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Our Top 3 Picks for Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds
Are your pre-teens spending a lot of time in front of screens? This will not only get worse as they grow older since we’re living in a connected and screen-obsessed world, it may hurt their eyesight, affect their physical fitness, and impair their social skills in the long run.
Many parents have trouble convincing their children to spend time outdoors though. To help you, we’ve compiled an extensive list of the best outdoor toys for 10-year-olds that will entertain them at their current age and remain favorites for years to come. Some of these may not seem like “toys”, but trust us, they’re products that will occupy your tweens and teens for hours. Worth it.
They also come at a range of price points, so you can choose something that fits your budget in every category.
- Our Top 3 Picks for Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds
- Top 3 Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Old Boys
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Old Girls
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Winter
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds: Classic Toys with a Twist
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Backyard Fun
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Fun in the Water
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Adventuring
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds: Sports and Games
- Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Rolling and Moving
- Final thoughts
Top 3 Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds
1. Metal Detector
Here’s an uncommon, unique learning tool that your kids’ friends are unlikely to have, and this places it at the top of this list. Encouraging STEM activities for all genders is important and something like this can encourage learning while also providing the excitement of discovery.
This easy-to-use metal detector from National Geographic is a quality-made item. The price is reasonable, and there’s a satisfaction guarantee. It’s the perfect model for your budding Indiana Jones; it’s lightweight, has a telescopic handle that can lengthen, and is waterproof up to two feet. The telescopic handle will allow kids to use this for several years.
2. Fortnite Super Soaker
Fortnite is THE video game of tweens and teens these days, so it makes sense to lure your kids outside with a Fortnite-themed toy. Plus, water guns have universal appeal for people of all ages so you can view it as an investment item that will be used over and over again.
While all water pistols are must-have outdoor accessories for kids, a Fornite blaster replica is a must-have item for preteens right now. It’s easy to use, easy to fill and holds up to one liter of water. That’s plenty of ammo so the tweens can enjoy the “maximum soakage” ability of this blaster.
You aren’t restricted to just this blaster of course. Here are more of the best NERF guns for outdoor fun.
3. Saucer Swing
All swings are universally loved and well-used, but there are so many different uses for a unique swing like this. Plus, it works well for children with special needs. Even those lacking in gross motor skills can lie on its wide surface and enjoy gazing at the sky.
These aren’t ordinary swings, they’re round, saucer-style swings that can hold several people at once, up to an impressive maximum of 660lbs (or nearly 300kg). It’s incredibly sturdy so your kids can sit, stand, or even lie down on it with friends, siblings and parents. Your kids will want to use it as they read books, sleep, and even talk on the phone.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Old Boys
4. Remote Control All-Terrain Vehicle
The Speed Legend can race at 15mph, has impressive shock absorbers, and boasts an impressive motor. Rocks, logs, stairs, and any other kind of uneven ground are no match for this powerful machine, meaning your kids can enjoy racing it across the backyard, through the woods, or down the street.
Here are even more of the best RC cars for kids!
5. Slingshot
The six rubber bands give it maximum power, plus there is an attached flashlight to help with nighttime use. It’s ergonomically designed with a metal body and wrist support that makes it more comfortable and stable during use, plus it will help improve your child’s focus and aim. It also comes with replacement bands and tiny “ammo balls”. Just remind them to be careful with where they’re aiming.
6. Pitching Machine
Are your kids just starting to play baseball or softball? Smaller machines with less speed are available for younger, more inexperienced batters. Try this automatic pitching machine for eager beginners. It can shoot up to 50mph and all types of balls can be used: soft, hard, plastic, dimple, etc. The programming allows for strikes, fly balls, and even grounders.
7. Stomp Rocket
Who doesn’t love watching rockets shoot up into the sky? This award-winning toy lets your kid expel some energy as they jump onto the “launchpad” and propel the plastic-and-foam rocket up to 400 feet. That’s longer than a football field and taller than Big Ben! It’s easy to assemble and can offer continuous entertainment.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Old Girls
8. Unicorn Floatie
Unicorn-themed items make a great addition to your pool, lake, or beach life and will have your kids begging for more time in the water. It’s made with premium vinyl and therefore is soft and durable. Plus it comes with an easy-to-use repair patch in case there are any holey mishaps.
9. Skipping Rope
This skipping rope is rubber, extremely durable, and has a counting mechanism in the handles, but still lightweight and easy to use. The 2.6-meter rope can be easily adjusted so the length fits the specifications of the user. The counter is helpful for exercise purposes or just for friendly competition too.
10. Mermaid Tail
If your daughter dreams of being a real-life mermaid, this tail is available in a range of colors and prints, comes with a flower crown, and has snaps for attaching a monofin. Your little aquatic princess can lounge around the pool, stretch out on the beach, or simply just hang out in her land-locked backyard for hours of imaginative play.
11. Hula Hoop
Hula hooping is not boring or repetitive with this hoop and its 14 LED strobe lights that continually change color. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, so there’s no need to constantly buy and change batteries. Your child can swing their hips and watch the colors whirl, skip with it like a skipping rope, or perform a modern dance.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Winter
12. Snow Art Set
For your budding artist, especially the one who loves drawing with sidewalk chalk during the drier months, this unique set of snow markers and “Sno-Molds” offers hours of creative play. It’s an especially great idea for those who live in the prairies, or particularly flat areas where sledding isn’t much of an option.
13. Sno Brick Maker
A handy item like this makes building snow forts much easier. It forms the snow into perfectly-sized blocks that can then be stacked to create the most amazing igloos and forts. The kids can then try this snowball maker to stockpile ammunition within their newly-made fort and prepare for epic snowball fights.
14. Snow Tube
Tubing is a favorite winter activity, and this tube is easy to inflate and deflate. Plus, it’s made of environmentally-friendly materials: the bottom is made with a double layer of quality PVC and is wear-resistant. The seat on the tube is even big enough for several kids to sit on at once and go shooting off down the hill.
15. Snowman Kit
Snowman building is another favorite winter activity and this kit will be very convenient. Your kids will no longer have to wonder where exactly they can find a corncob pipe since this set provides a perfectly adequate pipe of its own. Ordering more than one kit is a good idea so each member of the family can make their own snow person.
Here are more of the best snow toys for kids!
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds: Classic Toys with a Twist
16. Electric Skateboard
An electric skateboard will truly impress your kids, especially since this bad boy can speed up to 12mph for up to 40mins. It also comes with a wireless remote so the rider can change the speed as they’re moving along. With a max weight of 220lbs, the RazorX is a great fit for a wide age range of both boys and girls.
17. Giant Bubble Wands
You may have played with small bubble wands in tubes as a child. Now your kids can use an impressive two-handled system to make incredibly massive bubbles. The kit even comes with a booklet that offers tips on how to make bigger, better and more colorful creations. It’s great at birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply for kids enjoying their own backyard.
18. Pogo Stick
Most kids recognize the Razor brand and will agree that this new bouncing machine is super cool. They can bounce, drift, spin, and do all kinds of tricks with this foldable stick. It’s perfect for backyard or driveway entertainment, and can be brought along to the park, cottage, or wherever the kids hang out.
19. Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag
This Capture the Flag set includes 25 light-up game pieces that can be used as jail markers. It also has pieces for territory lighting and glowing crystals that act as team flags. It makes a great game for all the kids in the entire neighborhood, and the glowing wristbands mean that everyone can be kept track of.
20. Bunch O Balloons
Tossing water balloons is an activity for the whole family, and this set allows both parents and kids to enjoy water balloon activities since all the hassle is gone. Even your young children can help fill these as this set of balloons can be filled in just seconds and are self-sealing. No more juggling unruly balloons, and no more hand-tying.
21. Boomerang
Anyone from age 2 to 92 can use this funkily-bent toy, which can fly up to 40 yards away and really does come back. It even comes with instructions on how to properly throw the boomerang. Don’t forget to pack it for trips to the cottage, beach, park, or wherever the family is going.
22. Spray Chalk
The artist in the family will love this unique set of spray paints that aren’t actually paint. It works just like regular chalk except it’s in an aerosol can. Each 12oz can is a different bright color that lasts up to 7 days — as long as there’s no rain. Everything washes off easily with rain or the hose.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Backyard Fun
23. Ninja Kit
This starter pack includes nylon ropes, monkey bars, gymnastics rings, and a few other items, all in a convenient carrying bag for your American Ninja Warrior-loving young’un. Kids of all ages can enjoy this set, and your 10 to 12-year-olds in particular can use it to train and hone their skills like the pros.
24. Trampoline
Try putting a sprinkler underneath this well-made trampoline and watch the kids have fun bouncing amidst the water. It’s hard to get tired of a trampoline, so even though this item is a bit costly, it will last your family for a long time. They’ll be bouncing and flipping for endless hours and many years.
25. Basketball Net
A perfect outdoor activity for b-ball lovers is this basketball net and stand. The pole adjusts from 5.5ft to 7.5ft, the 10-gallon base can be filled with water or sand to weigh it down, and the net is made of weather-proof nylon. Kids can practice solo or get their friends together for a heated game. A quality item like this will keep your kids occupied for years.
26. Swurfer Swing
Because this swing is made from durable plastic instead of American maple as the original Swurfer Swing was, it’s much more affordable and can safely hold more weight. It’s easy to set up and the double-braided rope used for hanging is mildew-resistant. Parents love the quality of the product as much as the kids love swinging and surfing.
27. Zip Line
The rubber grips prevent slipping, the wide seat can be adjusted for the specific height of your child, and the 5.3ft stainless steel spring brake means the zip line doesn’t come to an abrupt stop. Adults will love these safety features and the kids will love zooming across the backyard in style.
28. Giant Jenga
This mammoth-sized Jenga game is the same classic stacking game that can now be played in the backyard, on the deck, at the park, or anywhere else. It can reach higher than 5ft, which is taller than many kids. Plus, it can be played alone or in groups, offering endless hours of entertainment for the kiddos.
29. Diabolo
This model is recommended for beginners and is made from quality TPE so it can handle being dropped and thrown around as it’s supposed to be. The included hand sticks are formed from polished aluminum rather than wood, so they’re less likely to break. Try having your son or daughter watch a few YouTube tutorials for dazzling diabolo tricks.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Fun in the Water
30. Slip ‘n’ Slide
This slip ‘n’ slide sets itself apart with its uber long slide pad (31 feet!) and a spray system that continually keeps things wet. The inflatable crash pad is sturdy and convenient. Set it up on a slope if possible, hook up the hose, add a little dish detergent for extra slippage action, and the kids are ready for a sliding party.
31. Inflatable Volleyball Net
Volleyball in the pool allows the kids to stay cool and active at the same time. This set also comes with an inflatable basketball hoop. Special weight bags keep the inflatables anchored. It’s made with high-quality materials and is quite sturdy. Pack it for a trip to the lake or some other fun water space.
32. Blow Up Blaster
When inflated, this cleverly-disguised water blaster expands to two feet long and looks like a brightly-colored spaceship. The “spaceship” can hold 1.5oz of water for use outside of the pool, so even more fun can be had with on-deck squirtings. Plus, the reasonable price makes it a steal of a deal.
33. Millennium Falcon Floatie
Everyone’s favorite light-speed aircraft is now made with heavy-duty PVC to ensure long life and wear in the water. It even has a conveniently-placed handle for easy transportation to and from the pool, dock, friend’s house, or wherever your kids take it. Sharing might be a problem though, as this spaceship is only just big enough for one captain.
34. Underwater Scooter
Although it comes with a hefty price tag, this innovative water toy is fun for the whole family. It’s super lightweight and easy for children to use, small and easy to maneuver, can go 40 meters underwater, and run for 30 minutes straight. The coolest feature, though, is the built-in mount for a GoPro camera.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Adventuring
35. GoPro Camera
Yes, this is pricey, and yes, it’s a very technical piece of equipment. It’s the best on the market for the pre-teen age group though, and is extremely durable. It’s the perfect accessory to keep your child outside for hours as they film their many adventures in the yard, park, forest, skate park, playground and more.
36. Drone
Made especially for beginners, this quadcopter sends a live HD video directly to your phone or tablet and can do all kinds of flips and rolls, even as much as 360 degrees. The kids will be begging to go outside so they can explore, play, and record adventures with their new toy.
37. Walkie-Talkies
Lots of kids have smartphones, but walkie-talkies will always be cool — and they don’t require a cell signal. Your kids can access 22 channels with these bad boys, which have a range of up to 16 miles, and up to 18 hours of battery life. They’re great for bike rides, hiking, beach adventures, or any number of activities.
38. Compass
A compass is such a simple device and yet opens up an entire world of possibility. This particular item is military-grade with an ergonomic design, plus it comes with a small case that attaches to a belt loop. Your child can begin their foray into the world of orienteering by practising with this compass in the backyard, at the lake, or even at the playground.
39. Garmin GPS Navigator
Here’s an item that the whole family can enjoy together — or just your son or daughter on their own. Geocaching is an uber-popular activity and this device from Garmin can make the hunt that much easier. It’s waterproof, can be mounted onto bikes, and retain power for up to 20 hours with two AA batteries, not to mention all the detailed maps it provides.
40. Telescope
For kiddos who express interest in the night sky, this telescope will knock their socks off. It comes with a magnifying lens, finder scope, two eyepieces, adjustable tripod, carrying bag, and remote control. It even has a cell phone attachment, which is particularly helpful for children of smaller sizes as it can be easier than peering through the eyepiece. The affordability, convenience, and lifetime maintenance of this telescope make it a nearly foolproof purchase.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds: Sports and Games
41. Spikeball
Tweens love this new game since it’s as simple as throwing a ball at a trampoline-style net and catching the bounce. No fancy equipment needed, no complicated assembly, and no obscure rules of play. It’s easily portable so it can be played in the backyard, at the beach, at a friend’s house, or wherever.
42. Laser Tag
Bring the arcade to your yard with these guns that can switch between pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and rocket modes. The vests give off vibrations, leaving no doubt whether a player’s been hit. The set comes with a satisfaction guarantee, so the kids can enjoy laser tag for years.
Also recommended in our list of best laser tag guns & sets for the whole family!
43. Archery Set
If your child wants to be like Hawkeye, these feel like the real thing, can shoot beyond 200ft, and are extremely durable. The set can even be modified for both right and left-handed users. It’s the perfect balance between cushy, safety sets for toddlers and the more dangerous-tipped arrows that adults use.
44. OgoDisk
OgoDisks are a sort of trampoline-frisbee hybrid and this set comes with two Koosh balls that can be bounced back and forth on the disks. The disks could even be used as badminton rackets or in a disc golf game. They’re small enough to easily be carried with the family to the park, beach, cottage, etc.
45. Disc Golf
The concept is simple: throw your Frisbee so it lands within the target. The target is easy to set up and durable so it will stand up to some weather. Your kids can design their own course, just like traditional golf, and will be zinging discs around the yard in no time.
46. Flickin’ Chickens
A wacky game that is simple yet fun, Flickin’ Chickens is exactly as it sounds. Just toss the target across the yard, then toss your chickens towards it. Similar to golf, each toss counts against you, so make them count — and remember that the chickens do bounce.
Best Outdoor Toys for 10-Year-Olds for Rolling and Moving
47. Rollerblades
These stylish inline skates are available in a variety of different colors to fit your child’s individual taste. The handy buckle closure means the user doesn’t even have to fiddle with shoelaces. Instead, they can spend more time cruising around down the sidewalk, street, skate park, basketball court, or anywhere at all.
48. Stilts
Don’t get your kids rickety wooden clown-style stilts when these ones are specially designed to make walking easy and steady. The footrests are nice and wide, and the foam handles are easy to grip and adjustable to account for varying heights. It even has shoulder rests for extra comfort, particularly for extended walking.
49. Fuzion Scooter
With a step deck made of premium aluminum, quality steel bars, and nylon/steel custom brakes, this scooter is safe and cool. It’s lightweight enough for experienced riders to do daring tricks, but sturdy enough for beginners to drop and knock around without resulting in serious damage. Enjoy this toy by skimming along sidewalks or turning tricks at the skate park.
50. Fitbit Ace
Although not technically a toy, here’s a device designed to keep the kids active. It keeps track of their steps and time spent active, and sends celebratory messages and achievement badges when they reach their goals. Users will be more motivated than ever to go walking, running, swimming, etc.
Here are more of the best fitness trackers for kids!
Final thoughts
The fact that children benefit from outdoor play is undeniable. According to the experts at Harvard, there are scientific reasons why our kids need to spend time outside. Their bodies need the sun for vitamin D, they need to exercise to stay healthy, and learning to appreciate nature is important to instill environmental consciousness.
All of these reasons, plus the fact that having the kids inside all day every day is affecting your sanity, should encourage you to track down some of the toys on this list and send the young’uns into the backyard. It’s for their health, the planet, and your peace of mind.
