Children can explore nature by using their five senses-this practice is important because it supports mindfulness and emotional regulation practices.”Īs we mentioned above, kids who spend more time outdoors are found to be healthier both physically and mentally. playing outdoors sparks curiosity, creativity and imagination.

Newkam calls outdoor toys “an investment in your children’s overall development, particularly mental and physical health.” She went on to note that “Outdoor toys and equipment encourage children to be outside in the open air and sunlight. But really, anything can become an outdoor toy, as long as you’re willing to get it a little dirty and use some imagination. With all of that in mind, we included games on this list that are fun for the whole family, such as Twister Splash, Jenga Giant and the Toss & Catch Set. When kids are outside, there is more space for them to express themselves and test their physical limits.” While Russell noted that, “Any toy that invites others to play and builds teamwork and spirit is essential when choosing toys for outdoor games. Additionally, tap into the resourcefulness and imagination of family members to create playful activities everyone in the family can enjoy without leaving the backyard.” Newkwam says she “encourages families to invest in outdoor toys and games that the whole family can enjoy together. Which Toys Are Used For Playing Outdoor Games?ĭr. Whittaker explains that “one of the most important wonders of outdoor play is that it is open ended, meaning that it has no predetermined outcome.” This allows children to use their imagination and executive functioning skills in a way that feels comfortable and exciting for them. “When kids are outdoors, they are more likely to take risks, try new activities and build new friendships.” Suffice it to say, outdoor toys are ultimately a win-win for both parent and child. “Playing outdoors fosters self-confidence and builds healthy habits with active play,” adds Russell, a parenting development expert. Some more specific benefits include lower rates of depression and obesity, less anger and aggression and improved motor development. So I guess Mom was on to something when she kept shooing us outside.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Health圜 says that kids who get enough outdoor time are generally physically healthier, can better engage in learning, have more positive behavior and are mentally healthier. What Benefits Do Kids Get From Being Outside? This article is frequently updated and was most recently reviewed in May 2023. I included firsthand feedback if we had used the toy here on the team, but also pored over the reviews looking for customer insights into the sturdiest, most fun items. Contributor How We Chose The Best Outdoor ToysĪfter speaking with a play therapist, two developmental experts and mining our own backyards for inspiration, we curated this list of the best outdoor toys with the ideal options to appeal to a range of kids’ ages and stages.

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