Even without the unrelenting spread of the Covid-19 virus across the country, public playgrounds are anything but cruel. Hear me: an average stadium holds 3,500,000 colony forming units (CFU) per square inch. Compared to the average kitchen countertop, for example, which has roughly 85 CFU per square inch, or the toilet seat, which hovers around 172 CFU per square inch, stadiums often mimic disease petri dishes rather than recreational oases.
In defense of the public playing field, they offer a range of benefits. Running outside, playing games, venting enthusiasm and developing coordination are important to a child’s well-being. It’s a childhood right to fall off monkey bars or get stuck at the top of a slide, after all.
Don’t worry: Whether you’re giving up trips to the park because of Covid or inconsistent winter weather, you can easily turn your backyard into a fun space for kids to be active themselves without installing bulky equipment or breaking the bank. Transform your yard into a mini golf course, soccer field, bowling alley and more with a simple click of the “Add to Cart” button.
T-ball
Little Tikes T-Ball Set – $21.99
Little Tikes T-Ball Set (Red)
Little Tikes
amazon.com
$21.99
Perfect for ages 1-6, this T-ball set includes a height-adjustable “T”, an oversized plastic baseball bat and five plastic balls. The set is designed to help develop baby’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination through a fun outdoor activity. Once the big game is over, the lightweight set features a wall-mounted design for easy storage in a small space.
Shooting
Kids Shooting Set – $29.89
Children’s shooting range
kiddie play
amazon.com
USD 29.89
Delight the little Katniss Everdeen in your life with this archery kit. The bow has soft shooting power and comes with suction cup arrows that stick to the target for safe play.
Tetherball
Hathaway Tetherball Set with Fillable Base and Durable Ball – $99
Hathaway ball set with fillable base and sturdy ball
Hathaway
amazon.com
$99.00
Ignite your love for this classic schoolyard activity with this soccer set designed for the whole family. The durable set is built to withstand years of action-packed competition with a packable base, additional ground stakes, rustproof poles and all-weather rope for outdoor play.
football
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set – $27.97
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
entertainment
amazon.com
USD 27.97
Your future Olympian will bow out like Beckham with this colorful soccer set designed for backyard use. The set includes an adjustable net, soccer ball and pump so you can start the game right out of the box. Designed for kids ages 2 and up, this set improves coordination and teaches the basics of soccer.
Basketball
Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Basketball Set – $83
Little Tikes Basketball Jam Pro Set, Blue
Little Tikes
amazon.com
$83.00
Game horse, anyone? This Jam Pro basketball set includes a hoop with five height adjustments ranging from 4-6 feet. Fill the base with sand for stability, attach the rim and the separate net and start shooting the included mini basketball.
baseball
Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Putting Machine – $29.99
Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Batting Machine
Franklin Sports
amazon.com
$29.99
Get all the batting cage fun in your own backyard with the baseball throwing machine for kids. A ball swings every seven seconds from the height-adjustable device, and the dough prepares to swing with a red indicator light. The set comes with six air balls that can be paired with this jumbo plastic bat for an additional $12.99.
golf
Byron Kids Golf Playset – $28.97
Byron Kids Golf Playset
Byron Games
amazon.com
USD 28.97
Start playing with this golf set for kids ages 3-6. Turn your backyard into a golf course with two practice holes with flags, two tees, three right-handed plastic putters, and five lightweight balls. The set comes with a story book that creates an interactive golfing adventure for your child, and includes a stylish carrying case for easy storage and transport.
bowling
Giggle N Go Kids Bowling Set – $37.99
Jiggle N Go Bowling Set For Kids
giggle in jo
amazon.com
$37.99
This giant inflatable bowling set is sure to pull your child away from the screen and into the green. The spikes have sand-heavy bases to keep the spikes standing in a straight line on the lawn, and the PVC construction makes them sturdy enough to withstand the weather and excited kids. Kit includes six inflatable bowling pins, inflatable bowling ball, hand pump and repair piece.