Outdoor Toys & Structures

What Are Some Outdoor Toys That Fit in a Small Space?

A Little Tikes garden table or garden cart play set takes up little room in the backyard and teaches children all about the joys of gardening. Tiny, one-toddler trampolines, basketball sets, and slides from Little Tikes or Fisher-Price also make good toys for small outdoor spaces. KidKraft builds a variety of compact wooden playhouses for small yards and wooden sandboxes with canopies. Additional active toys for smaller yards include hopping balls and ring toss sets.

What Are the Benefits of Balance Bicycles Over Tricycles?

As the name implies, balance bikes teach small children to balance in preparation for peddled two-wheel bicycles, and they provide children with a sense of accomplishment and freedom. Balance bikes move more quickly than tricycles, and they tip less often. Children can easily ride them with an adult walking nearby. They also eliminate the training-wheel stage, as kids go straight from these bikes to standard bikes. Many children who start out on a balance bike transition to a peddle bicycle at an earlier age.

What Are Some Considerations for Choosing a Trampoline?

First, consider the available space. Leave at least 3 feet of clearance around the outside edges of the trampoline and at least 24 feet of space overhead. Although trampolines come in many shapes, a round design encourages jumping in the middle, making it the best choice for smaller children. Products that come with safety walls made of mesh fabric help prevent kids from falling off the edge, and vinyl covers help keep the trampoline dry and the springs rust-free.