Top Ten Outside Toys for Kids Under Twelve   by Cathy Franklin

If you are a parent then you are likely to know that summertime can be a difficult time.  Parents of children under the age of twelve are constantly dealing with children who are bored.  There are only so many activities a child can do inside. That is why it is important for children to play outside during the summer.

<FONT face="Times New Roman">Playing outside in the summertime is fun, but many children can easily become bored without a few outdoor summer toys.  If you are the parent of a child who is younger than twelve, you have a number of options when it comes to buying outdoor toys.  Below is a list and small summary of ten of the most popular outside toys for children under the age of twelve.

(1)  Sand and Water Activity Tables

Sand and water activity tables are tables that allow children to play in the sand or in the water almost at the same time.  Most tables are divided into two sections.  A large number of companies make sand and water activity tables; therefore, you can purchase a wide variety of different table designs.  Most sand and water tables are designed for children aged three and up.

Average Price:  $45 - $75

(2)  Outdoor Water Sprinklers

For years now, outdoor water sprinklers have been how many children without pool access have stayed cool during the summertime.  Outdoor water sprinklers come in all different styles.  Traditional sprinkler systems can be purchased; however, large beach balls, plastic animals, and other popular cartoon characters can be used as a sprinkler system.  All outdoor water sprinklers require water hookup through a garden hose.

Average Price:  $5 - $30

(3)  Water Guns

Similar to the above mentioned water sprinklers, water guns are a fun way for children without a pool to stay cool.  Water guns come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles.  You can purchase a water gun that fits into the palm or your hand or you can get one that is so big it is about waist tall.  Large water guns tend to have more force when it comes to dispensing the water.  This means that most large water guns are not safe for children under the age of five.

Average Price:  $10 - $20

(4) Slip and Slide Water Toys 

Slip and slides are known as small water slides.  They have been a popular outdoor summer toy for children under the age of twelve for years now.  Slip and slides work best on a hill, but with running water a child can have fun even on a flat surface.  Many slip and slides are sold with a sprinkler system or a miniature wading pool for extra fun. 

Average Price:  $10 - $25

(5)  Inflatable Water Slides

Until recently, the above mentioned slip and slide water toys were the only water slides designed for home use without a pool.  Now large water slides are being sold online and in department stores across the country.  These slides are inflatable and they can go as high as ten feet in the air.  They come with a miniature pool at the bottom.  Due to their large size, most water slides are designed for children over the age of four or five.

Average Price:  $200 - $300

(6)  Sandboxes

Currently, sandboxes sit in millions of backyards all across the country.  When filled with sand, sandboxes offer hours of fun for the whole family.  Sandboxes can come in a traditional box size or they can come as large plastic animals.  Large plastic turtles and crabs are most popular with children under the age of five.

Average Price:  $45 - $100

(7)  Teeter Totters

Many parents and children mistakenly believe that teeter totters are only meant for the park.  The truth is that there are a large number of teeter totters that are designed for backyards of all sizes.  Large teeter totters can often be hooked into the ground; therefore, making it safe for older children or adults to use.  Smaller teeter totters that are transportable and designed for children under the age of 10 can also be purchased.

Average Price:  $40 - $80

(8)  Grill and Grill Accessories

Toy grills are becoming one of the most popular outdoors toys to hit the market.  A large number of companies make these grills; therefore, there is a large selection of different styles at most retail stores.  The grills can come in all different sizes with talking pieces, plastic food, and other grill accessories.  These toy grills allow children to feel like a grownup while they cook right alongside their parents. 

Average Price:  $20 - $60

(9)  Children's Wheelbarrow and Garden Accessories

A children's wheelbarrow can be used for a number of fun outdoor activities.  Children can use a wheelbarrow to move their toys or help their parents in the garden.  Most wheelbarrows can be purchased with additional garden accessories for extra fun.  Children's wheelbarrows come in all different shapes and sizes; therefore, children of all ages can have fun with this great outdoor toy.

(10)  Bubbles

Bubbles have always been considered fun outside toys, but the creation of additional bubble toys have made them even more fun.  In addition to traditional bubbles, there are now bubble-making machines.  These machines can often produce hundred of bubbles in just a few minutes.  There are also machines that can be used to create huge bubbles.  In addition to bubble-making machines, there are also other bubble accessories that can create unique bubble shapes and much more.

Average Price:  $5 - $20

All of the toys mentioned above are the top ten most popular outside toys for children under the age of twelve.  The good news is that almost all of these toys are reasonably priced and great for backyards of just about any size.  Why let your child suffer through a boring summer when a large number of fun outdoor toys are all within your reach?

About the Author

Cathy Franklin is a mother of three and the owner of Toys Store Online. She finds the top family friendly toys for children of all ages that are fun for kids, age appropriate, and inexpensive for any family's budget.