Whether you’re at home in the living room or children’s bedroom, or out in the garden or park, toys for indoors and outdoors should suit your child’s age, the space available and their energy levels. Parents and grandparents have plenty to choose from, including sports toys for children, role-play toys and classic garden games.
However, not every product promising hours of versatile fun will automatically suit family life. Clear information about materials, size, assembly, storage and safety is what matters.
A toy may be suitable for both indoors and outdoors, but it could still need a level surface, plenty of space around it or secure fixing. For example, a garden basketball hoop needs a weighted base. A sticky-ball darts game is better suited to a clear wall than a narrow hallway.
Before buying, check:
An age recommendation of ‘from 3 years’ doesn’t replace checking whether a toy is suitable for the specific play situation. Small balls, rings, marbles or detachable accessories may not be suitable for younger children. Even when a toy is age-appropriate, adult supervision is a good idea during active play.
Check the age recommendation, warnings and small parts. For toys that involve throwing or launching, make sure there’s also a clearly defined play area.
Words such as ‘durable’ or ‘safe’ only tell you so much without technical details. More useful information includes specific details such as ABS or PP plastic, dimensions, weight limits, base size or instructions for checking the toy before each use.
According to the product information, some selected products meet EN 71 or ASTM F963 standards. Always check these details on the relevant product page and packaging. Meeting a standard doesn’t replace supervision or using the product as intended.
For children aged 3 and over, simple rules, easy-to-grip pieces and short rounds are a good choice. A children’s bowling game or ring toss set, for example, lets children practise counting, throwing and comparing scores. Older children may enjoy children’s golf sets, basketball games or more challenging activities that develop coordination.
Think about whether your child prefers to:
Size and stability are particularly important when choosing active toys for children. A height-adjustable basketball stand with a stated height of 100 to 150 cm can be adapted to suit different heights. The base must be weighted with water or sand, as instructed.
For a mini trampoline, the maximum weight limit of 25 kg, a level surface and clearance from furniture are all important. Only one child should use it at a time; somersaults and risky jumps are not intended.
Manual games such as bowling, boccia or ring toss don’t need batteries and can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth. Electronic indoor toys, on the other hand, may need batteries. Check whether these are included and how the product should be protected from damp.
For long-term use, we recommend:
Why it suits this family: This manual set combines bowling and ring toss, and can be used on level surfaces at home, in the garden or in the park.
It doesn’t need batteries and weighs around 530 g in total, so it’s easy to put away. The product information lists PP plastic and says it’s suitable for children aged 3 and over.
Ten skittles and five rings offer two ways to play, and it’s easy to clean and store.
Why it suits this family: Its height-adjustable design is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 and can be used indoors or in the garden.
The height, hoop size and 50 cm base diameter are specified. The base must be filled with water or sand to keep it stable.
The product details specify ABS plastic, rounded edges and a set containing a hoop, backboard, stand and ball.
Why it suits this family: This 55.8 cm team vehicle is designed for children aged 3 and over who enjoy imaginative play in their bedroom.
The stated length gives you a clear idea of how much space it needs. The vehicle requires no assembly, and the product description says that two AAA batteries are included.
The vehicle has space for up to six vehicles, sold separately, and features a dual launcher and sound effects.
Why it suits this family: The clubs, balls and flags can be used for simple golf practice in the garden, indoors or during family activities.
The number of pieces and types of accessories included are clearly listed. This makes it easier to check whether the set will suit the space you have in mind before buying.
The 11-piece set is easy to take with you and supports a range of simple games, with no electronic functions.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Look for products with easy-to-follow rules, easy-to-grip pieces and a clear age recommendation. Bowling, ring toss, simple golf games or a basketball set used under supervision can all be suitable options. Keep small parts out of reach of younger siblings.
It depends on the type of game. Ring toss and bowling usually need just a level surface with a safe amount of clearance. Basketball stands also need space in front of the hoop, while throwing games such as darts or frisbee need a clear area free of breakable objects.
Store outdoor toys somewhere dry and protected, clean them after use, and check connectors, balls and plastic parts regularly. For trampolines and basketball stands, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on weight limits, the standing surface and securing the product.