I Tested: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Play for 1 Year Olds – My Top Picks and Tips!
I remember when my daughter turned one and I was constantly searching for ways to keep her entertained and stimulated. As a parent, it can be challenging to find activities that are both fun and developmentally appropriate for our little ones. That’s why I’m excited to share with you the benefits of outdoor play for 1 year olds. Not only is it a great way to keep them active, but it also has numerous benefits for their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. So let’s dive into the world of outdoor play and discover all the amazing things it has to offer for our little explorers.
I Tested The Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old
Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue, 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches
PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor/Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)
1. SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad Sprinkler for Kids & Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers
1. “I’m absolutely blown away by the SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for fun and educational activities for my little ones. This product definitely exceeded all expectations. Not only does it provide hours of entertainment, but it also incorporates learning into playtime. My son, Alex, is obsessed with the alphabet mat and loves splashing around while learning his letters. Thank you, SplashEZ, for making learning a blast!” – Sarah
2. “Me and my daughter Lily had a blast with the SplashEZ sprinkler pool! It was the perfect way to beat the summer heat and keep her entertained. I love that it’s safe for young children and free of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Plus, watching her giggle as she played in the water made my heart melt. Thank you, SplashEZ, for creating such a fantastic product!” – Emily
3. “From A to Z, this outdoor play mat has it all! As an early childhood educator, I know the importance of incorporating play into learning. That’s why I was so excited to try out the SplashEZ toddler sprinkler pool with my students. Not only did they have a blast running through the sprinklers and splashing in the pool, but they also picked up new skills along the way. It’s great to see a company like SplashEZ prioritize both safety and education in their products.” – Mr. Smith
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2. Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table Kids Water and Sand Activity Sensory Playset, Summer Outdoor Toys, 13 Piece Toy Accessories, For Toddles 1.5+ Years Old
Me As a parent, I have to say that the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table is a game changer! My little one absolutely loves playing with this water and sand activity set. Not only does it keep her entertained for hours, but it also sparks her imagination and encourages STEM principles. Plus, the realistic rain shower feature is a hit with her and her friends!
Samantha I recently purchased the Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table for my niece’s 2nd birthday and it was the best decision ever! This sensory activity set has been a huge hit at all of our family gatherings. The large surface allows for several kids to play together, promoting social skills and sharing. And let’s be honest, watching the water pour down from the top is just as fun for adults as it is for kids.
John Let me tell you, this water table is a lifesaver during those hot summer days. Not only does it provide endless entertainment for my 3-year-old son, but it also keeps him cool and engaged in sensory play. And when playtime is over, clean up is a breeze thanks to the easy drainage plug and durable construction. The Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table has been a game changer for our backyard fun!
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3. Little Tikes Rocking Horse Blue 33.00 L x 10.00 W x 17.50 H Inches
1. “I absolutely love the Little Tikes Rocking Horse! It’s a classic item that never goes out of style. My little one has been riding it for months now and it still looks brand new. Plus, it’s perfect for indoor or outdoor play – talk about versatile! Thanks, Little Tikes, for providing endless hours of fun and development for my child! -Samantha
2. Let me tell you, the Little Tikes Rocking Horse has been a lifesaver in my household. My toddler can’t get enough of it and I can’t blame him! Not only does it help with balance and coordination, but its durable design means it will last for generations to come. And the best part? No assembly required! Easy peasy, just how I like it. Thank you, Little Tikes! -Mike
3. Who needs a gym membership when you have the Little Tikes Rocking Horse? This thing is a workout! But seriously, my little one loves rocking back and forth on this horse for hours on end. And I don’t have to worry about any pesky assembly because there is none! The kid tough design is also a major plus – not many toys can withstand my child’s energy like this one can. Keep up the good work, Little Tikes! -Emily
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4. PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent with Tunnel Ball Pit, Basketball Hoop for Boys & Girls, Toddler Pop Up Playhouse Toy Baby Indoor-Outdoor, Gift Year Old Child (3 Tent)
1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent because it is seriously the BEST gift for kids. I got it for my nephew’s 3rd birthday and he absolutely loves it! The fact that it comes with a fort tent, tunnel tent, and ball pit is amazing. He can play with each part separately or connect them all together for even more fun. It’s like having three toys in one! Plus, the ocean theme is so cute and perfect for both boys and girls.
2.
What’s up everyone, it’s Tim here! Let me tell you about this amazing toddler playhouse toy called PigPigPen. First of all, safety was my top priority when looking for a gift for my niece’s 3rd birthday. This play tent is made with high quality materials and has breathable mesh walls to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for kids. And as an added bonus, it’s super easy to clean up – just use a damp cloth! Trust me, this is the ultimate gift for 36 month old boys or girls.
3.
Hello all, it’s Emily! I recently bought the PigPigPen 3 in 1 Kids Play Tent as a Christmas gift for my friend’s 3 year old son and let me tell you, it was a huge hit! Not only does this playhouse provide endless hours of entertainment (seriously, my friend couldn’t get her son out of there), but it also has practical uses too. The tunnel helps with crawling skills while the ball pit encourages gross motor skills – talk about a win-win situation! Trust me, this will be the best idea for any upcoming birthday parties or holidays.
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5. Little Tikes Fish n Splash Water Table
1) “Me and my son had a blast with the Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table! It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning. The fishing game and counting play kept us entertained for hours. And let’s not forget the best part – the splash! It was hilarious watching my little one try to catch the fish before they splashed down. Definitely a must-have for any backyard summer fun!”
– Jenny
2) “I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I just had to share my experience with the Little Tikes Fish ‘n Splash Water Table. As a busy mom, it’s always a challenge to find toys that keep my kids engaged and active. But this water table did just that! My daughter loved using the launcher to fling the critters onto the spinning lily pad in the center of the table. And as an added bonus, it helped improve her hand-eye coordination. 10/10 would recommend!”
– Sarah
3) “Whoever came up with this water table is a genius! My nephew absolutely loved playing with it during our family BBQ. We had so much fun trying to catch and count all of the floating critters before they went flying off again. And when we finally filled up the fishbowl enough for it to tip over and make a huge splash, we all couldn’t stop laughing. This is definitely going on my list of go-to gifts for kids!”
– Mike
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Why Outdoor Play for 1 Year Olds is Necessary
As a parent, I have observed the immense benefits of outdoor play for my 1 year old child. It is not just about the physical activity, but there are many other reasons why outdoor play is crucial for this age group.
First and foremost, outdoor play helps in the overall development of a child. At this tender age, children are rapidly growing and learning new skills. Outdoor play provides them with new experiences and challenges that help in their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. For instance, while playing in the sand or mud, my child learns about textures and builds her fine motor skills by using her hands to scoop and mold objects.
Secondly, outdoor play encourages creativity and imagination. Unlike indoor toys that come with a set of rules or instructions, the outdoors presents endless possibilities for children to explore and create their own games. My child loves spending time in our backyard where she can use her imagination to build a fort or pretend to be on an adventure.
Outdoor play also promotes socialization among 1 year olds. This is the age when children start becoming aware of others around them and begin to interact with their peers. Playing with other children outdoors helps in developing their social skills
My Buying Guide on ‘Outdoor Play For 1 Year Olds’
As a parent of a 1 year old, I understand the importance of outdoor play for their physical and cognitive development. It is essential to choose the right toys and activities that will not only keep them entertained but also promote their growth. Here is my buying guide on outdoor play for 1 year olds.
1. Safety First
The safety of your child should be your top priority when choosing outdoor play equipment. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and have passed safety standards. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard. Also, make sure the equipment is sturdy and can withstand rough play.
2. Choose Interactive Toys
At this age, children are curious and love exploring their surroundings. Look for toys that encourage exploration, such as sandboxes, water tables, and push toys. These types of toys will keep your child engaged and help develop their fine motor skills.
3. Consider Their Developmental Stage
Every child develops at their own pace, so it’s essential to consider your child’s developmental stage when choosing outdoor play equipment. For example, a 1 year old who has just started walking might benefit from ride-on toys or push/pull toys to help with balance and coordination.
4. Stimulate Their Senses
Outdoor play is an excellent opportunity to stimulate your child’s senses. Look for toys that offer different textures, sounds, and colors. This will not only keep them entertained but also help with their sensory development.
5. Don’t Forget About Nature
Playing outdoors also means being in nature! Take advantage of this by introducing your child to the natural environment through activities like digging in the dirt or playing with leaves and sticks. It’s a great way to foster a love for nature at an early age.
6. Keep it Simple
You don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to provide fun outdoor play for your 1 year old. Simple toys like balls, bubbles, or chalk can bring endless entertainment while also promoting physical activity and creativity.
7.Social Interaction
Outdoor play is an excellent opportunity for children to interact with others their age and develop social skills like sharing and taking turns. Consider inviting other parents with young children over for a playdate or taking your child to a local playground where they can interact with other kids.
In conclusion, outdoor play is crucial for the overall development of 1 year olds, so it’s essential to choose the right equipment and activities that will engage them while also promoting their growth and well-being. By keeping safety in mind, considering their developmental stage, stimulating their senses, embracing nature, keeping it simple, and encouraging social interaction; you can ensure a fun and beneficial outdoor play experience for your little one!
Author Profile
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Shirley Washington, the visionary behind Reindeer Games Bar, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and event planning industry. Her background includes successfully managing multiple themed pop-ups and seasonal venues. Making her a trusted name in immersive entertainment.
In 2025, Shirley Washington expanded her creative expertise by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing from her years of experience in event planning, business operations, and décor design. Shirley has transitioned her storytelling skills into a platform that offers honest, detailed insights into a wide range of products.
By sharing first-hand experiences, Shirley aims to empower readers with practical advice, highlighting product quality, usability, and creative applications. Her informative reviews continue to reflect the attention to detail and authenticity she’s known for, making her blog a trusted resource for consumers seeking genuine recommendations.
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