Here Are Some Of Our Best Purchases That Actually Got Our Kids Outside
If you are like many of us, you spend more time than you would like nagging your kids to put down the electronic devices and go outside. I am not sure exactly when I became my parents but it definitely happened.
Electronic devices can be a lifesaver for parents needing a mental break and they are a fact of life for teenagers nowadays.
That being said, however, I still believe in the benefits of being outside and I am struggling to get the kids to believe that as well.
Sometimes a cool new toy can be just the thing to get them excited about the great outdoors, whether on a camping trip or just fun in your backyard.
Here are some of our best ideas that have worked for our family. We have personally enjoyed all of them!
Heads Up: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may get a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you. We don’t do sponsored posts, free trips, or accept items for reviews. We only link to things we like and use personally. Read more about our philosophy.
1. Slackline
I can personally vouch for this being fun and being a great gift idea for the entire family.
A slackline can be difficult to master but in a good, challenging kind of way. The kids love practicing on it and all you need are two trees.
It is not just for your house either. I saw a kid set one up at a campground during an extended stay and he was quickly the most popular kid there.
Trailblaze Slackline Kit for Kids and Adults (Amazon) $37.99
2. ENO Hammock (or knockoff)
Although not technically a toy, these hammocks will get the kiddos outdoors. These hammocks are all the rage and for good reason.
They are easy to set up and kids love hanging out in them. To be fair, I also love hanging out in mine. In fact, one of the main reasons I bought the kids a hammock was so I could get mine back.
These hammocks are small enough and light enough to take camping, string one up in your backyard, and it is a perfect reading nook.
Or if you can’t get that teenager off the phone, they can at least continue with their social media outside. It’s a minor win.
Also, get a large, or double nest hammock. It is more comfortable for full-size adults and easier for kids to pile in with their friends.
* My two cents: ENO is the popular name brand. If you go with a less expensive knockoff version (we have Wise Owl hammocks) and they have worked great), invest in the ENO straps.
The ENO straps are well made and easily adjustable to several lengths.
The straps that come with the less expensive hammocks often require that you find two trees a precise distance apart.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock – Lightweight, Portable (Amazon) $74.99
3. Swurfer
The Swurfer is another “kids” toy that adults will have just as much fun on. Think of it as a stand-up swing that gives you a good core workout.
You will need a tree with a fairly large branch or you can hang the Swurfer between two trees on a cable.
It can also hang under a tall deck. Installation isn’t difficult and everybody will want to play, which makes it a pretty good gift in my book.
Also a handy gift for the grown- up that’s actually just a kid masquerading as an adult. You know exactly who I mean.
Swurfer The Original Tree Swing Stand Up Surfing Swing Amazon.
4. Y Fliker Scooter
Wiggle away with the Yvolution Y Fliker A3 Air Kids Scooter. This 3-wheeled scooter is completely kid-powered. All you have to do is move your hips from side to side and get going. It’s a lot of fun and best suited for a flat, smooth surface. The kiddos love it!
Y Fliker offers several different scooters for both younger kids and older. See their website to find the right one for your child.
5. Ripstick
Our girls absolutely love their Ripstick. Not quite a skateboard, but more of a self-propelled platform version where you can keep your feet on the board the entire time while “wiggling” your back foot.
It does take some time to learn how to maneuver this two-wheeled board, but once you have the hang of it, it will entertain for hours.
6. Poi Balls
This is a surprisingly fun activity and perfect for evenings in the backyard or hanging out at your camp site.
Poi Balls illuminate the air with color as you swing them, and the kids love to make up a routine for all to watch. You can make up your own routines or view suggested moves on YouTube. Lots of fun!
Bonus! Paddleboard/Sit On Top Kayak
This isn’t necessarily a backyard toy but I had to include it because it’s been such a fun activity for our family. Kids naturally love water, and paddleboarding and kayaking is a fun way to do it.
Getting out on a river to explore or just taking them out on a lake and jumping off to swim is always a crowd-pleaser.
Kids that groan at the thought of hiking or biking will grin at the thought of an afternoon on the water.
Especially on summer afternoons when it is too hot to do anything else, you will appreciate having a kayak or paddleboard around to entice them outside.
If you don’t have the storage for a hard version or way to transport them, look for an inflatable kayak or paddleboard.
They are easy to pack up in the car and lightweight enough to carry.
We have loved our FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Light Stand Up Paddle Board (Amazon). It comes with an oversize storage bag, air pump, and paddle.
It is inexpensive and lightweight but durable enough to tote my dog along. We have bought 3 of them between us and have had them for years!
See my full review: The Funwater Tiki SUP- We Love This Inflatable Paddleboard!
We hope these ideas give your family lots of fun time outdoors!
