Best Toddler Climbing Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Play
One thing’s for sure: Tots have no shortage of energy. Fortunately, toddler climbing toys help busy bees burn off that excess energy. What’s more, the best toddler climbing toys offer a host of benefits for your little ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses the importance of this type of play as “physical fun helps develop children’s motor skills, prevent childhood obesity and build emotional intelligence.” For example, as your little one scales a jungle gym they’ll need to concentrate on where to place their hands and feet and use their body strength to make it to the top. These actions help kids develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, all while giving their muscles a gentle workout.
Of course, the instinct to climb and explore doesn’t dissipate when the weather outside is frightful! While many items can be used indoors or outdoors, you might want to consider adding a few small-scale toddler indoor climbing toys to your home—especially if you want to keep them from scaling the furniture. Not sure what to look for when shopping for toddler climbing toys? Keep reading for expert tips, plus our favorite indoor and outdoor toys available now.
Wondering what kind of climbing toys you should get your kiddos? Here are a few things to keep in mind when hunting around for the best toddler climbing toys.
- Age appropriateness. Check the manufacturer’s weight guidelines to ensure a climbing toy is appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Stability. Look for climbing toys that have a stable base to prevent them from tipping over. If possible, place the climbing frame on a soft surface like a playmat to cushion your tot against potential falls.
- Materials. Opt for toddler climbing toys made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear and those that are free of sharp edges. Remember, metal can get very hot in the sun—so if you plan to place a climbing frame in the backyard, it’s best to go for a plastic or wooden model.
- Size: Toddler climbing toys take up a lot of space and can be awkward to store. Whether you plan to use it indoors or in the backyard, measure the place you intend on placing it in ahead of time to determine what size is best for your family.
- Easy to clean. Wipeable climbing toys are easier to sanitize and keep clean.
- Check for recall notices. Set up email notifications on the CSPC website, so you can stay up-to-date on any product recalls.
Lastly, falls and scrapes are inevitable, so it’s important to supervise your kids as they play on climbing toys at home, in the backyard or at the playground.
Let’s jump right in! These are our picks for the best toddler climbing toys to take your little one’s play session to the next level.
Overall best toddler climbing toy
- Can be arranged in a variety of ways
- Encourages open-ended play
- Suitable for all stages of toddlerhood (and beyond!)
- Large footprint
First up on our list of the best toddler climbing toys is the Avenlur Wood Small Triangle Climbing Set with Ladder, which is a Best of The Bump award-winner. The 5-in-1 playset has everything you'd want in an indoor playgym—and then some. The Montessori-inspired design includes a climbing triangle, a slide (that doubles as a rock-climbing wall) and a rocking arch. The versatile climbing toy for tots can be arranged to your little one's liking, inspiring endless open-ended play opportunities. Plus, you'll appreciate that it folds, so you can easily store it (and reclaim your living space) at the end of the day. In particular, our product tester, the mom of a 5-month-old and a 2-year-old, told us that she loves how her toddler can play on it confidently and independently. "The minute my daughter saw the climbing set she loved it, and immediately played with it. She came up with her favorite configurations (there are tons of varieties), and has been playing on it every single day for at least an hour or more," she said. We're obsessed!
Age range: 1 to 5 years | Dimensions: 59.5" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 17.7" (H) | Weight capacity: 132 lbs.
"My child's motor skills definitely improved due to the variety of configurations. She was able to look, think, and ask for a configuration she favored. It's very entertaining and nice to watch her so focused. Even though it's educational, she has had a blast on it cause she at least plays with it for any hour every day!"
Wooden slide
- Furniture-grade finish can be wiped clean
- Made from FSC certified birch wood
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Assembly required
For an indoor toddler climbing toy, this wooden slide makes a great choice. Kids can exercise those fine motor skills as they climb up the ladder, then slide down for a fun flourish. It’s small enough for indoor play, and folds neatly for easy storage. And unlike many plastic slides, this one is attractive enough to fit right in with the rest of your home decor. Available in a natural wood and white finish.
Age range: 18 months to 10 years | Dimensions: 43" (L) x 24" (W) x 16" (H) | Weight capacity: 181 lbs.
Climbing dome
- Plastic material is UV resistant to prevent fading
- Rust-resistant
- Assembly required
- Some parents say assembly instructions are confusing
Next up on our list of the best toddler climbing toys is this classic jungle gym. A great option for fun-loving tots, it provides hours of energetic and imaginative play. Kids can use it as a base for seated play or climb up the dome and practice hanging from the built-in monkey bars. It’s made of a lightweight plastic with UV protection that connects securely with double self-locking springs—meaning you’ll get a safe, secure tower that will stand the test of time. Looking for something even larger? This brand also makes a mega option in the shape of a pyramid.
Age range: 3 to 6 years | Dimensions: 70" (L) x 66" (W) x 47" (H) | Weight capacity: 150 lbs.
Wooden balance board
- Versatile toy can be used a number of ways
- Small footprint
- Using a balance board can take some practice
This innovative wooden toy functions as just about anything your littles dream up: a ramp, a bridge, a rocker—the options are endless. While it isn’t a traditional climbing toy, it offers many of the same great benefits. And with a weight capacity of up to 158 pounds, big kids (and even adults) can join in the fun too! Better yet, this versatile board is made from natural materials and has a felt lining on the base so it won’t leave scuff marks on your floor.
Age range: 3+ years | Dimensions: 12" (L) x 36" (H) | Weight capacity: 158 lbs.
Climbing toy activity center
- Suitable for the youngest toddlers
- Set features a slide, rock wall and tunnel
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Assembly required
Looking for a toddler climbing toy for young beginners? Check out this activity center by Little Tikes. Designed for ages one and up, this toy comes with a simple rock wall ramp, a tunnel and even a slide. It’s sturdy enough for outdoor use but compact enough to use indoors if you have the space.
Age range: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 51.9" (L) x 39.6" (W) x 23.3" (H) | Weight capacity: 90 lbs.
Play couch
- Anti-microbial vinyl cover can be wiped clean
- Multiple uses
- Bulky climbing toy may be difficult to store
Bring active play home with this indoor toddler climbing toy. The set comes with a folding base and two wedges cushions. Available in an array of colors, the Blocksy Mini allows your kids to use their creativity to build, climb and hide all day long. What’s more, when they’re not using this set for rough and tumble play, it can be configured into a small couch for quieter activities like reading or drawing.
Age range: 6 months to 8 years | Dimensions: 16" (L) x 23" (W) x 23" (H) | Weight capacity: 40 lbs.
Rock wall climbing toy
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Multiple uses
- Crafted from premium materials
- Assembly required
Rock walls are a great way to refine those hand-eye coordination skills, as kids have to navigate the hand- and foot-holds as they pull themselves up. A full-size rock wall may be too much for your tot to handle, which is why we like this mini version by KidKraft. This wooden A-frame clubhouse has a window on one side and a climbing wall with six rocks on the other. Newly minted tots can use it as a cozy clubhouse, while older kids can practice their climbing skills. Once your little one makes it to the tippy-top, they can ring a bell on the roof to announce their success.
Age range: 3 to 5 years | Dimensions: 42.5" (L) x 31.3" (W) x 36.6" (H) | Weight capacity: N/A
Climbing triangle set
- Multiple ways to play
- Folds up for easy storage
- Cleans easily using a damp cloth
- Assembly required
- Indoor use only
Versatile climbing triangles are among the best toddler climbing toys, especially for the younger set. This one from Piccalio is suitable for babies, toddlers and big kids, and is made from sustainably sourced birch plywood and New Zealand pine. The set includes a classic climbing triangle, plus a reversible ramp that doubles as a rock wall. Trust us, your kid will never tire of playing with this adaptable toy.
Age range: 6 months to 6 years | Dimensions: 30.5" (L) x 27.5" (W) x 36.5" (H) | Weight capacity: 132 lbs.
Stepping stones
- Anti-skid bottoms prevents stones from sliding
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Stepping stones must be stored inside
Not all toddler climbing toys need to be high! Stepping stones may be just a few inches off the ground, but they still provide a perfect opportunity for tots to hone their gross motor skills. This classic set is a fantastic addition to your playspace. Six “stones” feature different heights, which helps kids learn about spatial relationships and balance. Your little ones can use the steps as part of an obstacle course, or for popular preschool games like Mother, May I and Floor is Lava. The stones have a non-slip surface and rubber edges, so they won’t slip and slide during play time.
Age range: N/A | Dimensions: 14" (L) x 3" (H) (Big stones); 10" (L) x 2" (H) (Small stones) | Weight capacity: 110 lbs.
Balance beam
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Made from FSC-certified birch hardwood
- Anti-slip pads on the base
- Store inside overnight
- Wipe clean with an oil soap designed for wood
Keep things simple with a balance board by Lily and River. The montessori-inspired plaything is designed to help with balance, coordination and confidence. Use it on its own or alongside other toddler climbing toys; either way, your little one will have fun.
Age range: 18 months to 8 years | Dimensions: 48" (L) x 4" (W) x 6" (H)| Weight capacity: N/A
Foam climbing blocks
- Blocks are waterproof and wipe clean
- Foam shapes are soft and easy to maneuver
- Be sure to check toy measurements; some parents say the pieces aren’t as large as the photos make it seem
Concerned about tumbles and scrapes? This foam block set guarantees a soft landing for curious tots. Designed for safety, this toddler climbing toy has no hard surfaces or sharp corners, making it the perfect addition to a playroom. Better yet, the generously sized pieces are lightweight, stackable and waterproof. If they get grubby, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and you’re good to go. These blocks give little ones the freedom to build, crawl, climb and create to their hearts’ content. What more could you ask for?
Age range: 12+ months | Dimensions: 16" (L) x 8" (H) (Cylinder); 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 8" (H) (Ramp); 16" (L) x 16" (H) (Half-circle); 16" (L) x 8" (H) (Rectangle) | Weight capacity: N/A
Balance beam and stepping stone set
- Modular design lets you adjust the layout
- Comes with a carry case
- Assembly required
We’ve already talked about the benefits of a balance beam and stepping stones—but how about a climbing toy that combines both elements? This set includes a six-piece balance beam and stepping stones that work not only to slightly elevate the beam, but also allow you to create different routes. The stepping stones can be configured straight or at an angle, allowing your kids to decide how they’d like to lay out the beam.
Age range: N/A | Dimensions: 29.5" (L) x 11" (W) x 4.8" (H)| Weight capacity: 110 lbs.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Healthy Children (American Academy of Pediatrics), The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive, May 3, 2023
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.