Home / Toddler / Toddler Shopping Guides 18 toys for active toddlers that will keep them from bouncing off the walls SMOL Because who has more energy than a toddler at 5 am? By Sara Goldstein Updated December 5, 2023 SMOL Rectangle We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. Have you ever had one of those days when you have to wonder if your toddler guzzled the rest of the coffee when you weren’t looking? You’re still half asleep and they’re bouncing off the walls, fully capable of running a marathon’s worth of mileage around the living room. We’ve been there and it’s exhausting. Best case scenario you toss them into the backyard for some outdoor play. But when it’s cold or rainy, sometimes indoors is the only option. Thankfully there are tons of toys for active toddlers that get them moving and using that energy for something safer than scaling the refrigerator. From toys that bounce to Montessori-approved climbing structures, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to entertain the wild ones no matter how much space you have—and hopefully, they left you some coffee to enjoy a bit of peace while they play. Shop our top active toys for toddlers below! YogaKids The Yoga Garden Game • $24.95 For some focused movement, this Yoga Game introduces little ones to 10 classic yoga poses and encourages them to invent their own. The cooperative format means there’s no winners or losers–instead, players work together to plant a garden before night falls. Roll your mat down alongside them (they’ll need some guidance) and you may find it’s your favorite part of the day. SHOP FOR SMALL HANDS SHOP WALMART PlanToys Meadow Ring Toss • $30 Besides offering a fantastic opportunity to hone focus, coordination, determination and taking turns, ring toss games are just plain fun. Set them up close together for the littles and spread them out when older kids get in on the action. With their low-profile and rope rings, they’re a great option for safe indoor play. SHOP AMAZON SHOP MOTHERLY Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper • $16.99 Designed for ages 3 and up, My First Flybar offers kiddos who are too young for a pogo stick a frustration-free way to get their jump on. The wide foam base and stretchy bungee cord “stick” is sturdy enough to withstand tons of use and makes a super fun addition to obstacle courses and races. Full disclosure—it squeaks when they bounce, but don’t let that be a deterrent. One clever reviewer noted that with a pair of needle-nose pliers, you can surgically remove that sucker without damaging the base. SHOP AMAZON Fat Brain Toys Bilibo by Moluk • $29.95 Ok, so your first question might be what is it? However, a better question is what isn’t it? Designed in Sweden, Bilibo is an open-ended toy that can be used for all kinds of games and solo play. From balancing and jumping on top of it to rolling and spinning around inside of it, it’s a great way to develop strength and coordination. At quieter times it’s a fun place to sit and read or incorporate into imaginative play. SHOP AMAZON Piccalio Climber | Pikler Triangle Set • $349 Pikler triangles are a staple in Montessori classrooms and have subsequently gained popularity at home as well. Developed as a tool to help improve motor development skills, to forge independent activity, and to allow freedom of movement, they’re endlessly entertaining for toddlers and bigger kids alike. This foldable version comes with detachable ramp that features a rock wall on one side and a flat surface for sliding on the other. SHOP PICCALIO SHOP MOTHERLY Special Supplies Stepping Stones • $89 Simple, open-ended toys are always on the top of our list. These colorful stepping stones are an engaging addition to indoor play, challenging kiddos to jump from one to the next. The non-slip rubber edge helps them stay put on pretty much any surface, but we especially love them for obstacle courses! SHOP AMAZON Smol Bounce House • $569 Listen, we know erecting a legit bounce house in the living room isn’t for everyone. But what if it’s pretty? We’d be remiss not to mention that such a thing actually exists! Designed by two moms who wanted something they could live with which was still fun for their kiddos, the SMOL bounce houses can be used inside and out. They’re ridiculously attractive and fun (and come with a price tag to match) but when winter is long, it may be well worth the investment. And don’t worry. It comes in pink, too. SHOP WEST ELM ECR4Kids SoftZone Lincoln Tunnel Foam Play Climber • $269.99 This indoor climbing structure is designed to begin use as young as six months and can be configured to grow with your child from there. Nine foam pieces can be arranged into stairs, a tunnel, and a slide, allowing your child to practice motor and balance skills and burn off all that extra energy. The pieces are easy to clean and Green Guard (gold) certified. SHOP AMAZON Melissa & Doug Hop and Count Hopscotch • $31.49 Bring the sidewalk chalk classic inside with this colorful hopscotch rug! At over six and a half feet long, it can turn any hallway or playroom into a hopping good time. SHOP AMAZON SHOP MELISSA & DOUG Playskool Sit ‘n Spin • $34.99 Since 1973, kids have been getting their wiggles out (and their dizziness on) with the Playskool Sit n’ Spin. (Honestly, I’m a little queasy just thinking about it.) It’s designed for little ones ages 18 months to six years and even though they’re sitting down, it does take some muscle to get it going. The faster they can turn the wheel, the faster they’ll go! SHOP AMAZON Kidzlane Floor Piano Mat • $34.99 Ok, so you might not want to leave this one out all the time, but desperate times call for desperate measures, right? This six foot long touch sensitive keyboard mat lets kids make music with their hops, jumps and stomps. With eight different sounds and ten built-in songs, it might not always be music to your ears, but hey, they’re having fun right? SHOP Gymnic Rody • $64.85 You know that toddler who seems to be perpetually bouncing off the walls? (So, um, every toddler?) Rody is the perfect way to harness that energy in a fun and safe way. Not only does it promote balance and a fun workout for little wiggle worms, and bouncing is totally encouraged. SHOP AMAZON Hide N Side 5-Piece Ball Pit + Tunnels • $59.95 Go big or go home, right? This five-piece tunnel and ball pit provides hours of crawling, jumping and ball-tossing fun for kids age 1-6. Each piece collapses for easy storage, but be advised that the balls are sold separately! SHOP AMAZON Gentle Monster Wooden Balance Board • $69.99 Balance boards are one of the most simple toys with an endless amount of use. They can help your child develop their equilibrium while making for a fun exercise routine, then flip it over and it becomes a ramp for cars or even a small slide. It can even become a prop for imaginative play. This balance board is made of curved plywood and can support up to 480 (!) pounds. SHOP AMAZON Little Tikes Toddler Trampoline • $74.99 This trampoline is perfect for kids to burn off a little energy without having to purchase a massive one for the backyard. At 3-feet tall, it won’t take up too much space, and the handlebar helps them bounce away…safely. Plus, it has nearly 21,000 top reviews. SHOP AMAZON Cassaro Kids Playset • $349 It’s safe to say we’re a bit obsessed with the gorgeous grow-with-me rockers from Cassarokids. At once a place to play, relax and imagine, they can be used from age one all the way through childhood. When used as a rocker they can be outfitted with one of Cassarokids gorgeous tufted pillows to become the coziest place to read or snooze. Flip it over and it’s a super fun play structure that can support up to 200 pounds! And if you really want to create a space that’s made for play, it pairs perfectly with their equally stunning collection of pikler triangles and ramps. SHOP CASSAROKIDS Gym1 6-Piece Indoor Doorway Gym Set for Kids • $138.99 If you’ve got an open doorway, this easy-to-install but still super sturdy doorway gym is a one-stop shop for getting their energy out. After you mount the professional-grade steel bar kids can switch between a swing, rope ladder, climbing rope, pull up bar, plastic rings and even a hanging trapeze. And just like those fitness dudes you occasionally see working out on the playground (we have questions), this playtime workout set allows you to get some reps in yourself (if you so desire.) SHOP AMAZON A version of this story was published August 11, 2021. It has been updated. The latest Toddler Nutrition Here’s exactly how to try ‘responsive feeding’ with toddlers Our Partners Brick by brick, LEGO® DUPLO® helps preschoolers build friendships Our Partners We found the perfect gift for your toddler’s next birthday Our Partners Our packing must-have for toddler travel? LEGO® sets