20 Best Outdoor Gifts to Keep Your Grandchildren Happy, Active, and Inspired

Do your grandkids love the outdoors? Do your grandkids, unlike most kids who are huddled up with tablets or computers, have outdoor adventures and learn about the world around them? Maybe you wish your grandkids would spend more time outside but don’t know what gifts to get to encourage them. No worries, the gifts on this list are perfect for the young outdoor enthusiast and can also encourage your favorite gamer to explore the world around them. 

1. Walkie-talkies

Walkie-talkies are a great way for your grandkids to stay in touch with each other and you when they are out playing. This is especially true if they are on your property, but not in sight. 

2. Tent

A tent is a splendid gift for your outdoor-loving grandchildren and can range in price. A four-person tent is probably the most ideal for a family of four. This also makes room for one or two friends to come over and camp out in the backyard. Kids will have fun learning how to set up the tent as well as enjoying the view under the stars. 

3. Wonder Club Explorers Kit

This kit is a self-guided scouting program without the meetings or fundraising. This kit comes with everything your child needs to get started, including a vest, merit patches, pennants, and prizes. The activities are fun and easy and your child gets a prize upon completion. 

4. Gardening Gear

Make a kid-size gift box of gardening gear with kid-sized gloves, shovel, hoe, watering can, seeds, a book or two about gardening, etc. This is a great way for you to spend time together, either in your garden or helping them start their own. 

5. Fishing Poles

Do your research and find the best fishing pole you can buy for your grandchild. You could even make them their own tackle box and add a coupon or two for a fishing outing with Grandpa or Grandma. 

6. National Park Passes

If your grandkids are into National Parks, why not get them a park pass that will last all year? This is a gift that will keep on giving and will also ensure that you go to the park rather than just thinking about it. 

7. Orchard Gift Card

Buy your grandkids a gift card to your local orchard so they can go pick some fruit. They will love spending time with you and their family members and will be excited to eat or make something out of the fruit they pick. Things like strawberry milkshakes, apple pie, or blueberry scones.

8. Bike

Every kid needs a bike. It is the quintessential way to get around when you’re a kid. Schwinn brand bikes have been around forever and have different models to choose from. Do your research on the best bike for your grandchild and smile as they ride away into the sunset.

9. Binoculars

Binoculars are a must-have item for every outdoor enthusiast. Kids will love being able to see the world up close on hikes, while sailing, at concerts, or anywhere else you may need or want a closer view. Look for a pair that is made specifically for kids and that is water-resistant. You may even want to add a carrying pouch, hand strap, and cleaning cloth if they don’t come with them. 

10. A fruit tree

It’s good for kids to learn how to take care of things, so why not get your grandchild a fruit tree? This is a great way for them to learn about the cycles of nature, the different seasons, and responsibility. Kids will love being able to harvest fruit from their very own tree to share with friends and family. 

11. Butterfly hatching kit

This is a great way for kids to learn about the life cycle from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Your grandkids will love being able to follow the caterpillars’ progress and being able to release them into the world as beautiful butterflies. 

12. Outdoor Jungle Gym

If you have the funds and you or your children have the yard space, an outdoor jungle gym is a fantastic gift for kids. You can purchase outdoor jungle gyms for various ages and there is a wide variety to choose from. Some have slides and swings, some have a tube slide, others have bridges and forts. It all depends on what you are looking for, but they all spell out f-u-n for your grandkids. 

13. A sandbox

What young kid doesn’t love a sandbox? They can build things, hunt for buried treasure, and put out a beach towel and catch some rays. This is a magnificent gift for little ones who need something interesting to do outside.

14. A water table/sensory table

A water table that doubles as a sensory table is a fantastic idea for young children. During the summer, you can take it out in the backyard or in the driveway, fill it with water and water toys, and let them play to their heart’s content. They will love sploshing and splashing with water toys. 

When the weather turns colder, you can bring it inside and fill it with different sensory things they can play with, like sand, rice, cotton balls, etc, and add some shovels, pails, and buckets. You can find all kinds of ideas for a sensory table online. Its dual functionality makes this a magnificent gift. 

15. Giant Cardboard Box

To adults, this does not sound like a substantial gift, but to a kid, it’s a goldmine. They can transform an enormous cardboard box into anything they desire, such as a princess castle, restaurant, or old-time saloon. This kind of gift unleashes their imaginations, usable both indoors and outdoors. I call this a win-win for everyone. 

16. Geocaching Kit

What is geocaching? It’s like outdoor treasure hunting with your smartphone. A kit will show you how to get started and come with a logbook and a geocache for you to hide. 

17. Skateboard/Roller Skates/Roller Blades

When I was a kid, this was the thing to do on Friday and Saturday nights. Go to the roller skating rink. This is a great way to encourage your grandkids to get some fresh air and exercise while building their coordination and balance. Don’t forget a helmet, elbow, knee pads, and a box of band-aids. 

18. Sled

Your grandkids will love flying down the hill on a brand-new sled when the snow comes. This is a great way for them to get some exercise and socialize with their friends. A metal saucer also works well. That’s what I had when I was a kid. No matter what you choose, make sure it has a rope to use to take it back up the hill and handles for your grandkids to hang on tight. 

19. Ski Resort Passes

If your grandkids love going skiing with their family, why not get a season pass to the closest ski resort? This is a great way for everyone to hit the slopes for a fun day outside and cozy up in the evening to relax. 

20. Tinkergarten Classes

You can find all kinds of outdoor DIY activities you can do with your grandkids or they can do with their families on Tinkergarten. 

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