With many people in Windsor and the Essex region hunkering down in their homes for the foreseeable future, outdoor space has become a replacement for camp, playdates, and much more. If you’re looking for more outdoor space, our team of Windsor real estate agents can help you out.

Once you’ve got it, the possibilities are endless. Build a treehouse, put in an in-ground pool, or even hang a tire swing to provide endless hours of entertainment and joy to growing kids.

However, these projects all take time. If you want to keep your kids entertained now, your best bet is a new outdoor toy. Outdoor toys provide entertainment, as well as much-needed physical activity to youngsters with plenty of energy who are sick of being cooped up inside. Sales of toys are up 16% from the same time last year, with some of the most popular toys out of stock for weeks earlier this summer.

Here are some of our favourite outdoor toys that will help keep your kids entertained and active over the next few months.

 

1. Water Table

If you have children under the age of six, a water table is a great way to help them have fun and stay cool this summer. These large plastic toys come with a variety of accessories, depending on the model you choose.

Once it’s assembled, fill it with water and watch kids aged 2-6 splash, scoop, and play for hours. Make sure to either purchase a model with a built-in umbrella, or install one of your own nearby to keep the sun off your kids’ faces. In the colder winter months, your water table can be filled with rice or sand and repurposed for sensory play.

 

2. Inflatable Pool

Many kids in Windsor and Essex Region who love to swim have been disappointed this summer, as most city pools remain closed. Some splash pads are open, but the number of kids permitted at any given time has been strictly limited. Fortunately, one simple purchase can open up a world of wet and wild fun in your own backyard – an inflatable pool!

Unlike an in-ground pool, an inflatable pool can be filled and used for a day, then drained and stored out of the way. This roundup of inflatable pools has a great list of options ranging from a reasonable under-$50 option to a quick-inflate $200 pool that can seat six. As long as you’ve got some level ground in your yard, you’re good to go.

 

3. Water Slide

If you don’t have enough level ground for a pool, invest in a water slide! Also called a slip-n-slide, these fun toys let your kids have full all afternoon with just a little bit of running water and soap. It’s the perfect activity for a hot summer day.

 

4. Sidewalk Chalk

For a few dollars, you can give your kids the perfect outdoor art supplies that will keep them busy for hours. Sidewalk chalk has come a long way in the last 20 years, and now you can find anything from tie-dye to glittery chalks that your kids will love.

Give them free rein to draw and create, or help them set up a game like hopscotch or four-square. Just make sure to keep an eye on the weather, so their new creation isn’t washed away too quickly!

 

5. Bikes

If your kids don’t have bikes yet, now is a great time to teach them to ride. Most kids learn between the ages of 3 and 8, with the majority hitting their stride around the age of 5. Learning this skill is a great way to build up their confidence and teach them balance and coordination.

There are lots of resources on the best ways to start, but you’ll definitely need a bike that fits them and a helmet that can be fastened securely. If you’re starting your kids young, you may want to try a balance bike first.

 

6. Badminton Set

Badminton is a great introductory racquet game. All you’ll need is a net, two racquets, and a shuttlecock or birdie. You can set up the badminton net between two trees, or use poles to make a full regulation court. Whether you opt for a more casual game or a full tournament, badminton is a great way to sneak in some aerobic exercise with your kids, and teach them coordination, agility, and stamina.

 

7. Tree Swing

A tree swing doesn’t take as long to install as a full treehouse but provides much of the same joy and excitement for young kids. All you’ll need is a large, sturdy tree, some rope, and the swing itself. Most arborists recommend picking an oak or other healthy hardwood tree with a hanging branch that’s at least 8 inches in diameter.

A tire swing is a lot of fun to use, but if you’re less confident in your DIY abilities, there are lots of kits that provide the swing, rope, and all necessary installation hardware.

 

8. Kids Gardening Set

Gardening with kids may not be as efficient as doing it yourself, but it’s a great way to spend time together in nature. Get your kids involved in pulling weeds, planting seeds, and harvesting your bounty. A gardening set of their own can help them feel more ownership over their tasks, and give them some pride in their growing skills.

 

9. Bugnoculars

Kids who love to study bugs and other creepy crawlies will love bugnoculars. This toy is made of a pair of basic magnifying lenses that sit on top of a closed container. All kids need to do is open the container, pop their newest critter inside, then they can use the lenses to see their new friend in much greater detail. For less than $20, this is a great educational tool for any animal-friendly or science-minded kid.