Unpack the outdoor toys, get out the camping gear, hang out the bird feeders – spring is in the air and it is time to get outside! After the long cold winter cooped up inside, we can all do with a little vitamin D and a good old stretch and there is no better way to do this than to have some fun in the sun.

Is your outdoor toy collection looking a bit lacklustre? You are in luck; as we have compiled a list of ten fun outdoor toys to get your imagination going. These include:

1. Trampolines. Ever since the trampoline was first introduced to global audiences by its creators, George Nissen and Larry Griswold back in 1934, adults and children alike have been enjoying hours of bouncing fun. Originally intended as a training tool for tumblers and gymnasts, the pair soon realised the trampoline’s commercial value as an outdoor toy and began marketing it as such. And best of all – there is no need to dig a great big hole in your backyard. Most toy stores now carry collapsible trampolines that can be folded up for easy storage when it is not in use.

2. Skates, rollerblades and skateboards. Skating is a great way to stimulate hand-eye coordination and children enjoy it to boot. These fun outdoor toys come in a great variety of colours and styles, so shop around until you find a pair your child will enjoy.

3. Play centres. Adored by the preschool crowd, play centres are also a great way to keep your backyard tidy. Having a whole bunch of separate toys lying around can quickly get messy, that is why a toy centre is such a wonderful idea – it combines a variety of toys without taking up too much space. A handy tip: Little Tikes outdoor toys have a great range of affordable play centres that include the Climb ‘n Slide Castle, as well as the cute Turtle Sandbox. The latter even comes with a lid that you can close so that the sand doesn’t get wet in the event of an April shower.

4. Balls, bats and Frisbees. Heading down to the beach? Don’t forget the beach bats! And what about a Frisbee to keep the youngsters busy while you catch up on your tan? Frisbee no longer has to be a predictable, repetitive game either. Add a bit of excitement to your game with the Nite Ize FlashFlight Blue LED Frisbee. This fun outdoor toy boasts LED illumination and it is waterproof, making it perfect for swimming pool games.

5. Fort building materials. There is nothing like a great, big DIY project to pull the family together, so why not build a tree house this summer? Pick out a nice sturdy tree, get a plan off the internet and Bob is your proverbial uncle. Not lucky enough to have a great big tree in your yard? Then simply build a fort. Materials that will come in useful include rope, cold glue, hard board/chip board, plastic sheeting, water soluble PVA paint and a staple gun. (Please note that the use of a staple gun should always be supervised by a responsible adult.)

And there you have it – a few ideas that should spice up your outdoor toy collection in no time at all. What are you waiting for? Make a list and head out to buy those fun outdoor toys right now!