Best Toys to Encourage Outdoor Play

Something about nature and movement is soothing and regulating to all of us - especially those with ADHD. We’ve found that having a wide selection of fun outdoor toys enhances the amount of time our kids spend outside. We also love to camp and go fishing, and some of these things are the perfect no-tech additions to trigger creativity and fun on our camping trip.

Step2

Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II

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This large sandbox is sturdy and had a tight lid. Sand is the perfect sensory experience. When my kids outgrew it after years of use we could still pass it along to another family and it looked like new.

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Step2

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table | Kids Water Play

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Lifetime

Lifetime Double Adventure Tower with Monkey Bars

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Lifetime Swingsets are the BEST - the only brand we found that is playground quality and can fit toddlers, big kids, and teenagers alike. Our whole family swings on ours. This is the biggest Lifetime swingset - I’d kill for the yard space for this one.

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ZNCMRR

Climbing Rope with Disc for Tree or Swing Set

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A hit for five years and counting! Number one item used on our swing set. Swinging helps our bodies regulate.

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Flybar

Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick For Kids - Boys & Girls

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I had no idea how popular this would be! My kids have mastered it and the neighborhood kids love it too. The deep impact and physical activity helps my kids focus.

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OUTREE

Kids’ Pod Hanging Swing Seat - Hammock Chair, Indoor Outdoor

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You won’t be able to get your kids out of these. Trust me. The hanging, the deep muscle input - it’s all good.

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flybold

Obstacle Course for Kids | Ninja Warrior Slackline Kit

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Turn any backyard into an obstacle course with this outdoor slack line kit. Fantastic for building core strength and wearing out hyperactive kids.

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Eezy Peezy

Monkey Bars Climbing Tower - Active Outdoor Fun for Kids

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Keep those ADHD kids active! Climbing and hanging is awesome deep-muscle input for ADHD kids.

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Amictoy

Sit and Spin Teeter Totter, Kids Outdoor Playground Equipment

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My kids love this! The rotating action adds fun.

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Step2

Step2 Naturally Playful Playhouse Climber & Swing Set Extension

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This swingset was perfect for my ADHD kids when they were younger. Lots of sensory experiences packed into a small footprint. Super sturdy.

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Step2

Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide Edition

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A young sensory-seeker’s dream come true! Check out the video reviews.

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Step2

Step2 Dino Dig Sand & Water Table

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Sand and water tables are the perfect sensory solution!

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SUNCREAT

Extra Large Double Hammock with Stand

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Hammocks hug your body in a way that is incredibly soothing. This double hammock has room for you plus a friend.

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Lifetime

Lifetime Products Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset

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We love our Lifetime Swingset - it’s playground size and quality. This one has a roomy clubhouse, monkey bars, climbing wall, and storefronts, and it’s one of the only backyard play sets big enough to last your kids into their teenage years.

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Swurfer

Swurfer - Original Stand Up Surfing Swing - Surf the Air

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A great sensory addition to a tree or swingset! These go high and engage all of the muscles.

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Intex

INTEX Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump Makes Backyard Swimming Easy

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Amazon has a huge selection of pools, from kiddie pools to full-size above ground, and they let you schedule delivery time or hire assembly for some.

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RESILIA

A Huge Slip and Slide is Perfect for Parties (30 Feet Long!)

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My kid played on one of these gigantic slip and slides at camp, and declared it the best thing ever. I was just sad that the parents didn’t get a turn. The ultimate way to stay cool in summer.

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Nature Bound

Catch Insects with this Critter Cage Bug Catcher and Habitat Kit

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These are used weekly around my house - there is always some kind of insect caught or habitat being built in our yard.

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PLUSINNO

Go Adventuring with a Kids Fishing Net with Telescopic Pole

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Every summer we use these to catch minnows and bugs in the nearby lakes are rivers.

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Franklin Sports

Franklin Sports MLB Kids Foam Baseball Bat + Ball Set

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This baseball bat and ball set for kids is perfect because it’s sturdy enough for some great hits and practice, but not hard enough to worry about breaking any windows.

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SUPERSOAKER

SUPERSOAKER Nerf Super Soaker Barrage Soaker for Outdoor Fun

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Definitely not an inexpensive gift, but small in size, so it would technically fit in a stocking! Nothing beats a water gun fight for summer fun. The best water guns are SuperSoakers.

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WokTok

Walkie Talkie Rechargeable 5 Pack Makes Old-School Tech New

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These walk-in talkies are a blast for kids to use in the neighborhood or with new friends when we go camping.

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WALIKI

Bouncy Jumping Hopper Ball for Kids

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My kids had a couple versions of this fun bouncy hopper ball so they could race. It was very soothing to my sensory-seeker.

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Other Gift Ideas

Hyperactive kids with ADHD often feel a constant need for motion and activity. We’ve found that the more physical activity and sensory input our kids receive, the better. There are some amazing activities that can be added to the home or yard to give them a designated place to exert a lot of energy. Most of these involve deep-muscle impact as well, which helps calm the nervous system. 

Our kids are their happiest when they are moving, and this helps them funnel that energy in a safe way. Plus - these are all FUN and make perfect gifts. 

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