The best learning towers for independent toddlers

Piccalio is known for their swoon-worthy wooden products for kids (think: balance beam, pikler triangle and balance board), so it’s no surprise that their ever-popular Mini Chef Convertible Kitchen Helper Tower features a similar wow-worthy modern design. The Helper Tower features three height options and is designed to encourage independence and self-confidence as your mini-me gets the extra leg up they need to brush their teeth, help you in the kitchen, or peek out the window at the garbage truck. We especially adore that the Helper Tower converts to a table in just a few simple steps, allowing them a height-appropriate surface to eat, draw, or build. 

Why we love it: Piccalio offers a vegan leather Guard Net ($34), which provides a protective barrier to the back of the helper tower. Since the Helper Tower can be used starting at 12 months old, we love this extra security net that ensures our littlest of littles stay safe and secure, and don’t accidentally fall backwards out of the helper tower. 

It’s safe to say we’re smitten with the thoughtfully designed Waldorf-inspired products from Cassarokids. Everything from the family-owned company is produced with the utmost care and commitment to sustainability and it shows. One of our faves? The versatile Waldorf Climbing Play Tower. The generous size gives plenty of surface area for little feet and enough space for two kiddos to work together. With the chalkboard in place, one side is completely enclosed. Transition it into the slide configuration and they’ve got a fun escape hatch.

Why we love it: What’s better than a kitchen tower? A kitchen tower that’s also the epicenter of playtime. With the addition of the dual-sided slide and chalkboard, this thoughtful design can serve as everything from a castle to defend to an imaginary classroom. Want even more fun? It’s compatible with their range of climbing triangles to create and indoor play space that’s truly spectacular. (You can also purchase just the tower for $299.)

The gold standard of learning towers, Little Partners introduced the original in 1992. And while we love the simplicity of the OG design, this limited edition style improves on the classic. With the addition of an activity center which includes a chalkboard, paper holder and shelf, it adds even more utility–important for a piece of furniture that takes up a fair amount of real estate. Designed by a Montessori teacher and mom, the durable and sturdy tower sits flush against the counter making it easy for little ones to cook, rinse, measure and stir with ease. The roomy platform adjusts to four different heights and a 200-pound weight limit means it can easily accommodate two little ones at a time.

Why we love it: With a few additional accessories, the tower can easily become a puppet theater, lemonade stand or ice cream stand!

As one of the only fold-flat styles on the market, it’s no surprise we love the Guidecraft Kitchen Helper. The netted side clips in place to keep them from tumbling out while a non-slip mat gives extra peace of mind. It can be adjusted to two different heights and comes in several color finishes.

Why we love it: Did we mention it folds flat? Seriously. You can’t beat that.

A new addition to the aforementioned Piccalio line up, the Mini Chef Foldable Helper Tower is another great option for families who are short on space or prefer not to leave it out all the time. The pared down design is more like a beefed up step ladder that’s sturdy and secure. It offers three platform heights and when it’s time to put it away it can easily fit right in the pantry! And best of all, like all of Piccalio products, it’s sustainably made from premium birch plywood and pine with a non-toxic finish.

With an impressively small footprint that doesn’t compromise on function, the Sprout Sous Chef Toddler Tower is perfect for families who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic. The durable Baltic birch tower is super simple to assemble and adjust as they grow without requiring a single tool! (Does it get any simpler than that??) It adjusts to three different heights (12″, 15″ and 18″) to keep little helpers at just the right level for all that stirring and pouring. A finished surface and lack of cracks and crevices make it easy to clean.

Why we love it: With three sides fully enclosed, this model is a great choice for the youngest helpers. They can easily climb up to help but you don’t have to worry about a misstep sending them sliding out the side.

Easy to build, super solid and sturdy, this simple learning tower is ideal for smaller kitchens. It’s one of the more narrow designs we’ve found, measuring only 19 inches wide and features a clever folding step that makes it easy for kiddos to get in and out on their own. (N0t to mention, save your toes when it’s not in use!) The platform adjusts to three different heights, however, the absence of a lower crossbar makes it more appropriate for ages 3+.

Why we love it: The grippy stickers are an excellent touch—especially for kids who love living in socks–but if you’re looking for more security, add on the silicone mat.

Why invest in just a learning tower when you can invest in a learning tower/activity table + chairs/chalkboard transformer of awesome? This brilliant design takes the concept to the next level, growing with your little one over the years. It requires very little assembly and converts between tower and table styles with a simple fold and clasp.

Why we love it: Multitasking products will always have our hearts.

Tastefully fun and cleverly constructed, this two-in-one tower is by far the coolest one around. Its lacy design gives little climbers a lot of places to grab when getting in and out, and when they’re ready for mealtime or activities, it easily converts to a table and bench. (You can add a second for a friend or sibling for an additional cost.) The only drawback is that the height isn’t adjustable.

Why we love it: It’s a turtle with a toadstool. We’re sold.

This one is more step stool on steroids than traditional learning tower, but as a short person, it’s a style I can appreciate. It doesn’t have railings, so it’s certainly better suited for kids that are 3+. The sturdy construction can hold up to 200 pounds so if you’re like me, this one could stick around until long after your kid laps you in height, sparing them the need to come help you get the mixer off the top of the fridge. (#truestory)

Why we love it: It’s easy to use wherever step stools come in handy—not just the kitchen.

Durable and secure, the Boon Pivot learning tower can make its way back and forth between the kitchen and bathroom without missing a beat. Its lightweight plastic and steel design offers the same support as the wooden styles above all while taking up about the same amount of space as a folding chair when stored. The only drawback is the fixed, single height but we think it’s a fine trade-off for convenience.

Why we love it: The wipeable plastic can take quite a beating and requires no special care for cleaning.