Active outdoor toys for kids

The best outdoor toys are the ones kids grab after school without being asked. These are the everyday pieces we rate for getting them moving in the backyard, at the park and on the footpath out front.

What gets kids moving every day?

Simple gear for daily play, from the driveway to the local park.

Blue three-wheeled kids' scooter
EVERYDAY WHEELS

Three-wheel and two-wheel scooters for little and bigger riders.

What to prioritise
Park and footpath

Kids' Scooters

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White balance bike with no pedals
FIRST RIDES

Balance bikes, first bikes and trikes for young riders.

What to prioritise
Balance before pedals

Balance Bikes & First Bikes

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Small white football goal with a net
BACKYARD GAMES

Pop-up and steel goals, plus rebound nets for practice.

What to prioritise
Shoot and score

Soccer Goals

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Kite shaped like a colourful parrot
PARK DAYS

Flying discs, kites and boomerangs for wide open spaces.

What to prioritise
Throw and fly

Kites, Boomerangs & Frisbees

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Blue and red children's badminton racket
RACKET PLAY

Badminton nets and rackets for backyard rallies.

What to prioritise
Family rallies

Badminton Sets

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Blue children's skipping rope
QUICK GAMES

Skipping ropes, including adjustable ropes made for kids.

What to prioritise
Pocket-sized fun

Skipping Ropes

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What to look for

Matched to their stage

Check the age or height guide on each product. Gear that fits now is easier to control, so kids stay keen instead of frustrated.

The space you have

A small yard suits a skipping rope or a pop-up goal, while kites and discs need an open park. Think about where they will actually play before you buy.

Safety gear for wheels

Scooters and bikes call for a helmet that fits well. Check the rules in your state or territory, and keep young riders on paths away from traffic.

Play they can share

Goals, badminton and frisbees are better with a friend or a parent. Shared games keep kids outside for longer and make it easy for everyone to join in.

Who this suits

Little ones finding their feet

Balance bikes and three-wheel scooters build coordination at a gentle pace.

Primary school kids

Goals, badminton and two-wheel scooters keep up with growing skills.

Families short on space

Skipping ropes, discs and pop-up goals pack away quickly after play.

Outdoor play at a glance

ItemWhy it mattersTip
Kids' scootersQuick trips and park lapsThree wheels suit younger riders
Balance bikesTeach balance before pedalsBoth feet should reach the ground
Soccer goalsTurn any lawn into a pitchPeg goals down so they cannot tip
Kites and frisbeesRunning games in open spacesFly kites well away from power lines
Badminton setsRallies for the whole familyA calm day means longer rallies
Skipping ropesFast fun in a small spaceCheck the length by standing on the middle

Keep it in play

  • Store scooters and bikes under cover so wheels and bearings stay smooth.
  • Check handlebars, brakes and wheels for wear every few weeks.
  • Bring goal nets and badminton sets inside when they are not in use.
  • Wipe ropes and discs down after muddy days so they stay grippy.

Frequently asked questions

What are good outdoor toys for active kids?

Simple gear that suits lots of games tends to get used the most. A scooter or balance bike covers everyday trips, while a goal, a frisbee or a badminton set turns the backyard into a playing field. Start with one or two things that match what your child already enjoys, then add variety over time.

What age is a balance bike for?

Balance bikes usually suit toddlers and preschoolers, but height matters more than age. Check the seat height guide: your child should be able to sit with both feet flat on the ground. Most kids move on to a pedal bike once they can glide and steer with confidence.

Do kids need a helmet for a scooter?

We always recommend a helmet for scooters, bikes and skates. Bike helmet laws apply across Australia, and rules for scooters can vary, so check what applies in your state or territory. Choose a helmet made for the activity that sits level and fits snugly.

How much active play do kids need each day?

Australia's physical activity guidelines suggest at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day for school-aged children, and plenty of active play spread through the day for younger kids. Everyday toys make it easier to fit that in without a big plan. A few minutes here and there all adds up.

What outdoor toys work in a small backyard?

Skipping ropes, a small pop-up goal and a badminton set all work in modest spaces and pack away when you are done. Scooters and frisbees are great for the local park or a quiet footpath. Save kites for wide open spaces well away from trees and power lines.

Make outdoor play a daily habit

A few well-chosen toys by the back door can turn spare minutes into active play. Find more ideas across our kids' sports range.

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Explore Sports for Kids
Young boy in a helmet riding a balance bike over a small bump on an outdoor track