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15 Ways to Have Fun Outside
Down with the iPad, iPhone and laptop, and turn off the TV—it's time for some fun and fresh air. Get the kids active with these 15 Ways to Have Fun Outside.
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Blue Pewi
It was only a matter of time until someone developed a hybrid for kids, but their version is way more adorable—and affordable. This walker/rider allows for greater awareness of balance and space. Easily moved in the desired direction with sturdy non-marking caster wheels, it's perfect for outdoors and in. Ages 12 months and up.
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Melissa & Doug Grocery Store/ Lemonade Stand
When life gives them lemons, they'll be perfectly prepped to turn them into lemonade. This impressive market/lemonade stand set-up is made of durable materials and will be an eye-catching play area to keep them occupied. Note that the detailed assembly instructions may require a drink or two of the good stuff (we mean the lemonade). Ages 3 and up.
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Wader Sandbox
It's hard to beat Mother Nature but this sandbox does just that. Apologies to all the turtle, crab and frog inspired structures in backyards everywhere, but this roundabout style, made of eight sturdy pieces that connect to form the sandbox walls, also offers a play street along the top. Proof we do evolve. Ages 6 months and up.
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Geyser Gusher
There's an easier way to earn the poolside/lakeside respect of kids besides your awkward ‘cannonball' entry. Creating a jet stream spray of up to 30 feet with these floating water cannons should cover it. No moving parts or assembly required. All you need is simple human power to make a big splash—literally. Ages 5 and up.
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Radio Flyer Walker
Parenting is all about the push and the pull, letting them go while keeping them close. This wooden walker has that all figured out. It's designed for stability and encourages mobility but with push resistant mechanics to keep them from going too far. Ages 1 and up.
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Dragonfly's Heli-Scoopter
Yes, they know how to shovel it—it's an inherited skill after all—so encourage a little dirt or sand digging with this Heli-Scoopter. It's a small portable play set and sand scooper in one, made of recycled and eco-friendly materials. No doubt they'll eventually get all the dirt on you. Ages 3 and up.
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Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie Set
We were skeptical about a sand toy designed to make granular beach grains even more appealing to eat, but this set is in good taste. It'll keep the kids busy cooking up new crustacean-inspired treats so you can actually recline and unwind. (Just don't expect to get too comfortable.) Ages 2.5 and up.
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Little Tikes 2-in-1 Garden Cart and Wheelbarrow
You're not the only one who enjoys getting down and dirty—with Mother Earth we mean. So a multipurpose wheelbarrow/garden cart with a working hose and removable flower trays is perfect for kids who want to learn from the ground up. Ages 2 and up.
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Plasma Bike
As you work on perfecting your own balancing act, you'll appreciate the thought behind this bike. For kids who are just learning to ride, the wide wheels and lightness of the bike (8 pounds) will make staying balanced look and feel easy. Just like you do, right? Ages 18 months and up.
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Foam Master Pogo Stick
There are many promises you will break along the road of parenthood, including, but not limited to, bribes involving candy and disavowing television. Add the refusal to buy a pogo stick to that list, especially if this child in question contains endless energy and decent coordination skills. Ages 8 and up.
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Splash Rocket
Great combinations: chocolate and almonds, a free Saturday and a spa gift card. Our kids' list would probably look a lot different, but we're confident a water-rocket would be on there. The same principle as the always-popular stomp rocket, this one ups the ante by adding water to spray down on spectators. Ages 5 and up.
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Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Cinco Starfish Collapsible Bucket
We're familiar with the concept of collapsing. You'll find us demonstrating it most nights around 11 pm (10 pm when disciplined). So it's understandable that after a day being filled with sand, water, flowers, shells, bugs, grass, crayons or twigs, this easily packed and unpacked bucket wants to crumple too. Ages 2 and up.
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Tomy Pic N Pop
Though the irony will be lost on the kids, this toy essentially mimics a mother's daily activity in the home. As we pick something up (a sweater/brush/library book), down pops something else (a toy/towel/backpack). Funny how it seems like so much fun when they do it. Ages 18 months and up.
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Big Bug View Jar
What bugs you, delights them. This goes for actual bugs, the little creepy crawly creatures kids love to contain. Encourage them to do so carefully with a set of jars that offer a wider view than most containers, with an easy—but thankfully not too easy—open top. Ages 3 and up.
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BOBIKE MINI+ Front Mounted Child Bike Seat
We're smart enough to know when to listen to the experts. So when it comes to choosing a safe bike seat for kids, we'll happily turn to the Dutch, dank je (thank you). BoBike offers bike seats for ages nine months to 10 years that are sleek, practical, comfortable and safe.