Active play is so important for a child’s growth and development and summertime is the perfect chance to take advantage of the warmer weather and get out and play. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who are physically active not only have stronger bones and lower obesity rates, but they also have higher self esteem and lower incidences of depression. Most children don’t need much encouragement to be physically active if given the chance, but these great outdoor toys make it easy for kids to stay active and have fun. As a mother, former daycare provider/preschool teacher, and blogger, I’ve had the chance to test out some of the best ride-on toys and active play toys for kids over the years. These are some of my personal favorites.

Strider Balance Bike

The Strider Balance Bike is unique because it does not have any pedals, instead, young children learn how to balance first, eliminating the need for a tricycle or training wheels. My son has been using the Strider Balance Bike since he was 18 months old and he has loved it from the very beginning. I get comments on this bike everywhere we go because people are amazed that my son (now 2 1/2) can ride so easily on something that looks so much like a big kid bike.

My toddler loves feeling like a big kid with his balance bike and he’s learning important balance and coordination skills that will help him transition to a traditional 2-wheeled bike in the future. The Strider Balance Bike is extremely light weight, which makes it nice to transport and easier for small toddlers to use.

Age Recommendation: 18 Months and Up

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Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter

Radio Flyer has always been a favorite at our house but the My 1st Scooter is at the top of our list. This scooter is perfect for younger kids who are learning how to balance and is made with the same quality you expect out of Radio Flyer. Our Radio Flyer scooter has now been through 3 kids and other than a few minor scratches in the plastic is as good as new. The three wheeled design on this makes it extremely stable and the tapered base provides plenty of room for little feet to move the scooter forward.

Age Recommendation: 2-5 years

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Razor Rip Rider 360

The Razor Rip Rider 360 is such a fun toy. It’s designed for slightly older kids (5 and older) but my 3 year old tries his hardest to jump on when his brothers aren’t looking and my 4 year old is able to ride it without a problem. This outdoor toy offers so much maneuverability and kids love the freedom that gives them. The Rip Rider 360 is a throwback to the old Big Wheel bike and is a great new take on the old classic.

Age Recommendation: 5 and up

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PlasmaCar

The PlasmaCar is a fun way to get kids moving and although the recommended age is 3 and up, kids can enjoy this fun toy for years to come. I’ve hopped on one of these myself a few times and it held me just fine. This toy is a great way for kids to get some extra energy out and build muscle strength and it’s a lot of fun for kids of all ages.

Recommended Age: 3 and Up

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Radio Flyer EZ Rider Scooter

The Radio Flyer EZ Rider Scooter is the perfect next step after the My 1st Scooter from Radio Flyer. The two wheeled design works well for older kids but the wider base and wider wheels make it much more stable than most other two wheeled scooters. I’ve watched my son do his best to test this scooter to it’s limits over the past year and the thing still looks like new. The adjustable handles allow the scooter to grow with your child while remaining extremely sturdy.

Recommended Age: 3 – 8

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Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is a classic and, like most Little Tikes toys, will easily last through multiple children (and grandchildren if you feel like keeping it around that long). The Cozy Coupe is a great way to help younger kids get moving. The frame of the coupe protects kids from falls to a certain extent and toddlers love playing bumper cars with these. This toy is a bit on the larger size so you will need space to store it but if you have the room it’s a great one.

Recommended Age: 18 Months – 5 Years

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Short on Storage Space?

Kids outdoor toys can take up quite a bit of space but you can still get kids moving without bulky toys. Check out these mom approved favorites to keep kids active during the summer.

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Benefits of Physical Activity in Children

Physical Activity and Early Childhood from Healthy Children on Vimeo.