Is there anything more exciting than your kiddo’s first snow day? We don’t think so! From epic snowball fights to sledding and making snow angels, there are tons of fun winter activities that’ll create treasured childhood memories. Before you head outdoors, be sure to wrap your little one up in a snowsuit and waterproof boots. After all, chilly hands and toes are a sure-fire way to cut short a day of family fun. Once you’ve picked up the necessary safety gear, you may want to invest in some awesome snow toys too.
The best outdoor winter toys for toddlers add some structure to playtime and help your kid get the most out of their very own winter wonderland. Plus, snow toys make fantastic Christmas gifts for kids living in colder climates. Whether you’re looking for a classic sleigh, miniature tools or a quirky kit to help build the ultimate snow fort, here you’ll find top-rated snow toys you can use year after year.
Kids love to imitate their parents—that’s why mini tools make wonderful snow toys for tots. This shovel is virtually indestructible but still light enough for toddlers to handle. Kids can use it to perfect an ice fort or to help their folks shovel snow.
Buy it: $20, Target.com
Take your snowman-building game to the next level with this cool kit by L.L. Bean. The snow toy set comes with 26 wooden accessories including, antlers, eyes, buttons and more. You’ll never have to root around the veggie drawer for a carrot nose again!
Buy it: $40, LLBean.com
How about a sled that grows with your family? Clever engineering means that this top-quality snow toy is suitable for even the youngest sledders. It has a detachable mesh bag, a high safety seat, an adjustable driving rod and you can add a seat belt for extra security on bumpy terrain. The best part? Once your kiddo is ready to go solo, the seat can be removed to transform it into a regular sled for older children and even teenagers.
Buy it: $250, Maisonette.com
Give your kids a headstart in family snowball battles with this nifty toy. The clever device makes snowballs in seconds, simply scoop, shape and throw! Plus, the long handle keeps little hands from getting cold and wet while forming their arsenal.
Buy it: $17, Amazon.com
Crafted from kiln-dried hardwood, this classic snow toy will last for generations of winter fun and games. The sled has a cushioned seat and a long pull rope, so your toddlers can sit back and ride in style.
Buy it: $179, LLBean.com
Searching for a snow toy you can use all year round? Check out the Bilibo. Designed for open-ended play, this cool shell-shaped toy can be used as a spinner, cradle and a building mold for snowman-making. Play with it at home, at the park, at the beach, in the water and in the snow (of course!).
Buy it: $29, FatBrainToys.com
Introducing the Scoppi shovel—a snow toy like no other. It’s made from a soft-touch, virtually indestructible material and has a wide design and a curved footrest to help kids balance. Children will happily plough through wintery snow drifts with this clever tool. Bonus: This pick doubles as a sand toy too!
Buy it: $29, FatBrainToys.com
The best snow toys for kids are super-safe, durable and affordable. Case in point: The ESP Infant Boggan. Made from weather-resistant plastic, this toddler toboggan has all the safety features you would expect, including a high backed seat, a snap-lock seat belt and a wide, stable design.
Buy it: $30, DicksSportingGoods.com
Did you know that LEGO makes winter toys for kids? Check out the limited edition LEGO x Target collaboration, which includes this brick-inspired sand and snow building set. The five-piece kit includes a shovel, molds and accessories to help your mini build and decorate their dream ice kingdom.
Buy it: $30, Target.com
Next up on our list of the best snow toys for kids is this ride-on digger. It swivels 360 degrees and uses a two-handed digging and dumping action for speedy construction. Plus, the digger works equally well in snow, sand or dirt, meaning it can be used in all seasons.
Buy it: $63, Amazon.com
Looking for something on a slightly smaller scale? This snow paw is too cute to pass up. The handheld digger tool is perfect for gathering snow while keeping little digits dry. Plus, a few hours of furious digging is a great way to expel excess energy in excited toddlers (just saying!).
Buy it: $7, Target.com
Last up, on our list of the best snow toys and outdoor gear for kids is this practical pair of snowshoes. Shaped like colossal monster feet, these clever shoes keep feet clear of the ground and leave fun tracks in the snow. Genius!
Buy it: $23, Amazon.com
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