Outdoor and Active Toys

Outdoors, children run, climb, jump and carry things, which strengthens muscles and coordination. Sand and water are among the best sensory materials: they can be poured, shaped and mixed, and children learn about volume and cause and effect without noticing. Gardening and nature games teach patience and care. And time outside often means better sleep and a calmer mood afterwards.

• Sandpit. A BIG Power Worker mini excavator for digging and loading sand, from 2 years. See more in sandpit toys.
• Sand and water. A 2-in-1 play table for sand and water with 7 accessories for pouring and play, from 3 years. More in water and bath toys.
• Movement. An inflatable bouncy horse with a pump for jumping and balance, from 3 years. See active and balance toys.
• Garden and nature. A 3-in-1 bunny backpack with farm and garden play items for little gardeners, from 3 years. More in outdoor games.

From 2 years, children love digging and filling, so a sandpit excavator is a good start. From 3 years, they can play longer with a sand and water table, follow simple garden tasks and bounce on an inflatable horse. Find more ideas in toys for 2–3 year olds and toys for 3–5 year olds.

Outdoor toys are not only for summer. A sand and water table can be used on a balcony or in the garden from spring to autumn, and an inflatable horse is easy to bring inside on rainy or cold days if there is enough space. In winter, buckets and moulds work with snow too. Always stay close when children play with water, and choose a shaded place on hot days.

Rinse sand and water toys after use and let them dry before storing. Keep them out of direct sun when not in use so the colours last longer. Check inflatable toys for damage before each use and follow the manufacturer's instructions for inflating.

Ride-on vehicles for outdoor play are in toy cars and vehicles.