Enticing toys for outdoor fun

Outdoor play is important for a child’s development, and a good dose of fresh air and sunshine is vital for health. To help them be their best, entice the troops outside with toys that stimulate learning and encourage fun.
jump rope friends
Develop your child's interest in skipping with this foxy little jump rope. It takes time and practice to learn, but the benefits of jumping rope are astounding. Develop agility and stamina while strengthening muscles, lungs and the heart. Seedling fox skipping rope, $14, teapea.co.nz

off on an adventure
Itʼs a great big world out there! Send your little ones out to explore with a few tools to trigger their imaginations. The Outdoor Explorer kit, $44.99, and The Great Adventure kit, $53.99, goodthingsforkids.com.

up in the air so blue
The thrill of a swing has kept children of all ages entertained for generations. Whether you hang a wooden classic or a modern version, a swing will be sure to please. Solvej board swing, $140, and baby and toddler swing, $220, both from solvejswings.com.

quoit clever
A simple game of quoits is a fun pastime that stimulates the brain and develops hand-eye coordination, good sportsmanship and patience. An old-fashioned game that has stood the test of time. Riversdale junior quoits, $59.95, naturebaby.co.nz.

have a ball
Balls are a backyard basic. A high-bounce ball will have kids excitedly developing their spatial awareness as it flies around the backyard, while anything bigger will encourage ball-handling skills. Throw in some small cones for goals and the games are limitless. Seedling fresh watermelon bounce ball, $4, teapea.co.nz, and Summit kids soft soccer ball, $11.99, rebelsports.co.nz.

messy play
An afternoon outside with a table full of water or sand will keep a toddler entertained for hours as they build, pour, scatter and sift these tactile materials. ELC My First Sand and Water Table, $49.99, babycity.co.nz.

backyard beach
Make a splash or get digging with this Kiwi classic that can be filled with either water or sand. Fountain clam shell sand pit, $17 from Bunnings Warehouse.

monkeying around
If you have a good-sized section and are keen to invest in some outdoor equipment, you canʼt go past an adventure playground. Kids will be drawn outdoors for endless hours of imaginative play that burns off energy and keeps them fit. Adventurer playground, $3335, ultimateplaygrounds.co.nz

Outdoor play is important for a child’s development, and a good dose of fresh air and sunshine is vital for health. To help them be their best, entice the troops outside with toys that stimulate learning and encourage fun.

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