Playing outside is healthy – both for your child’s body and for their mind. It keeps us sharp, connects us with nature, and allows lots of time for physical activity that helps everyone to stay healthy and happy.
Whether you have a huge backyard or a small plot of land next to your home, it’s important that outdoor toys (including big toys like electric vehicles) are stored effectively in order not only to keep the space neat and clean but also to keep them accessible for when your child needs them. So if your child thinks in this exact moment that they want to go play basketball, but the basketball isn’t there, then they’ll lose interest and run back inside to that video game.
But keeping those things outside neat and clean can be a challenge. Keeping a room neat and clean is one thing, but outside there’s dirt and weather, animals and trees with falling leaves. Not to mention the potential for things to “walk away” if they aren’t put away safely.
Here are 20 real and effective ways to store outdoor toys!
1. Get kids involved
You’ll want to decide carefully at what point you want to get your child involved in the process. If you get them on the board early, then you’ll have more help. If you wait a bit, then you’ll be able to purge old and broken toys with little fuss. Either way, then need to be part of the process at some point so that they’re invested in it.
2. Sort, sort, sort
This doesn’t have to be done all at once, but you can do this step over several sessions. Go for the tried and true method of three places that toys can go – “keep,” “donate,” and “toss.” Outgrown toys need to go on to other kids who will love them, and unless something is really truly worth the value and time to fix it, it needs to be tossed.
3. Categorize
One thing about outdoor toys is that they aren’t used all of the time. Water toys are a summer thing, but bikes are good even in cold weather. As you categorize, keep this in mind. First create categories that are general (sports, garden, pool, riding, snow, etc.) and then split those by summer and winter. Don’t make it complicated! Depending on your storage space and it’s demanded, you’ll want to organize your toys so that they’re easy to get to and easy to move as one unit. That way you can scoot the gardening toys to the back of your space and pull those snow toys to the front easily.
4. Get good storage
You invest a lot of money in outdoor toys for your child, and to keep that investment protected, you need to make sure that you’ve got solid storage. These storage solutions are really affordable, durable, and most importantly easy to use.
Tips 5-20 offer storage solutions for all of those outdoor toys!
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Lawn Care Toys
1. Deluxe Tool Tower Rack with Casters
[atvimg prod=B0009J5NRW img=’Rubbermaid-Deluxe-Tool-Tower.jpg’ alt=’Rubbermaid Deluxe Tool Tower’ /]
Key Features:
- Tool rack stores and organizes over 40 tools
- Front clips for quick side access
- Easy to assemble with no tools needed
- 4 casters (2 locking) for easy mobility
- Grid pattern on base keeps tools from sliding off
You can store the grown-up lawn tools here as well, or get a separate rack so that the kid and adult tools are separate. Either way, this rack makes it easier and makes it much more likely that everyone will clean up after themselves!
[atvrev prod=’B0009J5NRW’ /]
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2. WallPeg Garden Tool Rack
[atvimg prod=B00F3IL23I img=’WallPeg-Garden-Tool-Rack.jpg’ alt=’WallPeg Garden Tool Rack’ /]
Key Features:
- Combo kit with 96″ wide track with 4″ – 24″ sections
- The kit includes different hooks to withstand common garden tools
- 8 ft pegboard track has (4) 24″ x 4″ peg strips and 24 tool hangers
- Durable tuff plastic construction designed to last, never rust, perfect for garage, basement, tool shed, any wall surface
- The item weight is 8 pounds
This alternative is space-saving if you’ve got the wall space. Be sure to hang it low so that your kids can reach it easily!
[atvrev prod=’B00F3IL23I’ /]
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Riding Toys
1. YardStash Outdoor Bike Storage
[atvimg prod=B00IAD3FCY img=’YardStash-Outdoor-Bike-Storage.jpg’ alt=’YardStash Outdoor Bike Storage’ /]
Key Features:
- The space saving design, integrated floor and 10 minute set-up
- Built from weatherproof and UV protected polyester provides high-quality space saving storage
- The optimal size (74″ wide x 30″ deep x 65″ high) to easily stash two adult bikes
- Full-zip door and in-&-out floor flap to easily roll in and roll out lawnmowers, bicycles, other
Cost-effective and simple to install, these hooks hang right on the garage door tracks. Again, hang not just bikes but also other riding toys up here.
[atvrev prod=’B00IAD3FCY’ /]
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2. Do-All Outdoors Kore Model Add-A-Hook
[atvimg prod=B01DAD0F7Q img=’Do-All-Outdoors-Kore-Model-Add-A-Hook.jpg’ alt=’Do-All Outdoors Kore Model Add-A-Hook’ /]
Key Features:
- The Kore Model 6-inches J style hook
- Easy & convenient set-up
- Fastest & easiest organization tool ever invented
- Less expensive than almost any other option
- Add-A-Hook does not damage your walls & ceilings
- It does not interfere with garage door operation
- Package includes 4 hooks
Cost-effective and simple to install, these hooks hang right on the garage door tracks. Again, hang not just bikes but also other riding toys up here.
[atvrev prod=’B01DAD0F7Q’ /]
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3. CyclingDeal 5 Bicycle Floor Parking Rack
[atvimg prod=B005IN02V6 img=’CyclingDeal-Parking-Rack-Stand.jpg’ alt=’CyclingDeal Parking Rack Stand’ /]
Key Features:
- Comes with 5 bike holders, the most economical bike racks available and premium quality made in Taiwan
- The 10lbs net weight ensures the stability of the rack
- High quality shining powder coating (including inside of the tubes) ensures weather resistance
- Please note: not good for kids’ bike, not for heavy bikes such as downhill bikes, disc rotor could touch the bike rack although it would not bend, bike hubs may touch the bike rack
Bikes fall over, then bounce around. They’re everywhere. A bike rack is simple and effective, and can be put anywhere!
[atvrev prod=’B005IN02V6′ /]
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Sporting Gear & Small Toys
1. EDSAL Black Steel Storage Rack
[atvimg prod=B00DSAAYM8 img=’EDSAL-Black-Steel-Storage-Rack.jpg’ alt=’EDSAL Black Steel Storage Rack’ /]
Key Features:
- Storage rack with five adjustable shelves and a 4,000 lb. capacity is suitable for organizing and storing items
- Shelves are made of particle board supported by double-riveted beams and braces and adjust in 1-1/2″ increments to accommodate items of varying heights
- The frame is made of steel for strength, the frame has a smooth black finish for resistance to corrosion
- Rivet lock design for assembly without nuts or bolts, instructions included, tools for assembly sold separately
Every storage space needs some sturdy shelves. Simply use wide laundry baskets for easy clean up – kids can grab them and take them right outside.
[atvrev prod=’B00DSAAYM8′ /]
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2. Keeble Outlets Mesh Ball Bag
[atvimg prod=B00KY3NWEY img=’Keeble-Outlets-Mesh-Ball-Bag.jpg’ alt=’Keeble Outlets Mesh Ball Bag’ /]
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty mesh equipment bag with shoulder strap for easy carrying
- Jumbo size and built super tough to handle the rigors of the athletic fields, beaches, and courts of the world
- Locking drawstring to secure all of your gear
Pair a tough mesh bag with a wall rack or a storage shelf to help your kids have a great place to keep their stuff organized. Bags are so easy for kids to pick up and take with them.
[atvrev prod=’B00KY3NWEY’ /]
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3. Folding Mesh Storage Bin with Carrying Bag
[atvimg prod=B003M1ZZI6 img=’Folding-Mesh-Storage-Bin.jpg’ alt=’Folding Mesh Storage Bin’ /]
Key Features:
- This folding storage bin is great for camping, beach, park or wherever temporary storage is needed
- Made up of a steel frame with polyester fabric combined with mesh
- Carry bag included (toys/towels are not included)
- Unfolded measures: 27 inches tall, 16 x 16 inches wide, Folded 4×4 inches
This mesh bin is perfect for the sandbox. For smaller children, you can carry it right outside and then have them clean up. A quick shake and then you can put it back away without getting sand all over!
[atvrev prod=’B003M1ZZI6′ /]
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4. Pool Pros Depot Storage Bin
[atvimg prod=B07BYDZKLF img=’Pool-Storage-Bin.jpg’ alt=’Pool Storage Bin’ /]
Key Features:
- Mesh storage bin allows pool toys to air-dry to resist mildew
- Bin Measures 36″L x 24″D x 36″H
- Smartly-designed pool storage bins organize a lot of items without taking up a lot of room
- These mesh storage bins can be assembled without tools
Pool toys are notoriously difficult to wrangle. This mesh bin is HUGE and easy to move around thanks to its lightweight structure. It’s also great for balls and other outside toys.
[atvrev prod=’B07BYDZKLF’ /]
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5. Play&Go Toy Storage Bag
[atvimg prod=B01JLP98H0 img=’Play-Mat-and-Toy-Storage-Bag.jpg’ alt=’Play Mat and Toy Storage Bag’ /]
Key Features:
- A huge floor mat that extends out to 55″ offering plenty of space for your kids
- Easy to store – just pull the drawstrings and everything is packed in the toy sack
- Playmats are made of 100% premium soft cotton
- You can take it along for visiting family and friends, going to the beach, picnics, camping trips, or to the grandparents
- 3 years warranty
If your child is the kind who likes to bring outside toys inside, then try a storage bag/playmat combo. You child will have a great spot to play that will keep their toys clean and neat!
[atvrev prod=’B01JLP98H0′ /]
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6. Rubbermaid Patio Storage Deck Box
[atvimg prod=B00DVGS1EC img=’Rubbermaid-Patio-Outdoor-Storage-Box.jpg’ alt=’Rubbermaid Patio Outdoor Storage Box’ /]
Key Features:
- Stylish design complements outdoor furniture
- Flat lid doubles as additional serving or seating space
- Weather-resistant construction protects contents from the elements
- Lockable for security (lock not included)
- Built-in side handles for easy transportation
- Carton Dimensions & Weights (approx.): 46.7″L x 29.7″W x 6.9″H (45 lbs.)
To quell toys that tend to not make it back to their assigned home, try a storage bench. The more convenient clean up is, the more likely it is to happen.
[atvrev prod=’B00DVGS1EC’ /]
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7. Neatfreak Sport Utility Storage Rack
[atvimg prod=B00YTG8R9M img=’Neatfreak-Sport-Utility-Storage-Rack.jpg’ alt=’Neatfreak Sport Utility Storage Rack’ /]
Key Features:
- Sports equipment organizer rack is perfect for keeping all sports equipment in one place. Holds balls, helmets, and up to 20 bats, racquets, or sticks
- Removable mesh bag stays open to catch balls for storage, then cinches up when it’s time to pack the balls off to the court, field, or beach
- Molded shelf and side racks offer housing for bats, sticks, and skateboards. Handy hooks offer easy access to helmets, goggles, and rackets
Outdoor toys and sports gear come in all shapes and sizes. This is a great solution that will hold any kind of toy and will mold to your needs.
[atvrev prod=’B00YTG8R9M’ /]
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8. Rubbermaid Vertical Ball Rack
[atvimg prod=B0009J5NW2 img=’Rubbermaid-Fasttrack-Vertical-Ball-Rack.jpg’ alt=’Rubbermaid Fasttrack Vertical Ball Rack’ /]
Key Features:
- Fast track
- Solid steel tube construction
- Bungee cords allow easy access
- Push/pull lever provides the ability to move hooks easily
Balls are great for imagination – they are the heart of kid’s play! Keeping them organized is another story. This rack is perfect – be sure to hang it low for easy access.
[atvrev prod=’B0009J5NW2′ /]
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9. Crawford Rawlings Ultimate Sport Organizer
[atvimg prod=B00DEEJSRK img=’Crawford-Ultimate-Sports-Equipment-Organizer.jpg’ alt=’Crawford Ultimate Sports Equipment Organizer’ /]
Key Features:
- Great for Bats, Balls, Sticks, Gloves, Helmets and more
- Holds up to 50 lbs
- 9 Hanging Screws
- Mesh pockets
Low on space? Try a hanging wall organizer. This one is perfect for sports equipment!
[atvrev prod=’B00DEEJSRK’ /]
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10. AmazonBasics Mesh Bin Office Wall
[atvimg prod=B07JHQ6J83 img=’AmazonBasics-Mesh-Bin-Office-Wall.jpg’ alt=’AmazonBasics Mesh Bin Office Wall’ /]
Key Features:
- 14″ x 8.5″
- Made of durable steel wire
- Space-saving design mounts flush against the wall; includes 2 screws for easy mounting
- Rubber pads on the back prevent the unit from sliding or scratching the wall
A simple wall organizer is great for those odd toys like outdoor cooking pots and pans or sandbox toys. Remember to keep it as close to where the play area is as you can!
[atvrev prod=’B07JHQ6J83′ /]
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BONUS Idea
Best Shoe Rack Organizer
[atvimg prod=B07TY9ZH2R img=’DazHom-4-Tier-Shoe-Rack.jpg’ alt=’DazHom 4-Tier Shoe Rack’ /]
Key Features:
- STURDY and RELIABLE shoe rack construction made from durable stainless steel and high-quality polymer plastic
- QUICK, EASY ASSEMBLY, no tools required. Assembles in less than 5 minutes! Simply attach the stainless steel rails to the outer black resin stands and you are ready to go!
- Each shoe rack stores 5 pairs of adult size shoes
- ADJUSTABLE rails allow easy storage for both children and adult shoes
This last one is more important than it seems. A simple shoe rack is an essential addition to your outdoor toy organization. You can use it for those muddy shoes, snow boots and even just as shelf space for small kids!
[atvrev prod=’B07TY9ZH2R’ /]
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Keeping outdoor toys easily accessible and well organized will help your child to learn to love the outdoors – a great thing for their health and for the whole family!