10 Outdoor Toy Storage Ideas

Tame the toy chaos and take back your outdoor space with our 10 outdoor toy storage ideas that are also easy on the eyes.

Summer is here which for us (and our small house) means we have a whole untapped family play area…the backyard! I’m not saying we don’t use the backyard in the Winter–but our Winters are fah-reezing here in the Minne-snow-ta, so it’s not always a reliable or long term place to play.  With summer backyard play comes toys. And with outdoor toys comes the question of where to we store them, while still keeping them close at hand?

I’ve done the research and found 10 outdoor toy storage ideas. Many of these storage pieces also do double duty as benches and coffee tables. Others, like the wood slat planter and bar carts, are ones we’re thinking outside the box for creative and good-looking storage ideas.

Please note, while some pieces here are rated for 24/7, balls-to-the-wall, outdoor use, others are recommended for covered porch or awning use (no direct exposure to mother nature), so make sure to review product spec’s before purchasing. And with that, let’s cut to the chase!

1. These tall powder coated iron baskets are perfect for coralling balls, sports equipment and the like.

2. In an effort not to have a ga-zill things peppering your yard, I like when pieces do double function duty. Like this bench with built-in storage! Functional, good design, outdoor-friendly…a triple threat!

3. I love the idea of the ‘open bar’ in the back yard, but our backyard is right off our kitchen, so a ‘bar’ set up isn’t a necessity right now. Though don’t get me wrong, we appreciate a good cocktail as much as the next tired, overrun parent duo! Who’s to say you can’t re-purpose bar carts and consoles as kid storage centers. I’m envisioning outdoor-ready baskets to throw toys in and even parking larger toys on the lower shelf.

4. Speaking of outdoor baskets for toys…

5. Bar cart turned fly-on-the-wall storage console. See more up at #3!

6. Along the same line as double duty pieces, what about repurposing pieces for other uses? Remove the metal liner on this wood plank planter and you have an awesome spot to corral balls, bats, etc.

7. Okay this piece might just be my absolute favorite for functionality’s-sake. It’s large and can hold LOTS of toys and pool floaties. The modern, sleek, drainable steel design makes for a great, all around storage solution.

8. #8 & #9 go hand in hand. Coffee tables for outdoor lounge spots that also hold/hide all the kid chaos.

9. Coffee table with storage. See more at #8!

10. More good looking iron baskets for open outdoor consoles, or simply to tuck here and there around the yard, mudroom, and garage. This trio stacks up neatly when not in use.

---

Got an outdoor-ready storage idea not listed? Please share in comments!

More Backyard Reads:

• Our Backyard ReDesign: Before & After
• Build a Modern Grid Trellis from Garden Stakes
• 15+ Modern Fire Pits via Jojotastic
• 3 DIY’s for Creating the Perfect Al Fresco Retreat