When it comes to finding the perfect gifts for active kids, I love the idea of gifting toys, gear, and games that gets them outdoors. It doesn’t matter if “outside” is in the backyard, the local park, or hiking, or camping with the family. I thought I’d share my favorite toys, gear, and outdoor gifts for kids perfect for the holidays, birthdays, and everything in between.
This fun gift guide is filled with the best Christmas gifts for kids who love being active outside. It contains everything from kid subscription boxes, hiking gear, experience gifts, outdoor games, and so much more! No matter what age, size, interest, location or budget, we’ve got a gift idea for you and the outdoorsy kid in your life!
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Outdoor Gifts for Little Kids
The habit of spending time outdoors starts when kids are small. Your younger kids (under 10) will love exploring the world around them with these outdoor activity gifts. They can study nature, play outdoor games, and create memories with the family.
Outdoor Gifts for Younger Kids (ages 0-9)
Get your kids unplugged and get them exploring outdoors. This gift guide is perfect for getting younger kids outside.
Slacklining is a great outdoor activity for kids and provides hours upon hours of fun. This kit has everything you need to suspend the webbing between two anchor points (trees, anchor posts, etc) and major the act of walking/balancing on a suspended line. A training line is included in this kit for beginners.
Perfect for kids of all ages!
No worries about injuries or holes in the walls! Younger kids will have loads of fun practicing their aim. Foam axes stick to the targets with ease and make it easy for kids to pretend they're a lumberjack. Kit includes collapsible target, 4 axes, and carry bag.
This pack is so cute that kids will actually want to carry their own gear. But if not, adults love it too! This kids' size 8L backpack from Deuter is made with eco-friendly fabrics and has multiple compartments to keep clothes, snacks, and gear organized. Also find more grown up packs for teens and adults.
Taking temporary fort building to a new level with the AirFort. Inflating in under 30 seconds without pillows, blanets, or mess, this fort providing hours of safe outdoor fun kids love. When set up the fort measures 77" wide x 50" tall. Parental guidance and supervision required.
THiNK OUTSiDE is a monthly subscription box that will get your child exploring nature. Each month a themed box arrives to your door with 3-5 pieces of outdoor gear, resource cards, and hands-on activities. Children can do them on the activities on their own or together with friends or family. You can buy one box or save money with a six month or year subscription.
Boxes start at $33.95
Lttle explorers will love playing in this water table from Step 2. It's like having a mini waterpark in the backyard complete with waterfall tray, spinners, and buckets.
Great stocking stuffer for kids! This 64 piece set of washable sidewalk chalk gets kids outside for fun, imaginative play. They can create colorful sidewalk murals, handwrite notes in the driveway for friends/neighbors passing by, and set up fun outdoor games like hopscotch, tic tac toe, and dots.
$9 Walmart or Amazon
With this remote control car from SGILE, you'll get both speed AND stunt capability. This car can speed away at 9 mph and goes topsy turvy with 360˚ tumbling spins. Recommended for ages 8+.
A rock polisher is a great gift for any child interested in science, nature, rock collecting or jewelry-making. If he/she is one to pick up rocks along a hike, this will encourage them to learn more about geology and be amazed at the gems they uncover.
$59
Not all gifts have to be tangible. You can adopt a zoo or sanctuary animal and make a donation to animal cause. Programs vary by locations.
The Oklahoma City Zoo offers three levels of adoption ranging from $40-$100. Adoptions can include an adoption certificate, name recognition, plush animal, fact sheet about your animal, pictures, and tickets to the zoo. Special encounters are also available like the one shown in the picture of the Galapagos Tortoise.
Give your child and your whole family the gift of the national parks. Purchase the annual America the Beautiful Pass and get a year’s worth of admission to more than 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites across the country. Buy it directly thru the National Park Service or REI with the link below and REI will donate 10% to National Park Foundation
There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. This retro fleece from Patagonia is super cute and is sure to keep little ones warm and toasty. Shop this and more at Patagonia.com.
Before a toddler is ready for a big kid bike, they need a Strider bike. This two-wheel training bike teach your little cyclist how to balance as they cruise along with foot power. It's te perfect bike for children 18 months to 5 years old as the handle bars adjust to grow with them.
When it comes to ultimate backyard toys, there’s nothing like having your own backyard playground complete with crow's best, slide, and swings. This set from Gorilla Playsets will be a hit with kids, both yours and their friends.
Recommended for ages 3-11. It’s made of 100 percent cedar and meaures 11' x 15' x 19'.
$1900
This is a fun outdoor gift for any child who enjoys growing plants, flowers or plants. In this kit, they will get to paint a one of a kind garden planter and grow cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds. It's fun and educational.
Outdoor Gifts for Girls
Girls love exploring the world around them. These outdoor gift ideas for girls include STEM projects, outdoor adventure, and games they can play with their friends. Stay hydrated with a water bottle and warm with a cozy sleeping bag.
Outdoor Gifts for Girls
Get outside to play and explore! These gift ideas for outdoorsy girls offer adventure, hands-on activities, and tools to help them explore the world.
Get out in the snow with this fun snowshoeing bundle. These are easy to use even when your fingers are frozen. This is a child set that is perfect for introducing kids to snowshoeing.
Take a classic game of hopscotch with you. This set is great for both indoor and outdoor play. Kids can set up the squares in different configurations.
Who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt? AND you get walky talkies? Super fun for kids ages 8-12 or adapt the materials to use with younger ages as well.
Hydration is important all year round. I love the Hydroflask bottles to keep water cold. Everyone needs a good water bottle!
Have lots of space for your water bottle and snacks while exploring outdoors. These crossbody sling bags are the perfect gift for adventurers.
Get a closer look wherever you go with these waterproof binoculars.
Use it as a paddle ball or a frisbee with plenty of bounces to go around!
Perfect for the backyard or a campsite - this kit includes 120 pieces to build your own fort. Kids can experiment with the pieces to build different shapes and sizes.
How cool is this? Decorate your planes and then launch them! Pack includes 1 launcher and 3 airplanes.
Best for ages 4-8
Outdoor Gifts for Boys
Ah, boys. Snips, snails, and puppy dogs’ tails – isn’t that how the old rhyme goes? Check out this gift list for your outdoorsy boys. Filled with games, fun, and hands-on activities, there is something here for everyone on your gift list.
31 Best Outdoor Toys For Boys
From classic outdoor toys for young kids to more adventurous options for older kids and teens like drones, our list of 31 outdoor gifts for boys is sure to have something for everyone.
This is such a fun outdoor toy for children of all ages! The Zephyr is a modern take on the classic tree swing. Perfect for older kids and teens looking for an aerial thrill, smaller children looking for a gentle sway, and everything in between. Now thru 12/15, get the tree strap for free with Zephyr purchase.
With these sidewalk chalk stencils, create all kinds of fun outdoor art. Use these from HearthSong to make stars, geometric shapes, mandalas, and more.
Bounce houses are always a hit with the kids! They will have so much fun bouncing around in this outdoor toy. This one from Little Tikes is specifically designed for children ages 3-8 years old.
Gifts don't always have to be tangible. Give the boy on your list horseback riding lessons from a local stable. He will learn how to ride and care for horses while also getting some exercise.
This is a gift the whole family will enjoy. Cornhole is a fun outdoor game that can be played in the yard, at the park, or even at the beach. This all weather set features a powdered coated steel frame and all-weather composite board to hold up to elements. Available from Tupelo Goods with customization and range of colors available.
Enjoy ping pong fun pretty much anywhere with this bundle from PRO-SPIN. Set it up on any table indoors or out for fast-action fun.
A grow kit is a fun and educational outdoor gift for boys. They can learn about plants and gardening while they watch their own plants grow. At night, they can enjoy the terrarium's soothing glow. This one from Creativity for Kids comes with everything they need to get started.
Fishing is a great outdoor activity for boys of all ages. If you have someone who loves to fish, gift some new gear to take on their next fishing adventure. This spinning fishing rod and reel combo from Shakespeare are perfect for any budding fisherman. It also includes a small box with lures and other tackle.
This 15' round trampoline will provide hours of fun jumping outdoors. It's a great way to get some exercise too. This one from Skywalker features a heavy-duty steel frame and a safety enclosure.
This is a great game to play with friends or family. They will have a blast trying to spike the ball into the net. This outdoor game is perfect for the beach, park, or backyard.
This outdoor zipline is perfect for anyone who loves adventure. They will have so much fun zip-lining through the air. This one from Trrsmima is one of the most popular on Amazon and includes the zipline trolley with spring brakes, 98 feet of cable, seat, and more.
Improve your family's flexibility and mobility with a gift subscription to live (not pre-recorded) group and private yoga classes online, led by expert Indian yoga teachers. Group classes are offered for ages as young as 7 years old and private classes can be customized for any age, level and goals.
Gift certificate includes one month of unlimited group and private classes. https://www.myyogateacher.com/gift-certificates/
What young child doesn't love bubbles? This outdoor bubble machine is "Tornado" providing thousands of bubbles for hours of fun.
These are ideal for outdoor play as they help build little ones' coordination and confidence while also getting kids outside and active. This balance bike from Guardian is designed for ages 1.5 to 4 years old. Guardian's SureStop Brake Systm is easier for little hands to use for added safety.
The world's first learning skateboard is the perfect way to help your little ones learn how to skateboard. This board is designed to grow with your kids as they improve their skills in terms of balancing, hand-eye coordination, and confidence. Ookkie is easy to use for both parents and children with its 4-in-1 design and adjustable handle.
Zip around up to 6mph on the Nighthawk Ride-On from Rollplay! This battery powered ride-on is sure to be a hit with little thrill-seekers. Foot pedal and brake controls make it easy for kids to get the hang of things quickly, and the padded seat ensures a comfortable ride. Suitable for children ages 6+, weighing up to 110 lbs.
Scooters are perfect outdoor toys for kids who love to be on the move. They can zip around the neighborhood or even take them to the park. This scooter from LaScoota is ideal for ages 6+ and up to 264 pounds. It easily folds for easy storage and the adjustable height means it will grow with your child.
This outdoor easel is perfect for anyone who loves to be creative. It's great for painting, drawing, and writing outdoors. The large magnetic whiteboard is perfect for drawing, using magnetic shapes, or suction pieces.
For small children, the Grom by ISLE is an absolute blast for small children under 140 lbs. With a length of 8'6", it's the smallest paddle board that ISLE offers, but it still has all the features of a full size paddle board.
Enjoy hours of fun racing around with this remote control car. Races with their friends or family. This is one of the best rates RC cars on Amazon under $20 and includes 2 rechargeable batteries for longer play time.
A swing set is a great outdoor toy for all ages. This Saucer Swing from Sportspower holds two children up to a total of 200 pounds. It's great for outdoor play and can be used year-round.
We love Guardian Bikes because they are designed and built FOR kids and not just paired-down versions of adult bikes. This makes them much safer and easier to ride for kids. They have a free 365 guarantee and great warranty and, best of all, grow with your child! Available in 16" to 26" Review our review of the 20" bike here.
These outdoor stunt planes are so much fun. Launch them into the air and do all sorts of tricks and stunts.
For the boy who loves to shoot, this BB gun is a great outdoor gift. It's a classic toy that he will enjoy for years to come.
If you're looking for an outdoor gift that will keep on giving, a subscription to Think Outside is perfect. Every month, your child will receive a themed box filled with outdoor games, activities, and gear.
Use Code THINK10 to save $10 off first box.
For teens, the Pioneer by ISLE is ideal. Designed for beginner paddlers looking for a stable and fun board, this is 10'6" board that will grow with your child into adulthood as they improve their skills.
This outdoor gift is perfect for active kids who love to run and play. They will have so much fun climbing, crawling, and jumping their way through this obstacle course. This kit includes 10 obstacles and a 50' slackline.
Want a Christmas gift that improves coordination and balance while also having fun? Then the Whirlyboard is perfect. It's a balance board that is perfect to help improve fine motor skills, board sport skills, core stability, and burn energy.
Use coupon code littlefamilyadventure to save 15% off your order.
Teens will have a blast flying this drone around. They can even take pictures and videos from the sky. The Mini 2 Fly Drone is easy to fly and is a great outdoor gift. We've found the best deal on DJI drones at Best Buy
Kids will have hours of fun playing with these walkie-talkies from Motorola. They can stay in touch with their friends while they're outdoors with a range of up to 16 miles.
A portable hammock is a great gift for outdoorsy kids who like to relax outdoors. It's perfect for camping, picnicking, or just lounging in the backyard. This Roo Single from Kammock is made from durable, recycled parachute nylon and can hold up to 500 pounds.
Outdoor Gifts for Teens
There’s a big variation between how adventurous some teenagers can be. By this age, their personalities have solidified. Some kids are adrenaline junkies and others are more cautious. This list tries to hit both ends of that spectrum and a few spots in between, too.
Teens often prefer to be with their friends so this gift list includes several games and activities perfect for camping trips and road trips. They also need a place and time to just chill – so there are a few quieter gift ideas, too. Whether your teen loves climbing, camping, or studying nature – there is something on this list for them.
Outdoor Gifts for Older Kids & Teens
As teens become more independent, they enjoy a variety of activities outside. Get them gifts they can use with their friends for playing and relaxing.
Now the kids can have their tunes outside, too! Perfect to use for pool parties, backyard games, or just hanging out around the fire pit.
Laser Tag with friends can be intense! Get all the friends involved and have fun indoors or out with this laser tag set.
When teens aren't hanging with their friends or eating you out of house and home, they need naps! These inflatable loungers are perfect for getting in some relaxation and vitamin D.
Do you have a teen who loves being out in the wild? This survival kit is perfect for teens learning about outdoor survival for scouts or hiking expeditions. It includes a compass, saber card, survival knife, saw, emergency blanket, paracord bracelet, flashlight, tactical pen, fire starter, clip, carabiner, whistle, mini light, and the box is waterproof.
Pefect for the beach, backyard, and campsite! Teens love hanging out with their friends - give them something fun to do outdoors. You can even play this IN the water.
This portable game set will go anywhere you want to go from the backyard to the beach. Plus with the included Spikebuoy, you can take it in the water too! Including carry bag transports it all securely without risk of losing pieces.
This 2 on 2 game play is perfect for families and groups. Object of the game is to serve the ball into the net, then continues similar to volleyball with the goal to hot the ball into the net.
Do you have a treasure hunter around? This Bounty Hunter metal detector from Kellyco. It's a great lightweight model perfect for 10 and older. Ideal for discovering coins and relics and lost items in the backyard.
Looking for more gift ideas? See these:
- 25 National Parks Gifts & Stocking Stuffers
- 15+ of the Best Family Experience Gifts To Give This Year
- 35+ Great Gifts for Hikers
- Unique Gift Ideas for the Family Who Has Everything
- Your Guide to Cool Camping Gifts and Gadgets for Families
What do your outdoor kids love to do? If you have more ideas for the best outdoorsy gifts, let me know in the comments and I’ll add to these lists.
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