In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Best Kids Outdoor Gear of 2023

Elevate the fun with all the best gear for kid-friendly outdoor adventures
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Best Kids Outdoor Gear of 2023
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
By Molly Bradac and BabyGearLab Review Team
Wednesday May 31, 2023

Add some exciting outdoor gear for kids that fuel the adventure. From backyard play to bike trail fun, water-related gear to outdoor must-haves, and everything in between, we've tested a range of products that help make fun in the sun a sure thing.

So, let us help you find the best stuff!

We've tested a considerable amount of baby and child-related gear over the years. We think it is safe to say that no one extensively tests gear like BabyGearLab. We've selected, purchased, and tested each product in our lineup, and only the best will make this gear list — so you can feel confident about what you're buying. We will update our best-of lists with new award winners if a compelling product outshines the competition.

Our favorite outdoor gear for kids includes categories to make your child's outdoor time safe, fun, and adventurous.

Editor's Note: We updated this article on May 31, 2023.


kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

Backyard Fun


If you want to maximize backyard fun with kid-pleasing gear, you've come to the right place. Check out our list of fun outdoor gear to keep kids engaged and occupied right out your back door.

Kids' Sprinkler


A kid-pleasing sprinkler delights kids of all ages and helps you escape the hot summer days.

Best Overall Sprinkler

Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl

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Best Inflatable for Parties

Boxgear Unicorn Sprinkler

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Best on a Budget Sprinkler

Kids Sprinkler Fire Hydrant

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Kid Watering Can


Every toddler loves a watering can for water play or garden help, and this simple product can keep them endlessly entertained.

Best Overall Watering Can

Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can

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Slime and Putty


For children over 3, we've included the best slime and putty gear on the planet. Kids go crazy for slim and putty, and time will pass in a fun way. FYI: this activity is best done outdoors (trust us on this one!).

Best Overall Putty

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty

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Good for Sensory Engagement

Meland Fluffy Slime

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Best Variety Kit

Original Stationery Unicorn Slime Kit

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Kid Nail Polish


Sandal season calls for colorful nails, and most kids enjoy this activity. Enjoy an outdoor, at-home spa day with kid-friendly nail polish.

Best Overall Nail Polish for Kids

Klee Kids Peelable Polish

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Kids Walkie Talkies


Who doesn't enjoy walkie-talkies? Walkie-talkies are two-way radios with easy-to-use interfaces that add fun and imaginative play to backyard fun. Whether it is secret spy missions or finding buried treasure, it's all more fun relaying details via radio. We've tested the best walkie-talkies.

Best Overall Walkie Talkies for Kids

Wishouse Rechargeable Walkie Talkies

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Best Budget Brand You Know

Motorola T100 Talkabout

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

Picnic Items


Picnics are a great way to get kids outside. Plus, there will be days when kids are more into chilling than running around. Grab a blanket and head outdoors with some picnic essentials.

Kids Water Bottle


Staying hydrated is essential for the summer heat or any outdoor adventure. You'll want a water bottle that keeps contents cold and is durable to handle rugged fun.

Best Overall Kids Water Bottle

YETI Rambler Jr.

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Kids Lunch Box


Kids love to graze on snacks and meals throughout the day. It helps them stay energized while playing outside. We suggest packing a snack or mini meal in a lunch box worthy of tagging along.

Best Overall Kids Lunch Box

LunchBots Bento Cinco

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Best for Generous Size

Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag

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kids outdoor gear - finding a great pedal bike will have you enjoying adventures with...
Finding a great pedal bike will have you enjoying adventures with your child sooner than you think.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Wheels for All


Regardless of your child's age or preferred way to cruise the neighborhood, we've tested several wheeled options for getting around.

Kids Bike Seat


Bike riding is a great way to get outdoors, and adventurous parents may enjoy using a bike seat to include little ones on treks. Here's one of our favorite options.

Best Overall Kids' Bike Seat

Thule Yepp Maxi

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Balance Bike


Instead of training wheels, a balance bike takes a different approach to help children learn how to ride a bike. With no pedals, a rider walks or scoots along, and they learn how to handle steering and balance. Ignite the joy of bike riding with a top-ranked balance bike.

Best Overall Balance Bike

Croco

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Great for the Tightest Budgets

Lava Sport Balance Bike

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Kids Pedal Bike


For novice to advanced riders, grab a pedal bike and hit the paved trails on family bike rides.

Best Overall Pedal Bike

Dynacraft Duzy Customs

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Budget-Friendly Biking

Huffy Moto X

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Kids Bike Helmet


A bike helmet protects your child's head from serious injury. Select one that fits and ensure they correctly wear it every time they ride, even if it's a quick jaunt down the driveway or near home.

Best Overall Kid's Helmet

Schwinn Thrasher

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Best Helmet for Younger Kids

Joovy Noodle

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Bike Trailer


Consider a bike trailer for commuting or family bike rides with younger riders. Some versatile bike trailers can convert into everyday strollers and joggers too.

Best Overall Bike Trailer for Kids

Burley D'Lite

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Best Bang for the Buck

Burley Bee

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Jogging Stroller


Want to hit the dirt or more rugged trails with baby in tow? The best jogging strollers can handle the terrain. These strollers are designed with suspension and rubber tires, making trail exploring or running much easier.

Best Overall Jogging Stroller

Thule Urban Glide 2

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Runner Up for Best Jogger

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

Sun and Bug Protection


Spending time outdoors wouldn't be complete without sunscreen and bug spray. Check out our favorite products for the best in skincare outside.

Sunscreen


Regardless if it's sunny or cloudy, applying sunscreen is essential for outdoor activities. Over the years, we've tested the best sunscreens for babies, which are mineral-based and the go-to products we use with our families.

Overall Best for Babies & Kids

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin

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Best Bang for the Buck

Blue Lizard Baby

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Bug Spray


Bug bites are no fun. Period. For camping trips or days when the bugs seem to swarm, be prepared with top-ranked bug spray to use with kids.

Best Overall Bug Spray for Kids

Sawyer Insect Repellent

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

Lake or Pool Time


When a sprinkler can't cut the summer heat, and you're off to the lake or pool, our outdoor gear list includes must-have products.

Kids Swim Goggles


Some children prefer to avoid water splashing into their eyes, while others enjoy diving underwater for pool rings or tea parties. Regardless of your child's style, swim goggles are a must-have item.

Best Overall Goggles

Speedo Hydrospex

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Best Pack of Goggles

OMERIL Swim Goggles

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Kids PFD


Purchase the best kids' life jacket that fits right and is suitable for the intended activity if you're spending time around water.

Best All-Around Vest

Hardcore Life Vest

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Best Neoprene Life Vest

Airhead WICKED Kwik-Dry

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Kids Fishing Pole


Introduce your child to fishing by selecting a kid-friendly fishing pole. Here are the best kids' fishing poles we've tested.

Best Overall Kids' Fishing Pole

Zebco Roam

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Best Budget-Friendly Pole

Ugly Stik Dock Runner

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

Hiking Essentials


Oh, the places you'll go when you and your child are equipped and ready with the right gear.

Baby Backpack


Make a day of hiking more comfortable with a supportive baby backpack to help transport your little one. It can be the difference between reaching your hiking goals or falling short. Our favorites offer impressive quality and storage space for necessary items like top-ranked diapers, wipes, and other hiking essentials.

Best Overall Baby Backpack

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite

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Best Bang for the Buck

Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL

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Kids Backpack


For older kids, consider a kids' backpack, so they can carry snacks, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and more. Plus, it will lighten your load.

Best Overall Kids' Backpack

VASCHY Preschool Backpack

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Best Bang for the Buck

Everest Basic Backpack

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

First-Aid & Safety


Outdoor activities can bring scrapes and bruises. We recommend stocking up on some necessary first aid products for your child's health and safety.

Kids Bandages


We've tested several kid-friendly bandages, so you can find the right one for your needs.

Best Overall Kids' Bandages

Welly Eye Love U Bandages

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Best Budget-Friendly Pack

Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack

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kids outdoor gear
Credit: 123rf

More Information


Our favorite gear list for kids will fill your family's summer vacation or outdoor time with fun and possibilities. If you don't see the gear you seek, don't worry; we've tested many products! From crash-tested car seats to diaper must-haves, and more, so check out our reviews.

Molly Bradac and BabyGearLab Review Team

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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