| There's no doubt that children love to play outdoors, | | | | climbing toys with a variety of built-in swings, slides, |
| no matter what the weather. In many cases, the | | | | ropes and other features will not only provide hours |
| toys in their bedroom are just not suitable for play in | | | | of fun, but will help to develop their physical |
| the backyard. Whether fragile, electrical or just | | | | coordination and balance. It's also a good time to |
| containing many small parts (which are invariably lost), | | | | introduce seasonal appropriate sports equipment such |
| outdoor toys need to fulfill a completely different | | | | as football, baseball, basketball and others to play |
| need. | | | | with. Running, jumping and climbing, your son or |
| From a very early age, playing outside means both | | | | daughter will get a lot of exercise, burn off their |
| physical activity and group play usually involving other | | | | excess energy and be healthier! |
| kids of the same age. Since space is usually not a | | | | For older children, nothing beats a trampoline for |
| problem, providing age appropriate toys that are | | | | outdoor fun. If you don't mind your backyard being |
| educational, encourage exercise and can include your | | | | the center of the neighborhood, buy a good quality |
| child's friends are ideal. Don't forget to include toys | | | | unit and provide adequate supervision for safety. |
| that offer individual play as well, such as bicycles, | | | | Other gym equipment like hurdles, parallel bars and so |
| riding toys, etc., for when the friends go home. | | | | on can also help to develop a healthy sense of |
| For younger children, start with a colorful playhouse, | | | | competition among really active pre-teens. |
| preferably designed around a favorite cartoon | | | | In the winter, if you live in a snow belt, don't forget |
| character. An especially fun toy for the garden is a | | | | to provide a variety of sleds for downhill excitement. |
| sandbox or sandpit - your kids will spend hours | | | | Skates, skis and other winter toys are ideal for |
| playing there! These and others such as small slides, | | | | teenagers to keep them physically active during the |
| swings and climbing toys are usually made of a | | | | cold season. Conversely, during the summer months, |
| high-quality, non-toxic plastic that will last for years | | | | even camping equipment for the backyard makes for |
| outdoors in any weather. Smoky and Little Tykes are | | | | a lot of fun. No matter what your child's age, |
| two name brands that specialize in backyard toys for | | | | providing suitable outdoor toys will benefit them in |
| youngsters, and are relatively inexpensive. | | | | many different ways! |
| As the kids grow older and start school, prefab | | | | |