Toys That Get Kids Moving!

As a teacher, I'd often get asked about certain 'kid products' and whether or not they had any educational value. Now that I'm also a parent, I am always on the search for a fun toy or gift that will help my children develop healthy bodies and minds. 

I decided to put together a list of toys that encourage kids to learn, grow, and explore the world around them (and boy, did I have fun choosing my top ones!). 

Each week, I will share one of these lists:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!

Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!

Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Be sure and subscribe to my feed so you won't miss any of these goodies! :)

*** Click on the links to see current prices and customer reviews.

1. Foldable Forts and Tunnels- We have a relatively small house, so any toy that allows my kids to get energy out, while not taking up a lot of storage space is considered gold! We have three foldable tents and two tunnels...and all of that fits easily under our couch when not in use. LOVE! These have been a hit with kids ages 1-10 in our house, so I can see us keeping them for years to come.

2. PlasmaCar- I have a special place in my heart for toys that don't require batteries or plugs of any kind. This kid-powered car has won multiple awards for it's design and appeal.

3. Foam Playground Balls- These balls are the kind they use in official dodgeball games. The genius of these balls is that they are 'sting-free' and super durable so kids can throw, bounce, and play rough with them without hurting their friends (or ripping the ball). They are lightweight for little hands and still have some bounce to them. (The balls shown in the graphic above are similar to these and are called Gopher Balls.)

4. Razor Rip-Rider 360- My son would go cra-zay if I brought this bike home! The style of the back wheels allows this bike to be spun and twisted all over the road- making it fun for big kids too! Parents Magazine hailed this toy as a Top Toy of the Year.

5. Monster Feet- These stompers are such a simple idea, but they provide hours of exhausting fun! (And don't you just love the expression on this little boy's face?!)

6. Balance Board- This fun toy helps children with their coordination skills while giving them an 'indoor way' to release a lot of energy. There are many other options available for older children as well.

7. Huge Indoor / Outdoor Balls- Isn't it funny that all you have to do is make something super tiny or something mega-huge and kids just go wild for it? Do you remember those big canvas balls in gym class that we'd play crab ball with? That's what these massively gigantic balls remind me of.

8. Parachute- Endless hours of fun could be had with these colorful parachutes! Throw a few balls in the middle and you've just taken it to the next level.

9. Scooter Boards- These boards could be the foundation of a scooter soccer game...a 'taxi; for transporting friends...a race car...a wagon that carries all your tools for your latest adventure....the options are endless!

10. Foam Pogo Jumper- What I love about these pogo jumpers is that they can be used inside, without damaging the floor. Have a rainy day and a child just itching to move? This would be the perfect solution!

Check out the rest of this series for more great toy and gift ideas that are teacher recommended:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!
Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!
Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Many of you are teachers or parents...do you have a toy you'd recommend that encourages active play?

Toys That Get Kids Outside!

As a teacher, I'd often get asked about certain 'kid products' and whether or not they had any educational value. Now that I'm also a parent, I am always on the search for a fun toy or gift that will help my children develop healthy bodies and minds. 

I decided to put together a list of toys that encourage kids to learn, grow, and explore the world around them (and boy, did I have fun choosing my top ones!). 

Each week, I will share one of these lists:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!

Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!

Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Be sure and subscribe to my feed so you won't miss any of these goodies! :)

*** Click on the links to see current prices and customer reviews.

1. Zip Line (with seat)- What kid wouldn't love to have their own personal zip line in his or her backyard? The seat that is included with this model allows younger children to enjoy this toy too.

2. Kick Croquet- This game is a new twist on an old classic. It gets kids moving and any age group can play. (Check the reviews- it seems to be mixed on whether or not these balls are a good fit for the hoops...a bunch of people said it worked great when you used a soccer ball instead.)

3. Ogodisk Game Set- This flying disk game catches and throws balls up to 150 feet! Since it doesn't sink, it would be perfect for the beach or pool. Try it with water balloons- super fun!

4. Stomp Rocket- My little guy got this from his uncle for his 2nd birthday...and it's hard to say who enjoyed using it more! When they say that these rockets fly, they aren't exaggerating! It received the iParentng Media Award for excellent product and Top Toy of the year from Creative Child magazine.

5. HugglePod Swing- Oh man, this one looks sooo comfy! When I was a kid, I loved child-sized places that I could curl up in. This one is a ready-made fort, perfect for swinging or reading.

6. Tight Rope (with teaching line)- Kids can practice their balancing skills or put on a Circus Show for mom and dad with this fun backyard idea. The teaching line makes it fun to use for all ages!

7. Tether Ball Pole- Yards of any size can fit this playground staple! It's a great way to practice eye-hand coordination.

8. Round Tree Swing- Add a little whimsy to the tree in your backyard (or under your deck if it sits off the ground high enough) with this wooden swing.

9. WALKAROO Stilts- This new design is much easier for small hands and feet to learn how to use than the original version.

10. Tree Ladder- Turn any tree into a fort or jungle gym with this free-hanging ladder. They also have a triple version...3 ladders hooked together for extra climbing fun!

Check out the rest of this series for more great toy and gift ideas that are teacher recommended:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!
Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!
Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Many of you are teachers or parents...do you have a toy you'd recommend that encourages outdoor play?

Best Backyard Toy for Kids

It's summer again and the kids (and their teachers! Woot!) are home! This means loads of opportunities for more family-fun time and memory-making moments. Annnnd more chances for whining, fighting, cleaning up messes, getting burnt out... well, you get the picture.

So here's our summer challenge this year: use a few tricks and tips to create a fun, enjoyable summer for both our kids AND for us. Let's go!

Challenge #2: Give the backyard a boost!

My 4 kiddos have been home from school for a few months now (thanks Covid!) and with the rest of the summer still stretching before us, I am become more and more grateful for any toys that entertain my kids outside. It keeps my house clean(ish) and gives them an outlet for that never-ending energy kids seem to have.

One of my favorite backyard additions this year was a ninja slackline. We hung it between two trees back in December and it has been the toy of choice since then.

Why do I love it?

So glad you asked ;) 

Reason 1: It's WAY cheaper than a swing set and you can adjust the height for any sized child, so it grows with your kids.

This is similar to the one we have...though ours came with less accessories. You can buy a complete set or the line and accessories separately. 

Reason 2: You can unclip and switch out the accessories as the kids grow. We have this disc swing and it's the one that gets used the most:

(I love that multiple kids can play on it at the same time. Yay for less fighting!)

I've also been keeping my eye on this skate board swing. It looks like something my 9 year old son would love.

Reason 3: If we move, it's so much easier to take this down to take with us compared to a swing set.

Need more backyard entertainment ideas? Check out this post for 10 more toys your kids will love.

 

Want to continue to create a fun and stress-free summer? Check out all the Summer Challenge posts here.