7 Best Outdoor Baby Toys for Fun in the Sun (2025 Reviews)

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Spending time outside is a fantastic way to expose your baby to new and stimulating environments. Taking your little one outside has numerous benefits, such as improving the motor skills and muscle strength, as well as better self-awareness and appreciation for the great outdoors. However, spending time outside safely with infants can be a handful as they’re still learning how to maneuver their bodies in the world.

Luckily, there are numerous outdoor baby toys designated for little people to help them access their environments in a safe manner. From toys that foster independent play, to activity centers using water and other sensory materials, these outdoor baby toys are the best options to make the outdoors a fun and exciting place for your infant.

Best Outdoor Baby Toys

  • 1. SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

    (Easiest assembly — $)

    SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad
    Why it’s great: Whether your baby is happy sitting still or rather be on the move, the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad is accessible for little ones at most stages. Simply take the splashpad out of the packaging and hook it into your hose for stress-free assembly.

    Keep in mind: Always keep close supervision during water play. The pad itself may become slippery if water pools in it.

    Good for: Parents looking for an engaging activity with minimal set-up required.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Best Choice Products Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox

    (Best for sensory play — $$$)

    Best Choice Products Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox
    Why it’s great: Made from solid, stained, and non-toxic fir wood with a UV and water resistant canopy, the Best Choice Products Kids Wooden Cabana Sandbox is an ideal way to introduce sensory play to your baby. The opposing benches provide seated support and the two side buckets are perfect for little hands to maneuver the sand and toys.

    Keep in mind: The plastic side buckets are not permanently attached so be sure to secure them if expecting heavy winds.

    Good for: Parents looking for a safe way to introduce their babies to sensory play in an easy-clean up setting.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Step2 Play and Shade Pool for Toddlers

    (Best baby swimming pool — $$)

    Step2 Play and Shade Pool for Toddlers
    Why it’s great: The Step2 Play and Shade Pool for Toddlers offers a shaded water oasis with incorporated spinning water wheels for added amusement. The two molded seats work well for small children while the decorative bottom offers traction for new walkers.

    Keep in mind: Never leave a baby or child unattended while playing in or around the baby swimming pool. This pool is made of plastic and does not disassemble for storage or travel purposes.

    Good for: Parents looking to expose their babies to an appropriately sized swimming pool.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Sportspower My First Toddler Swing

    (Best baby swing option — $$)

    Sportspower My First Toddler Swing
    Why it’s great: Designed for both indoor and outdoor play, the Sportspower My First Toddler Swing is built with heavy duty, yet lightweight, powder-coated steel to stand the test of time. The swing set folds down for easy storage and transport, making it ideal for small spaces.

    Keep in mind: Be sure your baby has very strong head and neck control as well as core strength before using a baby swing. This is typically around nine months of age.

    Good for: Parents looking for a personal swing option without having to take their little one to a public playground.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table

    (Best toy to last from infancy to toddlerhood — $)

    Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table
    Why it’s great: The Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table has numerous ways to play and keep your baby entertained. The included accessories consisting of a fishing pole, five floating critters, water cup and fishing net can be used in new and exciting ways as your little one grows.

    Keep in mind: Replacement parts are not available to be purchased separately, so be sure to keep all the items together to avoid losing accessories.

    Good for: Parents looking to invest in a baby toy that will continue to be of interest to their child as he or she grows.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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  • 6. Kidzlane Bubble Machine

    (Best for independent play — $)

    Kidzlane Bubble Machine
    Why it’s great: Blowing 500 bubbles a minute, the Kidzlane Bubble Machine fosters independent learning by allowing babies and children to interact with the hundreds of bubbles in a variety of ways. An 8oz bottle of high-quality KidzLane bubble solution is included.

    Keep in mind: The bubble maker requires 6 AA batteries that are not included.

    Good for: Parents hoping to encourage their babies to safely play independently.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Summer Pop ‘N Jump Portable Activity Center

    (Best for non-mobile babies — $$$)

    Summer Pop ‘N Jump Portable Activity Center
    Why it’s great: The lightweight frame of the Summer Pop ‘N Jump Portable Activity Center arrives completely assembled and can be unfolded in seconds. The UV canopy protects little ones from the sun and the jumping support seat can be easily removed and machine washed.

    Keep in mind: The activity center is best for babies on the shorter side.

    Good for: Parents needing a place to safely contain and entertain their baby while outside.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad
The SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Outdoor Baby Toys

  • 1. How do I entertain my child outside?

    Spending time outside is one of the best things a parent can do to foster a child’s development. Incorporating various engaging and developmentally appropriate toys allows your child to better access their environment. Outdoor baby toys can also make more advanced activities safer for little humans. Rather than visiting a huge adult swimming pool, a child’s size plastic pool is the perfect option for babies. While a beach might be overwhelming, a small sandbox is another great way to entertain a child outdoors.

  • 2. What should I look for in an outdoor toy for babies?

    When looking to purchase a baby toy, make sure it’s intended to be used outside. Some toys can be used outside but must be stored indoors, so make sure you’re able to follow the care instructions to make the toy last. Beyond durability, make sure the outdoor baby toy is designed for the age of your infant. Since babies grow and develop new milestones so quickly, a toy for a four-month-old may be very different from a toy for a ten-month-old. Don’t be afraid to incorporate toys your child can grow into, as long as you can do so safely.

  • 3. How should I introduce an outdoor toy to my baby?

    The outdoors can be intimidating for little ones if they’re used to the coziness of home. To help babies feel more secure, introduce an outdoor toy in a space they feel safe in, such as their own yard or a park they’re familiar with. Modeling how to use a toy, such as a swing or activity center, with a stuffed animal can help prepare a baby for his or her new experience.

  • 4. What type of outdoor toy is best for a younger infant?

    For a younger infant, or a smaller-sized baby, be sure the toy is designed for the height, weight, and age of your child. The toy should reflect the strength and milestones of where your little one is currently so as not to cause any injuries pushing beyond the capabilities at this age. For instance, a baby swing that requires head and neck control should not be used until a baby is closer to one year of age.

  • 5. What type of outdoor toy is best for an older infant?

    For an older infant, outdoor toys that encourage developmentally appropriate milestones can be a great tool for little ones. A water table can help a baby pull up into standing as well as working on balancing. A portable activity center can help a little one build leg and core strength. Choose outdoor toys that are not only fun and entertaining for your child, but also support essential development and growth.

Conclusion

Taking your baby outside is not only fun for your infant, but a fantastic way to help develop motor skills and reach milestones. Allowing them to explore new environments offers both mental and physical stimulation. However, exposing your baby to the outdoors can be daunting at first. This selection of outdoor baby toys is the perfect addition to your play space outside to help transition safely and comfortably to outdoor activities. They foster independent play, and allow your child to interact with various sensory items, such as sand and water, in a mess-free environment. Now having to worry about cleaning up will let you rest easy as your little one indulges in all the outdoors has to offer. From engaging bubble machines to specially designed pools for babies, these toys are sure to make the outside an enjoyable and inviting environment for your child.