Kids love being outdoors, but if your backyard is just an empty patch of grass, yours will be wandering back inside in no time. If you want your kids to get some much-needed sunshine and work out some energy, here are some products that can help.
Little Tikes Fish 'n Splash Water Table
When your kid needs to cool off but is too small for the pool, this water table may just provide hours of entertainment. Using the included fishing pole or net, toddlers can catch one of the five underwater critters floating on this sturdy but easy-to-assemble toy.
Automatic bubble blower
According to its description, this small but mighty machine can produce over 18,000 bubbles per minute for 30 minutes at capacity. It's also safe for curious hands: Should your kid touch the moving parts, the rotating wands will stop. It runs on batteries and AC power so you can bring it inside if the weather takes a turn. One note: The device doesn't include bubble solution, so remember to pick up a bottle or two.
Toss Across
A game of tic-tac-toe can quickly get boring, but this bean bag version adds a whole new outdoor dimension and can keep kids entertained for far longer. Toss bean bags at the rotating triangles to turn them into Xs and Os. Players can also flip their opponent's squares and change the game's direction.
Outdoor cooking toy set
Instead of watching Bluey pretend to grill on the patio, your child can head outside and make their own fun with this pretend BBQ grill set. There's a sizzling sound as they light up the pretend charcoal, and the oil bottle actually "works" (sort of). However, the salad is not included (sorry, Bingo!).
GeoSafari Jr. binoculars
Binoculars can be a significant investment, so instead of risking your child breaking your favorite pair, give them these kid-sized ocular aids. This sturdy, focus-free, and affordable toy is great for checking out the wildlife in your backyard, searching for constellations in the night sky, or getting a closer view of the baseball game.
National Geographic air rocket racers
There's no proof that educational toys can help your child overcome the summer slump, but this STEM-based toy will get them thinking about rocket science, flight principles, and other physics-related ideas. It even comes with a learning guide introducing them to these concepts. Since these air-powered rockets can fly up to 100 feet into the air, it will definitely do what you really want it to do: get your kids outside.
Step 2 playtime patio
With this easy-to-put-together playset, your kids can have some pretend-grilling time or just hang out with their friends, or your younger ones can play with the attached sand and water play table. It's perfect for the beach or the backyard, and it includes a removable canopy that will keep your kids safe from the heat and sun.
Backyard Discovery wooden swing set
I always wanted my own backyard fort growing up. It's too late for me, but not my kids, who might enjoy the one included in this swing set. They can climb inside, draw on the chalkboard, and slide down when they're done planning their next big adventure. Commenters note that this pre-drilled, stained, and cut structure, made with sturdy cedar wood, might be more challenging to assemble than the manufacturer claims.
Toddler trampoline
My kids are frequent flyers at the local play park, so I know how some trampoline time can help them expend energy. Parents might be concerned that this indoor/outdoor trampoline, which includes a basketball net, might be risky for kids. However, there are plenty of safety features, including foam poles to prevent head injuries, a double zipper on the safety enclosure to stop them from bouncing off, and a pad that covers the springs to ensure their toes don't get pinched.
Non-slip splash pad
Speaking of child safety, if your kid isn't ready to swim, this durable splash pad will keep them cool all summer. All you have to do is attach the hose and turn it on. This pad also sports a non-slip texture that helps keep your toddlers from taking a spill.