Go Play Outside! Backyard Guide

There are so many compelling reasons for kids to stay inside, even in the summer–cable television, video games, central air conditioning. These perfect outdoor toys will coax them outside and keep them there, while you catch up on your summer reading.

| Posted: 08 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

1-18 of 18

• Water Balloon Catapult Set

  

  You don’t want this water balloon set for the catapult. You want it for the handy hose adapter that allows you to efficiently fill your weapons without delay.

  $12 at Amazon | Buy

  

  | Posted 08 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Child-Friendly Bird Feeder

  

  If your kid can remember to keep the bird feeder filled, maybe the birds will top using your car as a bathroom.

  $26 at Hearthsong | Buy

  

  | Posted 08 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Giant Wooden Pick Up Sticks

  

  These pick up sticks are super-sized at just over 3-feet long.

  Dump them out in the lawn and pick one up without moving the others.

  $20 at Hand Picked Collection | Buy

  (Price converted from British pounds.)

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Kick Croquet

  

  $27 at Hearthsong | Buy

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Rope Ladder

  

  Tree climbing for the non-climber.

  $20 at Hearthsong | Buy

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• 40” Earth Ball

  

  This ball combines my kid’s innate love of globes and giant balls. Comes with a book of games, but I think reading the instruction manual will be the last thing on your kids’ minds when you bust this out.

  $98 at Chasing Fireflies | Buy

  

  | Posted 07 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Air Power Rockets

  

  $15 at Hearthsong | Buy

  

  | Posted 04 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Archery Set

  

  These arrows don’t have actual points, still a misdirected suction cup aimed at an apple could hurt. Make sure all your fruit is accounted for.

  $40 at Back to Basics Toys | Buy

  

  | Posted 04 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• 4 Piece Signage Set

  

  Rush hour in your backyard is a real downer.

  $132 at Oompa Toys | Buy

  

  | Posted 03 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Mini Be Walker

  

  The design of this bike is lovely and with no pedals, kids can use it before they get the coordination required for a regular tricycle.

  Great for twins or social kids.

  $204 at Oompa Toys | Buy

  

  | Posted 03 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Sidewalk Chalk Paint Sprayer

  

  For the budding airbrush artist. Maybe he’ll spray chalk flames on your minivan.

  $20 at Amazon | Buy

  

  | Posted 02 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Turbo Bubble Machine

  

  Why waste time blowing bubbles, when you could be chasing them instead?

  $25 at Back to Basics Toys | Buy

  

  | Posted 02 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Beach Ball Blast

  

  I want to put this in my yard just to water the lawn. When people look at it weird, I’ll be all, “It’s my sprinkler.”

  $12 at Amazon | Buy

  

  | Posted 01 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Sailboat Popsicle Molds

  

  These cute popsicles may take the pain out of giving up High Fructose Corn Syrup in favor of homemade frozen treats. The boat also catches any drips from a slow eater on a hot day. They’d be great for a theme birthday party too.

  $20 at Amazon | Buy

  

  | Posted 01 Jul, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Baby-In-The-Treetop-Swing

  

  $49 at Hand Picked Collection | Buy

  

  | Posted 30 Jun, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Jumbo Inflatable Bowling Ball and Pins

  

  To be a really good bowler, you’ve got to be the ball.

  $90 at Pottery Barn Kids | Buy

  

  | Posted 30 Jun, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• The Wurlybird Flyer

  

  Motion sickness bag not included.

  $329 at Hearthsong | Buy

  

  | Posted 30 Jun, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Rolly Sand Digger

  

  Sure, your kid has a sandbox shovel, but what about the big projects? Wouldn’t a steel crane come in handy? You bet it would. The base has three wheels and spins 360 degrees. How I wish they made one of these for grownups.

  $75 at Sensational Beginnings | Buy

  

  | Posted 13 Sep, 2005 by Margaret Mason