My boys are 5.5 and 2 so my answers may be a tad biased, but listed below are my current Top 10 must haves for Spring 2025:
1. Helmet
Helmet may not be cool first item, but I can’t skip over the number one safety item for any kids outdoors. Not only do helmets protect those precious skulls and what’s inside, it helps our kids build safety habits AND gives them that extra boost of confidence when trying new things. My son often wears his helmet long after getting off his bike or scooter…I think it helps him feel safer to take that risk.
We love these helmets: Retrospec Scout (hint: skip the toddler size): https://amzn.to/3FyRvJS Bell Rally Helmet 5+: https://amzn.to/4kuCatK
2. Scooter
Now that you have that helmet, get your child a scooter! Unless he’s riding a two wheel bike really well, I’d recommend a three-wheeled scooter. My two year old, five year old and eleven year old neighbor all live on theirs! Micro is the current industry standard, but our budget-friendly recommendation is Gotrax: https://amzn.to/4iwwIEY (They have multiple color options, quick shipping and are super durable.)
3. Stomp Rocket
Once the helmet hair has found its place, turn to your trusty stomp rocket. The more kids outside, the faster I turn to this thing! Kids not only love to see who can stomp the highest rocket (spoiler alert it’s ALWAYS dad), but they love to catch/fetch the rocket and load it onto the stand. It’s a tried and true classic. There’s no “stomping” the inventor of this toy: The Original Stomp Rocket: https://amzn.to/4i7ZAUh
4. Chalk
Again chalk just pleases anyone and everyone. It’s cheap, it’s messy, but it’s fun. If not using it the way it’s intended my oldest loves to grind it on the street to make the elusive “fairy dust”. Chop it up, add water and make chalk paint! Regardless, chalk brings creativity and color to the driveways and sidewalks of our lives. We buy chalk in bulk…it’s cheaper, prevents arguments colors, and lasts for an entire season: Joyin 160pcs Sidewalk Chalk: https://amzn.to/3FtuIiD
5. Sensory Play Stones
Yellow Door Sensory Play Stones are one of those toys that are used season after season and they last! While they are a little pricey, they are the perfect addition to water tables, sand boxes, mud kitchens and so much more. The best thing is, they can stay in the sun every day and never fade or crack. My kids love these things for pretend play, but honestly my husband and I are still defeated on how these things are made. Ours were purchased in January 2023 and still going strong! Yellow Door has a huge variety of packs, but our fruits & veggies are most used. Fruits: https://amzn.to/41FJ9rf Veggies: https://amzn.to/4ipxCDu
6. Rechargeable Water Dispenser
When you just need 10 minutes of peace and quiet, pull out this rechargeable water dispenser and a five gallon jug of water (or your water table). I’ve heard a silicone cap helps the water dispenser stay on better to the five gallon jug, but my 2 year old especially LOVES this thing. It doesn’t pour out water like a hose, it’s more like the dispenser built into your fridge. My two pieces of advice: don’t forget to charge it and don’t lose the tubing (we’ve done both). Dispenser: https://amzn.to/4bPkd5k (your best bet to find a five gallon jug is at your local Walmart for half the price of Amazon)
7. Bug/Frog/Worm/Praying Mantis Terrarium
Look it’s really a reptile terrarium, but I promise invest $10 into a small one of these and it will suit any and every outdoor need. Kids love worms and instead of bringing them into your home to find tupperware, have this ready instead! https://amzn.to/4kYOYcf
8. Hot Wheels Tracks
If you have a car obsessed child like I do, gather a basket of them and bring them outside! We keep a set of these tracks in our garage and they’re used ALL of the time. We even have zip ties so they can start the track just about anywhere: water table, lawn mower handle, mom’s cup holder, etc. There are multiple length options here and you can sometimes find a 5 pack at Dollar Tree! Hot Wheels Replacement Tracks: https://amzn.to/4hAnF4L
9. Bubbles
You haven’t spent enough time outside if your kid hasn’t accidentally dumped out the entire container of bubbles. Instead, turn to the highly controversial bubble machine! Yes they are a little bit more high maintenance and tiny insects love to fly into the bubble mix, but I promise it’s worth it. We don’t get the machine out every day, but having bubbles on hand is always a smart move. Bubble Machine: https://amzn.to/4bToep7
10. Step2 Roller Coaster
The ole roller coaster had to close out this list. Every child on my street will have a go on this thing if it’s out (especially if it’s also on a downhill). If you have a toddler this is a must buy. It’s fun, it works on so many gross motor skills, and it feels like risky play to them! Also, if you have arguments on who’s turn it is, literally every ride on toy fits on the tracks. My two year old even takes his little “bike” down it. It’s an investment, but I say it’s worth it! Step 2 Roller Coaster: https://amzn.to/4iHnpSH