The gift giving season is officially upon us and we know what’s on your mind! Obviously, we’re all about getting kids outdoors. We want your children to spend as much time outside playing and exploring as possible. Therefore, this year we’ve put together a fun list of creative gifts, toys, games and sporting gear that will encourage and promote outdoor play. Some of these things can be played, made and enjoyed indoors as well, but they were all chosen to promote a love of the outdoors and to foster a connection with nature. These gifts are perfect for the active outdoorsy kids that love to run, jump and play and kids that want to learn more about nature. We hope you’ll add a few of these items to your child’s wish list this year.

Or, if you’re more into giving gear, activities and experience gifts, last year we published the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toy Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids, which will give you even more (50+) ideas to add to your list!

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Remote control car – A remote control car (or airplane or boat) would make a great gift for a kid that likes to race and compete. Choose a vehicle made for outdoor play that will stand up to rough terrain and perform well off-road to encourage your kid to explore. This car has a 30+ minute battery life, easy pistol grip transmitter and spring wheels made to support accidental falls and unstable ground.

Telescope – We love this travel/portable telescope with a tripod and carry bag. It’s a perfect beginner telescope for kids with a 360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture. The fully coated optical glass has high transmission coatings to create stunning images with increased brightness and clarity. Interchangeable eyepieces make locating objects easy. It allows for many different viewing positions and the tripod adjusts for the smaller star-gazers. It’s easy to set up and take outside on a clear night or use during the day to watch wildlife.  Perfect for encouraging any kid that’s interested in space, science or astronomy.

Walkie-talkies – My kids received walkie-talkies for Christmas last year and use them all the time! Not only are they great for play in, out and around the house, but we also take them on camping and hiking trips, to the grandparent’s farm and every time we go fishing. Great for those places you might not have strong cell service, as well. This set of walkie-talkies is perfect for kids because they’re extra easy to use. Voice-activated means your child doesn’t even have to push/hold a button to send their voice (great for preschoolers). The long-distance range spans over 3 miles and the scan function searches 22 channels and 99 subchannels. Durable and rechargeable.

Bicycle wheel lights – If you’ve got a biker in the family, consider getting her some fun accessories for her bike. How cool are these amazing Monkey Light wheel lights that attach to bicycle wheels and light up your tires in 2 themes and 16 colors with hundreds of combinations! They’re 200 Lumens with 32 Full Color LED lights. Rugged, waterproof construction designed for daily use in all weather conditions and lasts up to 20 hours on 3 x AA batteries.

Wildcraft! board game – Wildcraft! is a nature-based educational board game that teaches kids about 27 important healing herbs and edible plants. The game also teaches teamwork and features beautifully illustrated cards and game board. This cooperative game was created in the tradition of the classic board games with waterfalls to slide down, logs to cross and deer trails to wander. It’s icon-driven, so can even be played by little ones that can’t read. No prior knowledge of plants is needed. Wildcraft! purchases go toward a good cause A portion of the proceeds from sales of the game benefits United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with the mission to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitats.

Model rocket launch set – For older kids, this model rocket launch set will reach new heights! This huge rocket stands 30in tall and can reach heights over 650 feet! For recovery, it has a colorful 18-inch preassembled parachute. This set includes two rockets: (1) the Crossfire ISX is a Skill Level 1 rocket that streaks over 1,200 feet into the sky; and (2) the E2X Amazon is just short of 3 foot long and flies over 600 feet. Recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. Be advised that the tools, construction and finishing supplies are sold separately. In order to launch, model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding are required – also sold separately.

Stomp rocket – For younger kids not ready for a “real” rocket, try a stomp rocket! My kids LOVE these. Run, jump and stomp to launch these fun stunt planes which are 100% kid-powered with no batteries required. This set includes three different planes (looper, glider and wildcat) designed by aeronautical engineers to perform a variety of amazing stunts. Adjust the angle of flight with the adjustable launch stand, fly into the wind or with the wind and change how these planes fly.

Lawnmower – If you have a little one that wants to be just like mom/dad and mow the lawn, this adorable mower is perfect for little ones. We’ve had this exact mower for years and it’s withstood the abuse of two kids and countless hours of mowing up and down our yard, street and sidewalk. It has popping beads, a pull cord and a little gas can for refueling. If you want one that also blows bubbles, check out this bubble mower.

Mini Frisbee golf game – This mini Frisbee golf game lets your kids (or the whole family) play a par 3 round of disc golf. It features six mini Frisbee discs and one Frisbee golf target. It’s designed for ages 5 and up – even adults love it! The metal chains are designed to catch the Frisbee discs so throw your favorite, tossing, hyzers, etc.

Bubble machine – My kids are obsessed with bubbles – blowing them, chasing them and popping them! They love their bubble machine. This one generates more than 800 bubbles per minute by powerful motor and spinning wands. It’s portable, lightweight and small sized. Comes with an 18-month warranty and a lifetime customer service. 

Nest swing – If you have a tree to hang a swing in, I highly recommend this nest swing for kids. Our neighbor has one and every kid in the entire neighborhood is drawn to this swing. Hours and hours of playtime! Its large frame (40 inches) is made of steel with tight weave rope platform seat and two 4” monster spring clips for easy install. It’s super sturdy with a weight rated to 600 lbs for swing and spin motion. Fun for kids, teens and adults!

Root viewer garden – I love the idea of using this root viewer garden to spark kids interest in growing vegetables indoors, so eventually they’ll want to grow them outside! This root viewer lets you see how vegetables grow underground and serves as a great year-round indoor experiment for all ages. The kit includes a 9-inch x 11.5-inch clear plastic planter with removable top and handle, premium soil, radish, carrot, green onion seeds, and instructions on how to construct and plant.

Metal detector – Get your kids outside and exploring for buried treasure with a metal detector. This metal detector can be used anywhere (park, beach, fields, backyard) to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics. It identifies all metal coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep. Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places.

Weather lab – There’s no such thing as bad weather, right? Teach your child about all kinds of weather with this fun weather lab. Kids can build a mini weather station to record everyday weather changes and conduct experiments to discover the science and facts about climate change, the water cycle and other weather phenomena. With a variety of weather measuring equipment, record and measure wind, rainfall, and the temperature outside. In addition to the weather, learn about topics like acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and the water cycle with these experiments. Recommended for ages 8-15.

Pitching machine – There are so many great sports for kids that encourage them to get outside and play. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine.  It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).

Golf clubs – Another great sport to get your kids outdoors is golf. This set of beginner golf clubs is designed for ages 4-7 or 8-12. The set comes with a driver/fairway wood, 7 iron, 9 iron and putter, all with graphite shafts and flexible soft grips. Carry your clubs in the deluxe junior stand bag with double shoulder strap, 4-way divider, 4 exterior pockets, umbrella holder, Velcro glove tab & rain hood.

Soccer goals – Soccer is another great outdoor activity that burns a lot of energy, encourages teamwork and strengthens coordination. These collapsible soccer goal nets set-up and can be taken down in seconds with no assembly required. They come with 2 goals, 6 cones, and a carrying case so you can take them anywhere. They can be secured with plastic or metal stakes to any grass surface in your backyard or park.

Kickball and bases – Nearly every day after school, there’s a kickball game going on in our neighborhood. This is the perfect set for any kickball fan and comes with an 8.5-inch kickball, three rubber bases, home plate, a pitcher’s rubber and inflation pump (with a needle). That’s everything you need to play this super fun and simple game. A great outdoor sport for all ages and abilities.

Underwater camera – Every little fishy will love taking pictures with this underwater camera. It’s built tough for active kids, submersible up to 10 feet, dustproof and shockproof. Rugged, compact, and lightweight, it goes anywhere and can handle every challenging journey, from the bumpiest, dustiest desert road tour to underwater selfies amid the coral reefs. Photo shooting and video recording underwater. Built-in LED flash with a 10-second self-timer. Two dual-action screens: a rear-facing, 2.7-inch full-color LCD display and a secondary, front-facing 1.8-inch full-color LCD display – the perfect viewfinder for taking selfies.

Stepping stones – Making your own stepping stones is a great way to promote creativity and give your child something to be proud to put in the yard or garden. This stepping stone kit gives your child hands-on fun by creating a 7-inch stepping stone from scratch. Mix and mold simple ingredients and then design your finished project in a variety of colors, patterns and designs using ceramic paint and gemstones. Your child can add a personal touch such as handprints or writing their name. The kit includes 4 bags of mix (1 lb. each), a 3-D molding tray, assorted plastic gems, 10 ceramic tiles, stickers, gloves, mixing stick, protective mask, paintbrush, ceramic paint strip, and directions.

Sidewalk chalk – There’s something so simple and perfect about gifting sidewalk chalk to a kid. It’s the perfect gift for kids of any age and encourages creative outdoor play. It can be used for all kinds of games, drawings, activities and adventures. This pack of 72 chalk sticks comes in 48 unique and different colors! Comes in a squarish anti-roll shape to keep kids safe. It washes out of clothing and cleans up outside with water or rainfall.

Bow & arrow set – This set from Marky Sparky is unique with over-sized arrows that are ultra lightweight providing safety, without compromising distance power and fun! The sports fiberglass bow shoots arrows over 200 feet! Arrows have foam tips that are designed to bounce off and ground any target you create. Aim and try shooting a pyramid of cans 200 feet away! Recommended for ages 10 and up. (not a toy)

Croquet set – A croquet set is a perfect way to get your kids outside and playing games. This set comes with 6 deluxe mallets, 6 multi-colored balls, 9 steel wickets and 2 scoring posts. It comes with an official rulebook and a nylon carrying bag for easy transport and storage.

Outdoor playhouse – We have this fun cedar playhouse in our backyard and can barely get our kids to come inside! It takes time and effort to get assembled (make sure you start WAY before Christmas if you want it assembled beforehand), but it’s truly worth it. Our playhouse has a sink, working doorbell, windows, flower boxes, side benches and chalkboards. Just add a few kid kitchen supplies and you’ve got an outdoor restaurant perfect for entertaining the kids for hours!

Jump rope – This adjustable jump rope from Green Toys is perfect for teaching littles the lost art of skipping rope! It’s suitable for age 5 and up and adjusts with your child as they grow. The handles are made with 100% recycled plastic and rope with US-100% cotton. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, PVC or Phthalates-free materials — safe for the earth as well as your child. Jumping rope is a fun outdoor activity that improves health and coordination.

Fairy garden kit – This fairy garden kit from Wild Pixy contains a set of 13 miniature fairy garden accessories and is beautifully crafted to attract fairies, gnomes and magic to your garden. It comes with a cute dollhouse, fairy figurine, bridge, bench, chair, toadstools, stepping stones, glow pebbles and fairy house featuring a working door. Mystical LED lights charge by day and bring your solar powered fairy garden house and stones to life at night. It’s high quality, safety tested and designed to last. The set is packaged in a stunning designer box. This is a fun tool for families to learn together about soils, plants, and water use. Plus, it encourages creativity through planting and caring for your fairy garden.

Bug Bingo – This beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of bugs from around the world and brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game. Players learn the names and colorings of both favorite species like the Honey Bee and Kissing Bug and more exotic bugs like the Vampire Moth and Giant Hawker Dragonfly. Contains 64 superbly illustrated bug tokens, one board, 12 bingo cards and brightly colored counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the bugs featured. (Not into bugs? There’s also Bird, Dog, Ocean, Cat and Monkey versions of the bingo game!)

Sticklets – Encourage your child’s creativity and engineering skills with this set of 18 connectors for fort building with sticks! Outdoor kids will love using these Sticklets to build forts, torys, animal habitats, shapes and more. Comes in a variety of bright fun colors or camo.

Tent – This 4-person dome tent would make a great gift for kids. It’s relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.

Sled – There’s no better way to get your kids outside in the snow than to give them a sled! We love this 2-person classic rider toboggan sled with a rope lanyard for pulling. The bottom is slick for speed and it has handle cut-outs on the sides for holding tight!

Bodyboard – If you’re anywhere near an ocean, I highly encourage you to try body boarding with your kids. We tested this out over the summer and our kids were hooked after catching their first wave! This bundle comes with 2 body boards, each with an innovative crescent tail and slick bottom, designed for all wave conditions. The boards have excellent control, more maneuverability, and increased speed and strength. They’re lightweight, durable and buoyant – ready for action! Each comes with a leash and perfect for kids up to 110 pounds (2-5 feet tall).

Sunglasses – Protect your children’s eyes while they’re outside playing with these Babiator sunglasses. They come in 2 styles (the Navigator UV and the Aviator) and a variety of colors. They’re designed to withstand the strains of children in everyday life. Frames are made from rubber, making them strong and flexible, shock and impact resistant. Whether your child twists, bends or treads on these sunglasses, they will not break! In addition, these UV400 lenses stop all UVA and UVB rays and protect the eyes of your child against the bright sunlight. Available in baby and toddler sizes and polarization.

Fitness tracker – Encourage your kids to get outside and active with this waterproof fitness tracker. It syncs via Bluetooth with your phone or tablet and tracks steps, sleep, calories burned and more. Promotes a healthy lifestyle and sleep habits in your kids. Set goals and challenges for the family, work on math skills, track improvement over time. So many fun ways to use these little devices.

What’s your favorite gift to encourage outdoor play?

And don’t forget to check out our “Ultimate Non-Toy Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Kids” from last year: