Let's be honest: Kids are clingy. We love them, of course, but sometimes it's hard to find moments where we don't to entertain the little ones or feed them or put them to sleep, or make sure they're not getting into who knows what again. That's why our coffee always gets cold and parents are stressed.
Although older kids tend to be a bit easier to steal a moment away from, doing so proves to be more difficult for younger kids and toddlers. But there's good news! Spring is finally the time that they can play outdoors too. That's why we found toys that are perfect for the sunny spring weather, even on rainy days, that will also occupy kids of all ages from baby to toddler to a bit older.
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Fountain Sprinkler
A little water goes a long way on warmer spring days when it's too cool for the pool to be open but too warm to not have some water relief. This nautical fountain-style sprinkler is great for indoor or outdoor water play on sunny spring days to hold kids over until the summer season.
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Garden Cart
Kids can garden right beside you or tend to their own with this Little Tykes garden cart complete with the planter, trough, and hand-held rake accessories. The cart turns into a mobile wheelbarrow and features a real sprinkler and removable planters for real-life planting should your babe have a green thumb and want to use it.
Bouncy Pals Hopper Ball
When the weather starts to get nicer and the sun stays up later, kids are going to have more energy, and we can't blame them. Winter is tough. This Bouncy Pals inflatable ball/hopper is a fun way for them to bounce out that energy all on their own. The balls come in various animals including this great white shark, dinosaurs, and more.
Mini Cake Decorating Kit
Kids who love to color or decorate — or just are interested in baking — will keep themselves entertained with their own "baked" creation in the form of this mini cake decorating kit from KiwiCo. This fun set lets little ones decorate how they see fit, acting as independent bakers without creating a mess in the kitchen. It comes with a "piping nozzle and decorating clay that looks and spreads just like actual frosting."
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Hide & Seek Beehive
$40
from
Lakeshore Learning
This "hide and seek" bee hive toy is the answer every tired toddler parent is looking for. It is simple enough for young children to play with independently but has nooks and crannies that will help keep them entertained and in discovery mode, hopefully long enough for mom or dad to finish cooking that meal or drinking that cup of coffee. Next time they want to play hide and seek for the 100th time, tell them the bees will play.
Indoor Garden Kids Canvas Playhouse
$91
from
Crate and Barrel
Indoor playhouses are pretty simple structures, but they set off a child's imagination in a big way. Imagination is the key to staying super busy for independent play. This one is garden themed to get kids ready for sunny, springtime days and activities. It's made of 100% cotton canvas and is on sale.
Teeter Popper
$40
from
Fat Brain Toys
Honestly, some playground equipment makes no sense, but playgrounds have been around forever and kids love them, so we keep going back. We think it's the simplicity of the toys and equipment that provide a little rush. We found a smaller at-home version of that for kids to entertain themselves by wobbling, wiggling, and popping indoors or outdoors this spring.
Make a Jump Rope Activity Kit
$25
from
Fat Brain Toys
Jumping rope is fun, but to make the jump rope that you then play with? Sounds like a dream to parents who want to maximum independent play time and hopefully add a level of art for more artsy and energetic kids. This make your own jump rope kit is a wonderful spring toy because both assembly and play can be done in any kind of weather.
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Kids' Digital Camera
Digital cameras are all the rage (again) with adults and Gen Z, so why not bring that creativity and medium to the younger children with a kids' digital camera like this one from Amazon? It's made with nontoxic, durable, and shock-resistant materials. Six filers and 28 cartoon sticker frames help keep them entertained for a while.
Solar System Kids Sidewalk Chalk Set
$43
from
Crate and Barrel
Nothing says spring like a fresh sidewalk chalk set. Sure, regular sidewalk chalk can do the trick and keep kids drawing for a good chunk of time (depending on how much sidewalk there is to work with!), but this chalk is solar system is next level. It's themed with chalk "balls" with the shape and look of a planet. Far out!
Up & Down Roller Coaster
$160
from
Buy Buy Baby
This fun "roller coaster" activity for kids has been around for a while, but that's because it works. It's safe for kids, with parents close by, and it gives them a little thrill they will want over and over. It can go inside but it's a perfect game for outdoors when you want the kids outside in sunny spring weather.
Zoo 3-In-1 Ride-On Toy
Although roller coasters may be designed for slightly older toddlers and kids, this scooter is perfect for younger children who aren't yet old enough to hop on a bike or big kid scooter like the older kids will do once the weather warms up. It's safe and adorable and will keep them busy as they scoot around the playroom or backyard.
Dig & Discover Dino Excavation Eggs
$24
from
FAO Schwarz
This toy works well for budding scientists. It's a dino egg excavation kit that enables kids to "dig" a tiny dinosaur toy from an egg like an archeologist. It'll help keep them focused for a bit, with at least 12 opportunities to find a new dinosaur toy in the kit. It could be a fun Easter toy too.
18-Piece Rock Tumbler Set
$60
from
FAO Schwarz
For kids who love STEM, we also recommend this rock tumbler kit that allows them to tumble gems and shine and smooth them to add to their collection. It can be done indoors, and the set includes 18 stones to work on to create some of that precious quiet time parents need and want.
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Mini Basketball Hoop
Basketball hoops are also a spring staple. Instead of splurging on a big, expensive basketball hoop, especially if the kids aren't old enough for that yet, consider this smaller travel net that will certainly do the trick. It's electronic and can keep score so playing alone isn't really playing alone because someone is counting those baskets!
Let's Explore Flower Gardening Play Set
$33
from
Melissa & Doug
This is both a toy and a kid-version gardening kit, and we're here for it. It's an appropriate toy for spring because flowers growing is a sure sign that spring has, in fact, sprung. This kit comes with "2 flowerpots, 2 dirt sponge inserts, play seeds and bulb in packets, 2 plant tags, plant food jar, spray bottle, 2 color-changing flowers, reusable planting guide, collectible medallion," and the flowers actually bloom when sprayed with water.
Colorful Foam Stepping and Balance Stones
Pillow or other household items like books were the original "The Floor Is Lava" stepping stones. Now the toy industry has wised up and created toy stepping stones to use in the game or just to help spark kids' imaginations when playing (or hopping) outside. It's a fun backyard game for a beautiful spring day.
Big Bubble Wands Set
Nothing says a fun day in the sun like sidewalk or backyard games, and bubbles are one of the ultimate OG outside playtime activities. Kids can play alone or with friends because this set includes multiple bubble wands to keep the fun and excitement going with a diverse range of bubble shapes and sizes — 23 to be exact.
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