10 Toys for Your Outdoor Play Toolchest

March 31, 2009

by Laura Stallard Petza

As glad as I am that you are reading this post, I really want you to go outside. Because unless it's 12 degrees, raining or four in the morning, there's no reason for you and the kids not to be outside. So bag the laundry; forget the cleaning; turn off the computer. And grab a few of these outdoor-play basics for a run-around, get-out-of-breath, fresh-air good time.

1. Whiffle ball set

The thwack of that long yellow bat against that lightweight white ball may very well become part of your soundtrack to summer. Don't worry about adhering to any rules; just enjoy tossing and batting (and hunting for) the ball.

2. Hula hoop

Hula hooping, I read somewhere, is one of the best exercises out there. It's not easy, though, so expect it to be a bit of a challenge. The important thing, as always, is to have fun trying.

3. Soccer ball

Kids, whether they're destined to be athletes or not, love to kick a soccer ball around. And because kids, as you probably know, can be rather tough on balls, I advise you to invest in an above-average (meaning not the cheapest on the market) soccer ball, so that it has some chance of surviving the season.

4. SkyO

Regular Frisbees, as great as they are, can be hard and a little scary for young kids to catch. The SkyO, on the other hand, is lightweight (though enormous) and slightly less likely to knock a child out. Also, given its aerodynamic design, it's capable of flying incredibly far. And flying incredibly far is fun. Less fun? The damage a capable-of-flying-incredibly-far-SkyO can do to those delicate plants in your garden. My advice? Take the SkyO to a big, open park where it can do its thing without smashing the daffodils.

5. Kiddie pool

My kids and I are fans of inflatable pools, but those hard plastic ones do the job just as well. I'm surprised, each and every summer, by just how much exercise my kids get in their kiddie pool. Passively bobbing and soaking up the sunshine? Pffffftt.

6. Trike or bike, with a helmet

Make sure that your child can comfortably push the pedals and that she understands fundamental bike/trike safety rules. A good bike shop can help you find the right bike or trike (and helmet) for your child.

7. Bubbles

For blowing and chasing.

8. Sidewalk chalk

For drawing cats, monsters, trains and castles. Also, for drawing Hopscotch courses.

9. Jumprope

Any jumprope will do, but our favorites are ones with sturdy, easy-to-hold wooden or hard plastic handles.

10. Exercise ball

An exercise ball, like a SkyO, can really do a number on your daffodils, which is why it's best enjoyed in a big, open, plant-free space. There's almost no limit to what your kid can do with an exercise ball. And what, in your child's eyes, even constitutes exercise, may just surprise you.

So there you are. Those are my suggestions. Now turn off the computer and get outside!

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