Fresh air, sunlight, and exercise are all wonderful things. Unfortunately, many kids just aren’t getting enough of them. At the recent North American International Toy Fair, I encountered numerous toy makers who are trying to address this problem by developing new outdoor toys that encourage kids to get off the couch for some outdoor physical activity. Many feature novel tweaks to familiar play patterns, and the sheer breadth of items on-hand was impressive. Most surprisingly, not all of them try to pry kids away from their mobile devices or video screens.
Here are some of our favorite picks from among the outdoor toy trends we saw. Enjoy it; take copious notes, and as the year rolls on, be ready to run down to your local toy store and pick up some of these neat playthings. And if the weather’s particularly nice out, maybe your kid will be enticed to stroll through a nearby park, visit a friend’s yard, and enjoy these toys in their natural habitat.
Trend 1: Making Fun Easy
It’s not enough to just be outside (although it’s a start). Little ones have to run around and get their blood pumping, and the easiest way to do that is through an activity that interests and engages them. Among the manufacturers we visited, many seek to give kids even more of something they enjoy, or to make an activity easier to perform.
Batapult Jr (OgoSport)
With the Batapult Jr., from OgoSport, kids who cannot yet throw a ball very far can use the bat itself to do the work. After fitting the ball into a space on the bat, they just have to swing it in order to simulate a throw. Kids can also use the Batapult Jr. for fielding balls while working on other aspects of their game.
Faux Bow 2.0 (Marky Sparky)
Bow and arrow play is more widespread than ever, but one of the least fun aspects is picking up the arrows you’ve fired. Luckily, the Faux Bow 2.0, from Marky Sparky, has twice as many quivers, meaning twice as many arrows to shoot.
Trigger Filler and Zorbz Balloons (Hydro Toys LLC)
Both the Trigger Filler and Zorbz Balloons, from Hydro Toys LLC, cut back on some of the more arduous aspects of playing with water balloons. The Trigger Filler, which attaches to a faucet or spigot, fills Zorbz Balloons quicker than conventional means. Zorbz Balloons, meanwhile, have a special valve system that allows each one to be snapped shut easily, eliminating the need to tie the ends.
Squap (Squap)
For kids who are still developing shoulder and arm strength (and let’s face it, there’s some of us adults who probably need to work on that, too), there’s also Squap, a mitt-like toy that launches a ball through the motion of opening one’s hand. To send it flying further, simply open your hand more quickly. Squap is easy to learn and doesn’t require a lot of dexterity, so older and younger kids can play together without the former dominating. And if the goal is to keep everyone playing, that’s a good thing.
Trend 2: Putting a New Spin On Ride-Ons
Sbyke (Sbyke USA)
Another trend we noticed was riding toys that didn’t break the mold, so much as borrow a few existing ones. For example, there was the Sbyke, from Sbyke USA, which resembled a cross between a skateboard and a bicycle. However, despite having front handles like a bicycle, the user steers by moving their body side-to-side (Not easy, especially in the face of oncoming Toy Fair visitors).
Spooner (Spooner Inc.)
We were similarly intrigued by the Spooner, a high-density polyethylene board from SpoonerBoards, which lets kids do spinning tricks, and even practice snowboarding at the nearby skate park—whether or not there’s any snow on the ground.
We found these items especially appealing for several reasons: First, each company has different models for varying age ranges. Plus, each of the two items has elements reminiscent of an existing outdoor toy or toys, yet the companies managed to find a way to make something original. Instead of reinventing the wheel, these companies found new ways to feature the existing one.
Trend 3: Active App Play
Backyard Sports (Day 6)
Kids spend more time glued to their screens than ever before, and some companies, such as Day 6, are taking advantage of this. The Backyard Sports line features physical toys, such as the big-barreled Sonic Boom Bat and the Mega Morph Super Hoop, the latter of which has an expanding and contracting rim. Each item works with a free, downloadable app game, and the more kids play with the toys the more they can power-up characters in the games.
To be fair, the toys themselves sound pretty fun. A basketball hoop that randomly grows and shrinks while you shoot? A bat built to make booming sounds? Still, the real star is the way in which physical toys and digital games work in tandem, as kids have a tangible incentive to be active, and a tangible reward for their efforts. Sure, improved physical conditioning and a healthier lifestyle should be their own rewards, but the chance to make NBA star Stephen Curry dunk from the three-point is also pretty sweet.
For more commentary from Phil, check back often. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!
