Active toys for tweens

With stay-at-home orders still in effect in many states, as well as camps, public pools, and summer sports leagues being canceled, it’s a bit harder to keep kids up and moving as much as they usually are.

Active toys help promote a healthy lifestyle in kids — not only do they encourage physical activity, but kids also reap the mental and emotional health benefits that come along with active play. In a world in which things have drastically changed — and may never look the same again — a little bit of endorphins can go a long way.

Another huge benefit of active toys is that the category usually consists of a lot of toys and games that families can play with together!

Below are 10 of our favorite active toys that are perfect for kids ages 8 and up (though some of the safety age-grading is a bit lower – your older kids will still love these!). Tweens and teens are probably the age group whose summers are the most disrupted socially, so these toys will provide a bright, fun spark to get kids up and moving — and away from those screens.


FLY WHEELS LAUNCHER TWO PACK ASSORTMENT

Rip and send the Wheels up to 200 scale mph. There are four unique wheel options available: Street, Off-Road, Race, and Moto, that work on terrains such as mud, snow, asphalt, and more. The Two Pack comes with a launcher, a ripcord, and two Wheels. All Fly Wheels are compatible with each other.

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MARSHMALLOW BLASTER DOUBLE BARREL BLASTER

Kids can launch real mini marshmallows up to 40 feet away by pumping the handle on the back of this blaster. The easy-to-fill cylinder can hold up to 50 mini marshmallows.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 8+
  • Manufacturer: ZING
  • MSRP: $30.99; $34.99 CAD

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PICTIONARY AIR

Players sketch in the air with an air pen as teams watch the sketch appear on a smartphone or tablet through the Pictionary Air app and race to guess the clue. The drawer cannot see what they are drawing, adding an extra challenge to traditional Pictionary gameplay. The app also keeps track of the score.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 8+
  • Manufacturer: MATTEL
  • MSRP: $19.99

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H2OGO! POP COLLECTION OSTRICH POOL FLOAT

This supersized bird features eye-popping art with a long neck and large sitting area. Grab the heavy-duty hand grips and use the inflated feathers as guardrails. Three air chambers give this float consistent balance on the water and speed up inflation.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 3+
  • Manufacturer: BESTWAY
  • MSRP: $29.99

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NERF ULTRA TWO

Hold down the acceleration button to power up the motor and send a dart flying up to 120 feet. This blaster features fast-back reloading, and kids can look inside the six-dart cylinder to see how many darts are left.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 8+
  • Manufacturer: HASBRO
  • MSRP: $24.99

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AEROFLYT RYZR

Kids can throw the Ryzr and watch it fly high. The design uses physics to create a unique playing experience, and the rubber, lightweight material stands up to rough weather.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 6+
  • Manufacturer: GOLIATH
  • MSRP: $19.99

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BIRDIE GOLF

Kids can place the weighted flag cup on any surface to create their own course. Then, set the ball on its uniquely designed, built-in “birdie-tail” stand, and use the club to send it flying. The aerodynamic tail keeps it in play, no matter how powerful kids hit it.

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X-SHOT EPIC FAST FILL

  This blaster holds more than 5 cups of water and is nearly 21 inches long. Kids can fill the blaster in 1 second and shoot water up to 34 feet using four different nozzles.

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WUBBLE RUMBLERS

Kids can bop and chop with these inflatable, oversized play fighting accessories, sold separately. Slip on Furious Fist and Karate Chop for punches and high fives, and battle it out with Full Nelson and Air Ninja. Includes an air pump.

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ICE HOPPER

Available in four colors, the Ice Hopper is a glitter-filled take on a classic hoop toy. As the Ice Hopper spins around, it sparkles with liquid glitter, providing a colorful play experience with a fun shine effect.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 6+
  • Manufacturer: KESS
  • MSRP: $14.99; $11.99 CAD

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