Affordable Backyard Fun for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Summer isn’t over quite yet! Here are some backyard activities for your little ones that won’t break the bank. All the listed items are under $40 and perfect for developing gross/fine motor skills, learning cause and effect, exploring science topics, and more!
Bubble Lawn Mower | Walmart | $15
This toy was a hit as soon as we took it out of the box! Lincoln did at least ten laps around our kitchen island before we even took it outside and filled it with the bubble solution. Just be sure to not overfill the “gas” tank!
Play Tent/Ball Pit | Amazon | $40
This tent is worth the money as it provides indoor and outdoor fun! Lincoln received this as a Christmas gift and it has been up in our living room ever since. If he isn’t racing through the tunnels, he’s throwing the balls in and out of the tents. It comes with a carrying case and stakes to use when setting it up in the backyard. We recently set it up for our Fourth of July party and it was a hit with the kids!
Baseball Batting Tee | Amazon | $29
We opted for this durable rubber batting tee rather than the colorful plastic ones targeted toward toddlers because we plan on using it for many years to come! At its lowest height, it is perfect for our one-year-old. We also just use one of those cheap, fat plastic bats for the time being since that is as much weight as Lincoln can hold in his little arms. Although we’re still working on his hitting form, he loves fielding the ball and putting it back on the tee. Just be careful because this tee turned our grass brown underneath after being out for just a few hours—I suggest setting it on concrete or putting some cardboard under while using the tee.
Water Wheel Toy | Target | $10
If your little one is anything like Lincoln, then water activities are always a good idea! Keep them entertained for hours (okay, maybe not quite that long…) pouring water over the top and watching the different pieces come to life!
Jump Rocket Launcher | Amazon | $13
As long as your little one can jump or stomp, they’re ready to have a blast (pun intended!) with this rocket launcher. Simply step on the air pump and watch the rocket shoot into the air! It comes with six foam rockets, which is perfect in case any break or are lost. Pair this activity with a lesson on rockets/space, and you have a perfect educational experience!
Dinosaur Figurines with Book | Amazon | $16
These 7 inch dinosaurs are great for a fossil excavation sensory activity. Simply bury them in some dirt and use shovels/brushes to dig them up and clean them off. Plus, it comes with a book to learn more about the different dinosaurs. I know Lincoln can’t tell between different ones at this point, but anytime I show him a picture he’ll say, “Din-saur! RAWR!” and it’s just so stinkin’ adorable.
Finger Paint and Giant Fingerpaint Paper | Amazon | $19 and $4
The backyard is the best place for finger painting! Big mess? No problem—just hose down the area and you’re good to go. This finger paint is completely washable, taking the worry out of the activity. Have kids paint as part of a structured lesson, or let them be as creative as they wish!
Bug Catcher Kit | Amazon | $18
Teach your little one about bugs as you explore your own backyard. This particular kit comes with two bug houses and two magnifying glasses—great for if you have more than one kiddo wanting to participate! If you can’t stand the thought of a case full of live bugs, this kit also includes two small bags of fake insects. You could hide these around the yard for a fun bug-themed scavenger hunt!
What are some of your favorite backyard games for little ones? Comment below!