It can be so hard to separate older children from computer games and the tv screen and with Summer approaching, maybe it’s time to invest in a few outdoor toys that will tempt them outdoors! Last week I wrote a blog on ”Outdoor Toys for Younger Kids‘ so today I want to focus on toys that suit children over the age of eight. Here are ten that I’m happy to recommend and which won’t burst your bank. There is some overlap in toy ideas between this blog and last weeks one.

1. Juggling Balls 

Juggling isn’t the easiest of skills to learn but our children have lots of time with no school and this could be a good challenge.

2. Build your own Birdhouse

This woodwork project for children will give them a sense of pride once they have built it and painted it (paints included). It’s a great way to spark an interest in birds.

3.  An Extra Long Skipping Rope 

This is the type of skipping rope where two people turn the rope and one or more people get to jump in it. It’s great for getting children to play together and to exercise together.

4. A Wooden Catapult

Practice your aim on tin cans using one of these wooden catapults.

5. Compass

Teach your child how to navigate his/her way through forests or the countryside with a simple but effective compass.

6. Footbag

These are sold individually and you only need one to have fun. They are little crocheted balls filled with beans. They are very similar to what used to be called HackySaks

7. A Skipping Rope

Often we give skipping ropes to younger children who can’t manage to coordinate jumping and turning the rope. Older children are more capable to doing this and making up fun jumping tricks and routines.

8.Return Ball

Attach the band to your wrist and throw the ball. Now learn the skill of catching it with one hand as it returns back to you!

9. Make your own Insect Hotel

Build this little insect hut and watch and wait. Before you know it, it will house ladybirds, solitary bees and other bugs!

10. Terra Kids Exploration Magnifying Glass

You’ll find it hard to find a better nature viewer than this exploration magnifying glass with 2 viewing lenses, a built in mirror, handles and a belt clip.

11. Crab Fishing Line

These crab fishing lines are recommended for children aged 8+. They are great fun for catching and releasing crabs.

12. Marbles

Marble games can be great fun when played on smooth surfaces outdoors. This set of marbles has 100 small marbles and two larger ones.

Terra Kids – Construction Sets

I stock several of the Terra Kids Connectors Construction Kits. Each kid comes with instructions on how to make different figures using items you find in nature (twigs, leaves, feathers) and the connectors from the packs.

As kids get older, their interests get more refined. I know some children just need a football and others need nothing, just friends to chat with. But for those that need something else, I hope this blog has helped spark some ideas and I hope you and your older children get to have lots of fun outdoors this summer. If none of these toys appeal to you, you can find my full range of outdoor toys here.

xx Suzie