12 fun outdoor toys for toddlers, including kiddie pools, water tables, scooters, and tricycles

This whimsical kiddie pool features built-in entertainment with jungle animals, balls, ring toss, a water sprayer, and a small slide. "If you are looking to keep kids more occupied, look for options that incorporate sprinklers, mini slides, ball hoops, and more. Intex, for example, incorporates these features while bringing the same level of durability seen in its large-scale above-ground pools," Appell said. This pool has all that and more, effectively creating an exciting mini waterpark for toddlers.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

Budding sports fanatics will enjoy this mini T-ball set for toddlers. It comes with an adjustable height T, an oversized bat, and two balls. The base is designed to hang on the wall holding all the materials, making for easy storage. This set is a wonderful outdoor toy that kids can play with on their own, or you can use it to start teaching them how to play a real game of baseball. My toddler occupies herself with this set for quite a while, hitting the ball, chasing it, and placing it back on the T.

Recommended ages: 18 months and up

Not only does this garden set engage kids in pretend play, it also helps them develop their motor skills. "Young children love to be helpers and mimic what their parents are doing. The garden set gives them that opportunity with lots of things to do. ... The wheelbarrow can be used in imaginative ways, such as a cart for stuffed animals," said Scott said. The set comes with a working wheelbarrow, working sprinkler, fabric shade, pretend plants, a removable tray, and garden tools.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

This play set provides a safe and appropriate place for toddlers to work on their gross motor skills. Since it's designed for toddlers, it's not too high at 18 inches, and the slide is just long enough for small kids to enjoy. Kids also enjoy crawling through the bottom and creating their own little hideout. Schacht and Leahey both recommend the Hide and Seek Climber. "This is perfect for toddlers who want to do all the big-kid stuff at the playground because it gives little ones age-appropriate experiences, such as a beginner rock wall and a gentle-slope slide. All of these activities help promote coordination and balance through the play," Leahey said.

Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years old

Toddlers love to imitate adults, so they'll enjoy pushing this mower that blows bubbles as they walk. You won't need any batteries — your child's pushing does all the work, and it even makes lifelike sounds so they really feel like they are mowing the grass. This toy is designed to prevent frustration; it works on various surfaces, including grass, sidewalks, and driveways, and the lightweight handle prevents tipping.

Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years old

This tricycle has all the features you could ask for: a covered storage bin, a push bar for parents, and an adjustable seat to grow with your child. This tricycle is safe for children up to 49 pounds. Appell recommends the Radio Flyer tricycle. "Some of our favorite options are also ones that grow with a child and incorporate a parent push function, which is equally great for those living in urban environments when the tricycle is truly a mode of transportation," she said.

Recommended ages: 9 months to 5 years old

Water tables are excellent toys for toddlers. They provide a fun sensory experience and encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills. Recommended Leahy, the Summer Showers Splash Tower is a two-tiered water table complete with maze pieces, side flippers, a shower feature, and other accessories. The built-in features and accessories provide just enough inspiration to get toddlers started in their play. This water table holds up to 4 gallons of water and has room for multiple kids with 360-degree play. That the water tower is almost as tall as them is undoubtedly one of the most exciting features.

Recommended ages: 18 months and up

Shulman recommends playhouses in general. "There is no better 'outdoor toy' than some kind of small structure that kids can use as a clubhouse, hideout, or makeshift pirate ship. All you need to do is provide the space and let their creativity turn it into anything they can imagine," she said. This little playhouse will help your toddler become engage in imaginative play as they create their own world. Features include working doors and shutters, a mail slot, and a flag holder. The house is lightweight, so it's easy to move to different parts of your yard or even into a garage or shed when your child isn't playing with it.

Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years old

Kickballs are a hit with toddlers. This one is small enough for toddler hands to hold and soft enough that it doesn't hurt if she misses a catch or falls on one. It bounces easily, and while they're lightweight, it's heavy enough to get some real movement from kicking and throwing.

Recommended ages: 2 years and up

Available in blue or pink, this push car will have your toddler feeling and looking like top dog in the neighborhood. It includes a cup holder for parents, a cup and snack holder for kids, and storage under the hood. It also features a steering wheel and horn so they'll feel like they're driving. Of course, your child's safety is important too: There's even a working seatbelt. Appell recommends this push car and kids can role play what they see their parents do.

Recommended ages: 18 months to 4 years old

Here at Insider Reviews, we love this sandbox so much, we named it the best sandbox. It's perfect for smaller yards, and the natural color won't clash with your outdoor decor. It holds 200 pounds of sand and has four seats for kids to sit on while they play. An included lid keeps sand and toys in while keeping unwanted critters out. If you're looking for something you can plop in your yard with no assembly required, this is the sandbox for you.

Recommended ages: 1 year and up

Micro's sturdy and durable scooters make it easy for toddlers to balance, and Appell recommends this model. "Toddlers need balance and extra support while learning to scoot," she said. "Three-wheeled scooters are what parents of toddlers need to look for, and there are some terrific options from companies like Micro." This scooter comes in multiple colors and offers three wheels for stability, an adjustable handlebar, and light-up wheels. It's safe for children up to 75 pounds.

Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years old