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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.

Active toys for toddlers we love

B. toys Balance Beam Set
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$49.99

From the floor is lava to perfecting their Olympics routine, this 13-piece Balance Beam Set from B. toys will be used in all the ways. The straight beams and round stepping stones connect in countless configurations which means the play never gets boring. Assembly is easy so kids can experiment without too much assistance and when they’re done they stack neatly. What more could we ask?

Lakeshore Peaceful Kids Yoga Kit
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$49.99

For some focused movement, this yoga kit introduces little ones to 50 classic yoga poses to master on their own kid-sized mat. The illustrated cards require no reading skills, so kids can even play unassisted. Roll your mat down alongside them and you may find it’s your favorite part of the day.

hand2mind indoor scooter
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$28.99

A gym class icon, indoor scooter boards seem to thrill kids of every generation. The four-wheeled design rolls easily in all directions over hard flooring with handles to keep fingers from getting run over. The price point is reasonable, so if you have multiple kids, consider getting two — racing is half the fun.

Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster
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$139.99

Tiny thrill-seekers will love this kid-powered coaster which will send them (safely) sailing across the playroom or backyard. The durable set comes with a high back coaster car and nine feet of track, providing endless opportunities for developing gross motor skills, balance and learning to take turns. The track is made up of three separate pieces which are easy to assemble and take apart for storage (but we don’t think it will be put away too often!)

Flybar Pogo Stick - Motherly
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$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.

kid with bilibo
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$24.95

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.

Piccalio Mini Climber Pikler Triangle Set
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$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.

Stapelstein Rainbow Set
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$299

According to one Motherly mom of five, “This might seem like a seriously overpriced toy, but it is absolutely not—it’s the most versatile toy in our collection.” What are the German-made Stapelstein Originals? Well, they’re a lot of things. The water-proof, stackable toys are everything from water and sand scoops to obstacle course and tower builders. They’re strong enough for full grown adults to stand on and light enough for toddlers to manipulate and maneuver. And yes, they’re definitely pricey but when you consider how much play time they offer, it’s easier to rationalize!

stepping stones
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$79.99

Simple, open-ended toys are always on the top of our list. These colorful stepping stones are an engaging addition to indoor and outdoor 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!

 

Smol Mini Rainbow
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$149 $199

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.

ECR4Kids SoftZone Single Tunnel Climber,
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$219.99

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. The three foam pieces can be used together or independently, allowing your child to practice motor and balance skills while burning off all that extra energy. The pieces are easy to clean and Green Guard (gold) certified.

 

hop scoth rug
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$48.99

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.

Playskool Sit 'n Spin Activity Toy
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$29.99

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!

Sunlin 6 ft. Floor Piano Mat
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$66.99

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?

rody
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$69.99

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. The contoured design makes it easier for them to find their balance and stay centered as they hop around the house. And even though it’s inflatable, it’s quite durable. One Motherly editor says her kids fought over the same hand-me-down indoors and out for years and it miraculously managed to get handed down one more time after that.

play tunnel
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$59.95

Go big or go home, right? This highly-rated 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!

 

balance board
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$49.99

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.

Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper
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$49.99

With its base of silicone suction cups, this unique balance board encourages motor skills and balance through wiggling and wobbling, providing an engaging and fun way for kids to stay active and strengthen core muscles. And that popping sound is oh-so-satisfying! (Until it’s not and then you can put it on the carpet instead.)

toddler trampoline
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$74.99

Classic for a reason, Little Tikes Toddler 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. It’s incredibly well constructed with chunky rubber feet that won’t scratch floors and since it’s springless, little fingers and toes won’t get pinched.

Gym1 6-Piece Indoor Doorway Gym Set for Kids
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$169.99

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).

Avenlur Magnolia Indoor Playground 6-in-1 Jungle Gym
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$579

With a variety of climbing challenges like ropes, sturdy rungs and hanging ladders as well as a climbing wall, slide and monkey bars, this 6-in-1 Jungle Gym entertains kids through many ages and stages. The engaging design is geared toward ages 18 months to 6 years, but depending on their size, could easily last until they’re seven or eight. The 300 pound weight limit allows multiple kids to comfortably play at once. We also love that it’s sustainably made in the USA and boasts a super helpful customer service if you need help with assembly.

Figgy Play Couch
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$550

Play couches hardly need an introduction anymore. From the cult-loved Nugget to an endless stream of Nugget dupes, this popular piece has won the hearts of many kids and parents alike in its short time on the market. However, with more customization and optional waterproof liners, we’d choose the Figgy over the Nugget. The simple design of six foam pieces—four base cushions and two triangle pillows—can be configured in dozens of ways for indoor imaginative play, and doubles as additional child-sized seating. While both offer a similar foot print, the fact Figgy’s cushions are all separate gives kids more building flexibility. When they do want them to stay together, strong velcro keeps them in place. What’s more, wedge pieces and extra rectangles can be purchased separately to expand their building options.

A version of this story was published August 11, 2021. It has been updated.