10 Great Outdoor Toys for Toddlers (1 and 2 Year Olds)

People always talk about the "terrible two," but honestly, for me, between 12 months and 24 months was the age that set me on edge.

It wasn't because my children were "misbehaving" or having temper tantrums at that age, but just that ... well, they were suddenly highly mobile, but still babies, in a sense.

As a friend of mine once put it, when they're that age, you have to be on constant alert just to keep them safe. (And, I'll add, from destroying everything in your home.)

That's why getting them outside was usually a lifesaver.

I'd pop my kids in the double stroller and walk them to the library -- sometimes two or three times a week. We'd hit all the different parks in town on a regular basis.

But some days you just don't feel like running all over town. Or maybe you need to stay home because you have five loads of laundry to do, and/or one of your three kids is sick.

That's where some great outdoor toys can be a lifesaver.

From water tables to push toys to riding toys, here are 10 toys that your 1, 2 -- and in some cases even 3 -- year old will love.

 

 

Little Tikes First Slip And Slide

Little Tikes First Slip And Slide

 

We had the bigger version of this slide when my kids were little, and boy did we get good use of it.

I believe my oldest was just under two years old when we bought it, and we probably had it in the house for at least another four years. My girls covered it with stickers, and sent their stuffed animals down the slide. It was a huge hit when other kids came over.

We actually never put our slide outside, but kept it set up in either the living room or the basement playroom in the winter.

The slide in the photo above is 3 feet long, while the larger one, that we had, is 5 feet long.

 

Pros:

Easy to assemble, just a two piece and no tools needed

Very safe, no sharp edges and maintains very well

Folds for easy storage

Cons:

• Stairs aren't covered, so toddlers can get their leg or foot stuck in them.
• Could tip back if a kid is standing on the ladder and leans back

 

Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouset

Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouset

 

This playhouse has a unique, removable take-along play panel that includes a bead tumbler, mirror, spinning gears, and clicking bugs -- plus it plays music! The play panel can be adjusted to sit horizontally.

The playhouse also includes:

• Shape-sorter mailbox
• Tap-a-Tune piano
• Movable telescope
• Open-close window shutters with a ball drop flower pot

This is definitely a toy that could be used either indoors or outdoors.

Amazon Elizabeth H. wrote a very thorough review including several photos:

This is a great little activity center for a toddler and it has such fun features.

My main reason for docking one star is that is listed as a toy for ages 6 months to 3 years and while a baby can play with it at 6 months, until they have more consistent coordination they are going to continually hit their heads on things in the confined space even with close supervision. It won't cause any real injury, but it will make them cry or get frustrated.

Also, a three year old would definitely still enjoy playing with parts of this activity center, but I would not invest the money in buying it for a child who is 2 years old or up because their are plenty of other options that would better suit a preschool aged child.

That being said it is perfect to purchase for babies from confident crawling age through early toddler days because they should get a year or two of use out of it ...

Pros:

• Good quality for the price
• Seems sturdy
• Lightweight, so if a child manages to topple it over, they won't be injured
• Ideal for children 8/9ish months through 2 years old
• Small, so it doesn't take up too much floor space
• Fun little stations: mini xylophone buttons on the door, activity panel that tweets, shape sorting mailbox, balls in the windowsill, telescope etc.
• The windowsill ball holes are too small for the mailbox sorting shapes, so child cannot force in shapes blocks that will get stuck
• Easy to assemble in about an hour if you follow directions (I recommend sorting the pieces into three piles according to which part of the center they go to)
• The stickers were easy to attach (aside from the white posts which need to be screwed in first, I attached all of the stickers before putting the set together)

Cons:

• Even with close supervision (ie. Sitting right next to your child) a baby who is not yet a confident independent mover will probably bump their head a lot and get upset
• >Not a great investment for a child who is already over 2 compared to other products on the market
• As other reviews have noted, the mailbox door could be a pinching hazard (but it is easily removed without affecting the ability to sort shapes, if you are concerned)

 

Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Lid

Toddler Sensory Kids Table with Compatible Lid

 

If you don't have a sensory table of some kind, you need one. It will keep multiple children happy for a loooong time. (And when your child gets to school age, you can upgrade it to this table.)

One significant advantage of this table is its easy clean-up and storage. You can just pack the toys into the sand and water wells, then place the lid on top. This keeps the toy from taking up too much space in your yard, and it helps you avoid losing any pieces. Also, the table is portable.

Tip: If you want something less messy than sand and water, fill these tables with uncooked rice instead!

Pros

• Beach-like experience in your backyard
• Easy clean-up and storage
• Encourages creative, nature-oriented play

Cons

• Legs may be unstable
• Low height may be inconvenient for parents (see a photo that shows perspective here)
• Not big enough for multiple children

 

 

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table

 

Do you want your toddler to spend time playing outside in the backyard, but the summer heat is killing your both? Then check out this water table!

Amazon reviewer Liz says her toddler and 8 year old love to play with this waterpark together:

This water table is a huge hit with my kids! It's hard for me to find an activity that entertains them both, as they are 6 yrs apart. My 20 month old and 8 yr old play with this for hours a day. ...

My 8 yr old and I assembled it, all you need is a Philips head screwdriver for the spiral. I also ended up using a butter knife to work the lower flange of the drain plug into its prior place, under the table. There are no leaks from the drain plug area once you get the flange in the right place.

The kids LOVE the balls and the spiral tower. It does leak a bit of water from underneath the spiral tower, but only when my son floods the tower with buckets of water. It's not a big deal bc he puts a bucket directly under the tower, collects the lost water and dumps it back in.

To keep my 8 yr old more engaged I also purchased tablets that dye the water; he likes mixing them and seeing what colors he can create. That keeps him super interested and he's learning as well ...

This was a good price/value; to be honest this is likely the most used toy I've ever bought ...

 

 

Pros:

• Encourages interactive play and helps children develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Durable and made from high-quality materials.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• Requires regular cleaning to keep the water fresh.
• None of the pieces lock in place, so it's easy for kids to pull or knock them off.
• Is relatively expensive.

 

QDH Splash Pad Sprinklers

QDH Splash Pad Sprinklers for Kids and Dogs

 

Note: You don't need a dog to enjoy this splash pad, but it probably helps.

With this toy, children can learn the alphabet, animals, shapes, and colors while having a blast in the water. At 68 inches, it's large enough for families and parties. If you have older kids, they're sure to want to join in too -- as well as your dog, of course. (But not your cat.)

You can adjust the water pressure and control the spray height.

Pros

• Educational elements featuring alphabet, animals, shapes, and colors
• Large 68" size suitable for families and parties
• Save water and adjustable spray height

Cons

• Spray height may not be as advertised
• Some water holes may be improperly directed
• Potential durability issues

 

 

Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sports Activity Center

Fisher-Price 4-In-1 Sports Activity Center

 

This outdoor toy provides an interactive and entertaining space for little athletes to practice their skills through basketball, soccer, and baseball activities. The pretend concession stand with removable food pieces adds a fun role-play element.

It comes with 10 removable play pieces, including 2 balls, baseball bat, 4 shape-sorting food pieces, 2 condiment pieces, and a pretend credit card.

Pros

• Multiple sports activities: basketball, soccer, baseball
• Smart Stages learning levels for alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, and teamwork
• Engaging interactive scoreboard with over 100 songs, sounds, and phrases

Cons

• Can slip around on hardwood flooring
• Soccer net may be small for some users
• May not be large enough for taller toddlers
• Stability issues when pulled

 

Green Toys Wagon - Pretend Play Kids Outdoor Toy Vehicle

Green Toys Wagon - Pretend Play Kids Outdoor Toy Vehicle

 

This is a simple, but durable, wagon, perfect for toddlers to pull their favorite toys and stuffed friends along. It's 15 inches deep, 9.75 inches wide, and 9.5 inches high.

Pros:

• Made from 100% recycled plastic, which is great for the environment and reduces waste.
• Free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
• Durable and can withstand rough play and outdoor use.

Cons:

• Has a weight limit of 50 pounds, which may not be enough for larger children or heavier items.
• Does not come with seat belts, which could be a safety concern for younger children.
• Relatively expensive compared to other similar products.
• The handle is quite short. (See photos for reference.)

 

Animal Baby Balance Bike

XIAPIA Baby Balance Bike

 

Do you want a ride-on toy for your toddler, but you're not sure if your child could handle pedaling a tricycle yet?

Then this little bike is for you. It's the perfect riding toy for babies between 10-36 months old.

There are no pedals, so you child learns how to push with their feet to strengthen their legs and maintain their balance while sitting and moving.

It has its own design patent and the eyes on the front "blink" when you move the handlebars.

The photo above is the Rabbit version, but you can also get it with these animal designs:

• Bee
• Dalmation
• Tiger
• Shark
• Dinosaur
• Black Tiger

Pros:

• Has a sturdy and durable build that can withstand rough outdoor terrain.
• Can be easily assembled and adjusted to fit the child's needs as they grow.
• as a fun and colorful design that kids enjoy.

Cons:

• The tricycle's turning radius can be limited, making it harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
• The tricycle's seat can be uncomfortable for some children, especially during longer rides.

 

Bubble Lawn Mower

Bubble Lawn Mower

 

What kid doesn't love bubbles?

This toy lawn mower doubles as both a push toy (great for when kids are just learning to walk) and a bubble blower machine. It comes with 3 bottles of bubble solution, but it does not come with the 2 AA batteries that you'll need.

 

 

Pros:

• Fun design and bright colors.
• Durable (One reviewers said they accidentally ran over it with their car, but it still worked ... um, okay.)

Cons:

• The bubble compartment has no lid and can easily spill.
• Uses up a lot of bubble solution. (Go ahead and buy a gallon of it if you get this mower.

 

Little Tikes Cozy Truck

Little Tikes Cozy Truck

 

You know the red Little Tikes Coupe that everybody and their uncle owns?

Well, this is the same idea, but a little more unique and interesting. (And yes, a little more expensive as well.)

 

 

Pros:

• Has a fun and realistic design that kids will love.
• Durable and made from high-quality materials.
• Has a lock on the door and a floor board to keep little ones safe.

Cons:

• Takes a long time to assemble..
• No seat belt.
• Is relatively expensive.