20 Best Climbing Toys For Toddlers in 2024
I once read somewhere that a toddler needs to climb as much as an adult needs to breathe.
And fair enough, my toddler is constantly on the move. She’s creating her own obstacle courses at home and loves going over, under, and around the chairs, table, piles of toys. Not to mention running up and down the stairs 200 times a day.
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If all of this sounds familiar, then you too need a toddler climber. It helps them burn the extra energy and allows them to explore their limits in a safe way.
That’s why I’ve decided to put together this list of the best climbing toys for toddlers.
Why would you need a climber?
Having a climbing toy at home is so much more than a tool to tire your active toddler.
Here are a few of the benefits of using a climbing toy:
- Promotest hand-eye coordination
- Improves dexterity
- Strengthens core
- Inspires imagination
- Provides hours of fun
The best climbing toys for toddlers
Everyone’s needs are different. Thus, there is, unfortunately, no one-fits-all solution when it comes to toddler climbers.
Luckily, you can filter through the noise and pick the one that is the best for YOU.
Best climbing toys for older toddlers (2-3 years old)
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
My personal favorite of all climbers. It reminds me of the climbers from my childhood.
While it’s advertised for both outdoor and indoor use, its dimensions are more suitable for large outdoor spaces. The tower is 178 cm (70 in) in diameter and 118 cm (47 in) tall.
It’s recommended for ages 3 to 8 and can provide endless fun guaranteed to tire your active toddler.
Step2 Game Time Sports Climber and Slide
This combined climber and slide is suitable for ages 2+.
Instead of regular stairs, it features a climber that your little one has to go through to reach the top of the slide.
It also has a basketball hoop and a crawl-through area that doubles as a soccer goal.
Kids Dome Climber Play Structures – Multiple Kids Jungle Gym Climbing Structure, Activity Center, Outdoor & Indoor Playground, Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
If you want to invest in a structure that your kids won’t outgrow anytime soon you may consider this dome climber.
It’s recommended for ages 3 to 10, however, my 2-year-old had tons of fun on one of these recently.
On the downside, it is only comfortable for a couple of kids, so if you have more than two, you may want to consider another climbing toy for your toddlers.
Best climbing toys for young toddlers (1-2 years old)
Galt Nursery Trampoline, Toddler Trampoline for Ages 1+
Trampolines develop the child’s muscles and boost their coordination and balance. And this is the perfect first trampoline for your little one.
Why?
Because it has an easy-grip handle, non-slip rubber feet, and a cute tortoise design.
It is also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, for toddlers aged 12+ months, and weight up to 20 kg (44 pounds).
Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center Playset
Another climber that is suitable for your baby’s first birthday.
It has two little steps that your toddler can climb, before going down the slide. It also has a built-in basketball hoop, a basketball, a tethered baseball, and a bat.
As a bonus, all accessories can be stored in the activity center when not in use.
MAGIFIRE 5 Pieces Inflatable Climbing Blocks
This set includes 5 pieces of soft inflatable blocks, where your toddler can climb, slide, and crawl from 9 months.
Two things I like most about it:
- They are so lightweight your toddler can carry them and arrange them on their own.
- Their velcro system allows for secure connections between the blocks with no gap where your toddler can fall.
Best climbing toys for crawlers
Factory Direct Partners SoftScape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber
This climber is the perfect play area to install in the corner of a room.
It’s made out of soft foam, features a non-slip bottom, and hook-and-loop fasteners so the pieces stay in place.
It can provide hours of fun while your little one learns to sit, crawl, climb, and slide. And while it’s designed for younger toddlers, it may just as well become your preschooler’s favorite area in the house.
ECR4Kids – ELR-12683 SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set, Lightweight Foam Shapes for Climbing, Crawling and Sliding
If you have a little more space for your crawling sweetheart, this playset is a great way to encourage them to crawl and walk.
Arrange them as you wish, let them crawl through an obstacle course or slide down on the soft surface.
In addition, the shapes are so lightweight that older toddlers can also use them as giant building blocks as well.
Best big backyard climbing toys
Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center
If you have a huge backyard, this is the perfect climber for you. It’s 305 cm (10 ft) wide and 152 cm (5 ft) tall. Impressive, right?
It doesn’t need cement to install, it is low-maintenance and durable. I.e. it can stay in your backyard in sunshine, wind, or rain.
Still, keep in mind that this climber is more advanced and you will need to keep a close eye on your toddler.
Little Tikes 8-in-1 Adjustable Playground
Speaking of large climbers, Little Tikes’ 8-in-1 playground has a length of 445 cm (175 in). And it has pretty much everything to keep your toddler busy.
They can climb, crawl, slide, and best of all, there’s enough space for all their friends.
Island Hopper Fort All Sport Recreational Kids Bounce House
If you happen to host kids’ parties regularly then you definitely need one of these. It offers enough space for 5 kids to jump, climb, slide, and so much more.
This inflatable island features 7 different sports and activities: climbing wall, soccer goal, curved slide, basketball hoop, jump floor, elevated lookout fort, and twist & tangle.
On the downside, it comes at a very high price and so you will have to pass if you’re on a budget.
Best small backyard climbing toys
Little Tikes First Slide Toddler Slide
If you don’t have the space or budget for a big toddler climber, a slide with built-in stairs to climb may be just what you are looking for.
It’s classic, it’s compact, it’s fun, and it doesn’t break the bank.
This particular slide is perfect for young toddlers and can be used from 18+ months. And as a bonus for mom and dad, it’s extremely easy to assemble and even easier to store when not in use.
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
What makes this slide different from the rest is that it doesn’t have stairs for your little one to climb. Instead, your toddler will have to go through a rock climbing wall for beginners.
It also features a crawl tunnel which can be used as a hide-out as well.
JumpOff Jo Rocksteady Balance Stepping Stones for Kids
You don’t have space for any climbing structures but you still want a tool for your toddler to burn out some energy and promote their balance and coordination?
Then check out these balance stepping stones. The set contains 6 stones of 3 different sizes that your toddler can arrange in an obstacle course or play games such as The floor is lava, Follow the leader, and many more.
And as a bonus, they come at a significantly lower price compared to regular climbing structures.
Best indoor climbing toys
Indoor Playground Toddler Climber Slide – Kids Jungle Gym Playset – Activity Toddler Climber Structure
Looking for a complete toddler gym to fit indoors? This would be the one.
This jungle gym is designed for toddlers aged 2 to 6 years. It features a climbing ladder, climbing net, monkey bars, gymnastic rings, and a slide. And it’s all assembled over very little space.
Eezy Peezy TM300- Playset with 50 Balls
Show me a toddler that doesn’t love ball pits.
If you’re looking for a different type of climber to add to your kids’ playroom, check out this slide and ball pit playset.
It features a ball pit with 50 colorful balls, a toss target, and a slide.
This playset is suitable for toddlers aged 1-3 and is guaranteed to provide them hours of safe fun.
Little Baby Bum Wheels on the Bus Climber and Slide with Interactive Musical Dashboard by Little Tikes
Is your toddler obsessed with The Wheels on the Bus?
Then they are sure to love this climber inspired by Little Baby Bum.
The set features a climber, a slide, and a wheel that plays the popular tune.
To inspire imaginative play, the bus is also equipped with a horn, ignition, and gear shifter.
Don’t know about you, but I’m sure that of all the climbing toys for toddlers, my little one would love this one the most.
Best Waldoft and Montessori climbing toys
Smart Climbing Triangle with Ramp, Climbing Arch, Montessori Climber, Waldorf Ladder, Toddler Gym
If you want it all, you can have it. But it does come at a price.
Made out of premium birch plywood and beech wood, it can be used both indoors and out.
The gym includes a climbing triangle, a climbing arch, and 2 climbing ramps, one of which also doubles as a slide.
Due to the risk of falling, however, avoid installing over hard floors like concrete or parquet. And make sure your child is supervised at all times.
Wood Rainbow Rocker Board for Toddlers – Waldorf Balance Board
If you’re into developmental toys but you’re short on space, the Waldorf balance board may be just what you need.
It encourages mobility and balance, helps the toddler exercise, and sparks their imagination.
Use it as a climber or as a balancer, rock in it, or crawl under it. It’s entirely up to your little one.
Tottlr Climbing Cube – Indoor Climber
As an alternative to the Pikler triangle, the climbing cube is getting more popular by the day.
This mini climbing gym for toddlers is inspired by the educational systems of Montessori and Waldorf. It helps toddlers boost their imagination and put their abilities and creativity to the test.
And as a bonus, it’s very compact and goes perfectly with any other Montessori toddler gym.
Conclusion
This post provides many different climbing toys for toddlers to choose from.
The best one for you depends mainly on the age of your little one and the space you have to install the structure. But whatever you choose, it will surely give your toddler countless hours of fun in a safe and active environment.
