Ah, the great outdoors. There are many benefits to outdoor play. Little ones can enjoy the fresh air while unleashing their wild side. Older children can occupy themselves with imaginative play, but keeping toddlers and babies entertained can be challenging.
There’s lots of fun to be had outside, whether you’re spending the afternoon at the park or relaxing in your garden. Here’s how to get the most out of outdoor play and the best garden toys for toddlers and babies.
Getting the most out of outdoor play
The world has so much to offer, so there’s no excuse not to make the most of outdoor play!
The benefits of outdoor play
Outdoor play offers lots of benefits for toddlers and babies. While you can control an indoor environment more easily, playing in the garden or at the park introduces little ones to new challenges and helps them learn about limits and boundaries.
Plus, when they play away from home, they’re more likely to try new activities, have fun with other children, and explore the wonders of nature. For some tiny tots, there’s nothing as exciting as a dandelion!
How to care for outdoor toys
Outdoor toys are designed to be resistant to wear and tear, water damage and sun exposure, but a little maintenance is needed to keep them shipshape:
- When toys get caked in mud and dirt, hose them off thoroughly.
- Larger toys, such as swing sets and climbing frames, will need to be regularly oiled to prevent squeaking.
- To make sure your little one’s playtimes are extra safe, regularly check and tighten any nuts and bolts.
When it comes to storage, some toys, such as climbing frames, swing sets and wendy houses, are too large to be brought indoors. While these big toys are highly durable, they’re not 100% resistant to rain, wind and sun. Covering them with a large tarp is your best bet to protect them from the elements.
7 of the best garden and outdoor toys for babies and toddlers
Explore the best toddler and baby toys for the garden.
Treehouses
Every child dreams of having a treehouse in their garden where they can play or read books. Wooden treehouses foster a sense of independence and encourage imaginative play.
Paddling pools
Splish splash! Paddling pools are fantastic for cooling little ones off on sunny days and can be enjoyed alongside parents, siblings and friends. Add plastic balls and bath toys to a shallow paddling pool for hours of endless fun.
Sandpits
All your tot needs to have a fun afternoon playing outside is some sand, a bucket and a spade — and a hat to protect their head from the sun.
Sandpits encourage creativity and help toddlers develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Tricycle
Outdoor play shouldn’t be limited to garden games. Tricycles, scooters and ride-on toys are fantastic for helping children enjoy the great outdoors, even if you don’t have a garden.
Tricycles are perfect for toddlers, with extra wheels for stability, large pedals and grippy handlebars. A fantastic toy to enjoy at the park, many tricycles come with a push bar that lets you guide your tiny tot along as they master the art of peddling. Don’t forget to pop a protective helmet on their little head.
Playsets
If you’re searching for wooden garden toys for babies and toddlers, look no further than a cute playset.
Garden playsets cover everything from mud kitchens to pretend barbeques, encouraging learning and development through roleplay.
Pop-up tents
Create a safe space for your tot to play outside with a pop-up tent. Colourful and easy to pack away, garden tents are marvellously versatile outdoor toys. Whether you opt for a simple one-room tend or a complex tunnel system, there’s lots of fun to be had.
Bubble machines
Bubble machines are the perfect portable toy for outdoor play. Bubble wands and blasters are wonderful for keeping toddlers entertained, but electronic machines are even better, saving you from manually creating the bubbles.
Bubbles offer a fantastic sensory experience for toddlers, who love chasing after the bubbles to pop them. They also create a mesmerising visual experience for babies.
Having fun in the great outdoors
Every little one enjoys a play outside, even when it’s raining. Explore our range of outdoor and garden toys for babies and toddlers (and surprise them with a cute personalised raincoat) to make their outdoor explorations extra fun and exciting.