The weather up north is thawing and it is the best time for Florida grandparents to visit the grandchildren at their home. I want to bring toys that will bring the grandchildren outdoors with Grandpa and me. Yes, we did splurge for a big outdoor toy when the younger grandchildren moved into their new home a few years ago and did call it a gift for the whole family. See post: Benefits of Outdoor Play Leads to the Finding the Best Portable Basketball Hoop for Grandchildren
Recently, this Grandma signed up for “Toy Insider” to receive emails about their suggestions for toys. They had a recent post about “Outdoor Toys.”
I wanted to like their suggestions. I did not. Trampolines are dangerous and they recommended water guns that look like guns. They recommended expensive motorized cars, which an indulgent grandparent can buy, and we must admit we have bought them. Even their recommended LED beach ball, which at first glance looked interesting, might be dangerous in a front yard, and should probably be limited to the beach. Be careful with the Toy Insider selections for outside toys.
My previous posts on outside toys come from what I tried and knew was worthwhile from the outstanding Oppenheimer Toy Awards recommendations on www.toyportfolio.com.
Bubbles
This Grandma loves bubbles as a visit present. I still have a package of “touchable bubbles” to bring to the youngest the next visit. See post: Summer 2016 Bubble Fun For
Balls and Games with Balls
Everyone loves playing with a ball. Take a look at this post for suggestions: Grandma buys Best Balls and Games with Balls for Grandchildren
The Oppenheimer Toy Award toys are the best. Here are this Grandma’s choices for the best outdoor Platinum Award Toys by age group.
Toddlers:
Hape Step and Stroll-Racing Stripes. This Grandma loves when the toddler is trying to walk and practices with a push toy walker. Every time I found one that was stable and good, the parents of the grandchildren took it from me. Stability in a push toy walker is imperative if you are taking the toddler outside with it. This one is Platinum and rated five stars on Amazon.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
The grandchildren LOVE this. You can tell it is most popular because it is the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the car. The children use their feet to make it move and can steer with turning wheels. It now comes in many colors and styles. Take a look at Amazon.
Preschoolers and Early School Aged
New Micro Mini Deluxe
It is a Platinum award winning mini scooter that has an adjustable T-bar from 17” up to 25, available in 8 bright colors, for children up to 75 lbs. Buy at Amazon:
School Aged and Teen
To get to this age, we need to lower our standards to “gold” award winners.
Diggin Slimeball Splat Set
New for 2017, Oppenheimer suggests that this could be an indoor toy, but throwing balls at a target inside a house is a no-no for this Grandma. Buy at Amazon:
Zing Wet Head
This is definitely an outdoor game as it is a water roulette game, that you can play different ways, including with a free app as a trivia game. It is a game the whole family can play together, so makes a great visit present. Buy at Amazon:
I then went to Amazon for their top rated items and found a few of their best sellers that are outdoor play wonderful.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center, 117″ X 76″ X 53″, for Ages 2+
This is a best seller outdoor blow up pool that the reviews say can hold up to five toddlers, but don’t expect it to last long. Buy at Amazon:
Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set
Why shouldn’t the toddlers and preschoolers play basketball? It comes in many colors. .Buy at Amazon:
School Age through Teen
AMENON Kids Air Power Soccer Football Size 4 Boys Girls Sport Children Toys Training Football Indoor Outdoor Disk Hover Ball Game with Foam Bumpers and Light Up LED Lights
This is five star rated and a best seller on Amazon. There are reviews where this is used indoors. This Grandma thinks you are just asking for trouble and broken items. The reviews say as much. It is recommended for ages 6-16. I just bought it for my younger grandchildren and their father to enjoy outside together. Buy at Amazon:
Fly a Kite: Rainbow Kite for Kids and Adults – Easy Flyer Kite for Beginners – Parafoil Kite for the Beach – Best Summer Toys for Outdoor Games Activities
Although this kite is the best seller on Amazon, scrolling down the page you will find many kite choices. Why not allow the grandchild to pick his or her own? Buy at Amazon:
Yes, the grandchildren may ask for the newest app for their electronics. Sometimes, we grandmas must change the subject and give them a visit present that will encourage them to go outside.
Joy,
Mema
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