Trying to keep a toddler entertained indoors can be tricky, which is why it’s so important to try and get them outside into the fresh air as much as possible. Not only can they let off some much-needed steam, but they can also develop their physical motor skills by running, jumping, skipping and playing with outdoor toys. Finding the right outdoor toys for toddlers can be difficult, especially if they’re still unsteady on their feet or they’re not ready for big swingsets or climbing frames. Luckily, here at Outside Play, we’ve made it easier than ever to find outdoor toys designed for each age group. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite outdoor toys for toddlers.
Ride-on toys for toddlers
From balance bikes to electric cars and motorbikes, ride-on toys come in all shapes and sizes and are a great choice for toddlers. Ride-on toys help develop key mobility and motor skills as your little ones learn how to control and manoeuvre their toy. These toys also promote exercise and physical coordination as well as encouraging instruction learning abilities as they follow your commands and directions. Many of the ride-on toys available at Outside Play come with parental controls, allowing grown-ups to take the reins when it comes to speed.
As your toddlers become more confident with riding, these controls can be handed back to them as they learn to manage their speed and vehicle control. We always recommend ride-on toys for parents of toddlers as they are ideal for promoting creative, independent play. Our emergency responder ride-on toys are a fantastic choice for those little ones who love to role play, with everything from fire trucks to ride-on police cars to choose from.
Discover our ride-on toys for 1-2-year-olds here.
Imaginary play for toddlers
Imaginary playtime is incredibly important for toddlers, allowing them to build up their ability to play flexibly and creatively. One of the best ways to encourage imaginary play is to head outdoors and let their imaginations run wild. Outdoor toys such as mud kitchens, sandpits and water stations are all great promotors of imaginary play, giving little ones a blank slate to create their own role-play scenarios. When children use their imagination in this way, they’re building their social and emotional development as well as improving their language and communication skills as they start to weave their own stories.
Imaginary playtime is great fun for all of the family and will allow you to push your little ones to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills as they enjoy creating their own world.
Garden outdoor toys for toddlers
Creating a space that your little ones will want to spend time in is key to promoting outdoor play. An uninspiring garden will have your toddlers clinging to their indoor toys and devices, however, with a little creative outdoor decorating, you can build a space of outdoor toys that’s made for adventure. Regardless of the size of your garden, look to create separate zones for different types of play.
A section with outdoor toys such as swing sets, slides or seesaws is a great option for parents, especially as these toys will encourage your toddlers to burn off some energy! A nature-inspired space is also important as it will encourage toddlers to get messy with some sensory play. A mud kitchen is a great option for this, especially when placed near planters or trees to encourage foraging for natural materials.
Shop our full garden fun collection here.
Paddling Pools for Toddlers
If you’re looking to enjoy the summer in style, take a look at our fantastic range of paddling pools. Easy to set up and incredibly convenient, our paddling pools are perfect for families with small children or those looking to enjoy water play in a compact outdoor space. With leading brands such as Bestway to choose from, you can shop with confidence knowing that our paddling pools are built to last. Choose from small paddling pools all the way up to paddling pools with slides, sprinklers and more.
Our small paddling pools are ideal for those with little ones who are just learning to swim. Whether you’re looking for a basic splash pool or you want to add some fun to your garden with our rainbow or giraffe themed pools, you can expect hours of splashing! To find out more about the benefits of water play for toddlers, take a look at our latest blog post.
Shop the full range of paddling pools at Outside Play today, or check out our collection of larger inflatable pools and above ground pools for more summer inspiration!
For more water play, don’t forget to take a look at our range of water slides! Fun for all the family.
Enjoy the great outdoors with your toddlers this year and take advantage of great value prices on all outdoor toys and equipment at Outside Play. For help and advice choosing the right toys for your toddlers, get in touch with the team today.
———–
Beginning our journey with supplying and distributing products to companies nationwide. We decided to take the leap into retail ourselves. We are fully confident in our products and their sources. This means that we will only ever provide the best quality ride on toys and outdoor play equipment for you and your children. Our background means that we are able to provide you and your family with everything you need and an extensive knowledge of the products to help you enjoy them.