active kid gifts

  • GIFT GUIDE, HOLIDAYS

    Experience Gifts for Kids

    Now more than ever, kids want our time and attention. Plastic toys break and get thrown away. Experiences last forever. This year, with so many supply issues and the price of “stuff” going up, consider giving the gift of your time and experiences at fun locations in your area. Not only are you shopping less and more local, but you’ll make lifelong memories and help your kids try new things! Today, Wendy Cox, California photographer and mom is here sharing all kinds of ideas for fun and unique experience gifts for kids. The outdoorsy active kids in your life will love them all, plus, they usually offer opportunities for the whole family to spend time together.  And that’s the gift that keeps giving. 

    Experience gifts for kids

    With the holidays upon us, you’ve most likely been searching Amazon for gifts to give your kids this year. Then you look up from your phone and see a pile of toy cars on the floor, a tea set with only 2 cups left at the play kitchen, dolls, trucks, and rocket ships with missing astronauts strewn throughout the living room. Do they really need one more toy?

    The problem is, you want them to have the magic that comes with opening a beautifully wrapped present, but you don’t want to live with any more clutter. How do you make both a reality?

    Solution- experience gifts. There are so many ways to give gifts that don’t require any more clutter in your house. This list of experience gifts for kids will open your eyes to a variety of gifts that won’t just get thrown in a closet but will allow you to create lasting memories with your children. The truth is, they don’t want things- they want YOU, your time, and your attention. 

    Botanical garden/arboretum season pass

    Season passes to a local botanical garden or arboretum are great for any outdoorsy kid and family. Many botanic gardens have an area created especially for children. The majority of the gardens also participate in a reciprocal program, which means that if you purchase a season pass to the botanic garden in your area there are many other gardens that you can access with your pass in other areas. It’s the experience gift that keeps on giving! The American Horticulture Society also sells passes that give you access to gardens across the US. Botanic gardens are also located in countries around the world.

    Sporting events 

    One of our family’s favorite experience gifts to give the kids are tickets to a sporting event. Take them out to the ballgame! Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, diving, lacrosse – the list of sporting events you could take your children to is endless. Choose a sport (or a team) that your child is interested in and gift tickets this holiday. 

    It doesn’t have to be a professional game either. Think about supporting a local college or high school. How about tickets to a sporting event hosted at your alma mater and show them around campus. You can sometimes get season tickets to your local minor league baseball team for less than the price of one major league game. There are also usually mini-packs of tickets available around the holidays so you can spread the games out over the season. You could even purchase a ball or jersey from the team and wrap that to put under the tree along with the tickets. 

    Amusement parks

    Tickets to an amusement park (or the mecca of all amusement parks…Disney) make a great gift for a child. Let’s face it, the magic of Disney is a real thing. Watching your child meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite princess for the first time is a priceless experience. But it doesn’t have to be Disney – there are amusement parks across the country with a variety of options. If you live close to an amusement park consider a season pass so you don’t feel the need to go and stay until closing. If it’s a bit of a drive, a one day pass could be sufficient. For the little ones, amusement parks with water features are fun. For the teenagers, choose an amusement park with lots of big roller coasters. 

    Family fun centers

    On a smaller scale than an amusement park, many cities have family fun centers. This is usually something like mini-golf, go-karts, maybe even bumper cars or bumper boats. Other fun centers do ninja courses, laser tag, indoor rock climbing, arcades, ziplines, high ropes courses, etc. Sometimes they sell yearly passes, but even a night out for mini golf and frozen yogurt afterward is appealing to most kids. 

    Road trips

    Taking a road trip with your kids is always a fun adventure! You could coordinate the destination to somewhere that interests them or make it a first. What is your child interested in? Find a location, museum, destination, or adventure that promotes that interest. Or take them somewhere that they can experience something in nature for the first time. If your child has never been to the ocean, find a beach house to go to. If they’ve never seen snow before, plan a trip to a ski resort. Include them in the planning and map out the route together. Who knows, you might even find your way to the biggest ball of yarn or something equally impressive!

    When I was in elementary school I was obsessed with the Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. One summer my grandparents took me (just the three of us) on a trip from California to Missouri (the place where Laura wrote all of her books) and back. We stayed in KOA’s along the way, and it was unforgettable!

    Camping

    Have your kids ever been camping? This could be your chance. I truly believe that there is something incredibly magical about sleeping in the great outdoors. Gift your child the experience of camping – it just might change their life! 

    If it will be their first time camping, the excitement will be through the roof! If your kids have been camping before, use this as an opportunity to try a new campsite to change it up. When they’re old enough, you could make this trip special by giving them a specific task. For example, wrap up a flint and steel and tell them they’re in charge of making the campfire this time. Chances are they’ll want to make a fire the minute you drive up to the campsite!

    Cabins/yurts/glamping

    If tent camping isn’t your thing, there are lots of other fun options! Who doesn’t love staying in a cozy cabin in the woods or by a lake? How about a yurt with an open-top where you can see the stars at night? Maybe it’s the coziness of the wooden beams or the rustic feel, but kids love experiences like this! Yurts and glamping tents are also becoming more and more prevalent at campgrounds across the country. Getting away from home even just for one night will excite your kids more than you might think. Add that excitement to an epic location and it’s an experience gift that puts any remote control car to shame!

    Backpacking

    For the extra adventurous family, try backpacking as an experience gift. Backpacks and backpacking gear are available to rent at some sporting goods stores like REI, but if you plan on making this a tradition you could buy a backpack as part of the gift. There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you were able to carry everything you need to stay alive for a couple days. Backpacking teaches perseverance, mental strength, and so many other important life skills. This is an experience gift that has lasting positive effects for your child’s health as well as the health of your relationship with them. Here’s a great post on how to get started backpacking with kids and everything you need to pack. 

    Water activities 

    Sure, it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to warmer days and plan our experience gifts accordingly. Now is a good time to plan ahead and book fun water activities like canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, etc. Maybe there’s a reservoir near you that has inflatable trampolines you can purchase tickets for. How about a tubing company that will take you down the local river. Rent a pontoon boat for the day and cruise your local lake. Or gift sailing lessons so that your kids can learn a valuable skill. These gifts will teach patience as your kids wait in anticipation for the time when they can cash in on their gift!

    Lessons/clinics 

    Has your child been asking you to sign them up for a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, soccer, or dance? Do they have a favorite activity that they can’t get enough of? Now is the perfect time to get them on the roster, or even get one-on-one attention in a specific sport. The skills they learn will mean so much more than any toy. This could be something like horseback riding lessons, a private hitting/pitching lesson, rock climbing lessons, ice skating, or dance lessons. A couple of years ago my son was gifted private swim lessons and it was such a great experience for him.  

    Classes/courses

    Maybe it isn’t sports that your child is really into, but something like painting, baking, or pottery. Local rec centers often have a variety of classes that offer great exposure to different areas that your child might want to try. In my experience, the cost is reasonable, too. If you aren’t worried about cost, try looking into private companies to see if they have a course for your child’s age group. Sometimes courses can even be done online – there are lots of online courses for kids on photography, art, music, and more. 

    Restaurant date

    Experience gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as a dinner out at their favorite restaurant, but just with mom or just with dad. Make it extra memorable by getting dressed up in your fancy clothes. Especially if you have more than one child, this gift will make all the difference. It’s difficult to find the time in the business of our lives to really sit down and listen to one child for an extended period of time. This provides the perfect setting to do just that. You could even let them choose the restaurant. Don’t be surprised at how long the smile stays on your child’s face after a night out with you and only you!

    Dinner/meal at home

    This doesn’t sound that exciting at first, but if you have a child that likes to cook or bake like my daughter does this could mean the world to them. Let your child plan the menu, find the perfect recipes, then go shopping for the ingredients together. You could even make a centerpiece for the table and bring out the good china and linen napkins. Or, set a blanket out in the yard and make it a picnic. Kids love getting the opportunity to show off their skills and be helpful. Serving a meal that they made (start to finish) will make them so proud. Chances are, years down the road she’ll say, “Remember that one time when we …” and think back on this experience fondly!

    Musical performance/concert

    For the musically inclined kid, a concert might be the perfect experience gift. There are indoor and outdoor venues all over the world that play all different kinds of music. Gift tickets to your child’s favorite band or singer. If your child plays an instrument, consider purchasing tickets to a performance where that specific instrument is featured. Local symphonies often put on family-friendly performances (sometimes to movies) that are perfect for kids. 

    Drive-in movie

    Drive-in movie night is always a really fun experience for a kid. Winter is my favorite time to take the kids to the drive in because it gets dark so much earlier, and they can still get to bed at a reasonable hour. (The mom in me is always concerned about bedtime!) We do live in a fairly temperate climate though, so if you have to plan this one for a warmer season, that works too. Grab some cozy blankets and their favorite snacks and you’ll be set! If you don’t live near a drive-in, check out this post about hosting your own family movie night.

    Museums 

    Children’s museums are absolutely amazing experiences and passes/tickets to one would make a great gift for a child or a family. I can still remember going to the children’s museum as a kid because I had so much fun! These places are built specifically with kids in mind, so take advantage of them if you have one in your area! In addition to children’s museums, there are science museums, space museums, art museums, and the list goes on. While not all museums are made specifically for little ones, many at least have a children’s area. Teenagers or tweens that have specific interests would appreciate you taking notice of what is important to them.

    Ice skating

    Make the magic of the holidays last a little bit longer with a trip to the ice rink! Buy a season pass or just go for a couple of hours, but ice skating is an experience that no one should miss out on. Ice skating is something that the whole family can do together. Depending on where you live, you could find outdoor ice skating rinks or even frozen ponds so you get the fresh air while skating. Oftentimes these places also have fire pits for warming up (or making s’mores), as well as hot chocolate and other goodies. 

    Rock climbing/bouldering

    Have you ever been to a rock climbing gym? My kiddos have been asking to go back for months because they had such a great time! Rock climbing is a great activity because it is adaptive to many different skill levels, and it gives your children the opportunity to try and try again until they reach the top. Many climbing gyms offer open climb time for kids in a “kid-friendly” climbing area. Or, you could sign up for lessons and learn proper climbing and belaying techniques in the big gym. If you want the real deal and have children that are able to, bouldering is also a fun option. 

    Laser tag

    Laser tag is a super fun and active game for kids (and the whole family). Some arcades or family fun centers have a laser tag option, other places specialize in laser tag. If you’ve never played before, you’re in for such a fun time. One of my sons is asking for a laser tag kit for Christmas this year. Whether you have the kit at home or not, laser tag is so much fun! (Alternative option: paintball.)

    Ziplining

    Ziplining is a great activity for any little adventurer, but not for the faint of heart. If you have a daredevil child or one that’s really into pushing the limits and trying new things, ziplining could be a fun experience gift. Be sure to check on the height or age limit at your local zipline location. Sometimes, depending on the course, the company will have certain limits in place, but if your children are eligible then I highly recommend trying the ziplines. Last January my family and I did a nighttime zipline course over the river that was lined with Christmas lights and we had so much fun! And if heights bother you, maybe now is your chance to let your children see you face your fears! 

    Zoo/animal experience

    Zoos also make really fun experience gifts for kids. Where else can you go and see lions, tigers, and bears all in one day? The zoo is a huge hit with the little ones, but if it’s been a while, I bet even your teenagers would have a good time at the zoo. Our local zoo offers the chance for kids to “adopt” an animal – they receive a certificate and a stuffed animal that represents the animal they adopted. The money goes towards feeding and caring for the animal. Sometimes zoos offer classes or camps that teach kids how to care for animals. Some zoos even offer special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day. If you have a little one that’s really interested in animals, this would make a great gift! 

    Aquarium

    Even if you don’t live near the coast, you might have an aquarium near you. Seeing all of the living things that make the water their home is astounding. Tickets or season passes to an aquarium could be an amazing experience gift. Aquariums can be pricy, so a special trip to the aquarium is usually a big treat for our kids. Aquariums are great learning experiences as well, as we all learn something new every time we visit. 

    Driving range or Top Golf

    I never imagined my kids getting into golfing much, but one of my boys really loves going to the driving range! Gift certificates to your local driving range would make a great experience gift for a kid that’s into golf. Some smaller golf courses charge a small fee to rent a club and a big bucket of golf balls, so it might not be as expensive as you might think. Or, if you have a Top Golf location near you, a gift certificate there might be a fun experience for the whole family. You can rent a bay and challenge each other to any of the fun games! 

    Batting cages

    Even if your kids have never played baseball or softball, a trip to the batting cages can still be a hit (pun intended). Most batting cages allow you to set the speed of the ball so a beginner can still be successful. Alternatively, you can increase the speed if you have an experienced batter on your hands. Most kids who have played on a baseball team before will tell you their favorite part is hitting the ball, so batting cages give you just the best part. Don’t forget to step up to the plate yourself for a few pitches and show the kids how it’s done (or what not to do). 

    Photo session

    If you have a child who loves to ham it up for the camera, a professional photo session would be the perfect experience gift. It could be a mommy and me session, daddy and me session, individual session, or even a best friends session. Photographers can also set up fun experiences for your kids based on their interests. For example, a photo session at a professional ballpark or at a dance studio. Maybe the photographer could come take photos of them doing a sport that they love or at one of their games. Can you order prints and hang them on the wall or the fridge. Make a book for them to flip through anytime they like. Studies show that children who have their photos on display in their homes have overall better self-esteem. 

    Experiences matter

    The list of experience gifts you will want to give your children will change over time as they get older and their interests change. One thing that will remain constant is the fact that when you spend time with your children, those experiences will shape them into the people they grow up to be. There are so many things in the world today that want to influence your children. If you want to be the biggest influence in their lives, that is going to take time, not things. This year, invest in gifts that show them you’re willing to put in the time for them. Plan to do the one-on-one activities as well as the whole family adventures. Next year instead of a bunch of lost or broken toys, you’ll have a photo album full of smiles.

    What are your favorite experience gifts?

    About the author

    Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as a garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
    RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Creative Gifts that Promote Outdoor Play

    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!

    (affiliate links below)creative gifts for kids that encourage outdoor play

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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: