If you’re a parent with screen-addicted kids, we can help! We’ve found eight ways to get your children off their phones and into nature.
TV and phones can be educational, but screen time for kids must be regulated. A review by the University of Queensland revealed that children who frequently use screens are more likely to struggle with social cues and complex emotions.
We understand how frustrating it can be to see your kids choose their devices over the great outdoors, so we’ve made a handy guide to some of the best outdoor toys available. With these, you’ll have your kids out and enjoying nature in no time!
Why Should I Get My Kids Out Into the Great Outdoors?
According to the Child Mind Institute, spending time in nature boosts creativity, reduces stress and fatigue, encourages them to move around more, and activates more of the senses at once.
But spending time in the great outdoors isn’t just recommended for kids—it’s good for you, too! Being in nature can make anyone happier and healthier and strengthen bonds between you and your loved ones.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your kids can find adventure in the garden on the seat of a radio-controlled ride-on car. Or you can make it into a race: the possibilities are endless.
The 8 Best Toys for Outdoor Fun
The best outdoor toys for kids include ride-on cars, bug catchers, gardening toys, swings, and ball games. They help your children learn and explore the world around them.
Make your kid’s playtime inspiring with outdoor toys and games.. We’ve put together a list of the best kids' outdoor toys, so you can focus on the fun.
1. Radio-Controlled Ride-On Vehicles
Radio-controlled ride-on vehicles are an extremely popular choice in Australia at the moment, and for good reason. They help children boost their social and motor skills and learn about the importance of following road safety laws through outdoor play.
They’re an excellent option for kids who love exploring the world around them at speed. And they can even help your kid develop better motor skills and spatial awareness.
They also come with a remote, so you can take control if you ever worry about your child’s safety. And ride-on vehicles come in a range of styles, from ride-on motorbikes and dirt bikes for kids to two-seater buggies.
And above all, they’re fun!
2. Insect Viewers and Bug Catchers
Insect viewers, bug nets, magnifying glasses, and natural exploration kits are perfect for kids who are fascinated by the biology of the natural world. And they’re even suitable for children who are scared of bugs.
Viewing creepy crawlies in their natural habitat safely and supervised can help young kids understand how to handle even the scary bugs and creatures. And it’ll save you from having to remove as many bugs from your home!
3. Kites and Wind Fans
Playing with kites and wind fans can teach children about the power of the elements, but this can also help them develop their motor and balance skills. After all, once you’ve been pushed over by the wind a few times, you develop a healthy respect for the forces of nature.
And on quieter days, it can even teach young kids to be patient. We’ve all launched a kite into the air, only to watch it drift depressingly back onto the ground. That experience can become a great teaching moment!
4. Gardening Toys and Supplies
One of the best ways to get kids to care about the environment is to get them involved in the garden. It teaches them to care for natural spaces and about where some of their food comes from.
Giving children things to do in the garden can also teach them responsibility! It’s a great way to teach your kids the importance of caring for other living things and the consequences of forgetting essential chores like watering and weeding plants.
5. Outdoor Swing Sets and Playground Toys
Most of us have fond memories of playing on the swings or the slide as kids. Popular playground toys like swing sets, monkey bars, seesaws, and still rings can have a massive impact on a child’s cognitive and physical development.
And with most playground toys, you don’t even have to spend any money! Public playgrounds can be the ideal safe space for teaching children to cooperate and collaborate with their peers. Plus, physical activities are vital for helping children develop their motor skills.
Playgrounds also offer kids a safe place to learn their limits and distinguish between a serious injury and a more minor graze or scratch.
6. Hopscotch and Other Playground Games
When you think about outdoor toys, hopscotch might not be the first thing that pops into your mind. But it is a proven way to get kids outdoors. And it’s surprisingly beneficial for young kids, too. It can teach children how to count, wait their turn, strategise, plan, and cooperate with others.
It could even be good for their bones: weight-bearing exercises like hopscotch can boost bone strength and density!
7. Sandpits and Treasure Hunts
Sandpits are great! They’re the perfect place for children to be creative and can even help them learn to use tools (like buckets and spades). Children can also learn how to build structures and share equipment with others.
Hunting for treasure or building new structures in a sandpit teaches children how to solve puzzles, and can even be a bonding activity for some. It’s a great way to get kids to tell stories about the objects they find and teach them that it’s okay to make a bit of a mess sometimes.
8. Ball Games
The phrase ‘ball games’ covers a wide range of toys from tennis or football equipment to stress balls and velcro toss-and-catch toys. The Department of Education has found that ball games of any sort can improve a child’s hand-eye coordination, reflexes, muscle strength, and overall fitness.
Ball games also give children a safe place to learn how to process victories and losses. After all, they won’t always win, and they need to learn how to handle that. They’re also great for teaching children about strategy and teamwork.
Are Outdoor Games Popular and Accessible in Australia?
Absolutely! Outdoor toys and games are especially popular at the moment. There’s something in the market for everyone, regardless of your budget.
And right now, the Australian market is full of toys that can help you teach your children to respect the natural world and protect the climate for future generations.
No matter what your child is drawn to, you’re sure to find a toy or a game they’ll love that’ll take them away from their screens and out into the wild!
Exciting Outdoor Toys and Games from MC Wholesalers
Want to encourage your child to get out into the great outdoors?
At MC Wholesalers, we’re proud to offer a wide range of outdoor toys for all ages. Our high-quality radio-controlled ride-on vehicles are designed to help children explore nature more independently.
We also offer branded versions, like our ride-on Lamborghinis, as well as more specialist options like ride-on sports cars and dirt bikes. Whatever the adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Explore our range of outdoor toys at MC Wholesalers today!