Outdoor Play

Get your kids up and moving – outside! – with these fun toys and games that will keep them playing for hours.

The Deluxe Maxi Scooter is one smooth, quiet, awesome ride! Its curving and carving action allows kids to surf the sidewalk like a skateboard, with the handlebar providing greater control and maneuverability. Kids use their body weight and handlebar to lean into a turn, resulting in smooth, safe turns. Supports up to 150 lbs. For ages 5-12. $129.99. Available locally at Over the Rainbow or visit microkickboard.com.

Fill your entire backyard with huge bubbles next time you host an outdoor party or playtime with the Big Bubble Set. The set includes one 9-inch dipping tray, two 7-inch wands, and 8 ounces of bubble solution, perfectly sized for oversized bubble creation. Ages 3 and up. $9.99. Available at Classic Toys or visit toysmith.com.

Run, jump and stomp on the launch pad releasing a blast of air that propels the Stomp Rocket over 200 feet in the air! Winner of numerous toy awards, this rocket kit includes a stomp launcher and four foam-tipped rockets. No batteries required – it’s 100-percent kid powered! Ages 6 and up. $19.99. Available at Over the Rainbow or visit stomprocket.com.

The Pop ‘N Play Game Center offers hours of fun for the whole family with its three games – Ladderball, Bag Toss and Quad Toss – all in one portable unit. Perfect for camping, the beach or the park, the lightweight set is easy to take anywhere. $64.99. Visit lightspeedoutdoors.com.

Who wouldn’t love shooting slimeballs at a target 30’ away? The Slimeball Splat Set equals hours of safe, slimy play. Slime balls stick to the target but not walls. Ages 6-teen. $14.99. Available at Over the Rainbow or visit digginactive.com.

Any time is tee time, with this handsome, quality Full Mini Golf Set. Two kids-sized clubs and two balls, plus three tracks to make things more fun, and it all fits inside a handy travel bag. Ages 3-7. $34.99. Available locally at Classic Toys and Over the Rainbow or visit plantoys.com.

Take dodgeball to the next level with Dodge Tag. This new twist on a classic game features air-mesh vests and six soft dodgeballs that stick to your opponents’ vests. Fun, safe and non-violent, the game helps kids learn hand-eye coordination, timing and encourages active play. Ages 5+. $19.99. Visit digginactive.com.

A new spin on the classic game of horseshoes, nearly all ages will enjoy hours of fun playing POOF Outdoor Games Star Toss. Each team tosses both stars at a stake and where they land determines how many points they get. Ages 6 and up. $24. Available locally at Cabela’s or visit alexbrands.com.

Design beautiful chalk drawings with the Outdoor Mandala Designer Kits! Choose from princess patterns, ocean and garden themes, fairy fun, animals and more. Just set the stencil on any paved surface, choose your chalk colors, and color the open spaces. Lift your stencil to reveal your custom masterpiece! For ages 5+. $24.99. Available locally at Classic Toys or visit ravensburger.us.

For exhilarating games of catch, nothing compares with the Aerobie Pro Flying Ring. The thin rubber edge makes catching easy and soft and you can actually play catch with a friend more than 100 yards away. Try catching with your arm or foot! Ages 12+. $12.99. Available at Over the Rainbow or visit aerobie.com.

Have a wet and wild time on the H2OGO! Water Slide. Includes a cushioned landing, splash take off and extra-long surface area. Just connect a garden hose and GO! Ages 5-12. $10. Available at Walmart or visit h2ogoslides.com.

Watch your garden grow and flourish with the help of your little one and this adorable Pretty Petals Watering Can. It works just like the real-deal, so they’ll truly feel like they’re lending a helping hand. Ages 36 months-6 years. $13. Visit melissaanddoug.com.

This 3-Piece Garden Tool Set contains everything a young gardener needs for hours of fun in the sun. These functional, high-quality hand tools are designed for outdoor play time, or working alongside mom and dad in the garden. This set includes a trowel, rake and shovel. Each tool is constructed of metal, with a durable hardwood handle. Ages 5 years and up. $8. Visit toysmith.com.

More Hot Stuff...

Schylling Binoculars come with an adjustable strap, carrying case and lens cloth, just like the adults. A rubberized body and smaller size means it’s just right for little adventurers. 4x30mm magnification. Ages 6+. Available at Classic Toys. $11.99. schylling.com

Put a cool twist on the typical summer sprinkler with the Hydro Swirl. The wiggly wands whirl as the base spins, spraying water in every direction for a wet and wild time. Ages 3+. $13. For a list of local retailers, visit primetimetoys.com.

Djubi Classic is a new spin on the game of catch. Launch the Djubi from the hook and send it sailing over 100 feet, then catch it easily with the net. Djubis float so they make great toys for the lake. Ages 8+. $24.99. For local retailers, visit djubi.com.

Boochie is a whole new ball game. A different challenge every round means you might be kicking, bowling, or tossing behind your back, between your legs, or with your eyes closed. Challenging and fun for the whole family. 2-4 players. Ages 8+. $26. For a list of local retailers, including Classic Toys and Over the Rainbow Toys, visit gamewright.com.

With Big Time Toys Sumo Bumper Boppers, the kids are sure to make the most of the yard. Bump your opponent out of the circle to win! Ages 4+. Available locally at Classic Toys and Over the Rainbow Toys. $14.99. bigtimetoys.com

The Kidoozie Hope and Squeak Pogo Jumper will get kids active with the unique pogo design and fun squeaking sound. Designed with comfort and safety in mind, fully height adjustable, and a 250-pound weight limit means even adults can bounce around. Ages 3+. $14.95. For a list of local retailers, visit fatbraintoys.com.

Add a little fun and friendly competition to any outdoor gathering with Cabela’s Zonz Washer Toss Game. When it’s time to go, the boxes fold right up and convenient carry handles make it easy to pack home. Felt lined to reduce noise for both indoor and outdoor use. Ages 8+. Available at Cabela’s. $35.99. cabelas.com

The Blast Pad Advanced Missile Launch System will provide hours of high-flying fun. With safety in mind, missiles will only launch vertically, and the blast pad extends almost 3 feet away from the launch pad. Ages 8+. Available locally at Over the Rainbow Toys and Just Imagine Toys. $19.99. markysparkytoys.com

Poof’s Pop Fly will keep kids entertained in the backyard for hours. Throw your beanbag at the target to launch a ball into the air. Catch the most balls to win! Ages $5+. Around $35. For a list of local retailers, visit alexbrands.com.

Get some help in the garden this summer with the Giddy Buggy Tote Set. This kid-friendly tote comes complete with tools that are just the right size for your little helper. Ages 3+. $13.99. For a list of local retailers, visit melissaanddoug.com.

BeamO Junior is still a giant with its 20” diameter. Soft and easy to control, send this giant hoop flying up to 150 feet. Use it just about anywhere, including in the water. Hose it off for easy clean up. Ages 3+. Available locally at Classic Toys. $16.99. beamo.com.

Bring the adventure home with Slackers 90’ Eagle Series Zipline. Enhance strength, athletic skills, and balance, and have the coolest backyard in the neighborhood. Seat included. Set up can be completed in 30 minutes. Ages 8+. Available locally at Classic Toys. $169.99. slackersline.com.

The Big View Bug Jar has a 3.5x magnifying lens lets you get up close and personal with the crawly critters the kids are sure to find this summer. Air vents and a cap means the bugs stay safe and secure. Ages 3-6. Available locally at Over the Rainbow Toys. $5.99. learningresources.com

Crayola Neon 3D Washable Sidewalk Chalk gets kids excited about exploring their creative side. Vivid colors look even brighter in the sun, and 3D glasses make the artwork come alive. Ages 4+. $4.99. For a list of local retailers, visit crayola.com.

Make your beach memories last a lifetime with the Beach Memories Sand-Casting Kit. Collect your treasures and turn them into art in only 20 minutes with the included plaster. Ages 5+. $9.99. For a list of local retailers, visit melissaanddoug.com.

Camo Chameleon Bean Bag Toss not only provides the fun and excitement of a bean bag toss, but can also help teach hand-eye coordination, number recognition, and counting skills. Can be used indoors or out, and folds flat for easy storage. Ages 4+. Available at all major retailers. $12.99. melissaanddoug.com

The Wham-O Mini Frisbee Golf set will entertain the entire family. Great for large gatherings, birthday parties, or even for practice, this mini-set is the right size for kids, but discs fly straight and true for those who take Disc Golf a little more seriously. Ages 5+. Available at Classic Toys. $33.25. wham-o.com

Jura Toys Balance Bike is a wooden balance bike ideal for helping children learn how to maintain balance. Includes a height adjustable seat for a perfect fit. Ages 2+. Available locally at Classic Toys. $99.99. janod.com

This Little Red Wheelbarrow will add to the gardening excitement. With its metal construction, easy grip handles, wide base, and rubber wheel, this pint-sized barrow can actually move one cubic foot of dirt. Ages 3-6. Available locally at Over the Rainbow Toys. $39.99. toysmith.com