50 Summer Kids Activities and Toys for The Backyard are sure to keep kids busy and active for hours, while also learning and discovering outside, in nature. These outdoor ideas are fun for the whole family!
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Family Fun Outdoor Ideas
Whether you are looking to be more present with your kids or looking to spend more time outside in the yard or in nature, these activities will be a great addition for your family to help with that.
Our three daughters are 10, 9, and almost 3, and we’ve always loved summertime in the north. We are outside almost all of the day and soaking in as much sun as we can because of the long winters. We just love spending our time together, outside in nature. I’ve talked a lot about this when we set up our spring-free trampoline and held our own outdoor movie night!
The goal is always to get little ones off of screens and actively learning, exercising their bodies and their minds! Get their imagination flowing and keep them busy with these great backyard ideas. Spend more time as a family, reset together, and embrace the joys of summer.
Related: 50 Family Camping Must-Haves for an RV Trailer or Camper
50 Summer Kids Activities for The Backyard
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Water Table
You’ve probably already seen the viral trend all over social media already of the moms with this exact Step2 Water Table, with a drilled hole at the top to place a water pump that circulates the water for a continuous waterfall flow. The best thing about it is that babies and kids of any age will be delighted to play with this for hours on end.
Looking for more accessories to add? Grab some bath toys or beach toys like shovels and buckets that work great in water. -
Playhouse
Right along the lines of imaginative play, a playhouse is so neat and cozy for little ones to explore and play. This cedar playhouse is already painted to a modern design for you and is taller than most playhouses, accommodating taller kids. It does take some time to put together, so you may want a plastic playhouse that’s easier to assemble. -
Treehouse
The hubby built a treehouse for our kids many years ago and has been the main attraction for all three of our daughters. He found a second slide being thrown away due to a crack and installed it, supporting the cracked part with wood underneath to securely seal it. The slides and swings is endless fun, and the house itself is a little escape for telling stories and more play. This treehouse on Amazon has it all, even monkey bars! -
Climber
No need to go the park when you have this in your own yard! This is a huge Amazon score that’s suitable for kids aged 3-10 and allows 4-5 kids at a time! This one in particular is 12 feet tall! My kids would personally go nuts for this because they love climbing and gymnastics bars. -
Mud Kitchen
How adorable to play with dirt! Sarcasm aside, this is seriously the cutest mud kitchen ever. The sun canopy at the top for shade, the shelving for plants and flowers, this would go perfectly at the bottom of a treehouse. It’s durable and functional, and great for all ages. -
Tree Obstacle Course
If you have super energetic kids like mine, they will love to climb and swing on this obstacle course! It’s very durable and strong, just make sure your measurements are correct before ordering. This is great for kids to play with first thing when they get home instead of going on screens, or bring it your your next family camping trip! -
Tree Zipline
How awesome would this be if you have the backyard space for it! No need to build a platform or ladder, this zipline kit comes with everything you’ll need. Plus, it’s safe and has the quickest set-up! The older kids will really enjoy this. -
Tree Swing
We have the Slackers 40″ Swing House which has a removable tent and can be used as just a tree swing if needed. This is adorable for kids of all ages, great for relaxing, reading, and just being outside and enjoying nature. It supports up to 500 lbs, you’ll just need to grab a swing strap to hang it! -
Swing Set
A swing set is always an affordable option for families instead of investing in the whole treehouse set which is over $1000. This heavy duty swing set on Amazon can support 660 lbs. It’s safe and sturdy, and very easy to set up to use right away. -
Wagon
You can’t go wrong with a wagon for backyard fun! Whether your child wants to lug their baby brother or sister around the yard, or collect branches for firewood, it really is so versatile for all of your needs! -
Springfree Trampoline
Our kids literally live on this thing. We have the Large Oval Springfree Trampoline and it has been a game changer in our backyard. It’s extremely safe and durable, and just a heads up that all of the kids in the neighbourhood will want to join in on the fun. Host a movie night, turn it into a ball pit, or have fun drawing on it with chalk! Read our review here. -
Projector and Screen
The Cinemood is a little portable projector that can be taken anywhere. It has educational stories the kids will love, including all streaming apps. We love bringing ours camping or setting up a movie nigh on the trampoline by clipping up a bedsheet. You can host a movie night with a projector screen, or just use the garage or the side of your house with some blankets and pillows — it’s really that easy. -
Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed is perfect for teaching kids how to garden. Plant seeds, watch them grow, and pick and eat whole foods right from their own garden. My girls have all loved to do this, and it’s so important to teach healthy habits and avoid processed foods. -
Ride On Toys
This Little Tikes Icecream Truck is my toddler’s favourite for getting around the yard and pretend play. I’ll count rocks with her to exchange as money for an ice cream cone, it’s the cutest! On her second birthday, we got her a Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Ride-On that she now cruises around the yard in.
Related: The Top Ten Battery Powered and Electric Ride-on Toys -
Sand Box
If your kids love playing with sand at the beach like mine do, they will love to stay in the backyard for hours playing in this 6ft sandbox. This one is beautiful and well constructed, and so convenient to have a cover included. All you need is to add several bags of play sand and let the fun begin! -
Teepee
If you’re looking to add some shade for the little ones, or a cute little place to go to, this teepee can be used both indoors and outdoors. We’ve used ours to set up adorable photoshoots, like for our daughter’s first birthday cake smash shoot. It’s a beautiful addition to any space! -
Camping Tent
How super cool would it be to camp out in the backyard?! This 8-person instant cabin tent is humongous and can accommodate all the kids, and friends too. This is great for the whole family to spend quality time together under the stars! -
Campfire Pit
A great affordable option for families is the Solo Stove 2.0 Smokeless Fire Pit. This size in particular is great for a family, and light enough to bring around the backyard, to the front yard, and to your next camping adventure. This makes a great Father’s Day gift idea as well! And don’t forget about these extendable skewers for roasting marshmallows. -
Colouring and Painting Easel
A double sided easel is perfect to bring outside on a warm and sunny day. You don’t have to worry about big messes! Accommodating two kids at a time, kids can colour and paint away and then store all of their supplies in the bottom shelves. So convenient! Great for all learning levels, too. -
Sidewalk Chalk
From the sidewalk to the treehouse and to the trampoline! Sidewalk chalk can be used just about on any surface and allows imaginations to run wild. We like to bring ours to the pavement at our local park, or draw all over the trampoline! It washes right off with the rain or a hose. -
Picnic Table
A great place for enjoying some outdoor time. Little ones can munch on their lunch here, colour, do some arts and crafts, and more. This kids picnic table is a great little addition to the backyard and the included umbrella for shade is a huge bonus. -
Beach Blanket
More picnics and play time in the yard, just without any of the sand, dirt, and bugs! A waterproof beach blanket is a must to bring everywhere you go with the kids. From the backyard to the beach, and to the next soccer game. -
Slip-N-Slide
As soon as summer starts, this is the first thing my kids grab out of the garage. A slip-n-slide brings so much fun and laughter! It keeps kids cool on those hot summer days. Easy to set-up, just inflate as needed, screw in your water hose and enjoy! -
Above Ground Pool
Over the years, we’ve never had to put our kids in swimming lessons because of having a pool. They pretty much learned on their own! Our girls would want to jump in daily especially on hot summer days. This above ground steel framed pool is a great starter pool and a must for enjoying the sunshine! -
Sprinkler
A water sprinkler is a great way to cool off kids in the hot summertime. It’s super affordable, just screw it onto your hose and get those bathing suits on! Lots of running around and giggling with this one. A win-win for mom and dad because of the benefits for your lawn! -
Water Slide
This is definitely on the list of most fun outdoor toys. I just love the single water slide option, but also the double slides for more kids! These would be perfect for having friends over, birthday parties, etc. A great way to have fun and keep cool on hot days. The air blower is included! -
Bouncy Castle
Add in some colourful balls to make a ball pit or add water! These bouncy castles are so fun to decorate for birthday parties or keeping kids busy and having fun for family get togethers. They’re easy to set up and make the perfect backdrop for Instagram worthy photos! -
Foam Machine
I mean, common. Kids can enjoy foam parties too! This foam machine is a bit of an investment but you can also lend to family and friends to use as well. Great for birthday parties and festivities, just put on some good music and let the fun begin! -
Bubble Machine
Coming at a fraction of the cost of a foam machine, bubbles are really just as fun! This bubble machine is perfect for the backyard. Use on the patio or on the deck, in the grass, of with the waterslide or slip-n-slide to make it extra slippery! -
Reusable Water Balloons
No more picking up pieces of rubber balloons all over the yard. These reusable silicone water balloons are a genius idea for backyard fun. They’re a great way for kids to stay cool and safely have fun! A great addition to the pool as well. -
Volleyball Net
Staying active in summer with sports is a must and setting up a volleyball net is easy to do to encourage play. Use it for volleyball or badminton, I love how this volleyball net set in particular is durable and comes with everything you’ll need at a reasonable price. -
Tee Ball
A great learning tool for beginners, this tee ball set has three different options to choose from! If you have a little baseball lover or want to encourage the sport from a young age, this is your best bet. -
Soccer Nets and Soccer Ball
Soccer is a great sport to get kids outside and off of screens. It’s a highly active sport and involves lots of running! These set of 2 soccer nets are perfect for the yard and will get siblings and friends excited to play together all summer long. -
Basketball and Net
A basketball net is a great addition to the yard, driveway, or road (if you can). It encourages kids to come together to play. This Spalding Acrylic Basketball Net is great for kids of all ages since the height is adjustable. -
Cornhole Toss or Horse Shoe Toss
You can’t go wrong with a good old cornhole toss game or even a horseshoe toss. These games are super simple to play and great for family get togethers. They’re easy to set up in ground so you can start enjoying time with family and friends right away. Play, socialize, and have fun! -
Frisbee Flying Disc Ring
Softer than your traditional plastic frisbee, this flying disc ring won’t hurt if you miss it. Easy to throw, soft to catch, and can go extra long distances. This is great for a large yard with a lot of space to play, fun for the whole family. -
Badminton Set
No net required with this badminton set. All you need is a partner to play! My girls are 10 and 9 and love to play. It’s a leisure sport that can be enjoyed without breaking too much of a sweat, especially on a hot day. -
Baseball Practice
Got older kids who love the game? Get outside and practice with them with all of the necessities to make baseball practice fun. You’ll want practice plastic balls that won’t go far, a youth sized bat for batting practice, a batting net that makes things way easier, and gloves for everyone to play catch with some softballs.
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Mini Putt
More fun with yard games, kids will love focusing on a hole-in-one with a mini putt set. Nothing too fancy here, just simple golf toys that work well for little ones. Also very affordable for outdoor fun. Teach them how to tally on paper to keep score! -
Bicycle
My firstborn got her first tricycle when she turned two years old, and all of my kids have learned to ride bikes starting at an early age. The best way to teach bike riding is in your own backyard/driveway. It’s been a pleasure watching them transition from training wheels to now riding around the block on bikes, to the park and on trails. It’s a great way to keep kids active. -
Scooter
We gifted our girls these pink Razor Scooters when they were around 4-5 years old and they loved hopping on them and riding around on our back deck. These have never rusted and lasted up to this day! They are durable, smooth, and can be used up until the teen years. -
Rollerblades
Adjustable rollerblades are a must for kids who love to be on the move. They can practice on the patio, driveway, or any pavement. No need to upgrade to a new size each year they grow. For little ones, you’ll need the extra balancing help from the doubled wheels. -
Hoverboard
Another great toy that helps with balance, a hoverboard is fun for all ages. Just use with caution and always wear a helmet! This hoverboard can go up to 10kms in distance and the 6.5″ offroad tires make it easy to run on all types of terrain. -
Skateboard
If you have a deck, patio, or paved driveway, your kids would love to play around with a skateboard like this one. It’s smooth to ride, from kids to adults and in a convenient size. Carry it along wherever you go. -
Kites
I’ll never forget the time when I ran around the backyard with the girls watching our kites soar on a perfectly windy day. It brings the little ones so much joy! This 3 pack of kites on Amazon is perfect for the family. There’s not much to kites, except try to keep the string untangled. -
Drones
For the creative minds, a drone is great for capturing footage from every angle. Capture memories as the happen, sports, family and friend get togethers and birthday parties. The remote control is great for beginners. Kids, teens, and adults alike will enjoy using. -
Lanterns
Many families light up lanterns and let the float off into the sky as traditions. You can make this a family activity and make it a meaningful, special event. Whether you are celebrating a special moment or event, it will be a magical moment to share together. Paper lanterns are 100% eco friendly and biodegradable. -
Flashlights
A camping and backyard must have, flashlights are fun for kids to feel safe and to be able to see while playing when it gets dark outside. They can use them to make hand shadow puppets! Glow sticks are great to keep track of kids at night, however they can be toxic if opened. These rechargeable camping lanterns are super practical for the whole family. -
Mason Jars for Catching Fireflies
Mason jars are so versatile to have on hand. Kids will love to catch bugs with them, use them to grow plants inside, for crafts like layering sand and rocks, create a bug habitat, and to catch fireflies with! -
Stargazing Telescope
It’s the end of the day and you are sitting under the stars. Whether camping out in the backyard, roasting marshmallows, or storytelling, don’t forget to stargaze before heading inside. This 70mm telescope is great for kids and beginners. Have a peak at the moon, spot the big dipper, and see so much more.
Extra Ideas for Kids
My kids love painting birdhouses, filling it with seeds and watching all the different birds come to feed on it. Simply mount it on a tree. If you have the space, you can do more things with nature like planting trees or perennials, eating whole foods straight from the garden, making trails, building forts or teepees, carving wood, etc. The possibilities are endless with nature!
Some other things my girls love doing in the summertime are gathering things for donation or for a garage sale. The kids also love setting up a lemonade stand using a folding table to sell homemade lemonade at the end of our driveway. These are great for teaching kids responsibility, business skills, math, and dealing with money.
You’ve made it to the very end of this post! I hope this inspires you to get outside and have fun with your kids this summer, bringing the whole family together for some everlasting memories.
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