The best outdoor toys for family fun!
When things start heating up, there’s nothing the kids love more than spending time playing in the garden. Here at wilko, we love helping families have fun outside, and we have some of the best outdoor toys from the biggest brands to help! So, no matter your space, here are some outstanding outdoor toys for kids of every age.
By Alex- 4th June 2026
- 4min read
Paddling pools & water play
When the sun comes out, we don’t think there’s anything better than a good old paddling pool! Perfect for keeping cool and having fun, paddling pools are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes to suit your space. From small pools for the young ones to all-singing-all-dancing giant pools with built-in slides, they’re a brilliant way of making your garden a summertime destination – and they’re so easy to store out of season.
It’s as simple as setting up your paddling pool, filling it with water from the hose, and letting your little ones make a splash. We’re sure they’ll love it, but why not grab some inflatables while you’re at it? These are brilliant for larger paddling pools and trips to the beach.
And the best thing about a paddling pool? If the kids are at school, the adults can use it to cool off too!
Sandpits
If there’s one thing that kids love to do more than almost anything, it’s getting their hands dirty! Let them get creative with one of the best outdoor toys that’s stood the test of time: a sandpit.
Having one of these in the garden lets the kids build castles and shapes with sand toys, and simply get stuck in with some sensory play. They’re low maintenance, easy to build, and a great outdoor toy for all ages.
The best thing about outdoor toys is that it doesn’t matter how much of a mess they make, so why not take a look at our mud kitchens? The kids can let off some steam, and you don’t have to worry about muddy carpets – it’s the best of both worlds!
Climbing frames
Do your little ones keep climbing the furniture? Why not give them a dedicated climbing frame in the garden? If you like, there are even climbing frames with slides, swings, monkey bars and trapezes, giving you multiple outdoor toys in one – great for big families or playdates.
From lightweight and portable metal climbing frames to beautiful wooden climbing frames, they’re one of the most popular outdoor toys for good reason.
Swings and slides
If you don’t have the room for a full-size climbing frame, a freestanding swing or slide is for you!
Slides and swings are classic outdoor toys loved by all. Choose from simple slides for small spaces, large slides for high-speed thrills, and swings of various sizes to suit your family.
Looking like it’s going to be a scorcher? Treat the little ones to a water slide! Combining the best bits of paddling pools and slides, there’s plenty of fun designs and sizes to choose from to help your kids make a splash this summer.
Playhouses
If role play is their thing, having their very own playhouse in the garden is a great outdoor toy! The sky’s the limit when it comes to choice here. A plastic playhouse is a wonderfully low-maintenance and cost-effective option, and we’ve got classic versions by Fisher Price and Smoby, as well as their favourite themes like Barbie playhouses and more! Whether they want to be a Disney princess or a chef, there are plastic and wooden playhouses in a range of styles and sizes for every adventurer.
Going out and about
If you don’t have an outdoor space or are off on a trip to the park, we’ve got plenty of outdoor toys to take with you.
A bike is a brilliant way of getting some fresh air and exercise, just what’s needed during the summer holidays! From balance bikes for the young ones all the way up to kids’ bikes in all their favourite colours and themes, there’ll be something for every member of the family!
Once you’re there, our range of toys, equipment & games has loads of great portable pieces, including football goals, basketball hoops, stepping stones, a variety of garden games, and loads more for active kids of every kind.
]And if you’re going to the beach… don’t forget the bucket & spade!
Stay safe outside
We love being outside, but it’s important to keep yourself and your family safe when it comes to being in the sun this summer.
- Wear sun cream, and be sure to reapply every couple of hours to stay protected.
- Avoid being in the sun too much between 11am and 3pm, as this is when the sun is at its most powerful, and the risk of sunburn is at its highest.
- Add some shaded spots in your garden with a parasol or gazebo.
- Stay hydrated! Grab a fun water bottle to encourage the kids to drink more, and keep things chilled in a cooler box.
What’s been keeping your kids busy this summer? We’d love to hear what outdoor toys they like the most! Get in touch with us on: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & X.
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