The best backyard activities for kids of all ages

Turn those frowns upside down with backyard activities that'll keep them entertained while stuck at home

outdoor kids toys
(Image credit: Target)

As the weather warms up and we're all spending more time at home, it's the perfect time to start looking into backyard activities for kids. Even better: there are a ton of awesome outdoor kids toys and games on the market right now that'll make their time outside so fun you might not be able to get them back indoors again. (Not really a con, right?) 

Heck, you might even want to grab yourself an iced coffee (glass of wine?) and a patio chair and join 'em in the sunshine. (Check out our list of the best patio furniture sales for help with the latter).

We've rounded up some of the best outdoor kids toys you can buy online, broken into sections for little kids, big kids, and all ages, below.

Looking for things to do while stuck at home? Check out our list of Target game deals

Outdoor kids toys for little kids

Intex Dinosaur Play Center Inflatable Kiddie Pool | $39.99 at Target

Intex Dinosaur Play Center Inflatable Kiddie Pool | <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fintex-dinosaur-play-center-inflatable-kiddie-pool%2F-%2FA-78136762%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle%26fndsrc%3Dtmnv%26DFA%3D71700000062959268%26CPNG%3DPLA_DVM%252B0060H00000r45ixQAA-SG-Q1-AlwaysOn-Ext-Search-Feb-2020-Flight-AO%26adgroup%3DPLA_AlwaysOn-Ext-Search%26LID%3D700000001393753pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9003385%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwkPX0BRBKEiwA7THxiBophzVCaGQSXZ2xejFgN3YeVPkNOVrVN1WcgdyQyAo4hku3asOaVhoCxvAQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$39.99 at Target

Who needs the neighborhood splash pad anyway? This inflatable kiddie pool features a spraying palm tree and waterfall, as well as a shallow pool that's perfect for cooling off the pint-size set.  

Kids Nest Swing | $77.99 at Overstock

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-10668447?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Kids-Nest-Swing-Fits-3-Children/27418525/product.html?option=46554537" data-link-merchant="overstock.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kids Nest Swing | $77.99 at Overstock

Or, make hanging outside even cooler with this swing-fort combo. Your kids will love this hideway as a spot for imaginative play, reading a book, or taking a little alone time (hey, they probably need some, too). 

Hey! Play! Zigzag Ride-On Vehicle | $30.99 at Kohl's

<a href="https://kohls.sjv.io/c/221109/362118/5349?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=http%3A%2F%2Fkohls.com%2Fproduct%2Fprd-3306553%2Fhey-play-zigzag-ride-on-vehicle.jsp%3Fskuid%3D33624273%26ci_mcc%3Dci%26utm_campaign%3DEC%2520TOYS%26utm_medium%3DCSE%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_product%3D33624273%26CID%3Dshopping15%26utm_campaignid%3D196835972%26pid%3Dgoogleadwords_int%26af_channel%3DCSE%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMI2Zyjuvuz6AIVg4nICh0vGQCPEAQYAiABEgJXnfD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="kohls.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hey! Play! Zigzag Ride-On Vehicle | $30.99 at Kohl's

The more you swerve these fun ride-on toys, the farther they go. Perfect for racing down the driveway or cul-de-sac. Better yet, take them to an empty parking lot to keep your social distance and really let 'em rip.

Little Tikes Climb &amp; Slide Trampoline | $317.99 at Target

<a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Flittle-tikes-climb-and-slide-trampoline-7ft%2F-%2FA-53664701" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Little Tikes Climb & Slide Trampoline | $317.99 at Target

There are few things that make kids of all ages happier than a trampoline. We like this one because it's fairly low to the ground and surrounded by a net, since the E.R. is the last place anyone wants to end up, especially these days. 

Ktaxon Inflatable Bounce House Jumper Castle with UL Certified Blower | $194.99 at Walmart

<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FKtaxon-Inflatable-Bounce-House-Jumper-Castle-with-UL-Certified-Blower%2F250049412" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ktaxon Inflatable Bounce House Jumper Castle with UL Certified Blower | $194.99 at Walmart

If there were ever a time to splurge on your very own bounce house, this seems like the right time to do it. This one is best for younger kids as it has a max weight limit of 250 lbs. 

Little Tikes Basketball Hoop| $29.99 at Walmart

Little Tikes Basketball Hoop| <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Flittle-tikes-tot-sports-basketball-set-non-adjustable-post%2F-%2FA-53661672%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle%26fndsrc%3Dtmnv%26DFA%3D71700000062959268%26CPNG%3DPLA_DVM%252B0060H00000r45ixQAA-SG-Q1-AlwaysOn-Ext-Search-Feb-2020-Flight-AO%26adgroup%3DPLA_AlwaysOn-Ext-Search%26LID%3D700000001393753pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9003385%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwkPX0BRBKEiwA7THxiOSlcELoiiVJDvPRVcx9EDyOUadaZ-MR24sXNGMBvPubsNDC7fjUHBoCO3oQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$29.99 at Walmart

This backyard classic will keep kids entertained while also helping develop fine and gross motor skills. It's small, so ideal for kids aged 18 months-four years.

Outdoor kids toys for big kids

Flybar Master Pogo Stick in Green | $54.99 at Bed, Bath &amp; Beyond

Flybar Master Pogo Stick in Green | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1572902&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bedbathandbeyond.com%2Fstore%2Fproduct%2Fflybar-trade-master-pogo-stick-in-green%2F1045336034%3FskuId%3D45336034%26enginename%3Dgoogle%26mcid%3DPS_googlepla_nonbrand_electronicstoys_online%26product_id%3D45336034%26adtype%3Dpla%26product_channel%3Donline%26adpos%3D%26creative%3D224333587577%26device%3Dc%26matchtype%3D%26network%3Dg%26mrkgadid%3D558377027%26mrkgcl%3D609%26rkg_id%3D0%26utm_campaignid%3D71700000037121773%26utm_adgroupid%3D58700004137786169%26targetid%3D92700034863561975%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIqLGq-tyz6AIVEODICh0U8gllEAQYASABEgIV_fD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - bedbathandbeyond.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$54.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond

Give your kids ages nine and up the gift of a little retro entertainment while they're stuck at home with this classic pogo stick. If you're up for it, tap into your inner kid at challenge them to a jump-off (you may just earn some street cred).

Backyard Zipline Kit For Kids Outdoor Play | $184.99 at Target

Backyard Zipline Kit For Kids Outdoor Play | <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbackyard-zipline-kit-for-kids-outdoor-play-100-l-green-hearthsong%2F-%2FA-75503286%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle_pla_df%26fndsrc%3Dtgtao%26CPNG%3DPLA_Sports%252BShopping%26adgroup%3DSC_Sports%26LID%3D700000001170770pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9003385%26ds_rl%3D1246978%26ds_rl%3D1248099%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwkPX0BRBKEiwA7THxiINlD2F3XEryPPa2xbYZe2oQFUKF9i5QyHtysZGwisPrch_IBr6oUxoCegEQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$184.99 at Target

This 100-foot-long zip line can be set up between two trees in your backyard. This kit includes the steel cable, tree protectors, carriage with non-slip handles, adjustable seat, rubber brake and hanging hardware. 

Flybar Pogo Trick Board | $27.99 at Target

<a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fflybar-pogo-trick-board-mean-green%2F-%2FA-54149788%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle_pla_df%26fndsrc%3Dtgtao%26CPNG%3DPLA_Sports%252BShopping%26adgroup%3DSC_Sports%26LID%3D700000001170770pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9003385%26ds_rl%3D1246978%26ds_rl%3D1248099%26ds_rl%3D1246978%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIn5u89Pyz6AIVirbICh383wIvEAkYASABEgIGPvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Flybar Pogo Trick Board | $27.99 at Target

Or, try out this new take on the old classic. Flybar's Pogo Trick Board combines balancing and bouncing, and comes with a grip-taped deck, ball, pump, and two pins. This is best for kids who are ages six - 13 or so, or those under 160 lbs.

10' Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure | $229.99 at Wayfair

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13771918?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/skywalker-trampolines-10-round-trampoline-with-safety-enclosure-swk1208.html" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">10' Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure | $229.99 at Wayfair

Bigger kids will love burning off steam on this 10' trampoline. We still suggest an enclosed version to help prevent accidents, and this one comes with a net.

Outdoor kids toys for all ages

Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes, set of 3 | $30.99 at S&amp;S Worldwide

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1572902&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssww.com%2Fitem%2Fstomp-rocket-stunt-planes-W13911%2F%3Fgclid%3DCj0KCQjwj7v0BRDOARIsAGh37iqbb1CtJkyXhz_SyVVALXVaS4LXaS9pGbZ5VrvscyFJe4T230IP82MaAnh8EALw_wcB&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ssww.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes, set of 3 | $30.99 at S&S Worldwide

For an inexpensive, but still highly entertaining outdoor kids toy, check out this stomp-rocket set. Kids of all ages love it, and it packs extra energy burning oomph if you have your kids race to retrieve their rockets in the yard.

Inflatable Hope &amp; Go Horses | $44.96 at Target

<a href="https://goto.target.com/c/221109/81938/2092?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Finflatable-hop-n-go-horses-for-kids-outdoor-play-set-of-2-hearthsong%2F-%2FA-78871700%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle_pla_df%26fndsrc%3Dtgtao%26CPNG%3DPLA_Sports%252BShopping%26adgroup%3DSC_Sports%26LID%3D700000001170770pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D9003385%26ds_rl%3D1246978%26ds_rl%3D1248099%26ds_rl%3D1246978%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIpoSdzd-z6AIVxp-zCh2CSADAEAQYBiABEgKqV_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="target.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inflatable Hope & Go Horses | $44.96 at Target

This is a set of two, which means: Hopping horse races! The first kid to make it around the perimeter of the house twice gets to choose the next movie you watch on Netflix.

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Kaitlin Madden

Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. In addition to Real Homes, she's written for Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and black lab.

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