8 Quality Backyard Toddler Toys under $50

We all know little kids are tough on toys. If it’s possible to break it, they will. I put together a list of the top 8 toys under $50 that I have purchased for my own kids or grandkids. I’ll tell you how much use the kids got out of them and how well the toys held up. I’ll also tell you why I think these toys are great for your kids to have as well.

Hapinest Turtle Steps

We got our Turtle Steps at Christmas time and have been playing around the house on a daily basis. The weather in the Northeast just recently started getting warm enough to play outside, so we brought them into the yard for the first time last week. They work perfectly in the grass. Max, my grandson, just jumps from color to color right now because he’s not quite 3 yet and doesn’t care to play by the rules yet. So far the stones have held up to plenty of jumping, even by Mom and Dad. Hapinest Turtle Steps are available for $44. 99 on Amazon

These stepping stones are great for creative play as well as help with developing gross motor skills and color recognition. Motor coordination activities like this build kids’ balance skills and are just plain fun.

Obuby Walkie Talkies for Kids

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These Walkie Talkies are for ages 3 to 12. My grandson is almost 3 and he is getting the hang of using it. He talks to his 10-year-old sister. She has no problem using it. It fits better in her hand than in his, but it’s still manageable for him The sound quality is great. So far they have only used it from one room in the house to the next and across the backyard, but we will take them the next time we go on vacation and see how it goes. The company states it supports 2-way communication up to 3 miles in an open field. Well, we’ll find out. But so far, they are a big hit.

Harvard Health Publishing states that you should provide your children with Toys that encourage interaction — especially with their parents and caregivers. One thing we have learned about child development, especially with small children, is that the “serve and return” interactions between children and adults are crucial for building connections in the brain. They are also crucial for building relationships, and strong parent-child relationships make all the difference in the emotional health of children. They list Walkie Talkies as one of these toys.

GoSports Bullseye Bounce & Tri Toss Cornhole Toss Games

Cornhole has been around for a very long time, but somehow my family never managed to play it until 2 years ago. I don’t remember where I got this set but it is available on Amazon for $29.99. It is so much fun. Both the board and bean bags are lightweight, so it’s easy for little ones to use and light enough to take on the go. So far so good with this game. It has lived through several people falling on it and 1 toddler thinking it was a great spot for a nap. This game is recommended for all ages, but there are small caps on the bottoms of the tubes, so please use discretion.

The box states the game is fun reinforcement for simple math skills, hand-eye coordination, and team spirit. Fatherly.com states that Cornhole actually helps build motor skills and dexterity, encourages activity and fitness, and brings kids closer to their parents and friends through social play. I agree with both.

Melissa and Doug Activity Cones

I’m serious when I say this. Get these Cones! No wait, get two sets of these Cones! The little ones stack them. Sort the colors. They wear them as hats. They can make a course for their cars or a course to run through. The older kids use them as the goals for soccer and the start and finish line for races. My family has played ring toss with them and used them as decoration for a car-themed birthday party. You will find a ton of ways to use them and people will start asking you to bring them with you to backyard gatherings. They are built to last. Buy them for your kids, you’ll have them still for your grandkids. The recommended age is 36 months to 6 years.

Here is some great info from Davies Sport. Agility helps performance in activities that require children to change direction quickly whilst keeping balance, strength, speed, and body control. It is not just about the speed with which a child can change direction, but also by the grace and fluidity of movement. Improving agility will prepare children for competitive team games which involve various different movements and changes in direction such as football, basketball, gymnastics, and tennis.

Here are some great ways to improve agility…

Set cones out in a straight line which children have to walk or run in and out of. This will develop the basic movement of changing direction.

-Make it hard: move in and out of the cones then jump over the cones on the way back.

-Make it harder: move in and out of the cones while balancing a rubber ring on their head.

-Make it easier: Place the cones further apart to make the direction change easier.

-Games; using a stopwatch, time the children’s individual efforts and encourage development.

Little Tikes Garden Table Play Set

The Little Tikes Garden Table Play Set is a great toy for three reasons.

1. All the accessories can be stored in the table.
2. While the table is designed for water, I have put sand in it as well.
3. It’s a bargain at Walmart for only $34.99

Little Tikes Garden Table will inspire kids to connect with their world through dramatic, creative, and imaginary play while promoting social interaction for everyday fun! The Garden Table lets kids do real-life activities, such as planting and watering flowers. That’s a direct quote from Little Tikes. I couldn’t have said it better.

Little Tikes First Slide

Let’s face it, Little Tikes makes a quality product. I have purchased a playhouse, 2 different cars, the Garden Table, the Slide, and many of their other products and have never been disappointed. I will admit when I first got this slide I did think it felt a little flimsy for a Little Tikes toy. But Nope, I have had it through 2 grandkids and it’s still as sturdy as ever. I’m sorry to admit that it has been used for other than it’s intended purpose on several occasions. It’s been the steps onto the trampoline and it’s been a water slide into the kiddie pool and the Slip ‘N Slide. I know, we’re idiots. Don’t try this at home.

Children are fearless thrill-seekers, and nothing is more fun than zooming down a slide. It helps build their confidence.  They learn balance and coordination and develop spatial awareness in just navigating their way to the top. It’s also great exercise because most children will go again and again. Climb, slide, repeat.

Sky Nook

I got mine from the company called Fat Brain Toys for $39.95. It is available on Amazon for the same price. It’s made for ages 3 to 9. My grandson is not 3 yet but we do sit with him when he is in it, and like I said we can’t get him out of it. He plays on his tablet and watches tv in it. His sister gets in with him and they read books. Right now we are using it inside but I will be getting another one for him for his birthday in July. That one I will hang from a tree in the yard. So far, with plenty of daily use, I have had no problem with it.

Children love a place where they can relax, calm down, and learn to manage
their emotions and behavior. A nice cozy nook. The motion of swinging back and forth helps settle a child’s brain. Many children that swing a lot sleep better at night.

Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter

This little scooter has been getting a workout for about a year and a half now. I like it because it’s convertible and has a storage place that’s easy for little ones to access. I’ll be honest and tell you I have seen some reviews that were not so great, but I have not experienced any of the issues those reviewers had. It is lightweight and does go fast. The age recommendation is 12 months to 4 years and I do think that seems accurate. Young toddlers will ride and older ones will scoot. I paid $29.99 at my local Target.

Ride-on toys and scooters encourage physical activity and fosters independent play and confidence. Children learn to balance on these toys, as well as learn how to navigate the space they are in or problem-solve obstacles.

Please check out this post as well, for additional great finds for the backyard. 7 Backyard Must-Haves to Keep Young Kids Entertained