Summertime is the ideal time for outdoor playtime in The Woodlands! The days are longer and there's no school, so the fun can begin early in the day and stretch to the later hours of the evening. Take advantage of this special season by making sure your son has access to plenty of toys and activities to help prolong his time spent playing in the outdoors. Yep, I know... our summer months are SUPER HOT. But kids need to run around, sweat, get dirty, and get their Vitamin D. (Just be sure to supervise their playtime and keep them well hydrated.)
Here are some fun outdoor toys activities for boys who are 10 years old and below (affiliate links included):
1. Kiddie Pool - If you don't have a swimming pool at home, invest in one of the $20 inflatable pools you can find at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and of course Amazon. I bet your younger child loves to swim, kick, and splash, and hanging out in a pool is the optimum way to keep cool outside while still being active. Throw in some bathtub water toys for good measure. Even your big kids might appreciate a chance to swim around in a cheap, above-ground pool on a hot, sunny day.
2. Soccer Ball - Keep the good times rolling! Your son can get a lot of exercise and fun out of kicking around a soccer ball and practicing ball control. Create a makeshift goal or purchase a portable one from Amazon or Academy (~$20), and you'll have something to take with you to one of our parks that have a grassy field (Town Green Park, for example).
3. Foam Rockets with Launcher - Run, jump, launch! Stomp rockets are perfect for the backyard or outdoor play time at the park. Your son will have a blast launching foam rockets hundreds of feet into the sky through a simple stomping action. Our favorite Foam Rocket with Launcher
4. Little Tikes slide - Little Tikes and other manufacturers have beginner slides that are fun for toddlers and preschoolers and perfect for outdoor use without having to visit a park or playground. Find one made of hard, sturdy plastic and that's easy to fold for easy storage, and/or bring inside and set up in the living room when it's raining outside. Our favorite Little Tikes slide
5. Basketball Hoop - There's nothing like shooting hoops on a hot summer day, while Mom brings out a pitcher of cold lemonade! Your son can be active and have fun with an adjustable basketball hoop right at home. Find one with a stand and a fillable base for durability, and get ready for the neighborhood kids to ask to join in!
6. Water Slide - Slip & Slides are so much fun for kids of all ages, and they've come a long way since I was a kid! These days, you can purchase a 100 in. slide, connect it to the garden hose that turns the slide into a mini splashpad, and your child is likely to run, slide, and play for an hour or more.
7. Remote Control cars - Playing with R/C cars is a great way for your son to spend time outdoors doing something fun and skill-based. Create an obstacle course for the vehicle, and challenge your son to successfully navigate the course. Elevate the experience by buying R/C stunt cars that can tumble and dance.
8. Bug Explorer's Kit - Pair this with a backyard bug book, and your outdoorsy kid will spend plenty of time in the backyard hunting for creepy crawlies. A bug kit typically includes binoculars, a butterfly net, bug containers, tweezers, and more. Our favorite Bug Explorer's Kit
9. Wooden slingshot - Knock things down? Well, of course! Classic toys like slingshots are great for pulling out this time of year. For safety, find one that shoots soft foam balls so your son can practice his aim. Our favorite Wooden Slingshot
10. Sand and Water Table - It's an ideal outdoor activity for two and three year olds. Little hands can't resist an eye-level play table full of kinetic sand, water, scoops, bowls, cups, and sand-molding toys. You probably won't have to buy a brand new sand & water table. Check with neighbors or the classifieds (Facebook Marketplace is my go-to) to find one second-hand.
11. Game Sets - If your son has a buddy over for playtime, outdoor game sets are sure to keep the duo occupied. Think board games, giant Jenga, bean bag toss (you can make these with a mop bucket and beanbags), frisbees, and more.
12. Giant Bubble Wand - Even older kids (and adults) enjoy bubbles, and in my opinion, the bigger the better. Purchase a giant bubble wand kit so your son can make huge bubbles.
13. Tent or Teepee - Does he love to camp? Set up a tent in the backyard and watch his imagination soar! An outdoor tent is like a fort or retreat for your son to play with action figures, read books, or even (gasp!) play Roblox on the iPad.
14. Ninja Kit - If you have large trees in your backyard, a Ninja kit for your son is a must!! The best kits will have everything you need to create a backyard obstacle course with rings, swings, climbing ropes, and more for many hours of playtime and challenges that the entire family - and especially your little Ninja warrior - might enjoy. Our favorite Ninja Kit
15. Plasma Car - Your little one can zip, zoom, and cruise along without pedals, gears, or batteries on his own plasma car. We love plasma cars for paved outdoor spaces, and they're especially fun if your house is located in a cul-de-sac. The best part about buying a plasma car for your kiddo is that you (yes, grown-ups) can use them too! Our favorite Plasma Car
16. Bikes, big wheels, and more. Toys that GO are perfect for summer activity. Make sure he has a well-maintained bicycle to hit the bike trails. Big Wheels, 3-wheelers, and balance bikes are ideal for preschoolers and younger boys who are still learning to pedal.
