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The best outdoor toys and games for kids this summer
Keep the kids entertained with these expert recommendations.
With hot weather on the horizon and the schools taking a break for summer, it's a given that families will be spending a lot more time in the garden.
Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes feel like a tricky task; and it doesn't always come cheap, either. However, encouraging children to play in the garden is a great way to make sure they have fun and see the outdoors — and it can be a much more cost-efficient way to keep them happy — too.
If you're looking to treat your kids to some new outdoor toys or games to play with in the garden, it can be hard to know what to shop for. Toy shops and online retailers are filled to the brim with all kinds of toy offerings, but which ones are actually worth it?
In a quest to find the best outdoor toys for kids to play with this summer, Good Housekeeping spoke to Dr. Amanda Gummer, a child research psychologist and play expert, to find the best outdoor toys and games for the summer. She also shared some insight into why summer is a great time for kids to enjoy playing outside — and why this is so important. "Getting outdoors is a critical part of a child’s upbringing as they learn to master physical skills through the exploration of the outside world which will in turn develop their education and skills including social competence, problem-solving, creative thinking, and imaginative play," Dr. Amanda explains.
"I love the freedom of expression that playing outside can bring as it encourages many different types of play and therefore appeals to many children. Youngsters that prefer to be physically active will enjoy simple games as hide and seek, but activities such as rock collecting, insect spotting are easy to do – however much time or resource parents have."
Below, Dr. Amanda shares some of her favourite outdoors toys — all of which are recommended by The Good Toy Guide. We've also selected some picks from our Good Housekeeping experts, to help you find the best outdoor toys that any child will love playing with this summer...
"The Seekers Scavenger Hunt start kit is a magnetic, waterproof board with 12 reversible ‘Nature Trail’ magnets ideal for a general outdoor scavenger hunt," says Dr. Amanda. "It’s a sociable game, encouraging children to work together and take turns. It’s also great for encouraging observation skills and can be enjoyed whatever the weather."
"Molkky is a great, all round, wooden skittles game, perfect for a family gathering as youngsters and the older generation can play alongside each other," says Dr. Amanda. "Little ones will love knocking down the skittles in a fun, interactive way whilst building on numeracy and counting skills. It’s made from sturdy materials and anyone making steps to sustainability will love its more eco-friendly credentials."
"Kids will need some space to play with this, unless you have understanding neighbours who are happy to throw the foam missiles back over the fence when they land in their garden, but a stomp rocket will provide hours of fun over the school holidays," says Good Housekeeping's Consumer Affairs Director, Emilie Martin. "The concept is really simple: place the foam rocket on the launcher, then stomp or jump on the pump and watch the rocket soar. Children can compete to see who can get the missiles the highest, or who can catch them as they fall - or you can angle the launcher away from you along the ground for a distance challenge. Plus, it's super easy to assemble, and small enough and lightweight enough to stash in a picnic bag for fun on the go."
Barbie Barbie Doll, 11.5-Inch Blonde, Pool Playset with Slide and Accessories, Gift for 3 to 7 Year Olds, GHL91
A doll that can be played with inside and outside, Barbie will provide plenty of fun with this outdoor-inspired Pool Playset! "Barbie really is the doll of the moment," says Good Housekeeping's Digital Deputy Editor, Susanne Norris. "And, once summer is over, kids can enjoy playing with Barbie inside, too."
"Little ones will love exploring the fabulous properties of sand and water with the many different features of the CAT play table," says Dr. Amanda. "Stimulating the senses and aiding cognitive development, children love pouring water and picking up sand in the digger. Moving and mixing materials from one place to another is fantastic for imaginative play and developing creative skills - keeping them entertained for hours."
"Designed in a way that makes it easier to make long passes, this adds a new twist to the traditional game of throw and catch," explains Emilie. "It also whistles as it flies through the air for an extra element of fun. It's easy enough to carry with you when you're out and about or even pack in your luggage if you're going on holiday. A great toy for the beach!"
PASS THE PIGS PASS THE PIGS Giant Dice Game
"Pass the Pigs has long been a favourite game amongst my friends and family — and this giant version is perfect for playing in the garden," says Susanne. "It's suitable for ages 7+ — so I love playing it with the younger members of my family."
Swingball Early Fun All Surface Swingball
You can never go wrong with a nostalgic outdoor toy! Swingball is a favourite outdoor game for Good Housekeeping's Assistant Digital Editor, Bethan-Rose Jenkins. "I spent my childhood summers caravanning around all over the United Kingdom and my sister and I passed many happy hours entertaining ourselves either alone or together with our Swingball set," she reminisces.
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