Top Outdoor Pet Toys For Endless Summer Fun

Sun’s out, paws out! Summer in Aotearoa means barbecues, beach days and loads of time outdoors with our furry family members. Whether your pet is a go-getter at the park or a paddling enthusiast, having the right outdoor toys can make all the difference for fun-filled, safe adventures. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’ve rounded up the top outdoor toys for cats and dogs to help you make the most of the season. From fetch favourites to water play wonders, get ready for tail-wagging and purring all summer long.

Best Dog Toys For Backyard Play

Kiwi pups love a good game of fetch, and summer is the perfect time to burn off energy in the backyard or at the dog park. Here are a few fetch-worthy favourites:

• Fetch toys: Think high-flyers like frisbees, flying rings or tennis balls. Brands like Chuckit! and Nerf Dog are standouts for durability and bounce power.
• Tug toys: Great for bonding and building strength. Look for tough rope designs that can hold up to even the most enthusiastic tuggers — the Pup & Purr Treat Spinner Tough Dog Toy and Coco & Cooper The Ruff Rope Dog Toy are top picks that hold up to endless backyard challenges.
• Chew toys: Outdoor-safe chews like Benebone Bacon Ring Dog Toy or the KONG Classic Dog Toy help keep teeth clean and pups entertained while you lounge in the sun.

Paws In The Water: Top Toys For Pool Or Beachtime

For wet-nose explorers, water toys are a fantastic way to beat the heat. Whether you're poolside or hitting one of NZ’s dog-friendly beaches, these toys are summer must-haves:

• Floating fetch toys: Designed to stay afloat, these toys are easy for your dog to spot and retrieve. Try the M‑PETS Sprintpuff Floatable Frisbee Dog Fetch Toy — lightweight, durable and perfect for beach or pool games. Or choose the Pup & Purr Floatable Footy Ball Tough Dog Toy, built tough and ready for splash-retrieves. These kinds of toys are ideal for active pups who love water play and fetch combined.
• Bonus water options: For a more relaxed splash session, consider the M-PETS Outdoor Dog Water Sprinkler Pad or the M-PETS Pluf Portable Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool for splash-ready fun.
• Cooling toys: Freeze-friendly designs like the M-PETS Cooling Pineapple Dog Chew Toy give your pup a chilled play experience that’s both fun and refreshing.

Adventure-Ready Toys For Wild Walks & Park Visits

When you're venturing beyond the backyard, portable and interactive toys come in handy. They’re also great for teaching new tricks or reinforcing recall skills:

• Interactive toys: Choose options that squeak, bounce unpredictably or hold treats. Puzzle toys like the KONG Puppy Goodie Bone Dog Toy and M-PETS Brainy Games Interactive Darwin Dog Toy offer mental stimulation for picnics or park hangs.
• Travel-friendly fetch sets: Consider the Chuckit! Ball Launcher Sport Dog Toy for easy on-the-go games and impressive long-distance throws.
• Glow-in-the-dark toys: Headed out later in the day? Glow toys make sunset play sessions safer and more fun.

Outdoor Toy Ideas For Cats Who Crave The Sunshine

Yes, cats can enjoy summer adventures too! If your feline friend has outdoor access or enjoys supervised sunbathing, these toys will bring out their wild side:

• Cat wands and teasers: Try the All For Paws Modern Cat Magic Wand Cat Toy or KONG Active Twisted Boa Teaser Cat Toy to encourage your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
• Interactive & electronic toys: Keep cats entertained with motion-activated picks like the Cheerble M1 Mini Cat Ball or PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy — both great for garden play or outdoor adventures.
• Cat harnesses: Not technically a toy, but essential if your cat is curious about the garden, deck or local park. Strengthen your bond with some gentle lead training.

Make Toy Time Even More Rewarding

Play and treats go paw in paw. Pair your pet’s outdoor toy time with natural treats as a reward for learning, fetching or just being your adorable sidekick. You can even tuck treats into toys for longer play sessions (and less boredom). And if your pet tends to get overexcited, try incorporating calming essentials to ease their energy gently — ideal after a busy afternoon on the beach or at the bach.

Stay Safe In The Summer Sun

While outdoor toys are all about fun, a few safety tips help keep things worry-free:

• Keep sessions short in peak heat times and ensure access to shade and fresh water.
• Choose toys made from pet-safe, durable materials that can withstand teeth, claws and New Zealand’s sun.
• Check toys for wear and tear regularly and swap them out when needed.

And remember, every pet is different — if your pup is more puddle lover than fetch fanatic or your cat prefers lounging to leaping, there’s an outdoor toy to match their vibe.

Let The Summer Fun Begin

No matter how your furry mate likes to play, Petdirect has summer sorted. Shop our full Summer Essentials collection for everything from the coolest toys to hydration must-haves, plus enjoy perks like Pet Perks rewards and Airpoints. With expert-approved picks and NZ’s best pet brands, you and your pet are ready for sunny memories all season long.

Because at Petdirect, we get pet — and we know they deserve the best this summer.