Got a Little Climber on Your Hands? These Toys Will Save Your Sanity (and Your Furniture) (2024)

It doesn’t matter if it’s the couch, the kitchen counter, or the refrigerator: Toddlers will climb on anything. This is because climbing is inherently good for children’s cognitive development, spatial awareness, muscle strengthening, and problem-solving skills (and it’s just plain fun!). Of course, you want to make sure your toddler is exploring these skills safely—that’s where climbing toys come into play.

Climbing toys can be any type of soft or hard structure designed to give your child a creative and safe space to climb and explore. However, choosing the right climbing toy can be difficult since it’s an individualized decision based on your child’s age, interests, and the available space in your home. According to Kimber Kurr, PT, DPT, PCS, a registered physical therapist, the most important factors to consider are the stability of the climbing toy and its surrounding environment.

To select the best climbing toys for toddlers, we reviewed the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safety guidelines and spoke with three experts: a physical therapist, a play specialist, and a registered nurse. Next, we studied the designs and features of dozens of top-rated climbing toys for toddlers on the market. We carefully considered safety, durability, material, age recommendations, design, size, and value when reviewing products. Lastly, a pediatrician on our Expert Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding play and climbing safety.

Our Favorite Climbing Toys for Toddlers

• Best Overall:Costway Indoor Playground Climbing Gym
• Best Budget:Magifire Playtime Inflatable Blocks
• Best Versatility:Avenlur Walnut 9-in-1 Swedish Ladder Wall Gym
• Best for Outdoors:Step2 Game Time Sports Climber
• Best for Indoors:Costzon Foldable Triangle Ladder With Ramp
• Best for Small Spaces:Labebe Wooden Rainbow Rocker Chair
• Best Montessori:Wood and Hearts Indoor Climbing Gym
• Best Foam:Best Choice Products 5-Piece Climb and Crawl
• Best Pikler Triangle:Giant Bean Foldable 3-in-1 Pikler Triangle
• Best Multipurpose:Step2 Clubhouse Climber Playset

Best Overall: Costway Indoor Playground Climbing Gym

Why We Like It

Playtime can last for hours with this decked-out climbing gym from Costway. Constructed with an8-in-1 design, it features a slide, two ladders, a swing, a climbing net, an abacus, a drawing board, monkey bars, and a rock wall. It’s recommended for children ages 3 and up, but thevariety of activitiesmeans older kids can enjoy it, too.

Built with birch and beechwood, this is one of the sturdiest structures thanks to a maximum weight capacity of 110 pounds, so it’s strong enough to hold your toddler and a friend or two. Plus, thesmooth surface and rounded edgesprotect your kiddo from accidental scratches. Since the climbing gym is waterproof, it can be used inside or outside.

But Take Note

More features also mean more parts and longer assembly. We definitely recommend that you put it together ahead of time if you want it to be a birthday or Christmas morning surprise. If possible, enlist the help of another adult and plan on spending a couple of hours assembling it.

The Details:

• Dimensions:49 x 47 x 54.5 inches
• Material:Birch and beechwood
• Recommended age range:3 years old and up
• Weight limit:110 lbs.
  

Best Budget: Magifire Playtime Inflatable Blocks

Why We Like It

If you’ve got a crawler or early walker in your house, the soft and forgiving nature of theseinflatable blocksis your best bet. Since each piece isfilled with air, you won’t need to worry about your toddler crashing into sharp edges or exposed nails. And the affordable price point makes it a great entry-level climbing toy for fledgling explorers.

The colorful blocks arepatterned after sweet treats—birthday cake, candy bar, egg roll cake, cheese block, and matcha cake—so it makes an adorable addition to the playroom.

But Take Note

The plastic material may not last as long as a wooden structure, but it is BPA-free. Bonus: The blocks can bedeflated for easy storagewhen not in use.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies depending on arrangement
• Material:BPA-free plastic
• Recommended age range:9 months to 3 years old
• Weight limit:Not listed
  

Best Versatility: Avenlur Walnut 9-in-1 Swedish Ladder Wall Gym

Why We Like It

The Avenlur Walnut is impressively versatile withnine activitiesfor children to enjoy, including a trapeze swing, rock wall, rope ladder, rope wall, rock ramp climber, pull-up bar, slide, ladder, and swing. We appreciate thesturdy construction and the solid wood design, which holds up to 500 pounds total (220 per child), so even an adult can get in on the fun. While the Avenlur Walnut is tall and wide, it doesn’t take up much space other than against a wall.

But Take Note

Assembly isn't something you can do in 30 minutes with this wall gym; be prepared to set aside a couple of hours to put it together. You will definitely need another pair of hands, as you'll need to hold and secure pieces simultaneously.

The Details:

• Dimensions:78.7 x 65.3 x 94.5 inches
• Material:Pine and beechwood
• Recommended age range:1 year old and up
• Weight limit:500 lbs. (220 lbs. per child)
  

Best for Outdoors: Step2 Game Time Sports Climber

Why We Like It

Host your toddler’s next playdate at your house with this sturdy sports-themed climber from Step2. The plastic gym isdouble-walled—meaning it’s less likely to snap or crack in colder weather—to keep your kiddo safe while climbing up the ladder or scooting down the slide. Sporty tots will enjoy thebasketball hoop and crawl-through tunnel, which can double as a soccer goal.

But Take Note

Since the maximum weight is fairly low at 44 pounds, it’s best for younger toddlers.

The Details:

• Dimensions:30 x 62 x 42 inches
• Material:Plastic
• Recommended age range:2 to 6 years old
• Weight limit:44 lbs.
  

Best for Indoors: Costzon Foldable Triangle Ladder With Ramp

Why We Like It

Specialists like Kurr encouragefree play, which kiddos can explore with this triangle climber. Younger toddlers can work on the basics: climbing the ladder and sliding down. For older children, theladder and slidecan be adjusted to make the slide steeper or to create more space to build a fort. Thebirch wood materialandwide baseare stable enough to prevent rocking and can hold up to 132 pounds.

But Take Note

Compared to other options on our list, this one offers only a limited number of activities, which might leave older toddlers wishing for more excitement.

The Details:

• Dimensions:48 x 28 x 44 inches
• Material:Birch wood
• Recommended age range:6 months to 6 years old
• Weight limit:132 lbs.
  

Best for Small Spaces: Labebe Wooden Rainbow Rocker Chair

Why We Like It

Parents looking for a smaller climbing toy to fit in their child’s bedroom will love the adorable, compact Rainbow Rocker by Labebe. It’s made fromsolid hardwood, so it’s built to last even with small toddlers climbing all over it. Plus, thesmooth surfacemakes this toy easy to clean: Simply grab a rag and wipe it down to keep it looking tidy.

Thanks to the double-sided design, there are many options for imaginative play: Children can flip it onto one side to turn it into a rocking horse and then the other to morph it into a climbing structure, chair, or imaginary playhouse.

But Take Note

Households with multiple littles may find that this toy is a little limiting. The small size makes it difficult for kids to play simultaneously—but it does reinforce lessons on taking turns and sharing.

The Details:

• Dimensions:29 x 15 x 14 inches
• Material:Hardwood
• Recommended age range:1 to 3 years old
• Weight limit:Not listed
  

Best Montessori: Wood and Hearts Indoor Climbing Gym

Why We Like It

Montessori learningencourages child-directed play and independence, and thisindoor climbing gymallows them to explore and guide their own play. The climbing set includes three features for versatile free play:an arch, a ramp, and a triangle climberthat can be folded up when not in use. Each part can be played with on its own, or children can mix and match them to create new challenges. Plus, this climber is made fromdurable birch woodwith a water-based, environmentally-friendly varnish, so it doesn’t emit odors and is safe for little ones.

But Take Note

This set might require adjustments to make it stable enough depending on the surface on which it's installed.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies based on configuration
• Material:Hardwood
• Recommended age range:3 to 8 years old
• Weight limit:132 lbs.
  

Best Foam: Best Choice Products 5-Piece Climb and Crawl

Why We Like It

This five-piece climbing kit fits the bill as a safe place for babies beginning to toddle around thanks to the soft construction. Made fromvinyl-wrapped foam, the blocks are shaped like a small rectangle, cylinder, triangle, large rectangle, and half moon. Caregivers can move and adjust each piece to accommodate a new challenge for their growing child.

But Take Note

The foam issoftenough tocushionfalls but be aware that the vinyl covers may wear faster than traditional wooden options.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies
• Material:Foam, vinyl
• Recommended age range:1 year old and up
• Weight limit:N/A
  

Best Pikler Triangle: Giant Bean Foldable 3-in-1 Pikler Triangle

Why We Like It

This Pikler Triangle is a good match for parents who don’t want to leave the set out in the living room all day. Once the kids are done climbing, the toyfolds flat for easy storageinside a closet or under a bed. We like that it features alocking mechanismthat keeps it securely shut. And since it’s relatively lightweight, you can even pack it inside the car for a holiday road trip. The climber comes with adouble-sided rampthat functions as a slide and a rock wall.

But Take Note

The reasonable price point makes this a good beginner pick for younger tots. However, the pared-down features might not hold the attention spans of older kids for long.

The Details:

• Dimensions:36 x 24 x 27 inches
• Material:Birch plywood and beech
• Recommended age range:1 to 6 years old
• Weight limit:200 lbs.
  

Best Multipurpose: Step2 Clubhouse Climber Playset

Why We Like It

Forget the park—this Step2 Clubhouse Climber Playset brings all of the fun of the playground to your own backyard. It has ample features:two slides, a bridge, a steering wheel, a crawl-through tunnel, and a skylight. Kids can also get creative by turning the lower section into a secluded fort or a lair for hide-and-seek. The Clubhouse boasts ahefty weight limit, making it great for playdates or playing with siblings, and the plastic is easy to wipe down if snacks get spilled.

But Take Note

Some people may find assembly challenging because of the picture-only instructions, but luckily, there are videos online that help with the more complicated steps. You'll definitely need a helper to put this one together, too.

The Details:

• Dimensions:70 x 137 x 92 inches
• Material:Plastic
• Recommended Age Range:2 to 6 years old
• Weight Limit:240 pounds
  

Best With Slide: Dripex Pikler Triangle With Ramp

Why We Like It

Made from smooth, polished wood, this climber features a39-inch slide, an interactive house for climbing, and a crescent moon climber. Because this toy can be converted into 20 different configurations, it's rated ideal for kids from ages 1 to 6 years old. Parents will like that when playtime is over, the setup can be taken apart and nested together. With a 132-pound weight capacity, it's ideal for multiple kids to play simultaneously.

But Take Note

Although the natural wood finish will appeal to fans of "sad beige," the material can show dents and cosmetic damage easily. Also, note that reconfiguring the layout or folding it down for storage requires complete disassembly.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies by configuration
• Material:Hardwood
• Recommended age range:1 to 6 years old
• Weight limit:132 lbs.
  

Best Dome-Shaped: Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower

Why We Like It

Once your children are ready to move beyond a basic ladder climber, an outdoor dome climber is an exciting next step. This climber supports up to 150 pounds,so multiple kiddos can play together. Because of the plastic construction, it won’t corrode, fade, or rust. On top of the5.5-foot domeare tubes that can be used as monkey bars for older kids who want to put their agility to the test.

To assemble, simply pop the plastic tubes and connectors together. Each connector hasdouble self-locking springs, so you can rest assured it’ll stay in place. Plus, thanks to the wide, no-tip base, no anchors are necessary.

But Take Note

With a footprint that spans 70 inches long by 66 inches wide, this is a large structure.

The Details:

• Dimensions:70 x 66 x 47 inches
• Material:Plastic
• Recommended age range:3 to 8 years old
• Weight limit:150 lbs.
  

Best Rock Climbing: Costzon Wooden Triangle Climber Play Tent

Why We Like It

This Climber Play Tent pulls double duty as aclimbing wall and a playhouse. On the outside, one wall features climbing holds so children can strategize new routes on the way to the summit. Once they’re done scaling the walls, kids can duck beneath the triangle as it morphs into acozy and private playhouse, fit for friendly chats or quiet time with a book. The second triangle wall even boastsa windowto inspire imaginative play.

But Take Note

While this is a multifunctional climbing toy, the lower 66-pound weight capacity means you shouldn't try to have too many kids climb the sides simultaneously.

The Details:

• Dimensions:45 x 30 x 39 inches
• Material:Natural fir
• Recommended age range:3 to 8 years old
• Weight limit:66 lbs.
  

Best Climb and Crawl: ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset

Why We Like It

Open-ended play just got even better for babes who are still crawling. This kit comes with five polyurethanefoam shapesthat parents can move, tilt, or remove depending on their needs and the child’s interests. Each block is covered with aphthalate-free vinyl that you can easily wipe clean. The foam has met several industry safety standards, so they’re safe for kiddos to play on. Each piece is super lightweight, making it easy for toddlers to practicefine and gross motor skillslike stacking and carrying.

But Take Note

Since the foam pieces are so lightweight, they may still slide around despite the nonslip material on the bottom.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies depending on configuration
• Material:Foam
• Recommended age range:9 months to 3 years old
• Weight limit:N/A
  

Best for Babies: FDP SoftScape Playtime and Climb Multipurpose Playset for Infants

Why We Like It

Babies might not be able to walk or climb yet, but crawling over foam structures is mentally stimulating and physically strengthening. These blocks are covered with leather-like polyurethane material and stuffed with safe, low-emission foam. Thesix-piece set includes a square, half moon, arch, cylinder, triangle, and foldable circle and is available inseveral colorful packs. Each piece can be rearranged to accommodate a new pattern for your baby to enjoy.

But Take Note

The pieces in this set don't velcro together, so little ones might slip between them. Be sure to supervise them at all times.

The Details:

• Dimensions:Varies depending on configuration
• Material:Foam and polyurethane
• Recommended age range:9 months to 2 years old
• Weight limit:N/A
  

Best for Older Toddlers: Step2 Safari Truck Climber

Why We Like It

Kids can go on a safari from the comfort of their own backyard with this unique climber. The shape of this outdoor structure itself inspiresimaginative playas kids turn the steering wheel, peer through the swiveling pretend binoculars, and clamber about the truck, creating fantasy worlds and adventures. Thanks to oversized tires and three entry points into the truck, there aremultiple routes to climb, and a funslidemakes exiting the truck exciting.

The top platform can handleup to three children—with a combined weight capacity of 180 pounds—and there’s ample room to crawl under the truck, too.

But Take Note

Assembly will take you a couple of hours. Although it isn't too complicated, the image-only instructions may be challenging for some.

The Details:

• Dimensions:42 x 85 x 61 inches
• Material:Plastic
• Recommended age range:2 to 6 years old
• Weight limit:180 lbs.
  

Best Backyard Climbing Structure: Simplay 3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber

Why We Like It

For outdoor climbing fun, you’ll need a structure that can stand up to the elements. The Simplay 3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber is made withdouble-wall plastic constructionthat’s durable enough to withstand inclement weather yet light enough that adults can easily move it around as needed.

The playset includes awide slide, various climbing walls, and a series of crawl-through tunnelsthat run beneath the toy. And if you own other Simplay sets, you can connect them with this climbing toy to create the ultimate obstacle course.

But Take Note

The tunnels are a bit narrow, so older or taller children might have a hard time shimmying through.

The Details:

• Dimensions:70 x 28 x 50 inches
• Material:Plastic
• Recommended age range:18 months to 6 years old
• Weight limit:180 lbs.
  

Best Inflatable: Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Bouncer

Why We Like It

There are few things kids love more than a bouncy house. Anchored to the ground with stakes, the Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide offers justover 100 square feet of bouncing area, plenty of space for three kiddos to enjoy at the same time.Mesh wallskeep the bouncing kids safely contained, and there’s a storage area on the side for shoes. Theheavy-duty blowercomes with afault interrupter outletto prevent shocks and electrical shortages. Bonus: The entire house inflates and deflates in a matter of minutes.

But Take Note

Even though this bouncy house comes with stakes and anchor points, you might find that you need more anchor points to prevent it from tipping or shifting while the tots are having fun.

The Details:

• Dimensions:84 x 84 x 48 inches
• Material:Polyester
• Recommended age range:3 to 8 years old
• Weight limit:250 lbs.
  

Best Jungle Gym: Avenlur Indoor Playground Jungle Gym

Why We Like It

Anindoor jungle gymis a great solution for getting little ones’ wiggles out when it’s rainy or chilly outside. Constructed from industrial-grade pine wood, the Avenlur Indoor Playground Jungle Gym has lots of fun features, including amini rock climbing wall, adjustable slide, monkey bars, rope ladder, swing, and a wooden ladder. It’s designed for toddlers as young as 2 and children up to 6 years old. And the higher 460-pound weight limit means multiple tots can play on it at the same time.

But Take Note

This is a bigger structure that will take up a lot of space in your home. Additionally, it weighs close to 100 pounds, so plan accordingly.

The Details:

• Dimensions:58 x 47 x 56 inches
• Material:Pine wood
• Recommended age range:2 to 6 years old
• Weight limit:460 lbs.
  

How We Selected the Best Climbing Toys for Toddlers

In order to select the best climbing toys for toddlers, we researched the designs and features of dozens of top-rated toys for toddlers on the market. When reviewing products, we carefully considered design, age recommendations, size, materials, assembly, and value. We also spoke with a physical therapist and a play specialist to discuss what to look for when selecting climbing toys. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on climbing structure safety, including how to prevent falls or getting caught or stuck on climbing equipment and toys.

Our Experts

These experts discussed the importance of climbing for cognitive and physical development and what parents should look for in a climbing toy.

• Kimber Kurr, PT, DPT, PCS, a registered physical therapist, pediatric clinical specialist,
  and clinical assistant professor of physical therapy at Ithaca College
• Jil Moore, an inclusive play specialist for Landscape Structures Inc.
  
• Meg Mercado-Tibayan, a registered nurse and the co-founder of Bright Sprouts, a home education resource tool for parents and educators.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Climbing Toys for Toddlers

• Safety:Both Kurr and Moore agree that versatility and a variety of features are the best ways to encourage your child’s growth and development. However, it’s essential to keep your kiddo safe while they explore and learn. Kurr recommends ensuring that all climbers are safety-tested and stable, as well as evaluating the area you choose to place them in within your home. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the toys are used as intended. Don’t allow a younger toddler to climb on a structure designed for an older child, and make sure to note the weight limit. And, of course, always have an adult nearby for supervision.
• Materials:Most climbing toys are constructed out of wood or plastic, though the softer crawl-and-climbs designed for babies are typically made with foam. According to Kurr, none of these materials is necessarily better than others. “It really depends on [your intended] use,” she says. For example, plastic is typically a great option for outdoor use, and foam play areas should only be used indoors. Kurr does note that plastic structures are the most versatile since they can handle indoor and outdoor environments.
• Size:Before making your purchase, be sure to evaluate the space you want to put the climbing toy in—it doesn’t matter if the structure is packed with features if it doesn’t fit in your home or backyard. The best size for your kid depends on the space you have, the age and weight limits of the climber you’re considering, and the features the kiddo is developmentally ready for. As your child grows, Moore suggests presenting them with “graduated levels of challenge,” such as upgrading to a bigger climbing toy or adding features to the one you already have. She explains that a feature like solid stairs “requires a completely different skill level and knowledge base” than a feature such as a cargo net. Having multiple options allows your child the freedom to grow and develop.

Are Wooden Climbers Safe for Toddlers?

According to Kurr, wooden climbers are safe for toddlers as long as adult supervision is present at all times (and if they've been safety tested). You want to make sure to use a structure with sturdy, high-quality wood so that it doesn’t crack or splinter beneath your child’s weight.

Beyond the weight capacity, Kurr believes that the inherent stability of the stairs is the most important component to consider. If a child happens to climb on the toy in an unintended way, you'll want to ensure it won't fall over, she says.

What Age Is a Pikler Triangle Suited For?

In general, Pikler triangles are well-suited for toddlers and preschoolers, with many brands’ age recommendations falling between 6 months old and 5 years old. However, the uses will change as the child gets older. “The Pikler Triangle can be beneficial for kids that are pulling up to stand,” Kurr says, noting that this development typically comes around 8 to 9 months of age.

Over time, little ones will focus less on using the triangle for support and more as a climbing toy. “As they’re growing, they’re more focused on climbing to the top and over to the side,” Kurr says. She recommends adult supervision to ensure the child safely climbs on the triangle without stumbling or falling.

Who We Are

Heather Balogh Rochfortis a freelance writer specializing in parenting, fitness, travel, and the outdoors. In 2017, she became a mother and immediately found herself entrenched in the beautiful-yet-demanding world of parenting. Since then, she has broadened her scope to include the gear, products, and experiences that go hand-in-hand with motherhood. She has written for The Washington Post, Outside, Parents, and more.

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer atParents and a mom of one 6-year-old daughter. Her daughter loves to climb as high as possible—even to the top of very tall rock climbing walls. Thankfully, there are plenty of playgrounds for her daughter to explore.