Best for young kids
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Best outdoor gifts for kids by age (2024)
Gift ideas to get your kids outside and off screens.
Ali Y.
Editor-in-chief
Some days parenting feels like one big negotiation to get my kids off screens. On top of feeling like they are burning holes in their eyes, there is so much research that shows regular physical activity improves bone health and helps maintain a healthy weight in young children. And I don’t think staring at a tablet counts.
This is where outdoor toys come in. Presents like stomp rockets and big wheels make fantastic outdoor gifts for kids and can keep them moving those muscles for hours on end. So, give them the gift of outdoor fun and watch them sleep like babies after an active day.
How we selected top outdoor gifts
First, we divided children into different age groups. Then we selected top outdoor gifts based on the following criteria:
- Overall kid appeal
- Potential for long outdoor playtime
- Potential for repeat use (vs one-and-done)
Here are the top picks and detailed gift guides for each age group.
Top outdoor gifts for kids by age group
Best outdoor gifts for toddlers
Encourage active playtime and help develop cognitive and motor skills.
See all outdoor gifts for toddlers ▶
Best outdoor gifts for 3 to 5-year-olds
Foster communication and fine motor skills with outdoor toys.
See all gifts for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds ▶
Best outdoor gifts for 6 to 8-years-olds
Promote independent play and skill development.
See all gifts for 6, 7, and 8-year-olds ▶
Best outdoor gifts for 10 to 12-year-olds
Encourage fun activities with a social component for pre-teens.
See all gifts for 10, 11, and 12-year-olds ▶
Best outdoor gifts for summer months
Make a big splash and catch a break from the heat.
See all outdoor gifts for the summer ▶
Best outdoor gifts for winter months
If they’re having fun, they won’t notice the cold.
See all outdoor gifts for the winter ▶
Top gifts for outdoorsy kids
1. Portable hammock
I’ve never met a child who doesn’t LOVE a hammock. What makes this one different is that it’s lightweight, easy to pack, and equally easy to set up. Whether you’re packing it for a hike, going camping, or simply setting it up in the backyard (we’ve used it all three ways), a portable hammock is one outdoor gift your kid will never get tired of.
2. Camping set
You may be craving a night under the stars, but that’s not always feasible. Nurture your kids’ love of the outdoors with a camping set that lets them get a taste of the real deal. They can set up a tent, build a campfire, and prepare pretend camp food. This is one of our top outdoor gifts for kids ages 3 to 5.
Meland Kids Camping Set with Tent, Campfire, and Camping Toys
Buy on Amazon
$36.99
03/15/2024 03:07 am GMT
3. National Geographic Bug Catcher Kit
Turn your backyard or hike into an expedition with this bug catcher kit that’s tailor-made for kids who love spending time outdoors. Foster a lifelong love for the natural world as your child explores, observes, and learns about the incredible diversity of insects.
National Geographic Bug Catcher Kit with Magnifier, Bug Catcher, Tweezers
Buy on Amazon
$19.99
03/15/2024 03:12 am GMT
4. Slackline
Love being around trees? Turn wooded areas into an adventureland with a slackline. The included overhead training line offers a secure starting point, allowing kids to progress at their own pace among the trees.
Complete Slackline Kit with 60 ft Slackline, Overhead Training Line, Tree Protectors
Buy on Amazon
$52.87
03/14/2024 04:37 am GMT
5. Fishing rod and reel kit with tackle box
This all-in-one fishing rod and reel combo, complete with a tackle box and travel carry bag, is designed for ages 3-15, and offers a perfect introduction to the thrill of angling. Foster a love for nature and create lasting memories as they cast their first lines and reel in their first fish.
ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole & Starter Kit
Buy on Amazon
$29.99
Includes Tackle Box, Reel, Practice Plug, Beginner's Guide, and Travel Bag
03/14/2024 02:28 am GMT
6. Ferro Rod
Ignite the flame of adventure in your young outdoor enthusiast with a ferro rod—the perfect gift for kids who love spending time camping, hiking, and exploring. This compact and durable fire-starting tool empowers children to learn essential survival skills, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection to nature. Requires adult supervision.
Summertime outdoor gift ideas for kids
Water blasters
Forget the dinky water guns from your childhood. With a rapid 1-second refill, large 1000 ml water capacity, and a pump-action mechanism shooting water up to 34 feet, this water blaster guarantees endless outdoor fun, making it a perfect and exciting way to keep kids active during the summer months.
Little splash pad
If you have a little one, a small splash pad may just be the perfect summer gift for your toddler. Created by parents, this innovative water splash pad features an educational mat for refreshing play.
Picnic set
As your kids emerge out of the baby years, their brains are primed for imaginative play. A picnic set is an ideal gift for fostering pretend play and role playing—and can keep your kiddos outside and entertained for hours on end.
Bounce houses
When you hear “bounce house,” you may be thinking of those giant inflatables people rent for birthdays and special events. Why not bring a smaller piece of that excitement home to supply ongoing outdoor entertainment? The right gift will depend on your child’s age, space requirements, and budget.
Best for young kids
Best for ages 3+
Best for maximum fun
Wintertime outdoor gift ideas for kids
Toddler sled
It’s never too early to instill a love of winter outdoor fun in your kids. This toddler sled is the perfect outdoor gift idea for young kids to get their first taste of “winter sports.” Its 3-point harness provides excellent support and stability for peace of mind.
Snow tubes
If you live in a part of the country where it snows, you can’t beat a snow tube as an outdoor gift idea for Christmas. As a parent who has gone through 10 or so hard plastic sleds, I am now solidly in the snow tube camp. These inflatable snow tubes/sleds are made of thick PVC material that makes them cold- and tear-resistant.
Inflatable Snow Tubes, 3-Pack, Heavy Duty Hard Bottom, Handles
Buy on Amazon
$35.99
03/14/2024 09:38 am GMT
Snowball maker
Every parent knows a more expensive gift doesn’t mean a more entertaining one. Put the snowball maker in that category of outdoor gifts for kids that, dollar for dollar, deliver amazing value. I purchased this three-pack while writing this article and my kids ABSOLUTELY loved it. It makes perfectly round snowballs for the most amazing snowball fights.
Snow mold
I picked up one of these years ago at a local store. No special occasion—just an impulse purchase. It’s easily one of the best bangs for outdoor entertainment buck I can think of. We’ve built igloos and snow castles for hours. Just a fantastic winter outdoor gift for under $10.
