10Best.Guide

Outdoor Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Perfect weight & size for young kids
  • Soft enough for kids to play with safely
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Good for teaching coordination and confidence
  • Fun addition to children's sports equipment
Cons
  • Too soft and mushy for some users
  • Slippery and hard to grip for some users
Bottom Line
This Nerf football is a great option for young kids who are learning to play catch and throw. It is soft, durable, and the perfect size for small hands. However, some users may find it too soft and slippery, making it difficult to grip and throw accurately.
Pros
  • Easy for kids to fill and use
  • Soft and flexible material
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Saves time and money compared to traditional balloons
  • Can be used in various settings (beach, pool, bath, indoors)
Cons
  • Magnets fall out and affect functionality
  • Difficult for kids to fill up
Bottom Line
These reusable water balloons are a fun and eco-friendly alternative to traditional balloons, but be aware of the potential for magnets to fall out and the possibility of them hurting when thrown at a person.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • LED lights on rockets
  • Keeps kids entertained
  • Sturdy construction
  • Safe for indoor use
Cons
  • Rockets don't go very high
  • Launcher inflates easily
Bottom Line
The National Geographic Air Rocket Toy is a fun and easy-to-use toy that keeps kids entertained. However, it has some flaws such as poor tripod legs and short battery life. The rockets don't go very high and can be blown away by wind, but they have LED lights that make them more fun to watch. Overall, it's a good toy for indoor use and for kids who enjoy cause-and-effect toys.
Pros
  • Instructional booklet with picture instructions included.
  • Fun game for kids of all ages.
  • Helps to learn different string tricks.
  • Great Christmas gift.
  • Bigger book than expected.
Cons
  • String is not stretchy.
  • Broke after a few days.
Bottom Line
This Cat's Cradle book is a great gift for kids of all ages and brings back childhood memories. The instructional booklet with picture instructions included is easy to follow, but the string is not stretchy and may break after a few days. Overall, it's a fun game to play with family and friends.
Pros
  • Good quality and fair price
  • Fun for kids and adults
  • Holds up well in the pool
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Can be used for other purposes like holding flowers
Cons
  • Poor customer service
  • Netting comes untied easily
Bottom Line
This pool toy is a fun and durable option for both kids and adults, but be aware of the short sticks and potential issues with the netting and ball. Customer service may also be lacking.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Outdoor Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

Overview

As kids grow older, they become more active and adventurous, and outdoor play becomes an essential part of their lives. Outdoor toys not only provide entertainment but also help kids develop physical skills, social skills, and cognitive abilities. However, choosing the right outdoor toy for your child can be overwhelming, given the wide range of options available. This guide will help you navigate through the various types of outdoor toys and find the perfect one for your child's needs.

Types

1. Sports Toys: Outdoor sports toys are perfect for kids who love to engage in physical activities. These toys include basketball hoops, soccer goals, footballs, and baseball sets.

2. Water Toys: Water toys are great for summer play and can include water guns, sprinklers, water slides, and pool toys.

3. Nature Toys: Nature toys encourage kids to explore the outdoors and learn more about nature. These toys can include binoculars, bug catchers, telescopes, and gardening tools.

4. Adventure Toys: Adventure toys are perfect for kids who love to explore and go on adventures. These toys can include tents, camping gear, hiking equipment, and backpacks.

5. Ride-On Toys: Ride-on toys are great for kids who love to move around and explore. These toys can include bikes, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades.

Key Considerations

1. Age Range: Make sure to choose a toy that is appropriate for your child's age and skill level.

2. Safety: Look for toys that are made with non-toxic materials and have safety features such as helmets and protective gear.

3. Durability: Outdoor toys should be able to withstand rough play and weather conditions.

4. Size: Consider the size of the toy and whether it is suitable for your child's height and weight.

Features

1. Adjustable Height: Toys with adjustable height can grow with your child and provide years of use.

2. Portability: Portable toys are easy to transport and can be used in different locations.

3. Multifunctional: Toys with multiple functions can provide more entertainment and learning opportunities for your child.

4. Waterproof: Water-resistant or waterproof toys are perfect for water play and can withstand splashes and spills.

Prices

Outdoor toys can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and choose a toy that provides the most value for your money.

Tips

1. Encourage outdoor play: Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activities.

2. Supervise play: Always supervise your child's outdoor play and ensure they are playing safely.

3. Teach safety: Teach your child about safety rules and how to use safety equipment such as helmets and protective gear.

FAQs

Q: What are the best outdoor toys for kids ages 8-12?

A: The best outdoor toys for kids ages 8-12 include sports toys, water toys, nature toys, adventure toys, and ride-on toys.

Q: How do I choose the right outdoor toy for my child?

A: Consider your child's age, interests, and skill level, as well as key considerations such as safety, durability, and size.

Q: Are outdoor toys expensive?

A: Outdoor toys can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and choose a toy that provides the most value for your money.

Q: How can I encourage my child to play outdoors more?

A: Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors by providing them with fun outdoor toys, planning outdoor activities, and setting a good example by spending time outdoors yourself.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Durable cards
  • Easy to read
  • Eco-friendly drawstring pouch
  • Portable
  • Great entertainment for kids
Cons
  • Overpriced for the size
  • Smaller than expected
Bottom Line
The game is a simple and cute entertainment for kids and adults, with durable and easy-to-read cards that come in an eco-friendly drawstring pouch. However, the game is overpriced for its small size, and the packaging and picture of the burlap bag can be misleading.
Pros
  • Fun game for kids and adults.
  • Encourages interaction and less screen time.
  • Good sturdy toy for kids.
  • Easy to play.
Cons
  • Cheaply made and not very large.
  • Bean bags are small and light.
Bottom Line
This game is a fun and easy toy for kids and adults, but it is cheaply made and not as sturdy as the original. The bean bags are small and light, and the stickers are difficult to place. However, it encourages interaction and less screen time.
Pros
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Great for kids and enjoyable for autistic children
  • Easy to adjust the length of the rope
  • Can be used in three different ways
  • Lightweight and easy to move around
Cons
  • No hardware for attaching to a tree branch
  • User manual/instructions not helpful
Bottom Line
This swing is a great option for kids and enjoyable for autistic children. It is well-made and sturdy, but may be difficult to swing in a straight line and has some issues with the seat disconnecting. It is lightweight and easy to move around, but may require additional hardware for attaching to a tree branch.
Pros
  • Fun for all ages
  • Helps with hand-eye coordination
  • Boosts confidence in catching
  • Good for training young children
  • Durable and stable
Cons
  • Quality issues with some products
  • Lack of padding for impact absorption
Bottom Line
This Toss & Catch game is a fun and affordable option for outdoor play and training young children. While some products may have quality issues, it is generally durable and stable. It helps with hand-eye coordination and boosts confidence in catching, making it a great choice for all ages.
Pros
  • Portable and easy to assemble
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • Includes storage compartments for bean bags
  • Fun for kids to play
Cons
  • Plastic material is flimsy and can break easily
  • Some parts have sharp edges
Bottom Line
This portable cornhole game is a good option for those who want an affordable and easy-to-store option for outdoor play. However, the plastic material is flimsy and some parts have sharp edges, and the bags are light and can get blown around on a windy day.
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