Gear

The Best Portable Play Yards for Restless Kids This Summer

While your toddler safely, happily explores, you can safely, happily drink a cup of coffee.

by Donna Freydkin
A portable play yard for kids, set against a green backdrop

At some point in your parenting journey, you’re going to want to drink a cup of coffee. Or, dare to dream, use the bathroom. Alone. Without holding a squirmy infant. That’s why you need a play pen. As the name implies, it pens in your child, freeing you up to do other things. And now, with the advent of spring and summer, you’re going to want an outdoor play yard. The best play yards are lightweight, since you’ll be moving the thing around. They can be used indoors and out, and are easy to set up and take down, for obvious reasons (unless you’re a glutton for punishment). They provide protection against the sun and bugs, and they allow easy entry and exit, for when you’re ready to take your child indoors. And though it might be tempting to go inside and read a book (remember those?) while your kid is in her pen, remember that your child should be supervised at all times.

The Best Portable Play Yards for Summer 2021

Basecamp Portable Play Yard by Veer
$189
Pop ’n Play Deluxe Ultimate Play Yard by Summer Infant
$109.99
Pack ’n Play LiteTraveler Play Yard by Graco

If your yard is shaded and you don't need a canopy, this play yard from Graco is a solid choice. You set up or take it down in seconds with thanks to a one-step fold. The sides are mesh, so you can see your child. And the zippered activity door makes entry and exit easy. You can use this until your child is 35 inches tall; the product weight is 13 pounds.

$100
Pack ’n Play LiteTraveler LX Play Yard by Graco

At 16 pounds, this is one of the heaviest play yards on our list. This one has the same easy set up and fold as the model above, but it comes with a removable canopy. There's a padded floor for extra comfort, a zippered activity door, and mesh sides. The height limit is 35 inches.

$150
On-the-Go Baby Dome by Fisher-Price
$86.59

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