As soon as your little one is on the move, your biggest challenge becomes keeping up! Holding your toddler’s attention span can be a tough task, especially since their boundless bounty of energy keeps them from staying in one place very long. Fortunately, there are a lot of great toys that cater to a tot’s constant curiosity and need to explore. Here are our 7 favoritetoys for active toddlers.
7 Best Toys for Active Toddlers (2024 Reviews)
Best Toys for Active Toddlers
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1. Kiddey Children’s Play Tent with Tunnel
(Easiest to assemble — $$)
Why it’s great: This 3-piece tent and tunnel set encourages active play and exploration and is designed for kids of all ages. Great for outdoor or indoor use, this play tent is sure to entertain your little one for hours on end no matter if they’re playing with friends or siblings or on their own. Easy to assemble and dissemble, this lightweight activity set folds down for easy storage when not in use. Parents praise this product for its maneuverability and durability.
Keep in mind: The balls are not included with this product and must be purchased separately.
Good for: Parents looking for a toy to keep their little one busy indoors and outdoors.
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2. Radio Flyer Chestnut Plush Interactive Riding Horse
(Highest quality — $$$)
Why it’s great: This interactive riding horse is a modern take on the classic rocking horse tradition. Made from extra soft fabric (perfect for petting), this riding horse has three speeds, including walking, trotting and galloping and makes accompanying sounds accordingly. This horse also comes with several accessories, including a bandana, a comb and a carrot. Best of all, when your little one holds the carrot to the horse’s mouth, it makes a crunching sound to simulate eating its tasty treat.
Keep in mind: This toy is designed for children 2-6 years old.
Good for: Parents looking for a high-quality interactive toy for their little one to play with on their own.
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3. AppleRound Space Hopper Ball with Air Pump
(Best value — $)
Why it’s great: This hopper ball is a simple and affordable way for an active toddler to expend some of their endless energy. Sold with a two-way air pump, this rubber ball is inflated before use and can be ridden, bounced and thrown. Featuring a cute lion design, this hopper ball has a built-in handle for little hands to hold on to while they bounce. This ball is easy to inflate and deflate and can be flattened and stored when not in use.
Keep in mind: Some customers say this product must be inflated every few days to keep its shape.
Good for: Parents looking for a small, affordable toy to tire out their tot.
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4. Little Tikes 3' Trampoline
(Best trampoline — $$)
Why it’s great: One of the most popular toys on the market for active toddlers, this trampoline is designed specifically to be used inside the house. Made with sturdy plastic and metal, this trampoline also has a handlebar that provides extra stability and safety. Trampolines are a great way for kids to improve their fitness, balance and coordination and parents praise this product for its affordability and durability as well as how easy it is to assemble.
Keep in mind: This trampoline is for indoor use only.
Good for: Toddlers 3-6 years old as this product requires some strength and coordination.
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5. SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set
(Best climbing blocks — $$$)
Why it’s great: This Climb and Crawl Activity Set is popular among parents for its quality construction and long-lasting durability. Made from dense foam material that’s slip-resistant, this set of five oversized blocks is perfect for kids to climb, crawl and slide down. Made for playing in the living room or the backyard, these blocks help develop important motor skills, such as lifting, stacking and carrying. Available in two color schemes, these blocks are also easy to wipe down and clean.
Keep in mind: Some customers say these blocks aren’t as big as they look in the promotional photos, so check the measurements before purchasing.
Good for: Kids who love to climb all over the furniture as these blocks provide a safe and fun way for this kind of play.
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6. Little Tikes T-Ball Set
(Best beginner sports equipment — $)
Why it’s great: This t-ball set comes with a stand, an oversized plastic bat and a set of balls for endless outdoor fun. The stand’s height can be adjusted to meet your little one’s needs as they grow and their batting skills improve. This t-ball set also encourages tots to practice their motor skills and hand-eye coordination and will instill a love of playing sports from an early age. Easy to put together, this set also has a built-in hook for hanging storage.
Keep in mind: Some customers report only receiving two balls instead of five, so be sure to check your shipment in case you need to request more balls.
Good for: Teaching toddlers hand-eye coordination.
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7. Radio Flyer Busy Buggy
(Best ride-on car toy — $$)
Why it’s great: This ride-on Busy Buggy features 17 interactive activities to stimulate your little one’s senses and improve their motor skills. Designed for tots ages 1-3, this toy car has three modes: push walker, ride-on and sensory play. Interactive features include clicking buttons, moving gears, a honking horn and reflective mirrors that flip in and out. A hidden bonus feature reveals extra storage space under the seat, so your little one can bring their favorite toys along for the ride.
Keep in mind: This car doesn’t have any lights or make any sounds.
Good for: Toddlers learning to walk as this toy can be used as a push walker to help develop their balance and strength.
Kiddey Children’s Play Tent with Tunnel
The Kiddey Children’s Play Tent with Tunnel is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about toys for Active Toddlers
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1. What are the best indoor activities for active toddlers?
Being trapped indoors with an active toddler can be a daunting prospect. Fortunately, there are a lot of toys and activities designed to engage your little one inside the house. Collapsible play tents and climbing blocks can be set up in a living room or bedroom and will provide hours of active fun. Trampolines and bouncy ponies are also a safe bet and can be used in small indoor spaces as well.
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2. What are the best outdoor activities for active toddlers?
Going outside provides more space and fewer restrictions for your little one to play. It also provides a better setting for certain activities and toys, such as beginners’ sports equipment and ride-on toys. While many of these toys can also be used indoors, going outside provides more freedom for your little one to play and explore with the added benefit of getting some fresh air. Not to mention, your little one won’t have to use their inside voice!
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3. How do I keep my active toddler safe?
Accidents are bound to happen as your little one becomes mobile and learns to control their movements. Encouraging your toddler to be active is important as it aids both their physical and cognitive development, but it can be stressful for parents who want to protect their kiddos from every tumble and scratch. While most toys are designed with safety in mind, always keep an eye on your toddler while they play. Help them practice playing with a new toy to ensure they’re using it correctly and always consult the product’s instructions and safety guidelines to ensure proper use.
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4. What are general guidelines for choosing a toy for my active toddler?
All kids are different and you’ll want to find a toy that engages your little one’s specific interests and preferences. Some toys are designed to be used in a variety of different ways, which can hold a toddler’s attention span longer. Toys that grow with your little one are also great as you won’t have to worry about your child outgrowing them in a few months. Your best bet is to choose a toy that sparks your child’s imagination and encourages safe and active playtime.
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5. What are the benefits of encouraging your toddler to be active?
Encouraging your toddler to be active has numerous benefits. It builds muscle strength and improves motor skills as well as builds confidence and communication skills. Active play is also a great way for your little one to discover the world around them and learn how things work. Even simple toys and activities are teaching important lessons, like pattern recognition and the connection between cause and effect.
Conclusion
Now that your toddler is on the move, you’ll need to find toys and activities that keep pace with their new busybody lifestyle. The best toys for active toddlers are designed to improve balance and coordination while also providing an outlet for that endless reserve of energy. It’s also important to find toys that stimulate the senses and engage your child’s curious nature, as well as encourage exploration and play, as this helps your little one learn about the world around them. Best of all, if these toys do their job right, your tot will soon be tuckered out and ready for an extended nap!