25 Target Items To Encourage Kids To Have Fun Outdoors

Buzz Feed

08-07-2025

A Mount Splashmore inflatable water slide packed with a climbing wall, slide, pool, soak bucket, and water blaster that inflates in two minutes. Get ready for the kids to use this every single day in the summer when it doesn't rain.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but for this slide, I totally feel the need to. I got it on sale and it is 100 percent worth the investment! My kids (3, 8, 9) are literally obsessed with it and play on it for hours on end. It is super easy to set up as well. Definitely buy!" —Mollie GPrice: $410.39 (originally $539.99)
A Throw Throw Burrito Extreme "Outdoor Edition" game where the object is to collect matching cards and, more importantly, throw giant inflatable burritos at each other. Seriously. That's the game!
Promising review: "What's more fun than battling your friends with enormous inflatable burritos? We were all out of breath from laughing so hard! Love this game!" —DHPrice: $24.49
An inflatable Flybar pogo trick ball just like the one you had as a kid but better thanks to its stronger construction (holds up to 160 pounds), built-in handles, and a free replacement of the bounce ball if yours does happen to break (like maybe when an adult tried it while the kids were asleep).
Promising review: "We have a very athletic daughter, who enjoys a challenge, although she has mastered the balancing and jumping within the first two hours, she is eagerly working on tricks to master. Very sturdy and well built." —Samantha SPrice: $20.99+ (originally $24.99+; available in two colors)
A three-pack of water-resistant, multi-colored Walkie-Talkies with 22 channels and weather alert radio functions, so the kids can play and the parents can keep tabs on them. Over and out!
3 AAA Batteries each (not included)Price: $49.99
A puppy-shaped bubble maker because if all it takes is just a few bubbles to capture a child's attention, then imagine what a whole jar and this robo-dog can do. Bubbles, do your thing!
Requires four AA batteries. Promising review: "Amazingly easy to set up and makes a ton of bubbles. My 4- and 5-year-olds love it! It does go through the bubble liquid quickly, so buy the big bottles but it's still worth it, especially for the amount of bubbles it makes. There's a small lip so when you're done you can pour the leftover back in the bottle, no waste." —BusyMomPrice: $9 (originally $10)
A Ninja tree-climbing kit so kids can get a grip while scaling their favorite oak or maple with far fewer cuts and scrapes than the classic method. Supports weights up to 230 pounds for both kids and adults.
Includes 12 tree climbing holds, six ratchet traps, a drawstring bag, and a user manual. Price: $33.99
A Twister Splash water game that's a, well, twist on the classic game. They still have to contort their body (right hand red, left foot green), but this time they're getting sprayed with water and slipping all over the place.
Promising reviews: "Great way to get kids outside and playing! It's easy to set up, and we had a lot of fun." —Julia KPrice: $17.99
A 25-pack of jumbo sidewalk chalk with a case and holder (so messy chalk doesn't get all over tiny hands) because nothing says time-consuming activity like creatively (and harmlessly) defacing neighborhood sidewalks and driveways with colorful doodles and graffiti.
Promising review: "Chalk is wrapped in sections, making it easier to keep and use for the kids! The colors are bright, and the chalk holders are easy to use." —HollyPrice: $8 (originally $10)
A Little Tikes Bluey Beach Day Sandbox with a removable lid that holds up to 100 pounds of sand. Perfect for reenacting the "Beach" episode and for keeping idle little hands very busy in the backyard.
This set includes a Bluey sand mold/bucket, rake, shovel, seagull footprint roller, and crab sand mold.Price: $74.99
A water table to take the fun of bath time outdoors (or in the garage during winter) with rearrangeable maze pieces that create new waterfall effects (but mostly for splashing about without making a mess).
Promising review: "Definitely a win in our home. It kept my 2-year-old quietly occupied while we got to enjoy some outdoor time in the sun. I actually set it up inside the kiddie pool for more fun." —JennaPrice: $79.99
A six-pack of reusable water balloons that only requires a bucket of water (or even a sink or tub) to load up. No more being asked to fill up and tie a dozen balloons that'll just end up in tatters on your lawn minutes later. Get those minutes back in your day.
Promising review: "These beat regular water balloons — hands down! I couldn't believe how well these work. We set up two 5-gallon buckets full of water and had a great water fight — adults included! Where were these in my childhood?! Great invention!" —LeslienoelPrice: $8.79 (originally $10.99)
A handheld flying Krypto because Superman's best friend isn't Jimmy Olsen but his doggo. No remote control needed, just use your hand to guide this tail-wagging super pet.
Price: $29.99
A 19-piece nature exploration kit for taking the creepy out of creepy crawlies while teaching entry-level entomology. But we all know they'll just be running around swinging the nets back and forth.
Includes a magnifying glass for close observation, a retractable net for catching insects, tweezers, and a carrying case.Price: $41.42 (originally $47.13)
A dueling stomp rocket double-launch set so not one but two kids can launch foam-tipped projectiles up to 200 feet in the air. No batteries or fuel are required, just a kid's unbridled energy to jump on things!
Promising review: "I became 'Greatest Aunt of All Time' after getting this for my nephews (ages 4 and 5) last Christmas! They loved it so much. Even big sister (age 7) and all of us adults (ages 30+++) got in on the fun. I STILL get regular videos from my brother and sis-in-law of the kids stomping these rockets! It's a simple toy, super easy to put together, but it's endlessly fun! And selfishly, it's very funny to see them figure out the coordination to STOMP the air pedal just right. There were many, many BIG stomps that landed on concrete at first, but they never gave up!!!" —alysonstarksPrice: $19.99
An extra-large picnic blanket to ensure that there's always a dry, mud-free place to sit or lie down on when the kids are outdoors.
Promising review: "This picnic blanket is perfect for our family outings to the park and beach. The size is fantastic, providing plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably. The waterproof material is a huge bonus, as we never have to worry about damp ground or any spills ruining our picnic. The design is also really cute and unique, adding a fun touch to our outdoor adventures. Overall, we love this blanket and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quality, versatile outdoor mat." —Target CustomerPrice: $23 (originally $41.99)
A Koosh Kornhole set that's a brighter and more colorful way to get the kids playing this classic backyard game. Comes with six neon Koosh balls, which are way more fun to toss than a dusty old beanbag.
Promising review: "So much fun for young and old. We couldn't stop playing. We bought two so we could play like the original Kornhole. It is fun either way." —Doc Price: $15.99 (originally $19.99)
A Razor A Two-Wheel Kick Scooter because every kid needs a set of wheels, especially ones that remind you of your childhood too!
Promising review: "Perfect for my 11-year-old. He loves going to the skate park and using it." —JmarquezPrice: $27.49 (available in two colors)
A battery-operated upgrade of the '90s classic skip ball that features lights for an illuminating experience. And parents, please, don't break an ankle showing them how to try this one out; they'll figure it out easily enough.
Price: $14.99 (originally $29.99)
A How to Train Your Dragon Mask for some serious outdoor cosplaying. Open your mouth, and Toothless roars and sprays a misty dragon's breath.
Promising review: "Our two boys love this mask (5 and 7), the vapor that comes out is so cool! Great toy for a Toothless fan!" —NLeeTNPrice: $29.99
A Super Soaker "Double Dunk Fill" water blaster that can be filled without even having to detach he cartridge. Just dunk it, then pump it for water-soaking fun.
Promising review: "Great water gun! Super easy for kids to reload, shoots a good distance. Definitely recommend for kiddos 3 –10." —LydiaPrice: $13.99 (originally $14.99)
A height-adjustable 2-in-1 "Grow With Me" batting tee so little sluggers can practice swinging for the fences with either a hanging tee or classic standing tee. Play ball!
Promising review: "My husband bought this ball set for our son for Christmas, and he absolutely loves it! He has played with it for hours outside, and when his friends come over, they all play together and take turns. It's a great way to bond with your kid or just get them outside. The design is also genius for young kids. We also love that there are different configurations for more ways to play." —MsOdawg3000Price: $24.99
A flying saucer tree swing that's light years ahead of anything you'd find in or around a jungle gym. It's just the right size for two children to play with and is strong enough to "withstand 700 pounds of static weight."
Promising review: "My kids absolutely love this swing! I have (big) 5-year-old twin boys, and they can both easily fit in it together. We hung it from a tree in our front yard, and it has been the source of hours upon hours of fun already, and we've only had it up for 4 days. It does stink that it doesn't come with hanging gear and can't be used right out of the box because of that. But, just order straps at the same time, and the problem is solved. There is some minor assembly, but it's easy. Seems very durable and will hopefully last a few seasons." —BNZPrice: $46.99 (originally $99.99; available in 10 color options)
A family croquet set, because nothing says "pinkies out" fancy outdoor fun more than this game. Stores easily and travels well thanks to the included deluxe carry bag.
Comes with six durable, all-weather croquet balls, six color-coordinated wooden mallets, nine steel wickets, two colorful wood scoring stakes, and a carrying bag.Price: $39.49
An over 4-foot wide, three-ring inflatable pool for those times when schlepping to the public pool feels like a three-ring circus. Fits two adults comfortably, so kids won't feel cramped at all.
Price: $39.99
A beginner-friendly glow-up stunt drone with LED lights that features auto orientation flight control and gyro stabilization to keep this ship flying (and landing) steady. Climbs up to 150 feet in the air, just keep it out in the open and away from trees and the neighbor's roof.
Requires 3 AAA batteriesPromising review: "I highly recommend this drone for a child interested in a drone. We have gone through quite a few (expensive to not so much), all of which broke or were very difficult to fly. This sharper image drone is fantastic. It is sturdy and can handle falling. Our 11-year-old daughter mastered the skills of flying it very quickly. The battery life is short, but so is my child's attention span." —JMMPrice: $33.14 (originally $38.99)