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 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 Kids
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.
$74
They'll have loads of fun practicing their aim without you having to worry about axe holes in the walls. These foam axes stick to the traget with ease and make it easy for kids to pretend they're a lumberjack. Kit includes collapsible target, 4 axes, and carry bag.
Find it at REI below and on Amazon.
$34
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 too for teens and adults.
$50 normally - but check our deals page for current savings code.
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.
$50
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. See our deals page for the current savings code to save 10% to $15 off a box.
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
Kids will love driving this all-terrain RC car from SGILE. Perfect for the trail, sidewalk, backyard, or anywhere your child wants to go. Reaches speeds up to 11mph and has 2 batteries for a play time of about 50 minutes. Great for beginners and recommended for ages 6+
$39.95
This heavy-duty off road-capable hoverboard is the latest from GOTRAX. It's rugged 8.5 inch tires can go most anywhere, plus the E3’s self balancing mode will automatically level itself with the ground, making it easier to get on and off the board.
Max Speed of 6.2mph the GOTRAX Glide can support up to 220lbs.
$250
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+.
$26.99
This is a fun DIY project for kids who loves to tinker or build. This kit allows children to create their own solar powered LED lantern and offers exciting learning opportunities at the same time.
$39
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
For the child looking to find treasure, there's this Bounty Hunter Tracker II metal detector from Kellyco. It's a great lightweight model perfect for beginners and kids. Ideal for discovering coins and relics.
Imagine all the mud pies the kids could make with this outdoor play kitchen. Plus there are all sorts of independent play to be enjoyed without the mud. 🙂 The sink holds up to nine quarts of water or two gallons of mud plus there's storage shelves for mud kitchen tools and pots.
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.
$99
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.
Amazon $109-$120 andTarget Sale $79
From swinging high into the treetops to just swaying in the breeze, kids love this 40" round swing. Its light yet sturdy with a foam-coated metal frame. Supports up to 400 lbs. Hanging hardware not included.
Kids love to get mail and they will especially love getting their monthly copy of Nat Geo Kids every month. Each issue with filled with fascinated facts, stories, games, and pictures. They are both educational and fun.
$20/year
Armed in this snowsuit by Burton, your little one will be ready for any adventure. A favorite among parents who love to get out in the snow, this snowsuit will keep him/her warm and ready to go outside.
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.
$24
Looking for more gift ideas? See these:
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