Best outdoor toys and games for kids

Not sure what toys to get your kids this summer? We did your homework for you! Check out our top 10 picks.

If you want to see these toys in action, check out our Editor-in-Chief Sasha Emmons on Daytime Toronto giving them a spin.

Who wants to play with a boring old Frisbee when you can play with the flying disk that holds the world record for longest throw? This small and super-light ring packs easily—just make sure you've got plenty of space to let it fly.



Where to buy?
Aerobie, $12, mastermindtoys.com

If you've ever known the hell of filling a bucket with water balloons using just a hose, you'll instantly appreciate the genius of this pump. Just pop a balloon over the nozzle, pump the top, and your water bomb's ready for lobbing.



Where to buy?
Pumponator, $15, mastermindtoys.com

How did badminton get such a, um, bad rap? Maybe because it's such a pain to set up. This net-free, play-anywhere take is also good for beginners, with a long-feathered birdie that slows as it spins, making it easier to hit.

Where to buy?

Goodminton, $12, mastermindtoys.com

It's hard for less-coordinated little bodies to get the hang of an old-school pogo stick, but this low-to-the-ground starter model lets them get the bounce going. It squeaks too, making counting your hops easy.

Where to buy? 

Kidoozie, $20, mastermindtoys.com

Little kids will have no idea they're developing their hand-eye coordination and basic math skills with this cute little tortoise game. Play against yourself or with a friend.

Where to buy?

Melissa & Doug, $35, mastermindtoys.com

The microscope goes portable with colorful handheld science tool. Check out bugs, flowers or your little sister's nostril at 20 to 40 times its normal size.

Where to buy?

Mastermind, $22, mastermindtoys.com

Horseshoes meet darts in this family-friendly lawn game, free of poke-y parts. Just aim the dart to land inside the ring for maximum points. First team to 21 wins!

Where to buy? 

Jarts, $35, theshoppingchannel.com

Your kids wants to join the circus? Before he runs off, he can master some low-stakes tightrope walking in his own backyard with this flexible piece of webbing you tie between two trees.

Where to buy?

Slackers, $110, mastermindtoys.com

Wile away a summer afternoon building this menacing-looking vessel, then let it set sail in your kiddie pool. You can really get things moving with an underwater motor (sold separately).

Where to buy? 

Playmobil, $100, mastermindtoys.com

Your basic game of catch gets amped up with this cool-looking set. Hook the ball on the racquet's loop and pull back to aim and fire. Bonus: it floats for pool games!

Where to buy?

Djubi, $27, mastermindtoys.com

Strap-on skates have come a long way, baby! These one-size-fits-most adjustable skates feature three wheels in back to help kids feel stable, but still zoom around as fast they would on roller blades.

Where to buy?

S2, $200, mastermindtoys.com

This two-person set takes aggressive game of dodge ball down a few notches. Ouch-free foam balls stick to a velcro vest as opponents pelt each other. 

Where to buy?

Diggin Active, $30, mastermindtoys.com

Playing catch with mitts and hard balls takes some practice. In the meantime, there's this easier kiddie version, which uses velcro to make snagging the squishy balls that much easier.

Where to buy?

Melissa & Doug, $15, amazon.ca