Curated, Kinda

Sometimes the best memories are made in the backyard. Just you, your kid, and a game you didn’t expect to love as much as you do. Whether you’ve got a competitive little one, a nature explorer, or a kid who just wants you to chase them around until you collapse (relatable), a few good toys and games can turn a regular afternoon into quality time.

These picks are perfect for small-scale outdoor adventures. No big group needed, no elaborate setup (ok, well some minor setup required), and no “do I really have to play this again?” energy from the adults. We’re talking toys that are actually fun, games that burn energy, and a few solo play things too (because let’s be real, we’re all pacing ourselves out here).

Let’s get into the good stuff: fun, parent-approved, kid-loved ways to play outside, even when it’s just a few of you. (Quick note before we jump in: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I genuinely love. Thanks for supporting Curated, Kinda!)

Swingball

With easy setup, this Swingball set has become a staple on our patio! Work on your backhand and volley without having to chase a tennis ball around your yard.

Fair warning, it can get competitive trying to get the string up or down the spiral first. Also good for solo hand-eye coordination practice. Compact enough that you can bring it onto a screen porch for those rainy or super hot days where you need to be outside, but not outside outside.

Spikeball

Another ball-related activity, Spikeball can be played with just two people, and had a fun bounce component that keeps my kid entertained for a while! You also don’t have to have a ton of room to play it. We can even play it on the screen porch when it’s a little too hot or there are too many bugs for our liking. Our gnats always go for the eyes!

Fun for a group too, and packs up into a small bag for fun on the go. We plan to take it on our lake vacation this summer so all of the cousins can play!

Basketball Hoop

This basketball hoop is great because it’s small enough and portable to live on our back patio, but sturdy and tall enough for some light dunking when dad’s playing.

Fun for playing H-O-R-S-E and working on our dribbling skills, but easy enough to move out of the way for parties.

Stomp Rockets

Always a winner, these stomp rockets provide a lot of fun outdoors. You can try to catch them, aim them to see how far they’ll go, or inevitably shoot them up on the roof and wait to see how long it takes the wind to blow them off.

You can even buy stunt rockets that do tricks! And rest assured you can buy replacement rockets for the ones that don’t make it out of the tree.

Pop-Up Pitching Machine

With a kid who loves to bat, I took a couple of shots to the face before I realized I needed to get out of the way. Thanks to this pop-up pitching machine, I can now watch from behind as he knocks them to the far reaches of the backyard.

The setup is super easy, and it provides great practice for both in and out of Little League season.

Light-Up Badminton Set

For a fun and silly outdoor activity, we’re really been enjoying these giant LED badminton racquets and light-up birdies. Keeps the game going after dark, and is easier to handle with the large racquet for beginners.

Foam Planes

You know these are fun when you’ve had to buy several different varieties. These foam planes are great for backyard competitions, seeing who can send it the farthest.

There’s also a variety that comes with a launcher if you really want to step up your foam plane game.

Any other favorites in your family that I missed? Would love to hear about it!