Outdoor Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Encourage active play with safe, fun, preschool outdoor toys.

Fisher-Price's Shake 'n Go line expands to include stunt planes and fighter jets with these new Flyers. Just shake the plane on its base, then launch it in to the air; planes can fly up to 20 feet. It all depends on how hard you shake, so get jiggling!

Push this cute truck to the sandbox and presto—your tools are at the ready, with a built-in bucket, shovel, and rake. Plus, like other toys in the Sprig Hollow line, the truck comes with seed-infused paper flowers that kids can really plant.

Young children can easily get frustrated when they dip and dip and dip their bubble wand and still can’t form any bubbles. The Blitzer continuously coats the wand with liquid so kids can easily blow thousands of bubbles—and that means thousands of opportunities to run and chase those floating orbs. If your child is a Nascar® fan, try a Bubble Racer (compare prices), continuous bubble-blowing race cars featuring superstar drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Jeff Gordon.

Get ready to race: Slide the sandbox's cover up and over to create a racetrack that works with water, rocks, or your kids' favorite wheeled vehicles. The set includes a crane, two bridges, a tunnel, a dam, a ramp, a bucket, a shovel, and two vehicles. A similar (and less expensive) set for lovers of things that go is Step2's Sand and Water Transportation Station (compare prices).

If you prefer a sandbox without legs, how about one that includes hidden coins and a map molded to the bottom, underneath the sand? This treasure chest sandbox encourages kids to dig deep to find coins and jewels. It also comes with a lid to keep undesirables out (I know you know what I mean).

If your preschooler is eyeing his big brother's inline skates, consider getting him his own starter set. These Bravo Sports adjustable, over-the-shoe roller skates come in Diego, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Barbie versions. Protective gear is a must!

This cute push toy is quickly becoming a backyard classic. Both boys and girls love to pretend to cut the grass, fill their mower with gas, and turn its clicking key. You won't believe how much ground your junior landscaper will cover as she pushes this mower just like Mom and Dad do.

This clever ball is ideal for young children who are just learning how to throw and catch. It's soft, so it doesn't hurt when it bounces off an uncoordinated hand (or head). The X shape helps make it easier for kids to clutch and catch, instead of slipping through their grasp.

Stomp, stomp! Kids love to leave tracks, and these footprint-makers create some impressive ones. Little ones can wear them barefoot or strap them over shoes and leave their marks on sand or mud (it's probably a good idea to keep them away from wet cement). Also available in webbed duck feet.