Outdoor Toys for 3-Year-Olds: Gross Motor Skills & Nature

Discover the joy of outdoor play with our guide to fostering gross motor skills in 3-year-olds through nature-inspired activities. As parents and educators, we understand the importance of movement and exploration at this age. This page highlights engaging outdoor play options that encourage physical development while allowing little ones to connect with the natural world. Let’s embark on this adventure together and support our children's growth in a fun and active way!

Nurture Nature with Pretty Petals

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Pretty Petals Flower Watering Can is a delightful tool that encourages children’s imagination while engaging them with the beauty of the natural world. This charming, kid-sized watering can not only promotes pretend play but also enhances fine and gross motor skills, balance, and an early appreciation for gardening. It makes a wonderful gift for preschoolers aged 3 to 6, supporting hands-on, screen-free play that fosters a love for outdoor activities. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, gross motor skills, balance, imaginative play, early gardening skills
Why we love it:
Nurture Nature with Pretty Petals is a charming kid-sized watering can that transforms backyard play into an adventure in gardening while instilling a love for nature.

Durable Kids Outdoor Wheelbarrow

Our Rank:
The HOMGX Toddler Wheelbarrow is the ultimate outdoor toy for young gardeners aged 2-5! This bright red wheelbarrow not only sparks imaginative play but also encourages outdoor exploration and physical activity. With a sturdy steel frame and easy-to-operate wheels, children can safely transport everything from leaves to their favorite toys, developing their gross motor skills and strength along the way. Choosing this delightful wheelbarrow means giving your child a chance to engage with nature, learn about gardening, and enjoy the sunshine—all while having heaps of fun! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, imaginative play, outdoor exploration, strength building, teamwork, task completion
Why we love it:
Durable Kids Outdoor Wheelbarrow has a sturdy steel frame, making it the perfect companion for little hands to transport everything from toys to garden treasures while engaging with nature.

Bubble Lawn Mower Fun for Toddlers

Our Rank:
Bubble Lawn Mower is a delightful way for our little ones to engage in active play while blending imagination with learning. As they push this charming mower across the yard, they not only create a magical bubble-filled environment but also develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. Parents will love watching their children unleash creativity in pretend play as they mimic real-life gardening tasks, fostering an early appreciation for nature. Plus, with its lightweight design and cheerful sounds, it’s the perfect outdoor activity to keep toddlers entertained all day long! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, balance, coordination, imaginative play, early nature appreciation
Why we love it:
Bubble Lawn Mower Fun for Toddlers features cheerful sounds and a lightweight design, making yard play an engaging mix of exercise and imaginative gardening fun.

My First Pogo Jumper – Bouncy Fun!

Our Rank:
The Flybar My First Pogo Jumper is an exciting introduction to jumping for children aged 3 and up. With its durable foam and whimsical rainbow poop emoji design, this pogo stick promises hours of laughter, exercise, and skill-building. As kids boing and squeak their way around, they’ll naturally develop balance, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills—all while having a blast! Choosing this pogo jumper means giving your little ones a healthy, fun way to stay active, whether indoors or outdoors. 3+ years
Develops skills:
balance, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, imaginative play
Why we love it:
My First Pogo Jumper features a whimsical rainbow poop emoji design that adds lots of giggles to building coordination, making every bounce a burst of joyful exercise.

Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Swing Set

Our Rank:
Sportspower Super 9 Metal Swing Set is the perfect outdoor playground that promises hours of fun and learning! With multiple features like a 5-foot slide, teeter-totter, and Roman glider, children can develop critical motor skills, teamwork, and social interaction. As fellow parents, we know how valuable it is to create an engaging space where kids can explore and enjoy nature while staying active. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing it meets the highest safety standards for your little adventurers! 3-10 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, teamwork, social interaction, balancing skills, problem solving
Why we love it:
Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Swing Set features a 5-foot slide and multiple play options, turning the backyard into a learning playground for active and social little explorers.

John Deere Kids Wheelbarrow Fun

Our Rank:
The John Deere Kids Wheelbarrow is an exciting way for children ages 2 and up to engage in gardening and outdoor activities! This sturdy, metal wheelbarrow is the perfect size for little hands, encouraging active play and helping them develop coordination and strength as they transport their favorite toys or gardening tools. Not only does this toy spark creativity and imagination, but it also allows kids to learn about responsibility and teamwork while contributing to family gardening projects. Making yard work fun will help instill a love of nature and outdoor play! 2 years and up
Develops skills:
cooperation, gross motor skills, creativity, responsibility, coordination
Why we love it:
John Deere Kids Wheelbarrow is a sturdy, metal design that encourages little hands to help with gardening while developing teamwork and a love for the great outdoors.

Swurfer Stand Up TreeSkate Swing Fun

Our Rank:
Swurfer Stand Up TreeSkate Outdoor Swing is the ultimate way for our kids to soar through the sky while developing essential physical skills. As they balance on this tapered 31-inch skateboard deck, they’ll naturally engage their core, strengthen their thighs, and improve their coordination—what a fantastic workout disguised as play! The adjustable handles ensure a perfect fit for growing kids, while the durable, weatherproof design means it's built to withstand countless outdoor adventures. This swing encourages kids aged 6 and up to explore their limits while having an absolute blast, making it a joyful addition to any backyard or playground. 6+ years
Develops skills:
balance, coordination, core strength, outdoor exploration, gross motor skills
Why we love it:
Swurfer Stand Up TreeSkate is a tapered 31-inch skateboard deck that turns outdoor play into a fun fitness routine, giving kids a thrilling way to build strength and coordination.

Classic Red Kids Wagon for Fun Learning

Our Rank:
The Wagon for Kids is the perfect companion for imaginative adventures! Designed for children aged 3 and up, this classic wheelbarrow is not just a cart; it's a tool for exploration and learning. As little ones roll their way through the garden or backyard, they engage in physical activity that enhances their motor skills while developing coordination and control. Plus, this versatile wagon effortlessly transitions from outdoor play to indoor fun, making it a fantastic way for kids to gather toys or even help with garden tasks—giving them a sense of responsibility and connection to nature. 3+ years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, imaginative play, responsibility, outdoor exploration, physical activity
Why we love it:
Classic Red Kids Wagon is designed for children aged 3 and up and transforms every garden stroll into an adventure while fostering physical activity and a sense of responsibility.

Ultimate UV Protection Beach Tent for Kids

Our Rank:
Babymoov Anti-UV Baby & Toddler Beach Tent is a must-have for sun-safe summer adventures! As parents, we know how essential it is to protect our little ones while allowing them to explore and play. This cleverly designed pop-up tent not only shields our children from harmful UV rays with its impressive UPF 50+ rating, but it also creates an exciting play space that sparks imagination and social interaction. Let’s take our kids out to enjoy nature, knowing they’re safe and sound in their very own shaded sanctuary! 0-3 years
Develops skills:
imagination, social interaction, outdoor exploration, safety awareness, gross motor skills
Why we love it:
Ultimate UV Protection Beach Tent for Kids features impressive UPF 50+ protection, letting our little explorers enjoy the great outdoors while staying safely shaded in their own adventure zone.