9. A spinning and bouncing Teeter Totter bringing a little extra momentum to your average seesaw. With the ability to support 77 pounds at each end, this toy can be as gentle or as extreme as your growing kiddos need, making this a fun investment for your outdoor lineup. Reviewers love the durability and that their kiddos of various ages can use it together.
10. A set of Stomp Rockets that can launch a rocket 200 feet into the air because nothing is more fun than watching things shoot into the sky. This award-winning toy allows your kiddos to adjust the angles and pressure applied, creating different levels of height every time — a STEM masterpiece! With over 24,000 5-star reviews, parents are loving these, too.
11. A gardening set for your *budding* green thumb. Personally, I hate gardening and tend to kill every plant I touch, but my kids still use gardening tools to dig in the mud, pull up weeds to make "salad" for the birds, and just explore. For caretakers more in tune with Mother Nature than myself, these tools are an excellent way to start involving your kid!
12. A balance bike aka an excellent starter for toddlers to transition to regular bike riding. Balance bikes are low to the ground and don't require peddling, but still allow littles to work on the balance required for keeping upright. My kids love theirs!
13. A shaded play set that can be used for pretend play, as a mud kitchen, or a sensory station. This awesome play set comes with a small grill and sink, and a spot for sand or water! Reviewers especially love the canopy for shade (or rain play in the cooler months) for extending play and durability!
14. A giant box of washable sidewalk chalk for hours of outside creativity from hopscotch to tic-tac-toe to colorful cement drawings. I also love that it's durable enough to stick around for a few days without water, but you can wash it off when you're ready for a blank slate.
15. Or an inexpensive paintbrush set so your kids can "paint" with water in the backyard. This is such a simple way to bring joy to kids and I love that the water dries up so quickly. With paint brushes and a bucket of water, my kids paint the ground, the house, and their toys and they love seeing pictures they create on the concrete evaporate immediately.
16. An adjustable, light-up scooter that will last for years and provide plenty of use. I see more kids riding scooters to school now than bikes and speaking from personal experience, scooters have a hold on my kids like you wouldn't believe, so this is one outdoor toy I — along with 16,000 reviewers who gave it five stars — wholeheartedly recommend.
17. A ride-on digger for any young construction enthusiast. The sit-and-scoot design means your kid can zoom around the patio with ease and it has a storage container built in for whatever it is they ~dig up~. Reviewers love just how popular it is with their kids and friends + family that visit.
18. And a small sandbox they can dig in or play with the tons of toys it comes with. The cover doubles as a ramp when in play, plus it comes with a dump truck, sifter, shovel, and rake. Reviewers love how much play it gets, as well as its smaller size that doesn't overwhelm a backyard.
19. A dump truck toy that can carry sand, rocks, toys, water balloons, or whatever else your kiddo needs to transport around the park. This one is made out of recycled plastic, which makes it surprisingly resistant to the elements.
20. A mini training course for your budding American Ninja Warrior. This is an excellent set that includes more than eleven obstacles and reviewers love that kids of all ages — and adults, too! — can partake thanks to the adjustable difficulty levels. Now if only you could find a warped wall and a buzzer.
21. And a wheelbarrow if your kid likes to trek around more heavy-duty loads or partake in "gardening" tasks. Wheelbarrows are lots of fun and keep kids busy for hours which is a great way to get kids out in the yard with you so you can get some weeding done without the constant "are you done yet?" questions.
22. A good, old-fashioned Cozy Coupe because some things never go out of style and this baby is living proof. There's a reason it has over 11,000, 5-star reviews — it's just a great toy. For your younger toddlers, there's now a floorboard so you can push them around and once they've got the hang of it, simply remove the floorboard for the classic experience. Just watch your toes — toddlers on a mission cannot be bothered to watch where they're going.
23. An explorer kit for any kid who loves to catch bugs and explore nature — whether you're in the backyard or on a camping extravaganza. This kit comes with everything for a budding entomologist: binoculars, a net, a "critter case," a compass, and even a hat and backpack.
24. A simple, but classic slide that will be sure to delight your kiddos. And the best part about this? It lasts well beyond the toddler stage. My 5-year-old now jumps off of it, puts it into our wading pool to use as a water slide, and even just rolls things down it. This slide can also fold up to store when it's not in use, but don't be surprised if you bring it in for some inside fun when the weather's bad.
25. Or a mini roller coaster to keep your kids occupied through the *ups and downs* of summer weather. 'Nuff said.
26. A pair of walkie-talkies that make any outdoor game soooo much cooler. Not only do walkie-talkies make games of team hide-and-seek that much more memorable, but these are also great for parents who might want to keep in touch with a kiddo on a bike ride around the neighborhood who doesn't have a phone.
27. And a ride-on wiggle car because it's fun for older and younger kids alike! The car holds up to 110 pounds, doesn't require peddles or batteries, and is a fun way to burn off some kiddo energy when you just want to sip a Diet Coke and sit down for a sec.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.