Outdoor Toys
Kids are built to run, climb, jump and throw, and active play equipment for kids gives that energy somewhere to go. You do not need a backyard gym. A few well-chosen pieces, like a ball, a jump rope or a low climber, plus a dad willing to be chased will cover most days. This guide helps you pick gear by age, set it up safely and keep the games fresh.
Ask a Dad
Reach out and we’ll connect you with an experienced father or point you to the right next step.
Send a MessagePush toys, large lightweight balls, a low slide, stepping stones. They are learning to walk steadily, climb and stop on purpose.
Hoops, cones, a balance beam on the ground, a small trampoline-free climber, beanbags for tossing. Hopping, galloping and catching appear.
Jump ropes, soccer and basketballs, frisbees, a slackline set low to the ground, agility ladders. They want challenges and scores.
Sport-specific gear, a pull-up bar, a running route with you. Social play and competition matter more.
A Saturday obstacle course is one of the best-value activities there is. Pool noodles become hurdles, a garden hose becomes a balance line, cardboard boxes become tunnels, and laundry baskets become targets. Time each run, then let your kid redesign the course and time you.
Keep it on grass, away from the driveway and fences, and avoid anything that requires jumping from height. Add a mix of skills, such as one balance station, one crawl, one throw and one sprint, so kids with different strengths each get a moment to shine. Siblings of different ages can run the same course with different rules, like the little one walking the hose line while the older one hops it on one foot. Changing the course each week is what keeps kids coming back.
Kids need some risk to build skills and confidence. Your job is to remove hazards they cannot see, like broken equipment, hard surfaces under climbers and traffic, while letting them test their limits on things they can see.
Check climbers and nets for loose bolts and fraying. Make sure anything tall has soft surfacing below. Use helmets for anything with wheels. Remove drawstrings from hoodies and avoid necklaces during climbing, since they can catch on equipment.
For daily activity guidelines and ideas for keeping the whole family moving, see active lifestyles and physical health and outdoor adventures and physical play. If you want to see where your child is with skills like hopping and catching, physical development covers the typical sequence. This page is part of outdoor toys.
FAQ
Simple, low gear works best: push toys, large lightweight balls, a low slide or climber on a soft surface, and things to crawl through. Supervise closely and choose items labeled for their age.
Use what you have: pool noodles for hurdles, a hose as a balance line, boxes as tunnels, buckets as targets and chalk for start and finish lines. Keep it on grass and change the layout often.
Young children benefit from being active throughout the day, and federal activity guidelines suggest at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity daily for school-age kids and teens. Your pediatrician can talk through your child’s needs.
Climbing builds strength and judgment, and some risk is healthy. Make sure the equipment suits your child’s age, has proper shock-absorbing surfacing underneath, and is in good repair. Stay close with younger kids and let them climb only as high as they can get down on their own.
Keep going
Active Lifestyles and Physical Health for FamiliesBuild an active family lifestyle without a gym: daily movement ideas by age, balancing screens and sleep, and how dads lead by example. Get the family moving.
Outdoor Adventures and Physical Play for ToddlersPhysical play for toddlers with Dad: climbing, chasing, ball games and safe roughhousing that build balance and confidence. Simple ideas for ages 1 to 3.
Physical Development: Helping Your Child Grow StrongPhysical development in children from crawling to coordination: gross and fine motor skills by age and simple ways dads can help them grow. Read the guide.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
Join our 24/7 Room to meet and talk with other dads
Join Today