Long school holidays are a great chance to swap screens for fresh air

Long school holidays are a great chance to swap screens for fresh air, whether that means learning to ride a scooter, splashing around in the garden or enjoying family time by the pool. The right outdoor toy should suit your child's age and confidence, feel sturdy enough for regular use and be easy to store when playtime is over. Our top pick is the Micro Mini Foldable LED Scooter, thanks to its durable design, smooth ride and excellent reputation for growing with younger riders through the early years.
A premium scooter that combines stability, portability and long lasting build quality for younger children.
Key specifications
Three wheel lean to steer design
Foldable handlebar
Adjustable height
Motion powered LED wheels
Rear foot brake
What we like
Stable platform that helps young riders build confidence
Folds quickly for travel or storage
Replaceable parts can extend its usable life
Best for: Children beginning their scooter journey who want a scooter that can stay with them for several years.
Micro's Mini series has become one of the best known children's scooters for good reason. The lean to steer system encourages balance rather than sharp handlebar turns, making it intuitive once children become familiar with it. Parents.com also highlights its stable ride, lightweight construction and durable modular design that allows worn parts to be replaced rather than replacing the whole scooter. The battery free LED wheels add colour without adding maintenance, while the folding mechanism makes it easy to carry into the car or store in a hallway. The specifications also highlight the adjustable handlebar, allowing the scooter to adapt as children grow.
An excellent value scooter with thoughtful beginner friendly features.
Key specifications
Suitable from age 2+
Three height adjustable handlebar
Patented steering lock
Foldable frame
Battery free LED front wheels
What we like
Steering lock helps beginners learn balance
Compact folding system simplifies transport
Wide anti slip deck feels reassuring underfoot
Best for: Younger children learning to steer before progressing to faster scooters.
Globber's Junior Foldable Lights focuses on confidence building. One standout feature is its steering lock, which limits front wheel movement while beginners develop coordination before switching to full lean steering. The wide deck provides plenty of foot space, and the adjustable handlebar accommodates growing riders over several seasons. The front wheels illuminate through motion rather than batteries, while the integrated folding system makes carrying and storage straightforward. With a maximum rider weight of 50kg, it can continue serving children beyond the toddler years.
A simple way to encourage imaginative outdoor play on warm afternoons.
Key specifications
Water activity table
Multiple sensory play features
Includes accessories like scoops and molds
What we like
Encourages open ended creative play
Suitable for several children together
Easy way to cool down outdoors
Best for: Preschool children who enjoy imaginative water play in the garden or on the patio.
Water tables remain popular because children can invent different games every time they play. Pouring, splashing and moving water between accessories helps develop coordination while keeping youngsters entertained without complicated setup. This Playgro model is designed around sensory exploration, giving children different textures and activities to discover. It can also become a social toy, with siblings or friends sharing the same play space.
An energetic outdoor centrepiece for families with enough garden space.
Key specifications
Safety enclosure net
Basketball hoop
Steel frame
Maximum user weight: 200 lbs
Frame size: 47.5 inches
What we like
Enclosure adds reassurance during play
Basketball hoop encourages varied games
Suitable for regular active play sessions
Best for: Families with outdoor space looking for an activity children can enjoy repeatedly throughout the holidays.
A trampoline encourages active movement without needing organised games, making it attractive for children with lots of energy. An enclosure net is one of the most useful features because it helps keep jumpers within the jumping area during normal play. A basketball hoop also introduces a fun challenge beyond simple bouncing.
A colourful inflatable that makes pool days more entertaining for groups.
Key specifications
Designed for three riders
Heavy duty vinyl construction
Multiple grab handles
Repair patch included
What we like
Large enough for shared play
Bright design makes it easy to spot in the pool
Intex has a long track record in inflatable pool products
Best for: Families spending holidays by the pool with confident swimmers under adult supervision.
Large ride on inflatables quickly become the centre of attention during pool days. This Intex model accommodates several children together, encouraging group games rather than individual floating. Grab handles provide extra stability while climbing aboard, and the durable vinyl construction is intended for repeated seasonal use. Like any inflatable, it works best in calm pool conditions and should be viewed as a toy rather than a flotation or lifesaving device.
Age suitability should always come first. Younger children generally benefit from stable three wheel scooters with lower decks, while older riders often prefer two wheel designs once their balance improves. Adjustable handlebars also extend the useful life of a scooter as children grow.
Build quality matters because outdoor toys spend plenty of time on rough ground, patios and pavements. Look for reinforced decks, quality wheels and reliable rear brakes on scooters. Foldable designs are particularly useful if you regularly travel between home, parks and holiday destinations.
For larger toys, check the recommended user weight and available space before buying. Water tables need enough room to splash safely, while trampolines require clear space around the enclosure.
A properly fitted helmet is a sensible companion for scooter riding, and younger children benefit from active adult supervision during outdoor play. The aim is simply to help them enjoy their activities safely and confidently.
The Micro Mini Foldable LED Scooter remains our overall recommendation because it combines excellent build quality, smooth handling and portability in a package that can grow with young riders. Families looking for a slightly more budget friendly alternative should also consider the Globber Junior Foldable Lights, particularly if the steering lock appeals to first time riders. The Playgro water table offers imaginative outdoor fun for preschool children, while the trampoline delivers energetic garden play for families with more space. If your school holidays revolve around the pool, the Intex three rider float brings plenty of shared entertainment for older children during supervised swimming sessions.
Gulf News earns a commission on purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial team selects products independently.