Toys

The 25 Best Outdoor Toys For 1-Year-Old Kids: How To Keep Your Toddler Entertained Outdoors

Updated on

Overview

Studies have shown that outdoor playtime might promote healthy habits and prevent kids from living a sedentary lifestyle as they become adults. Spending active time outdoors in the fresh air may also reduce the risk of obesity in children. (1)(2)

Outdoor play opportunities can also help cultivate social skills and promote healthy child development. (1)

It can be challenging for parents to find creative ways to engage their kids in outdoor play.

One thing you can do is introduce your children to fun outdoor activities and provide them with age-appropriate toys they can use.

Here are our top picks for great outdoor toys for 1-year-olds below.

The 25 Best Outdoor Toys For 1-Year-Olds

Depending on their age, children have different needs and interests.

Toys that are fun and exciting for 1-year-olds might already be boring for older children. And vice versa.

There are, however, some toys that can grow with your 1-year-old and be used when they’re older, too.

What Do You Get A One Year Old Outside?

The following are our top recommendations for the best outdoor toys for toddlers:

Editor’s Pick (Toy For Learning & Fun)

Best Toddler Educational Toy

Best Beach Toy

Best Outdoor Bath Toy

Best Toy For Fine Motor Skills

Best Outdoor Sensory Toy

Best Toddler Scooter

Best Outdoor Playhouse

Best Sports Set

Best Freestanding Slide

Best Wagon

Best Balance Bike

Best Educational Splash Pad

Best Tricycle

Best Rocking Toy

Best Push Toy

Best Water Table

Best Toddler Climbing Playset

Best Toy For Pretend Play

Best Toddler Swing

Best Wood Blocks

Best Pull-Along Toy

Best Teeter Totter

Best Musical Toy

Best Ride-On Toy

Continue reading for more information about these outdoor toys for your kiddo.

Step2 Waterfall Discovery WallSTEP2 BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 18 months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Water activity center
  • Material: BPA-free (bisphenol-A), phthalate-free plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This product doesn’t contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, or VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
  • The double-sided construction allows more kids to play with this upright activity center.
  • The toy features 13 accessories, including four water buckets.
  • The water wheels and buckets are interchangeable. It allows your children to change the water direction to create different waterfall configurations.
  • This toy can be great for sensory exploration, pretend play, language and social skills, and motor skill development.
  • It’s not just a toy but is also great for STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
  • It’s a low-maintenance toy.
  • You can also use sand, beans, pasta, or other items for sensory exploration. Just make sure the kids are supervised at all times when using these different items.

Cons

  • Some customers complained about the lack of pre-drilled holes for the screws. But the manufacturer explained that they did it for safety reasons (to minimize the risks of the products having drill shavings). The screws are designed to pierce the plastic material of these products and form their threads.
  • The water holes might be too small. Some parents made the holes bigger to improve the water flow.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My two-year-old loves this. If I would let her stay outside and play with it all day she would be happy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

The parts don’t spin and move when the water flows down like they’re supposed to. There aren’t any holes to screw the screws into.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Hape Kids 5-in-1 Beach SetHAPE BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Beach toys
  • Material: LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This beach toy set has three buckets; one can be used as a castle mold. There are two shovel tools.
  • The pieces are colorful.
  • This set can be used at the beach, sandbox, or even for pretend play without sand.
  • This product passed several tests: sharp point, small parts, tensile strength, bite force, chemical, and drop tests.

Cons

  • Some customers found this product to be smaller than they expected.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Have bought several of these. Strong durable easy to carry bucket and spade set. Highly reccomend.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

This product is much smaller than I expected.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes Turtle SandboxAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONMacy's Button

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From one year old and above
  • Type of Toy: Sandbox
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a durable plastic sandbox with a cute turtle design.
  • It features two built-in seats.
  • The lidded design protects the sand from insects or the elements. Just make sure to cover the sandbox when it’s not in use.
  • It can be a toy for sensory exploration and pretend play.
  • No assembly is required.
  • It’s designed for use by multiple children. It can also help improve your child’s social skills.

Cons

  • It’s a large toy that requires space.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

It’s easy to manage. The top goes on and off easily and keeps critters out. I love it. It’s the perfect size for two kids under five.” – Reviewer on Target.

Negative Reviews

Bought this for my granddaughter. I was already locked in for this gift as she wanted this. It’s flimsy. The lid doesn’t snap in place. I have a disappointed four-year-old as the lid doesn’t fit, and since it’s gone now, the wind took it. She is afraid to sit in it as the sides aren’t very sturdy. It is now the neighborhood feral cat box.” – Reviewer on Target.

Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath ToyMacy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From four months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Bath toy
  • Material: BPA-free, PVC-free (polyvinyl chloride), and phthalate-free polypropylene
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Animal characters rattle and roll inside the bubble-like toy, but they’re weighted to stay upright.
  • The rings move freely around the bubbles.
  • This toy may help your baby develop motor skills and can also teach hand-eye coordination.
  • It features an easy-to-grasp, easy-to-dry, and mold-free design.

Cons

  • Some customers who purchased this bath toy complained about the quality of the products they received.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Loveeee !! So much fun for my one-year-old during bathtime.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

About four weeks after buying, one of the balls has moisture inside. It never dries, so I’m tossing it out.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Strider 12 Sport Balance BikeEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONMacy's Button

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months to five years old
  • Type of Toy: Adjustable balance bike
  • Material: Steel frame and rubber wheels
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The adjustable seat height and handlebars let this bike grow with your child.
  • It comes with padded seats.
  • The heavy-duty, no-maintenance tires are designed to stay round.
  • It has built-in footrests.
  • It can be a unique and challenging toy for your child.

Cons

  • Some kids find it difficult to learn how to use this balance bike because it doesn’t have pedals like a regular bike.
  • You can’t also put pedals on this bike.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

It’s super easy to put together (about 5 minutes, including opening the box), and the only tool needed was the included Allen wrench.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Complete waste of money. It’s just a weird scooter. Kids hated it.”- Reviewer on Amazon.

Step2 Splish Splash Seas Water Table (with 10 Accessories and Umbrella)STEP2 BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months to five years old
  • Type of Toy: Sensory water toys
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • You fill the hollow table with water to create a mini water park for your child’s toys.
  • The water wheel carousel spins while the hinged bucket tips over to fill the waterfall with water.
  • It’s colorful and comes with several accessories that toddlers might find interesting.
  • There’s an umbrella to protect your child from the sun.

Cons

  • It may be difficult to assemble.
  • Water can stay inside some parts of the water table, potentially causing health issues (mold growth) in the future.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My grandson loves this table! He plays with it every day!.” – Reviewer on eBay.

Negative Reviews

Our water table has a nasty habit of holding water under the substructure, which then sits and molds.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Step2 Panda ClimberSTEP2 BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months to five years old
  • Type of Toy: Playground set
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It features a toddler-size slide, archway, crawl-through tunnel, and platform.
  • This toy can help develop gross motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination.
  • Activity elements are designed for toddlers.
  • The durable, high-quality plastic construction can make this toy last for many years.
  • You can easily clean the surfaces with wipes or soap and water.

Cons

  • It’s a large toy that requires space and should be placed on a flat surface.
  • Adult assembly is required for first-time use.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My 1-year-old grandson loves this toy. It is safe and sturdy. Very well built.” – Reviewer on eBay.

Negative Reviews

I asked my dad to assemble this for me. He has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He has not been successful in snapping together the first two parts.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes Gas ‘n Go MowerWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONMacy's Button

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 18+ months old
  • Type of Toy: Push toy
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a toy that can encourage physical activity and pretend play.
  • It features realistic mechanical sounds that don’t require batteries.
  • Your child can open the gas cap and use the removable ‘gas can’ to fill up the lawnmower toy.

Cons

  • The wheels might not roll properly over grass.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

We bought this mower for our 20 month old daughter this weekend! She loves it!! She had a blast putting gas in, pulling the pull cord and mowing with daddy!!” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes’ website.

Negative Reviews

It’s cute but the mower does not push forward on the grass. My child got very frustrated with it so it was very disappointing.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

VTech Latches and Doors Busy BoardEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 12 months to three years old
  • Type of Toy: Educational and sensory toy
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a colorful educational toy that can help your child learn about the alphabet and how to count.
  • It may also improve your kiddo’s hand-eye coordination.
  • It could also help with your child’s fine motor skills.
  • It can still be used as a toy even without batteries.
  • If used with batteries, it plays a number song, the alphabet song, and a song about the house.
  • The built-in handle makes this toy easy to bring along.

Cons

  • It requires batteries to play the music.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Bought for my son. When he was 7.5 months old, he was getting into opening and closing cabinets, so I thought this would be great, and it is! At first, he was just randomly hitting and manipulating the whole thing- then we got to watch him learn it and figure out how to open and close doors- such a cool way to see his progress.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Was really looking forward to watching her play with it. Unfortunately, she was bored of it within minutes. Overall, it’s fairly small and much less sensory than its pictures.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Radio Flyer Scoot 2 ScooterWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From one to four years old
  • Type of Toy: Scooter and ride-on toy
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a ride-on toy that converts into a toddler scooter.
  • It features removable seats and an adjustable handle.
  • As a ride-on toy, the space under the seat can be used for storage.

Cons

  • Some customers complained about the quality of the scooter they received.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My grandson loves this little scooter! He is happy he can carry ‘cargo’ underneath, and I am happy that as he grows, he can use it for a beginner’s scooter! An excellent riding toy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Cheap plastic. Nothing feels solid. The seat is already too low for my below-average-sized 23-month-old. He is basically standing and straddling the bike while walking around. If he sits down, his legs are too long to scoot properly. The steering is heavy and feels very disconnected.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes Picnic on the Patio PlayhouseEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months to five years old
  • Type of Toy: Playhouse set
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a playhouse set with a picnic table, play food and tableware, pretend phone, and kitchenette.
  • It encourages pretend play.

Cons

  • It takes up a big space.
  • Assembly is required.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

This playhouse is sturdy, and the picnic table attached is a fun bonus. My daughter is three and enjoys pretend play with the house. The size of the house is suitable for her age and can easily fit three toddlers playing inside.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

Small and not worth the money.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Dazmers Toys 3-in-1 Kids Sports Center (Basketball Hoop, Soccer Goal, & Ring Toss Playset)EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From one year old and above
  • Type of Toy: Sports set
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a 3-in-1 sports center with a basketball hoop, soccer goal, and ring toss.
  • You can adjust the hoop height as your kid grows.

Cons

  • Assembly is required.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Easy to assemble! Perfect for what I was looking for, an inexpensive way to start some new gross motor activities.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

This item is too expensive for the quality. Cheap plastic that is not sturdy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes First SlideAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 18 months and above
  • Type of Toy: Standalone slide
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density or low-density polyethylene and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • You can fold this toy for storage.
  • It’s toddler-size and can handle a maximum weight of 60 lbs.

Cons

  • It requires assembly.
  • You have to take it apart if you want to store it.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

The slide is well built, feels sturdy, and breaks down to take up very little space when not in use.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

CONS: they say it’s foldable, but in order to fold it, you have to take it apart so a bit misleading..” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes Lil’ WagonWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For kids one year old and above
  • Type of Toy: Pull-along toy
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a durable wagon that’s rugged enough for outdoor use.
  • It may be just the right size for your toddler to pull.
  • Your child can also use this to keep other toys when not in use.

Cons

  • The wagon can only carry toys. It’s not designed for kids to ride on.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My son loves this. It is very sturdy. He’s about 30 pounds, and even though it’s not intended to carry a kid, his siblings still pull him in it. Usually, he gives the cat a ride.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

I was also disappointed when I saw how small it actually is.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

 

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler, and Wading Pool for LearningAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 12 months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Educational pool toy
  • Material: BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s an educational splash toy with prints of different learning materials: color balloons, the USA map, the solar system, letters A to Z, and places around the world.
  • This pool is designed for outdoor use.
  • The sprinklers may be gentle enough for toddlers to enjoy.
  • It’s compatible with other pool toys.

Cons

  • The splash pad could become slippery, especially when lots of water has accumulated on the surface.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Set up is easy, and it’s pretty durable. I had it on some rocks and held up fine. I would recommend this.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

I used this product once at my daughter’s birthday party, and the normal hose water is way too cold for little kids to play in, even on a hot day. They didn’t like it at all.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N TrikeWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From nine months to seven years old
  • Type of Toy: Convertible toy
  • Material: Steel frame with plastic and rubber parts
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This product features four ride types: infant trike or stroller (pushed by an adult), steering trike, learn-to-ride trike, and classic trike.
  • Adjustable seats allow this toy to grow with your baby.
  • Boys and girls can use the toy.
  • There’s a canopy to provide shade for your child.
  • There’s a removable tray that comes with a cupholder.
  • This ride also has a rear storage bucket and a removable footrest.
  • The three-point harness can provide added protection to younger children.

Cons

  • The adjustable parts can become loose after the toy is converted multiple times.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Very practical and reasonably priced. Easy to store when not in use.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

The handle won’t stay on. The little metal dot for it to click in place doesn’t pop in and out and fell out of place a few times. So now my handle just slides off.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Little Tikes Rocking PuppyAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 12 months to three years old
  • Type of Toy: Rocking ride-on toy
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The seat design can keep your child from falling forward or backward.
  • The easy-grip handles let your child hold on to the toy for added safety.
  • No assembly is required.

Cons

  • There’s no harness or seat belt to keep your child from falling at the sides.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I bought this as a birthday gift for my year old grandson. He was excited when he saw it and started rocking as soon as I put him on it. He needs assistance now but will grow with this toy. He actually got off on his own already and because it’s so low to the ground he did not get hurt doing so.” – Reviewer on Walmart.

Negative Reviews

I bought this for my grandson online. When the present was opened it, the box only held the rocking puppy. Eyes, nose, ears were no where to be found.” – Reviewer on Target.

Little Tikes Push and Ride RacerAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From nine months to three years old
  • Type of Toy: Push and ride-on toy
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a push-and-ride toy that grows with your child.
  • The toddler-size push bar can make it easy for your baby to push even if they are still one year old.
  • It becomes a ride-on toy for 2-year-oldswho can move it using their legs.

Cons

  • The toy requires assembly.
  • Your child might quickly outgrow this toy.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love it because it serves the purpose of both a ride-on car and a walker.” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes website.

Negative Reviews

The instructions are easy to follow, but carrying out the steps is not easy.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

 

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe First SwingMacy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For nine to 36 months
  • Type of Toy: Swing and pretend play
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a toddler swing with a car for the seat. The car features a steering wheel and horn for pretend play.
  • This swing comes with a weather-resistant rope and can attach to an existing swing set.
  • The seat and leg openings are wide.
  • For safety, this swing has an adjustable belt.

Cons

  • It’s a hands-on toy that your baby can’t use unless an adult is around.
  • It requires assembly.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

My grandson loves it. We put it on a moveable frame, so it can be used outside on the deck and in the family room.” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes’ website.

Negative Reviews

The car we bought is too hard to lift the kids into.” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes’ website.

VTech Pull & Sing PuppyEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For six months to three years old
  • Type of Toy: Educational pull-along toy
  • Material: Lead-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a cute pull-along toy that can encourage your child to walk and have fun.
  • It can make different sounds and music while the puppy’s legs move.
  • It’s also an educational toy that can help introduce colors, numbers, and parts of the body to your child.

Cons

  • The string may be too thin and short for your child to pull properly while they walk.
  • This pull-along toy requires batteries to make the sounds and music.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Bought this little doggy for my niece who just started walking and she loves i! It glides very easily behind her and it’s light so she’s able to tug it along.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

My granddaughter is just 11 months old when she received this and the string is too short for her to stand up and pull.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Hape Wooden Double-Side Musical DrumAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 12 months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Musical toy
  • Material: Wood and plastic with child-safe paint finish
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a double-sided drum that produces different sounds per side.
  • This musical toy has a restricted sound output designed to protect your child’s young ears.
  • There’s a built-in holder for the drumsticks.
  • It can help promote hand-eye coordination.
  • It can also be a tool for learning music concepts like rhythm.
  • This toy can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Cons

  • The plastic side might not be durable enough.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

It isn’t as loud as I thought it would be, and I definitely appreciate that.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

Not good quality! Unfortunately, the top got ripped right away. I was able to get a replacement but the 2nd one got ripped again.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Hape Shape Sorting BoxAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: From 12 months old and above
  • Type of Toy: Educational toy
  • Material: Wood with child-safe paint finish
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This educational toy is a shape sorter that can help your child learn about colors and shapes.
  • It can encourage hand-eye coordination.
  • The wood pieces are just the right size for a toddler’s little hands.
  • It comes with a matching box that’s both the puzzle sorter and a container to store the pieces when not in use.

Cons

  • The puzzle shapes are limited to just four pieces.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

I love that the box has only one shape per side so we can start with the easier circle and work up to the more difficult shapes.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

The shape sorter also doesn’t come with its own box so do take note if you wish to give this as a gift.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Radio Flyer DJ Dance & Spin Ride-On CarWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 18 months to four years old
  • Type of Toy: Ride-on toy
  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s a fun ride-on toy that spins, wiggles, twists, and dances around with pre-programmed moves.
  • There’s also an option for free-steering.
  • There are LED lights that dance with the music.
  • This product has rechargeable batteries.
  • The brand promises to plant a tree for each product purchased.

Cons

  • The music can be loud.
  • The dance movements can be jerky.
  • It requires batteries.
  • The car doesn’t have a seat belt.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

There are many music in the car. Each time the kid presses button, it produces different sound.” – Reviewer on the Radio Flyer website.

Negative Reviews

I bought this and it’s really cute and perfect size but a little aggressive. The movements are very sudden and jerky.” – Reviewer on the Radio Flyer website.

Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Colorful Wood Geo-BlocksAMAZON BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 12+ months
  • Type of Toy: Educational toys
  • Material: Linden wood and finished with certified non-toxic, water-based stains
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Grimm’s doesn’t use lacquer or varnish on the blocks.
  • These geometric blocks are designed for your kids to combine with other block sets for larger building projects.
  • All the products meet American (ASTM; American Society for Testing Materials) and European (EN71-3) standards for toy safety.
  • Your child can use this toy indoors or outdoors.

Cons

  • The blocks can have a strong scent. Grimms’ explains that this odor comes from the non-toxic linseed oil they’re using to protect the wood.
  • These wood blocks can cost more than plastic ones.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

A bit on the expensive side but my 2 year old LOVES these! Worth every cent!” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

I love these blocks but some color comes off.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Little Tikes Classic Alligator Teeter-TotterWALMART BUTTON

Key Features

  • Child Age Range: For 18 months to five years old
  • Type of Toy: Teeter-totter
  • Material: Little Tikes’ toys are made of polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene.
  • Product Recall: None

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Three kids can play on this teeter-totter at the same time.
  • Your kids can use this indoors or outdoors.
  • It doesn’t require assembly.
  • The stable base doesn’t have to be fixed permanently on one spot.
  • It’s lightweight, so you can easily transfer it from one place to another.

Cons

  • The handles might not be as durable as the rest of the toy.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

Very sturdy product and well made. The handles are enclosed with soft yellow plastic like material and are very easy for the boys to grip.” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes’ website.

Negative Reviews

It is expensive though considering it’s just plastic.” – Reviewer on the Little Tikes’ website.

 

What to Look For In Buying Outdoor Toys for 1-Year-Olds

What Do 1 Year Olds Really Play With?

Curious kids can enjoy playing with shape sorters and puzzles at this age. You can also provide them with a toy they can pull along, or something that makes a sound.

Child Safety Guidelines

For your child’s safety, we don’t recommend the use of inflatable kiddie pools because most are made of PVC plastic which can be toxic. (3)

Trampolines should also be avoided by children below six years old, based on the recommendations of the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). (4)(5)

While trampolines are popular in the US, they can cause serious cervical spine injuries and other injuries, especially when two or more children are playing inside. (4)(5)

Other factors to consider in picking outside toys for your child:

  • Safety (make sure it’s non-toxic, not being recalled due to safety issues, no choking hazards, or doesn’t have serious safety concerns)
  • Age range
  • Type of toy (imaginative play, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, exploration, etc.)
  • Activity level
  • Variation
  • Water play or sensory options
  • Quality & durability
  • Space requirements

How Much Outside Time Does A 1 Year Old Need?

Depending on your location and other factors, you can let your 1-year-old child play outside for around 20 to 30 minutes. But make sure that they’re supervised at all times and dressed accordingly.

Outdoor Toys for 3-Year-Olds and Above

These are some outside toys for 3-year-old boys and girls:

Summary & Recommendation

The following are our recommendations for the best outdoor toys for 1-year-old children:

Other Learning Toys For Different Age Groups

Toy Recalls To Monitor

 

 

REFERENCES

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4483712/

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18852701/

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873021/

(4) https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/4/774.full

(5) https://www.aaos.org/contentassets/1cd7f41417ec4dd4b5c4c48532183b96/1135—trampolines-and-trampoline-safety.pdf

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More