Kids are playful and active by nature. They're adventurous and love to explore. Every time you go out there's something new they want to learn about. A lot of them are also interested in different types of sports such as football, basketball, skateboarding and even rock climbing. These outdoorsy kids are very active and love to spend time outside. Fortunately, there are a lot of activities and toys you can buy to keep them entertained.
Scooter
Scooters are a great way for the kids to spend some time outside. Scooting is very fun and a good opportunity to learn balance, develop motor and muscle skills and get some exercise. Kids of all ages can benefit from it. Maybe getting one for your 2-year-old is very early but buying a scooter for 5-year-old boys or girls is the right thing to do.
Not all of them are built with durable materials, not all of them can be adjusted, and some are difficult to disassemble or fold down for when you want to travel. Of course, don’t forget about safety. A helmet is a must, and knee and elbow pads are something that all beginners must wear. If you can, dress your kid in bright colours to make it visible, and stay away from traffic.
There are different types of scooters you can choose from. If you’re buying for a kid under the age of 5, a 3-wheeled one will be perfect. As the child ages, gains experience and develops motor and muscle skills, you can replace it with a 2-wheeler. But this also depends on their interest, how often they ride it and where.
2-wheelers come in a variety of designs. Some are made for speed and have bigger wheels. Others are built for comfort while riding and have suspension and sometimes a hand brake. Trick scooters aren't adjustable for safety reasons. They're reinforced with aluminium or steel and have metal core wheels. This way they can stand up to all of the tricks and jumps.
For 2-5-year-olds the scooter should have a low deck for more stability, a narrow foot deck for more control and 3 wheels where there are 2 in the front and one in the back. For kids that are older than 5, you can buy one with an adjustable height (if it won’t be used for aggressive tricks). The wheel size should be around 110mm and made from nylon core polyurethane.
A lot of the scooters on the market have an anti-slip surface on the deck. This is a great way to prevent accidents and serious injuries. If you and your family love to travel, you should consider getting a foldable one. It'll be much easier for transport and storage. You have many choices on the market, but whatever you choose, make sure it gives the kid a smooth ride on the ramps and in the streets.
Skateboard
This is another super cool activity for any outdoorsy child. Skateboarding is also very beneficial for the kid’s physical and mental health. Getting the first skateboard is not an easy task. Just as with a scooter for 5-year-old kids, you have many options on the market. For starters, you have a pre-built complete and a custom complete. The first one comes already assembled and includes the deck, trucks, grip tape, bearings and wheels.
The second one lets you combine and complete your own parts to create the skateboard. The first option is always better for beginners. As the kid gets older and continues to like this sport, they can build one on their own. Street decks or cruisers are great for kids. They have a classic design and are easier to control. They'll get the child from point A to point B smoothly and with more stability.
There are several other types of skateboards you can get such as a mini-cruiser that is smaller and narrower or old-school decks that have a flatter tail and a tapered nose. You can also find longboards and surf skates that are designed for longer rides and are great for practising some moves. Avoid buying them from the supermarket or the toy store. They will be cheaper and visually appealing but are of lower quality.
Basketball Hoop
When you’re buying for a kid, their age and height play a big role in the decision-making. Same as with the kid scooter, it’s important to get a hoop that will grow with your child. It should be low enough for access but high enough to be challenging. If you have the space it’s a good idea to install a cemented hoop because it’s more stable.
If not, the portable options are a good choice as well. Many of the hoops have a base that can be filled with water or sand and not tip over when the kid shoots or slam dunks. If the kid is not a toddler go for a hoop with a good offset. This will minimise the chances of the kid hitting the support pole.
One of the best materials for a backboard is polyethylene. It's durable and strong and a good replacement for a pro hoop and backboard. An adjustable hoop usually consists of 2- or 3-piece pole. A lot of people prefer the 2-piece because it’s stronger and sturdier. If your kid loves basketball don’t hesitate to buy a hoop. Playing will boost their self-esteem, teach them respect for authority, and give them a workout and a sense of teamwork.
Dome Climber
We've all seen a dome climber at the park or the playground and know how much kids love it. Besides being fun, they’re also very beneficial for the child. They improve the kid’s agility and strength and the development of healthy muscles. The kid gets to explore many angles and shapes and engages in conversation with other kids about their challenges on the dome.
The dome is a budget-friendly way to entertain the kids. It's also safe and durable. Of course, it’s made of sturdy materials and it’s portable so you can place them in the backyard, take them camping with you or anywhere else you go. When you’re buying one, make sure it’s the right size for the kid. Check the age charts of the manufacturer because they can vary.
