Most children aged 6-8 are active and adventurous by nature, so provide them with activities that will keep them fit and stimulate their curiosity.

The toys and games listed below are certain to get them outside enjoying the fresh air or help them burn off steam when stuck indoors.

SPORTS

Outdoor sports are excellent for establishing healthy habits and high self-esteem that will be carried through into adulthood. Games in the backyard are fantastic because they are low key and, unlike with organised team sports, there is less pressure to perform.

Soccer Goals are an easy way to play with the kids in the backyard, and are much loved by all soccer enthusiasts. They come in a 6 foot and 4 foot size, both of which are durable, well-made and easy to set up, break down and store.

Golf Sets and Tee Ball Sets are a great way to introduce your kids to these sports as they are comprised of durable, oversized, soft equipment.

Firevision Sports Football and glasses are one of those toys that 6-8 year old children will think are just flat out awesome! Using unique Microprism Technology, anyone wearing the special glasses can see the ball light up a dark night sky at a range of over 100 feet. The football comes with two pairs of glasses, but you can always pick up more for group play.

GAMES

Melissa & Doug Flying Disks are surprisingly fun because of how far they can be flung. They are extremely durable and are small, inexpensive toys that provide a lot of enjoyable outside play.

Ultra Stomp Rocket is another great concept that is a simple way to spend hours in the backyard. Stomp on the launch pad and send a foam tipped rocket up to 200ft in the air. The set comes with four rockets that can all be launched before the kids run around to find them and start all over again.

Foxtail Sport Ball is a unique outdoor toy that will inspire kids to play differently each day. The Foxtail Sport Ball can be twirled, thrown, caught, kicked or twisted in knots. It can even be flung high into the air and caught by the tail on its way down.

ACTIVE INDOOR PLAY

Wobble Deck Extreme Balancing Game is a smart way to stay active in a small, contained space. This particular version is electronic and features four fun balance games that challenge the mind and body.

Alex Toys Monkey Balance Board is a stripped down version of the Wobble Deck (and quiet!)

Diggin JumpStart Trampoline is an excellent space saving device that provides endless bouncy indoor fun for kids.

Yoga Games

Yoga is a fantastic way to get kids burning off energy indoors with lots of added health benefits. Yoga helps kids unwind and calm themselves. It reduces stress and helps kids to improve their concentration and balance. Yoga helps kids sleep better and improves gross and fine motor skills. It also improves digestion, strength and flexibility, while developing a child’s self-expression and confidence.

The ABC’s Yoga for Kids book is well illustrated and has lots of child-friendly versions of poses that are easy and fun to do. A colouring book, learning card set, poster and even a Spanish version are also available.

The Yoga Spinner Board is a great way to learn yoga and can be played alone or in a group. The basic idea is to spin the spinner and hold the pose you land on for 10 seconds without falling over!

Yoga Pretzels is a card set of yoga poses with beautiful illustrations and a story element to go with each of the poses.

Katrina Lezaic is a freelance journalist based in Sydney who currently writes for Yogee Toys.

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