18 Best Outdoor Toys for 3 Year Olds 2023 – Healthy Growth of a Child

Three years old is an age where kids start their imaginative journey through pretend play. This does not only limit to toys that can be played indoors; having the best outdoor toys for 3 year olds is also essential for the healthy growth of a child. They must get their daily exercise to develop their muscles. Playing in the yard or the park is an excellent way to get them going, especially during the summer.

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There are many good outdoor toys for kids in the market. Picking the best ones could be tricky but not impossible. Here I have product reviews that can give you a general idea of some of the popular toys being sold.

Comparison Table:

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Then in the next section, there is a buying guide where you can read about the factors that you should consider when purchasing outdoor gifts for 3-year-olds. So, let’s start.

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Top Picks Outdoor Toy for 3 Year Olds

1. Duckura Outdoor Jump Rocket Launcher

Most kids like watching things fly or set things in the air. This kind of fun game could be improved and made more fun with the right kind of toy. That is why I want you to take a look at this jump rocket launcher.

This air rocket brings loads of fun for your kids and their friends. It is a good science kit that stimulates kids’ interest and imagination. This STEM toy is not only entertaining but also educational, teaching children how the rocket works.

This rocket is a one fits all launcher because you can adjust it to your liking. Depending on your preference, it can be adjusted to shoot straight up or to the side. It is easy to use as just simply run and jump on the launch pad then you can see the foam rocket blast off in the air.

The set comes with six foam rockets, a launchpad with four brackets, an air pump, and an air hose. Everything can be assembled effortlessly; even kids can do it on their own. Kids can set it up in the backyard or playground and challenge their playmates to see who can launch it higher or further.

Since the rockets are made of soft foam, it is safe for kids to use. There are no dangerous edges that can accidentally scratch them while playing. However, there is a minor issue that I want to point out. The fins of the rocket came off after only several play sessions. It is also easy to get them bent, but other than that, everything is good about this toy.
Pros
  • Stimulates kids’ imagination
  • Can be adjusted
  • Easy to assemble
  • Safe for kids to use
Cons
  • The fins come off the rocket
Despite one minor issue, it doesn’t affect this launcher since it can still blast off quite well. You should consider getting this product for your three-year-old.

2. Little Tikes 642753 T-Ball Set

If you want your kids to enjoy sports as much as you do, start giving them entertaining and fun ball toys. These backyard toys for 3-year-olds are a great stepping stone for an active lifestyle as they grow older.

This ball set is a suitable baseball toy for toddlers, ideal for indoor and outdoor play for your children to learn sports. This will get them excited to play with any ball game and encourage them to play sports.

Moreover, it helps in developing skills including motor and hand-eye coordination. In detail, the kit comes with five plastic tee balls and an oversized plastic baseball bat. There are no complicated instructions on how to play with this toy. All there is to do is swing, bat, and hit the ball with the bat. Kids can practice and broaden their batting skills. It is also a good play pretend toy where they can put on an act of hitting the ball and hearing the crowd’s cheer after.

This toy set is seen as an adaptable toy as it features an adjustable height “T”. This adjustable height makes it ideal for toddlers of all ages. On the other hand, we can conveniently store this toy since it is constructed with a unique hang-on-wall design, and you can simply suspend it by the wall.

There is just a small problem with this toy. The balls are a bit heavier for a child than we expected since they are made of hard plastic. But I guess it needs to be that heavy so it can stay on top of the stand.
Pros
  • Ideal for both outdoor and indoor
  • Has an adjustable T height
  • Helps develop essential skills
  • Easy to use
  • Convenient to store
Cons
  • The balls are heavier than expected
After careful consideration, there are many useful features and benefits with this toy. The con is not that big to affect the functionality of the product. Hence, you should give this T-ball set a try.

3. iPlay iLearn Golf Toys Set

Want to share your love for gold with your kid? Get them a good golf set that is right for their age. It could be a fun outdoor toy for 3-year-olds that will get them engaged and interested.

This training golf set is made especially for toddlers. It is a new version that features an iron club head joint that made it sturdier and break-resistant. You can expect this toy set to last for a long time as it is made well-built with high-quality materials.

The set includes 15 balls, a club, three club heads, and a ball-to-tee trainer. It is a type of toy that can enhance different essential skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This also strengthens the limb muscles and enhances children’s judgment and observation. Furthermore, this golf set gives them hours of fun and excitement that they couldn’t find in any other toy.

This playset offers an entertaining parent-child activity where you can bond with your young one. It encourages emotional exchange with your kid and makes your relationship stronger. So if you are looking for a good toy that you can play with your kid, you can consider getting this.

You can rest assured that this product is safe for kids to use and play with. It is made of harmless materials since safety is the top priority for any toy for kids. Moreover, the pieces are easy to install with an illustrated guide: no frustration, only pure fun and learning.

However, I have a minor problem that I want to point out about this product. If your kid is a leftie, they will find this one a challenge. The handle is only designed for right-handed people, so those leftie kids cannot play with this at all.
Pros
  • Enhances different skills
  • Great as a parent-child activity
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Leftie children will find this a challenge
It is a fantastic ball set that your kid can play indoor or outdoor. Just be informed that if your kid is a leftie, this won’t provide them as much fun compared to other right-handed kids.

4. Toyk A360 Water Doodle Mat

If your 3-year-old loves doodling and drawing on paper or on any surface they see, you might want to get them a bigger canvas. Opt for one that is easy to set up and fold after each play.

This multicolor drawing mat is complete with magic pens. Specifically, the set comes with an ocean patterned large mat, drawing molds, drawing book, magic pens, drawing templates, jigsaw puzzle, and a bag. Everything kids need for a fun doodling time is here.

Furthermore, the mat can be easily folded into a compact size and stored in the bag that is included in the kit. You can also effortlessly bring it anywhere, either indoor or outdoor, even when traveling.

The backside of the mat is made of water-resistant material that is easy to clean. There is no need to worry about the mess; if there’s any, it’ll be easy to clean up. Besides, it is designed to be safe to use for kids and nature. No toxic materials, ink, paint, used, plus it is non-polluting.

The magic pens can be filled with clean water so it can be reused many times. Depending on the airflow and temperature, the pen’s traces will magically disappear around three to ten minutes after. You do not need to manually clear the canvas and your kids can doodle on a clean canvas again and again.

Besides being a fun outdoor toy, it helps develop many essential skills that benefit in growing toddlers. However, there is a small drawback that I noticed when we received the package. The actual product is smaller than what we have pictured based on the illustration; hence, it would be best to check the dimensions. But it is still large enough for several kids to use at the same time.
Pros
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Non-toxic and safe to use
  • Reusable pens
  • Helps develop important skills
Cons
  • The size is smaller than in the photos
To sum up, I can say that this is a fantastic toy to have. You can seriously think about getting this one.

5. Toysmith 1381 Multi Voice Changer Tech Gear

Do you have a little one that is always amazing by technology? If yes, you should not hesitate to go for this multi-voice changer. This good tech toy is child-friendly and educational.

This voice changer offers fun experimenting with science and sound. The electronic voice synthesizer is packed with unique features. It can keep children occupied for long hours playing with this.

One of the main features of this tech toy is amplifying your voices. It has ten different voice modifiers that can create several combinations using the side lever that adjusts the amplitude and frequency. There are many fun play possibilities with this toy that can keep them active, including arts, crafts, discovery, and nostalgic retro.

Furthermore, this inventive outdoor toy has colorful flashing LEDs for a more exciting experience. It needs a 9-volt battery to work, which is already included in the set. Children can get started with this product right out of the box, which is excellent for eager kids.

This is also a fantastic toy that is appropriate for all age groups. Parents can play with their kids and foster a stronger bond. However, there is just a minor issue that I want to raise. With continuous use of this voice changer, it gets annoying for adults. It is better if the children play outdoors in the open instead of inside, but as long as the kids are enjoying themselves, it is a small price to pay.
Pros
  • Encourages science experimentation
  • Has many different sound combinations
  • Features colorful flashing LEDs
  • Comes with a 9-volt battery
Cons
  • It can get annoying for adults
Overall, it is a unique and exciting toy that could grab any kids’ attention. Some parents might find the noise annoying at times.

6. RaboSky KBT-001 Bean Bag Toss Game Toy

Many 3-year-olds like tossing things around and playing catch. To avoid them playing with just whatever they see and getting hurt, it is best to get them the right outdoor toys for preschoolers.

We found these beanbags set with many fantastic features. It is an educational toy that can bring an immense amount of joy to toddlers. By playing with this, kids can develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, counting skills, and number recognition. They are not only having fun but also learning at the same time. Hence, this is suitable for kids ages three to five years old and everyone in the family.

It is ideal for indoor and outdoor, either on the beach, lawn, backyard or in the living room. Children can have an exciting time with it anywhere. This toy is specially designed for children. The holes are optimized to fit the bean bags, which come in the appropriate size and weight. Furthermore, it is easy to use and set up in just a matter of seconds. But if you find yourself confused, there is no need to worry because it comes with a PDF instruction manual that will be sent to you after the purchase.

The kit comes with a lightweight and easy to fold portable handle bag as well. You can quickly bring it anywhere with ease and no hassle. It can be a source of fun and exciting playtime anytime. However, I find it challenging to fold the board with the hole. It would be best if you had time to figure out and master the folding. Once you’ve overcome this hurdle, everything will be perfect.
Pros
  • Designed especially for kids
  • Ideal for both indoor and outdoor
  • Helps develop vital skills
  • Portable and easy to store
Cons
  • It is a challenge to fold it flat
Even with the single con, this remains an excellent outdoor toy that you can purchase for your child.

7. THINKPEAK TOYS Binoculars for Kids

Is your little kid fond of exploring and looking at insects or birds flying in the distance? These binoculars are the best outdoor toys for a 3-year-old girl that they will surely love having. Getting these binoculars for kids is great for many things. It is equipped with many amazing features that can make any outdoor adventure more fun and exciting.

Since they are for children, you can rest assured that it is made with safety in mind. Specifically, it features shock-proof and anti-friction rubber coating technology. This absorbs shocks and prevents injuries ensuring that children are safe while they are using this product.

This binocular might be made for toddlers, but I found it functions just like an adult binocular. It is equipped with high-powered 8×12 magnification that provides a crisp and colorful image in high resolution. This way, they can fully enjoy the experience and even use it for real adventures like bird watching or as a part of hunting gear.

A toy must be easy to use, so kids don’t get disinterested when it doesn’t work on the first few tries. If you get your kids this toy, you do not need to worry about that because it is very intuitive and effortless to use. Kids can figure it out right away after taking a good look at it. Besides, it is designed with an ergonomic grip for comfortable use, even for long hours.

The compact size of this toy makes it portable and travel size. You can easily bring it anywhere you go. Children might need a little while to get used to this, especially those using their first binoculars.
Pros
  • Safe for kids to use
  • High-powered magnification
  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Compact and travel size
Cons
  • It might take a while to get used to
To sum it up, this is a high-quality and fantastic binocular for children. It can effectively send them outside for a fun adventure.

8. ESSENSON Outdoor Explorer Kit

When it comes to outdoor toys for 3-4-year-olds, you cannot leave out explorer sets. They are among the most popular options if you want your kid to set out and be one with nature.

Consider this explorer kit that contains everything a child needs for an exciting outdoor quest. It is perfect for camping and hiking, their own little travel bag with all the tools to make the adventure more fun.

All the tools included in this kit are what kids need for outdoor exploration. The set comes with 5x power magnification binoculars, butterfly net, tweezers, compass, magnifying glass, flashlights, bug containers, and a backpack to put all the tools in. It is a comprehensive kit that your child can bring anywhere, anytime.

Going through each device, each one plays a part in making the experience fun. The compass makes sure that they don’t get lost, while the binoculars will help them see nature more clearly. It is also a great way to teach kids the basics of direction and reading maps.

Children who like insects can now easily take a look at them closer. With the bug catcher and gather, they can easily catch the bugs without touching them. For those who are afraid of insects, it is an excellent exercise to get over their fear. To extend the adventure even when the sun is down, there is a hand-charged flashlight.

This toy supports STEM learning and encourages scientific exploration. It will boost their confidence and pique their interest. But there is just a small drawback that I have noticed while my child is playing with this kit. The handle of the net is too short for him, so its reach is not that long.
Pros
  • Come with the necessary tool for exploration
  • Ideal for adventure and exploration
  • Extended hours of fun
  • Supports STEM learning
Cons
  • The handle of the net is too short
There are many good things about this product; the single issue is drowned by it. You can consider getting this explorer kit for your little explorer.

9. DEERC Kids Camping Tent Set

When talking about the ideal outside toys for a 3-year-old boy, a camping activity is always mentioned. Other than being fun and entertaining, they can learn a lot of things from experience.

If you are going camping, you need to have a tent just like this one. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor adventure kits for kids. Every little explorer will appreciate having this camping kit for their pretend play.

For a growing kid, imitation play is significant. This toy offers children an opportunity to learn while having fun, from building a tent to using the compass and telescope. There is a lot to learn and teach with the help of the tools included in the set. It is also a good chance for parents to teach their young ones about camping and cooking.

This camping kit can help develop kids’ motor skills, cooperation, creativity, and communication. With the help of the pretend cooking set, it can encourage them to expand and learn about acting.

Because this is made especially for kids, it is designed to be safe to use. It is made from high-quality materials that are non-toxic and BPA-free. There are no sharp edges, and it is manufactured to be eco-friendly as well as durable. Moreover, the set is easy to set up and store in just a matter of minutes.

However, there is a drawback. Some pieces in the set are small and can cause a choking hazard. Parents or adults need to watch them play and guide them to prevent any accidents from happening.
Pros
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
  • Ideal for pretend play
  • Encourages learning
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to set up and store
Cons
  • Some pieces can cause a choking hazard
This fantastic toy is a perfect set toy for pretend play, and there are various play opportunities. Children will have a good time playing with this for long hours.

10. Zen Laboratory ZC-05 Inflatable Splash Pad

The best summer toys for 3-year-olds are those that can give them a splash of cool water under the hot sun. Parents can browse through creatively designed pools to beat the heat and provide a fun and educational time for kids.

Take a look at this amazing sprinkler for your backyard. It is ideal for the hot summer season, to beat the heat and have a fun time under the sun. This toy is suitable for children ages one to twelve years old.

Kids who love swimming will find this toy fascination. It is a good alternative for a pool with dangers that don’t sit well with parents. But with this outdoor splash pad, you can rest assured that children are safe. In detail, the pad is made of durable and thick materials that are phthalate-free and BPA-free. You can guarantee that its quality is uncompromised and can be used for a long time.

Every aspect of this toy is designed thoughtfully and crafted with care. The 68 inches come with custom sea creatures, such as starfish, turtles, clownfish, and jellyfish. Children can learn how to point out each one while having fun splashing in the water.

There are many fun and entertaining features in this product. The inflatable pad is adorned with cute illustrations that can surely attract kids attention. Besides, the fountain spray adds more opportunities for an enjoyable time on the pad.

However, there is a minor problem with this one. The pad is not easy to drain and takes time. You cannot skip the process of properly draining it unless you want molds to form.
Pros
  • An excellent alternative for a pool
  • Safe for kids to use
  • Made from durable and thick materials
  • Comes with entertaining features
Cons
  • Not easy to drain
Going over this toy, many positive points make it an excellent outdoor toy you can consider. It might be a challenge to drain but not impossible.

11. Betheaces Duel Rocket Launcher

Kids who love flying paper planes will like having a rocket launcher to play with. There are many options for this toy in the market; here are outside toys for a 3-year-old girl we reviewed.

It is an upgraded toy that is different from the usual single-player rocket launcher. To add, it has two duel bases that allow two kids to play simultaneously. This enhances the fun and competition that can be enjoyed by children.

No batteries are needed for this toy; all kids have to run and jump to launch the rocket. It is 100% child-powered and can soar at the height of up to 100 feet with the right timing and force. This is a challenge that will get them trying again and again.

The kit comes with six reusable and high-quality foam rockets made from premium materials; durable and stable plastic. It features a rotating storage design and four leg brackets that enable the launcher to adapt to an adjustable angle. This ensures the safety and fun factor of this toy and certifies that it will last for a long time.

Furthermore, the set is easy to assemble in just four steps. It can be used both indoor and outdoor; they can get their much-needed exercise anytime, anywhere. However, there is only a minor drawback. My younger child seems to have trouble launching the rocket higher compared to his older sibling. But I don’t think it’s a big problem for them since they still enjoy their time playing with it.
Pros
  • An upgraded duel rocket launcher
  • Can soar up to 100 feet
  • Made of high-quality materials
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Ideal for older toddlers
Overall, this is a good alternative if your kids are bored with the standard rocket launcher. For maximum fun and launching, this is ideal for older toddlers.

12. Franklin Sports 60165X Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set

For outdoor toys for a 3-year-old boy, your young one might be interested in any ball games. There are many toy options available in the market that they will surely appreciate having; and this soccer set is a good one for you to consider. It is a complete kit that comes with everything needed for a fun soccer game. Besides, it is a great way to introduce soccer to your little athlete.

The package comes with a foldable goal, a molded soccer ball, and an inflation pump with a needle found on the handle. It is the perfect practice set and introductory set for beginners.

When it comes to the assembly of this product, it is effortless. It is called an insta-set that is designed with foldable corner joints that can lock into place. This makes it easier to assemble and break down the goal set in just a matter of seconds. Moreover, the set’s portable functionality makes it easy to move the goal post or store it.

This outdoor toy can also be used indoors if you have enough space for it. Aside from being fun, it can help children learn and practice the fundamentals of the game. However, there is just a small drawback that I want to point out. The goal post appears to be smaller than what we expected but my children don’t seem to mind it at all.
Pros
  • Great for both indoor and outdoor
  • It comes with everything needed, a full set
  • Easy to assemble
  • Compact size
Cons
  • The goal is smaller than expected
After careful consideration, I can confidently recommend this soccer set to any parents who want their kids to be active. The goal might be smaller for some children, but it doesn’t affect the fun factor.

13. Anyshock Kids Tent

Spending time outdoors calls for a reliable and fun shade and it would be much better if you provide your little ones with an entertaining tent. Furthermore, it can also double as a play space in the backyard.

Take a look at this pop-up police car toy recommended for kids ages one to six years. This is an excellent way to enhance children’s imagination with many play opportunities his toy can offer.

It is packed with many amazing features, including see-through mesh windows that provide adequate ventilation. The water-resistant polyester fabric ensures a no mess and easy to clean walls and floor. Additionally, you can rest assured that it is safe and durable because it is held together by concealed galvanized steel wires.

The spacious interior gives enough room for your child to play in. It provides them with the privacy that they sometimes need, and it can also be their private home within a house for them. They can invite their friends and hang-out together.

This tent is lightweight; thus, it is portable to move from one place to another. Moreover, it can be folded effortlessly and can fit inside your bag. As for the assembly, it is easy to set up and break down. It comes in a completely assembled state and ready to use out of the box. When not in use, simply twist and fold back to the carry bag.

However, there is a minor drawback to this product. The wires seem to be weak, and toddlers shouldn’t lean on them. What we did is push the walls of the tent against a wall. It works well like that.
Pros
  • Offers an imaginative play
  • Comes with fantastic features
  • Has a large and spacious interior
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to set up and fold down
Cons
  • The wires are a bit weak
To sum it up, this is a fantastic play tent for kids. They can spend hours on it alone or with their friends.

What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Toys for 3 Year Olds

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For any entertaining outdoor play for 3-year-olds, it is crucial to consider some factors. This will either make or break the toy that you pick for them. The outdoor play toys for 3-year-olds you should think about buying should be fun and educational. To give you a more specific approach to this, there is a list of factors you should take note of if you want to buy the best outside toys for 3-year-olds.

1. Safety

Three-year-olds are quick to learn and copy things they see. It is vital to make sure that the toy you are giving them is safe to put into their mouths. Moreover, check for any loose parts that can cause a potential choking hazard. One way to make sure of this is by considering the age range written on the product description. Ensure that they are approved for toddlers and have passed necessary tests set by trusted organizations.

2. Engagement

While a toy may look attention-grabbing, it is equally necessary for it to be engaging. You don’t want to watch children play it for a couple of hours then get bored with it. The key to this one is to have enough challenge, several play opportunities, and can tickle their imaginations. It would also be great to use it for a long time and still get interested in it. You are saving money and time from looking for another toy to replace the one they had abandoned.

3. Motor Skills

What’s necessary when looking for an outdoor toy is whether they involve a lot of physical play. This is because we want to have our child do a lot of movement and exercise. The reason is that it helps develop their mobility and motor skills. Besides, it is also vital in improving their balance and hand-eye coordination.

4. Educational Value

Three years old is an age where children learn a lot of things, from walking and talking to sharing their feelings and developing skills. If you want an excellent outdoor toy, you should consider the educational value of each one. Does it encourage them to be creative? Develop their critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills? These should not be sacrificed over entertainment value.

5. Price Tag

Start by thinking about how much you are willing to spend on an outdoor toy. Remember that a high price tag is not equal to more enjoyment. While you might want to save money, don’t go for unreasonably cheap products. For a more reliable price range, go for outdoor toys sold by reputable outlets.

For some 3-year-olds sports toys questions, I have some answers to some of them below.

Which Toy is Appropriate for a 3 Year Old Child

Pretend-play toys are best for children around this age; it is the perfect time to enhance their imagination and creativity. This will also help them develop vital skills that they will need as they grow older. Some of the toys should be considered ones that can be played outside since kids also need physical play. For example, you can get balls of all sizes, tunnels where they can crawl through, and wheeled toys.

How Long Should a 3 Year Old Play Outside

For toddlers, they require at least three hours of physical activity every day for healthy growth. This activity should be spread throughout the day and could include running, dancing, or playing outside. Besides, the older they get, the more energetic playtime should be.

How Do I Keep My 3 Year Old Entertained

One of the things that a parent goes to when they need to entertain their child is toys. With the right kind of toy, you can keep them entertained for long hours throughout the day. But it should be not only fun but also educational.

Conclusion

Now, you have reached the end of this buying guide on the best outdoor toys for 3 year olds. I hope that after going through everything, you can now confidently set out to find an excellent outdoor toy for your child.

It is not an easy task, but what I have laid out here will surely make the process easier and more manageable for you. Do you have any 3-year-olds outdoor toys purchasing tips that helped you a lot? We’d love to hear about it, so comment below.

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