You want to keep your kiddos off their iPads and computers this summer, but that’s no small task. Making your backyard as appealing as Minecraft or Elmo can be tricky, but they definitely can’t stay inside this entire season, right? Right. So we rounded up some of the absolute best outdoor toys to keep them entertained this summer. Oh, and did we mention they’re all under $30?
Summer fun shouldn’t break the bank, especially since school breaks are the perfect time for them to flex their imagination muscles and explore new things. From bug catchers to beach ball sprinklers, we’ve covered the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages. Plus, you don’t have to put them all away once the weather cools off (which it eventually will. We promise.).
Giant Watermelon Beach Ball Sprinkler
Combine the fun of a beach ball with a sprinkler for an all-summer-long activity. Just connect it to a standard garden hose and it offers a misty spray instead of a strong splash, so adults will love it, too.
Giant Watermelon Beach Ball Sprinkler ($24.99)—Buy Here!
Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set
Perfect for beach or sandbox fun, this set includes a mixing bowl, whisk, and measuring cups.
Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set ($22.99)—Buy Here!
Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set
Great for budding soccer stars, this set includes a goal, ball, and pump. It's an indoor/outdoor set, too, so no need to put it away when it cools off.
Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set ($23.00)—Buy Here!
Stomp Rocket Jr Glow Rocket Launcher
Kids can launch these glow-in-the-dark rockets up to 100 feet in the air. It's 100% kid-powered, so no batteries required.
Stomp Rocket Jr Glow Rocket Launcher ($15.99)—Buy Here!
Little Tikes TotSports Basketball Set
The perfect-sized hoop for little athletes, complete with a junior-sized basketball. This simple classic is rated almost 5 stars, too.
Little Tikes TotSports Basketball Set ($29.99)—Buy Here!
Bunch O Balloons 100 Rapid-Fill Water Balloons, 3pk
Fill 100 water balloons in just 60 seconds for epic water battles. This 3-pack is a great way to get the party started.
Bunch O Balloons 100 Rapid-Fill Water Balloons, 3pk ($8.99)—Buy Here!
Champion Sports QS1 Wooden Ring Toss Set
This is a classic outdoor game that’s perfect for family fun, but the kiddos can play with it all on their own, too (win!).
Champion Sports QS1 Wooden Ring Toss Set ($22.98)—Buy Here!
Kidoozie Foam Pogo Jumper
The Foam Pogo Jumper is a fun and safe pogo stick that squeaks with every hop—ideal for young jumpers.
Kidoozie Foam Pogo Jumper ($18.99)—Buy Here!
Sports Ball Set, 5 pk
A versatile set of sports balls for endless outdoor games. Includes pump and carrying bag.
Sports Ball Set, 5 pk ($18.99)—Buy Here!
Melissa & Doug K's Kids Bowling Friends Play Set
This colorful and engaging bowling set is great for imaginative play and includes a carrying bag.
Melissa & Doug K's Kids Bowling Friends Play Set ($26.39)—Buy Here!
Adventure Kidz Outdoor Exploration Kit
Encourage your little explorer with this kit that includes binoculars, a compass, and more. Available in 5 colors.
Adventure Kidz Outdoor Exploration Kit ($19.99)—Buy Here!
Crayola 36-Count Washable Sidewalk Chalk
Encourage artistic expression with these vibrant, washable chalk sticks in fun tropical colors.
Crayola 36-Count Washable Sidewalk Chalk ($13.50)—Buy Here!
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Perfect for beginners, this T-ball set includes an adjustable tee, bat, and five balls.
Little Tikes T-Ball Set ($26.99)—Buy Here!
Giant Bubble Wands Kit
Create giant bubbles with this easy-to-use wand set. It includes 16 pieces featuring wands, giant bubble-making ropes, and bubble concentrate trays.
Giant Bubble Wands Kit ($25.99)—Buy Here!
Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane Bubble Making Machine
If your kiddos are more into done-for-you bubbles, this is the machine for them. It produces tons of bubbles for endless outdoor fun.
Gazillion Bubbles Hurricane Bubble Making Machine ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Nature Bound Bug Catcher Kit
A fun way for kids to explore nature? With this bug-catching kit, they get 20 pieces of safe insect catch-and-release tools to study critters and then send them on their way.
Nature Bound Bug Catcher Kit ($24.99)—Buy Here!
Sun Squad Giant Parachute
From parachute games like "Popcorn" to team-building activities like "Shark Attack," the parachute we know and love from our elementary school PE days is just as fun as it's always been.
Sun Squad Giant Parachute ($10.00)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
