Backyard Toys for Kids: Pools, Hoops and Rebounders for Summer
The school holidays are close, the days are getting longer, and the backyard is about to become the busiest room in the house. You don't need a big budget or a big yard to make it the place the kids want to be. A few well-chosen backyard toys for kids, a cool-down spot for hot afternoons and something to aim at will keep them outside and off screens for hours.
Here's how we'd set up a backyard for summer, using pieces from our range that suit Australian yards of all sizes. Prices are current at the time of writing.
1. Start with water: a paddling pool or sprinkler
On a 35-degree afternoon, nothing beats water. A family paddling pool gives younger kids a place to splash and older ones somewhere to cool off after a game of hoops.
- Bestway Summer Days Family Pool (2.41m), $49.99. Big enough for the whole family to cool off, and it packs away flat when summer's over.
- Bestway Space Blast Sprinkler, $18.99. Clips onto the garden hose and sprays as the kids run through it. Great for little ones who aren't ready for a pool, and it uses less water than filling one.
Water safety first. Always supervise children around water, even shallow water, and empty paddling pools after use. In most Australian states, a portable pool that can hold more than 30cm of water must have a compliant safety barrier, so check your state or council's pool rules before you fill a larger pool.
2. Add a basketball hoop that grows with them
A basketball hoop is one of the best-value backyard toys for kids because it works for a toddler with a soft ball and a teenager practising jump shots. The key is height adjustment, so the hoop grows with your family.
- Centra Kids Basketball Hoop Set, $54.13. A small, easy starter set for younger kids.
- Centra Portable Hoop Stand, 155–210cm, $125.96. An 82cm backboard and 38cm rim, a good middle ground for primary-school ages.
- Centra Portable Hoop Stand, 145–260cm, $190.05. An 80cm backboard and 38cm rim, adjustable from little-kid height up towards full height.
- Centra Portable Hoop Stand, 135–305cm, $216.57. A 110cm backboard and 45cm rim, adjustable up to regulation height for teens and adults.
Tip: portable stands usually have a base you fill with water or sand. Fill it fully before anyone plays, and place the hoop on flat ground away from fences, windows and the pool.
3. A soccer rebounder for the kid who never stops kicking
If you've got a soccer fan, a rebounder net is a game changer. It sends the ball back so they can practise passing, first touch and shooting on their own, without someone having to fetch the ball every 30 seconds.
- Centra Portable Soccer Rebounder Net, $101.65. Folds down for storage and is light enough to move around the yard.
4. Something for rainy days and small yards
Not every summer day is a beach day, and not every home has a big yard. A mini trampoline gives kids somewhere to burn energy on the deck, in the garage or in a rumpus room.
- Centra 40-inch Mini Trampoline, $83.97. A compact rebounder that suits small spaces.
- Centra 48-inch Mini Trampoline with Bungees, $108.28. Bungee suspension gives a softer bounce.
For indoor basketball fans, the Centra Basketball Arcade Game ($152.99) brings the arcade experience home, with the shooting action and the competition.
How to set up a backyard for summer
- Zone the yard. Keep water play in one area and ball games in another, so no one runs through the sprinkler mid-game or sends a ball into the pool.
- Think about shade. Set up the paddling pool near shade if you can, and keep up the sunscreen, hats and water bottles.
- Check the ground. Hoops and rebounders need flat, stable ground. Grass is fine for most; paving is better for dribbling.
- Plan for packing away. Choose gear that folds or deflates if you need the space back for winter.
Browse more ideas in our Baby & Kids and Sports & Fitness collections. Standard shipping is free to metro areas, with no minimum spend.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best backyard toys for kids in summer?
A mix of water play and active games works best: a paddling pool or sprinkler for hot days, plus a basketball hoop or soccer rebounder for the rest of the time. Choose gear that suits your yard size and your kids' ages.
What height should a kids basketball hoop be?
Younger children are best starting with a low hoop around their own reach and moving it up as they grow. Regulation height is 3.05m, so a stand that adjusts from around 1.35–1.55m up to 2.1m or higher will last several years.
Does a paddling pool need a fence in Australia?
In most states, a portable pool that can hold more than 30cm of water needs a compliant safety barrier. Rules vary between states and councils, so check with your local council before setting up a larger pool. Always supervise children around any amount of water.
Do you deliver backyard gear Australia-wide?
Yes. Standard shipping is free to metro areas with no minimum spend, and delivery options for other areas are shown at checkout.