Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR AGES 12 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Over the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in toys and games from decades ago, in part due to adults that may now have children of their own and want to bring back fond memories whilst also creating new ones with their family.
The nostalgia that comes from old school toys is a welcome feeling and many of the toys that first came out in the '60s to '90s are still just as enjoyable when played with today. These old toys range from classic wooden varieties right through to handheld electronics but what you consider retro toys will ultimately depend on your age.
Our vintage toys list includes toys, games and other items that any family will want to add to their retro toys collection.
To find more toys that kids will love, take a look at these kids' pool tables and these wooden baby toys.
Old or young, this repeat the pattern game is simple yet addictive. Starting slowly, the suspense builds as the combinations slowly get more complicated and remembering the sequence becomes more tricky.
These vintage toy soldiers are great for hours of imaginative play. The figures are all posed differently and hold a variety of weapons, and there are two distinct troops so that battles can be created between two or more players with ease.
The world's number one selling puzzle had to be included in this retro toys list. It is challenging and sometimes infuriating but anyone who plays it will be captivated for hours on end trying to make each face full of all one colour.
This retro virtual pet will keep any child engaged for hours while they grow it from egg to adult by feeding it, playing with it, checking its health and even disciplining it. A simple interface with just three buttons makes it incredibly easy to use.
This mini version of the original Speedlink SL-650212 features a huge range of classic arcade games. Whilst kids might be used to all singing, and all dancing game graphics, they are guaranteed to still see the appeal of this great retro system.
This classic naval combat game brings together strategy, memory skills and competition in order to find your opponents ships and sink them whilst keeping your ships afloat.
Another great board game that's worth adding to the collection, in Mouse Trap players must be the first to get six pieces of cheese without being trapped in the basket! A fast paced, quirky game that's fun for the whole family.
If you want a bat and ball game with a twist, Swingball just might be for you. Rather than the ball flying free, it is attached to a cable and players hit it back and forth in a competitive fashion. This version is suitable for all surfaces and when finished, it can be packed back away into the base for easy storage.
This is one of those retro toys that provides entertainment for hours and hours. Children use the two dials to create a picture and when finished, they simply shake it to take it back to a blank canvas.
Originally designed for mechanical engineers, the Spirograph makes it easy for kids to create beautifully intricate patterns in just a few moments. Once the outline of the design has been drawn, they can enjoy colouring it in to make a full-blown masterpiece.
This vintage toy shop cash register is ideal for roleplaying. Kids can pretend to be a shop clerk by ringing up items from a basket and asking their customers to pay for their goods. It is also a great way for children to explore currency and counting.
With this fold away Post Office front, children are free to let their imagination lead their play. They can roleplay shop scenarios where customers need to pay to send letters, sign licenses, check collection times, exchange currency and so much more.
If you like antique toys, this one isn't quite old enough but variations of it did start to appear on shop shelves in the '60s making it somewhat of a classic. It engages young children with the colourful rings that are designed to stack in size order and they are a great way to introduce colours, shape and counting.
If you prefer old-fashioned toys over newer plastic alternatives then this wooden toddle truck might be one to add to your basket. It helps toddlers to balance and walk while they push it along and has blocks of different colours and shapes that children can use to build and count with.
For many, when they think of vintage toy cars Scalextric will spring to mind. This version, which is ideal for younger children, allows you to pay homage to the original version while two miniature cars are raced around the track. The track is easy to assemble into a figure of eight as it has colour coded lanes and each piece is simple to connect to one another. Once the racing is over, you only need a few moments to take it back apart for easy storage.
<p>Hailing from London, Jade now calls Lincolnshire home and enjoys the serene countryside that surrounds her. She has a wealth of experience as a primary school teacher, possessing a strong understanding of the curriculum, games, activities, and learning opportunities for children aged between 3-11. Jade is constantly on the lookout for new outdoor adventures and educational attractions to share with her two nephews. Her interests in science and crafts also enable her to provide fun, engaging, and educational activities for children to enjoy on rainy days. With a passion for discovering new experiences, she is always seeking out the latest deals and attractions to ensure a memorable time for all.</p>
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
