The dog days of summer are here and in the toy industry that means more time for play! While kids look forward to having fun all summer, parents and other gift-givers know that the best toys and games are about way more than just fun. Outdoor & Active toys can serve as tools to boost creativity, support physical health and fitness, promote screen-free play, and so much more.
Although back-to-school season is just around the corner, getting active in the great outdoors is the perfect opportunity for kids to develop new skills outside of the classroom while helping to combat the dreaded “summer slide.” Similar to other categories, nostalgia is making an appearance. “We believe in creativity,” says Heidi Ong, Communications & Marketing Director at WOW Sports & BigMouth. “It brings back the parenting style of the ‘90s — encouraging kids to get outdoors, get dirty, and have fun with the elements.”
From technologically advanced ride-ons and innovation in water slides to getting in touch with nature through exploration kits and even snow tubes, Outdoor & Active play is instrumental in helping kids develop gross motor skills, balance and coordination, and critical thinking. Outdoor adventures also encourage kids to disconnect from technology and reconnect with friends, family, and the world around them. As a result, manufacturers in this space are focusing on interactive and kid-powered toys that stimulate kids’ imaginations, encourage exercise and emotional regulation, and present the opportunity for multiple kids or the whole family to play together.
“Outdoor & Active play helps kids develop both physically and mentally,” explains Lia Miljour, Product Management Director of Toys, Bestway USA. “Being outdoors helps develop social skills and problem-solving skills, and keeps the imagination active. Plus, sunshine is always good for a boost of happy hormones and kids’ immune systems. These are just some of the expansive benefits kids experience when they play outside, challenge their thinking, and stay active.”
Recent trends in the category include accessible designs that are easy to assemble and store, and multi-purpose products that offer more than one activity to keep kids entertained and, in turn, offer more value to help stretch consumer dollars.
As this evergreen category of play continues to evolve for new generations, a hearty sense of adventure is surely at the center of it. Thuan Tran, Vice President of Droyd, notes, “Beyond its developmental benefits, this type of play immerses kids in their surroundings, providing unlimited adventure during a period where environment and exploration are essential to childhood growth. Outdoor toys and rideables offer enriching experiences for enhanced playtime, only amplifying the development to come.”
Let’s Play Outside:
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BUG HABITAT
Kids can capture and observe bugs with this kit, which includes a clear bug habitat, a removable base, a latching lid with two magnified viewers (one stationary and one moveable), a scissor-style bug catcher, a net, tweezers, and a learning guide.
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ECO JR. SAND SET
This sand set is made of eco-friendly materials and designed in soft, pastel colors. Available in two sizes, this set comes complete with a bucket, shovel, dustpan, and rake.
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LITTLE TIKES 2-IN-1 POP ‘N PITCH TRAINER
This automated pop-up pitching machine is designed for kids of all skill levels to practice their batting skills. Simple set up features make it easy to play anywhere.
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WOW IN THE WORLD: KIDS’ BINOCULARS & NATURE EXPLORER KIT
The binoculars feature quality lenses, an adjustable width, soft eyecups, and a focus adjustment wheel. An eight-page manual tracks kids’ progress in the nature scavenger hunt as they listen to a guided expedition of the outdoors from Wow in the World’s Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas.
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TRELINES CLASSIC SLACKLINE
The whole family can compete with each other to see who has the best balance with this backyard slackline. The set includes a 50-foot slackline with a metal ratchet, a rubber grip handle, and a storage bag.
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STOMP ROCKET NASA COLLECTION
3…2…1… LIFTOFF! Kids can run, jump, stomp, and blast off into space for hours of active play. This set includes three NASA spacecraft, including the SLS Rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Saturn V Rocket alongside an adjustable launch stand.
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UBER DISC — 10-INCH
The Uber Disc is now available in a new 10-inch size. The lightweight hoop can fly more than 100 feet and it also floats. Its soft foam edges make it easy to throw and catch.
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X-SHOT HYPER GEL STINGER BLASTER
This blaster uses a manual pull-to-prime mechanism to blast Hyper Gel Pellets at 150 feet per second. The Stinger comes with 3,000 Hyper Gel Pellets and protective eyewear. Players need to add water to hydrate the pellets.
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WAHU BACPAK BODYBOARD
This bodyboard makes for easy transport with its hands-free carry system. The design includes a heavy-duty elastic detachable leash with two anchor points. The bodyboard is designed for speed and stability in the water.
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SW/CH BOARD
With slide-and-ride technology, kids can swap their skate setup in seconds. There are four options to choose from whether kids want to ride on flat ground, hills, indoors, or just hone their balance.
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Available Fall 2024
H2OGO! TIDAL TRIFECTA MEGA WATER PARK
Kids can race their friends up the triple climbing wall, with individual padded handles and footholds for safety, before sliding down their choice of three slides, each with its own water sprayer to ensure the slide stays slick and slippery.
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DROYD ZYPSTER
This electric ride-on features parent-controlled speeds and a rechargeable battery. Kids can use the smooth-launch control pedal and the electromechanical brake to control the cart and to help prevent accidental launches.
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NEW & IMPROVED WANDINI GLOW.0
Wandini is a rechargeable, collapsible LED levitation wand that features an array of colorful lights from top to bottom. Kids can loop Wandini around their middle finger to make a light show with their hands, creating a colorful illusion.
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TAURUS
This two-seater utility truck can tackle even the most extreme off-road driving. It features a 12V/12Ah/150Wh rechargeable battery, a powerful 350W motor, and two-wheel drive.
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BIG WHEEL DAZZLER
The Big Wheel Dazzler features the signature Big Wheel design with an adjustable seat, an oversized 16-inch front wheel, and wide rear wheels that grip the sidewalk for high-speed stability. Now available in pink and purple.
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BAND-IT-BALL
Kids can play a game anywhere with this three-in-one ball. With its flexible design and simple bands, the ball transforms into three different shapes: a traditional ball, a football, and a frisbee.
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BUBBLE BUDDY WALKER WAGON
As kids push or pull this wagon, bubbles will blow when the back wheels move. The handle locks into place to provide support for beginner walkers, and when they’re ready to pull the wagon, adults can unlock the handle to transform it.
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SPYRAGO
The SpyraGo water blaster features a compact and portable design complemented by a textured handle for a secure grip and a strap connector for effortless on-the-go fun. With LED technology, it keeps kids informed with real-time shot counts and battery status updates.
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GEOSAFARI JR. ROCKNOCULARS
Kids can collect and store rocks in the storage compartment, then extend the eyepiece and view their rocks under the magnifier for an up-close view. It features a handle and storage with a locking latch and comes with an activity guide.
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OFFICIALLY LICENSED NFL SNOW TUBES
Take your favorite NFL team to the slopes with these durable and officially licensed snow tubes. Choose from 10 NFL teams, including the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs.
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CRAZY ICE BUBBLES GIANT BUBBLES SOLUTION
This bubble solution makes up to 10-foot strong, stretchy bubbles that fly and freeze. The set contains a 16-ounce bag with Crazy Ice Bubbles Solution for Giant Bubbles, a Giant Bubbles Wand, and one tray.
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Available Fall 2024
BIGMOUTH X SQUISHMALLOWS GARY THE GIRAFFE, KEVIN THE KOALA, AND TATIANA THE DRAGON POOL FLOATS
Make a splash with the Squishmallows squad! Three new friends join the BigMouth x Squishmallows Pool Float lineup: Gary the Giraffe, Kevin the Koala, and Tatiana the Dragon. Each inflatable float is more than 3 feet wide.
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NERF N SERIES INFINITE
A high-performance blaster, the NERF N Series Infinite features a removable battle belt with a 40-dart capacity. The pump-action blaster comes with 80 NERF N1 foam darts.
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2023 HUFFY GREEN MACHINE
The Huffy Green Machine enables kids to do fun drifts and spins using the pedals and the dual stick controls! The 2023 model brings new design upgrades with an ergonomic seat design for comfort and performance and 20” Pneumatic front tire and durable rear wheels that allow for maximum drift. It has a maximum weight…
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A version of this feature was originally published in the The Toy Book’s 2024 Action & Adventure Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
