Fun Outdoor Toys for Older Kids

It can be challenging to know how to engage older kids and tempt them away from their screens. With the right outdoor toys for older kids, any garden or park can be an accessible avenue to enjoy the outside world, keeping them entertained for longer. Our guide will highlight what garden toys can still appeal to older kids and provide advice on how to work out which toy is right for them.

Why is outdoor play important for older kids?

Getting outside is the perfect alternative to screen time. While screen time certainly has its place, it’s also vital that older kids enjoy the outdoors. Keeping older kids active by playing outdoor games encourages social interaction. Garden games, for example, can promote a bit of friendly competition while also helping them develop their creative thinking.

It’s essential, however, to ensure that outdoor play is built around your older kid’s interests—after a long day at school, you don’t want them to feel obligated or forced to play outside. By finding outdoor activities they enjoy, you can promote an active lifestyle that can be part of a balanced and positive routine.

Fun outdoor toys for older kids

There is a wide range of fun outdoor toys for older kids, meaning that, whatever they’re into, you can find the right one for them! Outdoor toys for older kids should be able to keep them active and engaged for a prolonged period. Kids need variety in their toy selection to keep them entertained as they develop. These garden toys can offer endless fun and are an excellent way for them to use and hone their cognitive skills.

Blaster toys for older kids

Foam dart blasters are consistently among the most popular outdoor toys for older kids. Games involving blasters promote teamwork with friends or family and can encourage kids to learn how to strategise, so their team comes out on top! Quick-firing blasters, such as NERF guns, are also very versatile, as you can play many games with them, such as setting up a challenging obstacle course or going head-to-head for an epic showdown.

It’s important to always set ground rules when using foam blasters and wear appropriate eyewear to prevent injuries. Also, ensure that younger kids understand the rules to avoid confusion and frustration. The challenge of blaster toys can be adjusted based on age and developmental stage, and many people can get involved, with some activities suiting up to 15 to 20 players!

Top Picks

Best Overall: Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blaster

Best Value: XSHOT Hyper Gel Clutch Blaster by ZURU

Most Popular: XSHOT Chaos Meteor Blaster by ZURU

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Encourages teamwork, socialising and can be played in a large group.
• Promotes physical fitness because running and agility are important aspects of playing with blasters.

Cons

• Younger kids will need directions and may not fully understand some aspects of the game.

Outdoor water toys for older kids

Many outdoor water toys for older kids can keep them entertained in the sun by encouraging a more active approach to playtime. Epic water battles with our fantastic assortment of water guns can keep the fun rolling for hours. Water toys are also an excellent option for a child’s birthday party or when going to the beach. They encourage teamwork, and the versatile and varied designs can give older kids a sense of individuality and independence.

Top Picks

Best Overall: XSHOT Hydra Pulse Motor Soakers Motorised Water Blaster by ZURU

Best Value: Tiny Wubble Bubble Ball – Blue

Most Popular: Nerf Super Soaker Fortnite HG Water Blaster

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outdoor water toys are an active way to get kids involved in water activities.
• They encourage teamwork and can be played with by many kids simultaneously.

Cons

• Supervision may be required to ensure that water toys are not used indoors.

Scooters and bikes for older kids

Our extensive range of colourful scooters and bikes can help give a child their own sense of freedom. Our scooters come in many forms, including 2-wheel, 3-wheel and electric scooters. Having already learnt to ride on balance bikes and smaller bikes, mountain bikes are some of the best outdoor toys for older kids because they give kids confidence and a feeling of independence that comes from being able to explore. To learn more about scooters and bikes, check out our scooter size guide and bike size guide.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Huffy Extent 18-Speed 24″ Mountain Bike – Midnight Purple

Best Value: Xootz Brainache Youth Scooter

Most Popular: Xootz Shred 2.0 Stunt Scooter with 360 Degree Spin – Teal

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Using bikes and scooters is a great form of exercise.
• Outdoor toys like this promote independence and give your child another avenue for imaginative play.

Cons

• Remember to measure your kid before ordering a bike – they may be unable to ride it properly if you purchase a bike that is not the right size.

Activities and games for older kids

We offer a wide selection of activities and garden games designed for group play! Outdoor games are an excellent way of getting the whole family involved and making the most of the beautiful weather in fun and creative ways. Trampolines are a family garden favourite as they can be enjoyed together and, with safety nets, you can be reassured of their safety. If it’s cooperative games you’re after, we have many options that will entertain older kids and adults with their varied approach. They encourage socialising and team building. Finding the right one can be an effective and fun way of getting your kids out of the house.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Plum 6ft Springsafe Trampoline & Enclosure – Pink

Best Value: Activo Swing Tennis Set

Most Popular: Snap It Game in a Bag

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Many outdoor activities promote exercise.
• They can be great vehicles for imaginative play, whether a kid plays alone or as part of a group.

Cons

• Activities such as bouncing on a trampoline are age-dependent based on size. Read our guide to trampoline safety to learn more.

How do I choose the right outdoor toy?

The best outdoor toys for older kids are ones that they will actually want to use. Look into your kid’s interests to determine the types of toys they will like. When they’re younger, this can be difficult. However, personality and preferences develop as they grow older, so it should be easier to determine what outdoor toys they want.

Aspects that can help you decide include determining whether they prefer active games or something more laid-back, working out how many people can play said game, and determining whether they want a team-based game or something they can play alone. Always check the recommended age of toys and look for toys made with durable and child-safe materials.

How do I encourage my older kid to play outside?

The pull of screen time can be strong, so it’s vital that outdoor time feels like an invitation to do something new and interesting as opposed to an obligation or chore. For example, you could plan a family outing to a beach or ask them to pick which game they want to play, which can help them feel included in the decision-making process. If you’re unsure if they want to play outside, you can start small, with a simple 10 to 15-minute game, before building to more active and social games. If you build up their confidence, you will have happy, active children making the most of the outdoors in no time!

See our full product range for more on outdoor toys.

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