Toddlers love to climb. It’s just inherent in their nature, an instinctual urge to explore and understand their environment. It’s good for them though – climbing offers a comprehensive developmental boost to their physical, cognitive and emotional growth, encouraging spatial awareness, muscle strengthening, and problem-solving skills.
Of course, you’d want to make sure your toddler is exploring these skills safely – enter toddler climbing toys. Specially designed play structures that encourage little ones to climb, crawl, and slide, climbing toys provide this creative and safe place for them to do just that. From indoor soft climbers to outdoor jungle gyms, the best toddler climbing toys will be ones that fit a child’s age, interests, and available space at home.
Not sure what to look for when shopping for toddler climbing toys? Keep reading for expert tips and our favourite climbing toys for toddlers that combine safety, durability and fun all in one!
What is the best toddler climbing toys for most families? It has to be the Avenlur Hazel 5-in-1 Indoor Climbing Gym with an adjustability and versatility that caters to children from 18 months to 7 years. Meanwhile, SoftScape’s Corner Climber or Tiny Land’s Baby Play Gym will make for a good starting ground for those early standing-transitioning-to-climbing days.
You can never go wrong with a Wood and Hearts though if we are talking about Montessori climbing toys but if rock climbing is your toddler’s thing, then either the Step2 Skyward Summit or Avenlur Walnut Swedish Ladder Wall will do. An outdoor climber like the Step2 Clubhouse Climber is great for play dates but this Magnolia Indoor Playground is the one to go for if weather-dependence is not something you’d like to worry about.
Our Top 12 Best Toddler Climbing Toys – A Quick Summary
Are Toddler Climbing Toys Safe?
Yes – when they are chosen and used correctly. Safety depends on several key factors: the design and quality of the toy, its appropriateness for the child’s age and physical abilities, and compliance with safety standards.
High-quality baby climbing toys are typically built with safety standards such as smooth edges, sturdy bases, and materials that withstand rough play. They are of an appropriate height, have secure hand and foot holds, and always meet recognized safety certification – think Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or other similar regulatory bodies in countries outside the U.S.
To ensure complete safe use though, vigilant supervision is most important. One should also regularly inspect their climbing toy for any signs of wear and tear and maintain it in accordance to the manufacturer instructions. Done that and your little one’s safety is assured without undue risk – now bring on all the fun and developmental benefits!
Find more information at the end of this guide:
Best Toddler Climbing Toys Reviews
OVERALL BEST TODDLER CLIMBING TOY
Dimensions: 33.4 x 25.9 x 29.5 inches (triangle)
38.6 x 20.5 x 18.5 inches (arch)
Material: New Zealand pine
Age range: 18 months to 7 years
Weight capacity: up to 150 lbs on any part (single child) or total of 250 lbs if multiple children
- Versatile design offering 5 different activities
- Montessori and Waldorf educational principles
- Fully foldable for easy storage and portability
- Eco-friendly and safe materials
- Sturdy construction with industrial-grade wood
- Secure installation with locking mechanism
- Assembly challenges
- Space requirements
Why We Love It
Crafted with a focus on Montessori and Waldorf educational principles, the Avenlur Hazel 5-in-1 Indoor Climbing Gym is, in our opinion, the best toddler climbing toy that will suit most children aged 18 months to 7 years.
Encompassing a climbing triangle (or Montessori ladder/pikler triangle as some would call it), a climbing arch and a toddler slide, this toddler climbing gym will give little ones hours of playtime as they develop their physical and cognitive skills at the same time. The slide doubles up as a toddler rock wall (there are rock climbing holds on the reverse side) while the arch can also be flipped over and used as a reclining rocker. Altogether, you get 5 activities in this Montessori play gym and it can be fully folded for easy storage and portability.
Made of New Zealand pine, this wooden climbing toy also has one of the sturdiest structures so it is strong enough to hold multiple children. Other aspects giving peace of mind is the non-toxic paints, a reliable locking mechanism, and compliance with all safety standards, and we like how it is not exorbitantly priced so most families are able to afford this great Montessori climber.
Things To Take Note Of
Some users have found the assembly process rather challenging so if you’re not a very handy person, another pair of helping hands may be necessary.
The comprehensive setup also means it will require a significant amount of space (as is the case with most climbing toys for toddlers) so it may not be suitable for smaller homes or apartments.
VERDICT: If you’re looking for a toddler climbing gym that is sturdy, fun and full of educational value in a good price point, the Avenlur Hazel 5-in-1 Indoor Climbing Gym will be right up your alley.
BEST BABY CLIMBING BLOCKS
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 10 inches
Material: foam, polyurethane
Age range: 9 months to 3 years
Weight capacity: not specified
- Multiple configurations
- Space-saving corner design
- Non-slip base
- Easy to assembly
- Lightweight
- Easy maintenance
- GREENGUARD [GOLD] and CertiPUR-US certified
- Size limitations
Why We Love It
There are many reasons to love baby climbing blocks – for one, they do not have sharp edges. The dense foam composition makes them safer in the case of any tumbles while the differently-shaped pieces encourage endless creativity and imagination. If this sounds like the kind of soft climbing toys for toddlers you’d like, we highly recommend the SoftScape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber.
Consist of four soft yet durable pieces (a ramp, slide and steps) made of non-toxic foam, it is the best foam climbing blocks for toddlers priced at a reasonable point. What we like most though is that it has hook-and-loop fasteners underneath so each block can be securely connected to one another. If you have used one of these climbing toys for babies before, you’d know that most tend to gap apart – not with this one here. The textured non-slip bottom keeps it further secured in place, minimizing any slipping and sliding around.
Another thing that stood out to us is its space-saving design. The corner climber fits snugly into any room corner so one can maximize the usable play area efficiently, something particularly helpful when you have a smaller space or crowded room. It is also easy to maintain with the waterproof, leather-like polyurethane cover – just wipe it down with mild soap and water. And oh, it is one of the very rare kids climbing toys that can accommodate infants as young as 9 months old too!
Things To Take Note Of
BEST CLIMBING TOYS FOR 1 YEAR OLD
Dimensions: 32 x 19 x 2.5 inches
Material: Wood
Age range: 0 months and up
Weight capacity: up to 100 lbs
- Quality materials
- Value for money - infancy to toddlerhood
- Developmental benefits
- Modern and neutral aesthetics
- Limited engagement time
- Price point
Why We Love It
There aren’t many infant climbing toys that baby can use from newborn (of course, we don’t mean baby will start to climb from Day 1) but if you’re looking to get the best value out of your baby gears, the Tiny Land 2 in 1 Baby Play Gym may be just right up your forte.
A Montessori play gym which babies can use right from infancy, it provides a safe and comfortable surface for them to strengthen their neck muscles and develop motor skills as they turn over during tummy time or play with the overhead toys. Come the one-year mark (or more) when they start to stand up, they can hold on to the sides and rungs of the rainbow arch for support before finally climbing over it as a toddler climber, expanding those gross motor and balancing/coordination skills.
This is what we like most about it – instead of becoming useless once baby grows to 5 months old like most baby gyms do, this wooden baby gym continues to be functional during baby’s rapid growth. The sturdy, non-toxic construction will withstand the rigors of baby play and the neutral colours and design will blend seamlessly into any modern home décor. Hands down this is one of the best 1 year old climbing toys we will highly recommend!
Things To Take Note Of
While perfect for very young babies, children may outgrow the play gym’s features relatively quickly as they become more mobile and require more interactive and varied types of stimulation.
For what it is, it is also considered a bit pricey compared to other baby gyms made from synthetic materials but that can be justified from its quality and eco-friendliness. And given the limited choice that is climbing toys for 1 year old, we think it still gives good value for money for reasons mentioned above.
BEST CLIMBING TOY FOR 5 YEAR OLD
Dimensions: 85 x 42 x 61 inches
Material: plastic
Age range: 24 months to 5 years
Weight capacity: up to 180 lbs
- Realistic and engaging design
- Accommodates multiple children
- Easy to maintain
- Durable construction
- Complex assembly
- Space requirements
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
Why We Love It
The open rooftop, huge wheels, rough front grill with headlight decals, slide and climbers, steering wheel, play binoculars… well, we don’t know about you, but they all scream “the best toddler climbing toys” to us.
This is the Step2 Safari Truck Climber Playset, a climbing set for toddlers which bear a realistic off-road truck design with a neutral safari-themed colour palette. There are three entry points to get to the open top platform which can handle up to three children at a time (combined weight of 180 lbs.), and there are plenty of room to crawl under the truck too. Peer through the binoculars or turn the steering wheels before sliding down for the grand exit – older toddlers will be able to enjoy the deeper kind of interactive stimulation they need with this toddler climbing toy here.
Made from tough, double-walled plastic, it is resistant to weather which makes it perfect for the outdoors The colours will not chip, fade, crack or peel over time and cleaning is a breeze so parents, this won’t add to the chores!
Things To Take Note Of
Assembly will take a couple of hours due to the size and number of components, and the image-only instructions may be a tad challenging to some.
Homes with smaller yards or outdoor spaces may not be suitable also as this is a climbing playset with a large footprint.
BEST MONTESSORI CLIMBING TOYS
Dimensions: 31.9 x 34.3 x 30.2 inches (triangle)
38.1 x 20.2 x 18.5 inches (arch)
38.8 x 14.9 inches (ramp)
Material: birch wood
Age range: 24 months to 8 years
Weight capacity: up to 132 lbs
- Montessori principles-aligned
- Easy to assemble
- Made in Europe
- Eco-friendly and safe
- Foldable and compact
- Assembly required
- Price point
Why We Love It
Montessori learning emphasizes self-directed child activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. This Wood and Hearts Montessori play gym – comprising a Montessori arch, a ramp, and a Montessori triangle – allows them to do just that.
Encouraging open-ended play with each part playable on its own or mix and match to create new challenges, this climbing set does not dictate specific uses. This allows children to use their imagination to explore different ways of playing, all the while fostering independence and self-confidence as they develop those gross motor and coordination skills while climbing, crawling and balancing themselves on this Montessori climbing gym.
Made in the EU from high-quality birch wood and finished with eco-friendly varnishes, it has a robust construction that can withstand rigorous play while still being gentle enough for indoor use. The smooth edges and secure fastenings ensure it is child-safe while the foldable wood and hearts pikler helps makes the most of living spaces, adhering to Montessori’s emphasis on maintaining orderly and functional environments.
Things To Take Note Of
While the quality and versatility are high, the price point may be a consideration for some families as it is on the higher end compared to other Montessori climbing toys.
Some parents have also found the assembly process a little tricky, with occasional issues related to alignment and ease of assembly.
VERDICT: If educational value is something you place great emphasis on when it comes to climbing toys for kids, go for the Montessori type. In that regard, you can’t go wrong with a Woodandhearts – that’s all we have to say. For younger toddlers 1-3 years old, you may want to get this version instead which bear smaller dimensions.
BEST PIKLER TRIANGLE
Dimensions: 42.5 x 22.8 x 23.6 – 36.6 inches (triangle)
30.3 x 29.7 x 14.6 inches (arch)
39.4 x 14.6 inches (ramp)
Material: wood
Age range: 12 months to 6 years
Weight capacity: up to 132 lbs
- Highly versatile (over 20 configurations)
- Montessori-aligned
- Adaptable design
- Accommodate multiple kids
- Foldable and compact
- Complex assembly
- Substantial space requirement
- Maintenance
Why We Love It
With over 20 different configurations, the Dripex Upgrade Pikler Triangle Set is one that sets the record if we are talking about versatile climbing gyms. This too, is designed with Montessori principles in mind but its standout feature has to be the Montessori pikler triangle.
Ingeniously designed to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability, it can be freely adjusted into any shape, mode and height to suit different play needs and spaces – all thanks to an innovative octagon plug-in system:
- Traditional A-frame triangle for climbing up and down, suitable for children who are just learning to climb;
- Flat configuration into a balance beam or makeshift bridge for balance and coordination practices;
- Irregular shapes by adjusting the sides to different angles to create various asymmetrical shapes.
And of course, you can use it as part of a larger climbing set with other components – either as a starting point of a mini obstacle course, or an integral part of a more complex climbing structure.
Such versatility allows it to adapt to different age groups and abilities, giving this pickler set an extra edge by remaining suitable for various developmental stages. The 132-pound weight capacity means multiple kids can play simultaneously, and parents love that the whole setup can be taken apart and nested together when playtime is over.
Things To Take Note Of
As is the case with most Montessori climbing toys, this one here requires a considerable amount of room. Especially so for certain configurations which is why families with limited space may have to give it a pass.
Being made of wood, this climbing set may also require ongoing maintenance to upkeep its good condition, particularly if used frequently or in outdoor settings.
VERDICT: For families seeking for a dynamic and educational Montessori climbing set that gives the best value of money, this is the one to go for.
BEST CLIMBING STRUCTURE FOR KIDS
Dimensions: 70.07 x 65.53 x 46.65 inches
Material: plastic
Age range: 36 months to 8 years
Weight capacity: up to 150 lbs
- Lightweight and portable
- Enhances physical development
- Supports multiple children
- UV protection
- Durable construction
- Easy to assemble
- Space requirements
- Assembly required
Why We Love It
Fancy a kids climbing structure that is not in the usual climber and slide combination? The Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower may be just what you’re looking for!
Shaped in a dome, children can upgrade their climbing and hanging adventures on this playground climber when the basic ladder climber becomes a little boring. The tubes on the top can be used as monkey bars for older kids who want to put their agility to the test but you can remove it easily if you think they are not ready for it yet. It supports up to 150 pounds so multiple children can play together, perfect for siblings or play dates!
To assemble, simply pop the interlocking plastic tubes and connectors together. Each connector has double self-locking springs so you can rest assured it will stay in place. No anchors are needed by the way – the wide, no-tip base will sit sturdy on any surface. Because of the plastic construction, it won’t corrode, fade or rust and we particularly like how the materials are UV resistant so it can endure long hours under the sun.
Despite the robust build, the tower is surprisingly lightweight and easy to move so it is very convenient to relocate as needed for indoor or outdoor play.
Things To Take Note Of
Whilst it can be an indoor climbing structure if you want, most families would place it at the backyard/outdoor because well, it is large. Also, this is no climbing toys for 2 year olds or younger – toddler has to be at least 3 years of age – so make sure you adhere to that.
BEST INDOOR CLIMBING TOYS FOR TODDLERS
Dimensions: 47 x 43 x 47 inches
Material: wood
Age range: 24 months to 6 years
Weight capacity: up to 300 lbs
- Variety of activities
- Quality materials
- Safety standards
- Accommodates multiple kids
- Space requirements
- On the heavy side
Why We Love It
When it rains or it’s simply too cold outside i.e. winter, indoor climbing toys become a lifesaver. Constructed from industrial-grade New Zealand pine wood, the Avenlur Magnolia Indoor Playground 7-in-1 Jungle Gym Playset provides all the fun with a mini rock climbing wall, Swedish slide, monkey bars, rope ladder, swing, and a Montessori climbing ladder. Your little one(s) will never run out of activities to play with!
A classic playground experience but indoors, children get to enhance their physical development through the more diverse play options available. The monkey bars help strengthen upper body strength and improve grip while the swing rope enhance balance and coordination as they learn to control their momentum. Meanwhile, the rope ladder offers a vertical climbing experience promoting agility and problem-solving skills, something not many other indoor climbing toys for toddlers have.
As with all Avenlur products, this baby indoor playground is built sustainably and certified in safety and composition. The higher 300-pound weight limit means multiple tots can play on it at the same time, sturdiness and robustness guaranteed by the high-quality wood construction.
Things To Take Note Of
VERDICT: Parents in search of captivating indoor climbing toys for 2 year olds and above will love the Avenlur Magnolia Jungle Gym Playset. Available in a few colours to suit different tastes and a larger size for a roomier experience.
BEST KIDS CLIMBER FOR SMALL SPACES
Dimensions: 27.94 x 12.99 x 15.75 inches (triangle)
Material: wood
Age range: 12 months to 3 years
Weight capacity: up to 100 lbs
- Compact for small spaces
- Double-sided functional diversity
- Montessori climbing arch
- High-quality materials
- Easy to clean
- No edges
- Limited to one child at a time
- On the pricier side
Why We Love It
Not everyone has the space for a large climbing playground. If you have the same constraints, the Labebe Toddler Climbing Arch will be the perfect baby climbing gym for you.
Maximizing its compact size with a Montessori-inspired reversible design, one side is a rocking chair while the other is a climbing arch when flipped over. Often paired with other Montessori play elements, the climbing arch can be used in various ways children can think of (i.e. as a chair or imaginary playhouse) so they can keep engaged and challenged.
Made from solid hardwood, it is built to last and we especially like how the entire frame is curved so children won’t bump into any edges – a clever design which makes cleaning so much more convenient at the same time. The smooth surface makes the job even easier – just a simple wipe down will do so no fuss there at the maintenance department.
Things To Take Note Of
Only one child can play at a time so households with multiple children may find it a little limiting (on the flip side, it helps to reinforce lessons on taking turns and sharing).
It is also a little on the pricy side but high-quality wooden toys usually come at a premium, and you can be sure this little Montessori climbing arch is at the top-notch level.
BEST OUTDOOR CLIMBER
Dimensions: 52 x 80 x 80 inches
Material: plastic
Age range: 4 to 8 years
Weight capacity: up to 300 lbs
- Realistic rock-climbing walls
- Variety of climbing features
- Advanced physical development benefits
- Durable and safe
- Supports multiple climbers
- Facilitates interactive play
- Pricey
- Significant space required
Why We Love It
Who says child play is all imaginary and pretence? The Step2 Skyward Summit Climbing Wall Playset is all about realism when it comes to toddler rock climbing! Shaped just like a natural rock – rugged texture, molded surfaces, varied contours, earthy colour tones and all, it provides little ones a tactile experience similar to that you would encounter on an actual rock climb.
There are four unique climbing surfaces complete with dips, ridges, and varying textures, each offering a different climbing experience. Not only does this add to the play value, it also simulates the unpredictable nature of outdoor climbing. You get two climbing cargo nets, one floor net and nine grips for multiple ways of toddler climbing, in particular, we like how the footholds vary in size and shape to mimic the inconsistencies found in natural rock surfaces.
Made of robust, weather-resistant double-walled plastic, you don’t have to worry anything about fading, chipping or cracking with this toddler rock wall. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, multiple children can play simultaneously and have their problem-solving skills and physical and mental strength enhanced (amongst other developmental benefits) as they decide on the best path to ascend or what climbing techniques to use.
Things To Take Note Of
VERDICT: To give toddlers a true climbing experience that is more than just the typical slide and swing, the Step2 Skyward Summit is the one to go for. The 80 inches height and over 100 square feet of outer climbing area is just at the right scale and proportion, giving off that feeling of climbing a real summit.
BEST TODDLER CLIMBING WALL
Dimensions: 65.8 x 21.4 x 79 inches
Material: wood
Age range: from 12 months +
Weight capacity: 220 lbs (per person) or up to 500 lbs
- Multifunctional versatility
- Diverse age group
- Montessori climbing
- Quality materials
- Space-efficient design
- Complex assembly
- Investment cost
Why We Love It
We’ve got the toddler rock climbing wall covered, now it’s time for an indoor toddler climbing wall and Avenlur’s Walnut 9-in-1 Swedish Ladder Wall Gym Set fits the bill just right.
With features such as a trapeze swing, rope ladder, rock wall, ramp climber, slide, pull-up bar, Swedish ladder (a key component) and gymnastic rings, you can be sure your little one(s) will never run out of physical activity options to play with. Like most of Avenlur’s toddler climbers, this indoor playset is inspired by Montessori principles too.
Older children can practice their pull-ups and chin-ups using the pull-up bars while the younger ones can just enjoy the toddler slide and swing. The Swedish ladder offers strength and flexibility enhancement through the vertical and horizontal bars while the trapeze swing helps develop upper body strength and coordination. Meantime, the rope ladder promotes grip strength and coordination – likewise with the gymnastic rings that even you yourself can use.
There’s even a climbing wall for toddlers (complete with various sized hand and foot holds) that gives the same challenge mimicking outdoor rock climbing. Just like the Step2 rock wall above, but in a much more space-saving design. And that’s what we love most about this climbing set – although expansive, the vertical design maximizes play options without taking up excessive floor space, making it suitable for indoor use in most home environments.
Things To Take Note Of
The installation of this toddler climbing set can be challenging. Significant time and effort are required so be prepared for it.
The high-quality materials and multifunctionality come at a premium price too and constant supervision is necessary due to the complexity and heights involved.
VERDICT: Ideal for families looking for a durable and versatile Montessori indoor playground that encourages active play and development, the Avenlur Walnut Gym Set is particularly suited to those who value educational play tools that can be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
BEST TODDLER CLIMBER WITH SLIDE
Dimensions: 137 x 91.5 x 70 inches
Material: plastic
Age range: 24 months to 6 years
Weight capacity: up to 240 lbs
- Rich in features
- Spacious and interactive
- Durable construction
- Creative play encouraged
- Expensive
- Space requirement
- Time-consuming assembly
Why We Love It
One of the best outdoor climbing toys on the market, the Step2 Clubhouse Climber Playset for Kids can probably make you forget going to the park altogether anymore with features like two slides, a bridge, a steering wheel, a crawl-through tunnel and a skylight.
Children can develop all the physical and cognitive skills they need with this toddler outdoor climber here. The large clubhouse space is equipped with skylights and crawl-through tunnels that not only provide multiple play areas but also encourage social interaction among children. The extra space underneath can be used either as storage for outdoor toys or turned into a secluded fort for hide-and-seek – if you want, you can even add a sandbox there! From a pirate ship to a castle, the possibilities are aplenty and up to your creativity.
Built with the durable double-walled plastic that Step2 is well known for, it is built to last years of use with colours that won’t chip, fade, crack or peel. And you know the drill with plastic outdoor climbing toys for toddlers – just a simple wipe down for fuss-free maintenance.
Things To Take Note Of
You can probably tell already from its size that putting this one up together will take some time and effort, and the picture-only instructions may or may not make things a little more challenging.
On the same note, the large footprint will require a considerable amount of space so families with smaller backyards may find it not so feasible.
The price may also pose some limitations for people with tighter budgets but here’s a more budget-friendly option (also a hugely popular Step2 climber for kids).
VERDICT: For large families with multiple kids or those who like to host playdates where an outdoor slide for toddlers is indispensable, this is a great option to consider (well, it has two slides to start with!).
How We Select Our Best Toddler Climbing Toys
In selecting our best climbing toys for toddlers, we prioritize safety, developmental benefits, and durability amongst all things. Each product is meticulously vetted to ensure it meets the highest safety standards, with non-toxic materials and sturdy construction as key criteria.
We also make sure there is a good variety to cater to different age groups and activity preferences, not neglecting the educational aspect of it all. In doing that, we consulted a play specialist and a physical therapist to make sure the climbing toys we choose foster skills like coordination, balance, and strength amongst other developmental benefits.
User feedback on ease of assembly and maintenance also plays a crucial role in our selection process. Of course, we take advantage of our writers’ and editors’ real-life experiences since most of us here are parents ourselves, and we typically do not pick anything with less than a 4-star rating.
By combining these insights, we aim to recommend climbing toys that are not only safe and beneficial for toddler development but also offer lasting enjoyment and value. Rest assured you are shopping only the bests here – we’ve done the bulk of the research so that you don’t have to.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Toddler Climbing Toys
1. Safety
Safety is paramount when it comes to selecting climbing toys for toddlers. Look for those that have sturdy construction and are made from durable, non-toxic materials. Ensure there are no sharp edges or small parts that pose choking hazards, if possible, always go for those with rounded corners, secure handrails, and stable bases to help prevent accidents.
Don’t allow a younger toddler to go on a climbing structure designed for older children – there are suitable ones (such as this or this) that is appropriate for their young age – and always adhere to the weight limit.
It goes without saying that adult supervision is necessary with all the climbing going on but all the more so for climbing toys like this Step2 Skyward Summit Climbing Wall or the Avenlur Walnut 9-in-1 Swedish Ladder – they can actually go pretty high up.
2. Developmental Appropriateness
Choose climbing toys that match your toddler’s developmental stage. The best climbing toys are those that challenge their motor skills without overwhelming them. They should encourage skills such as climbing, balancing, and coordination, all of which are vital for physical development.
Toys that encourage problem-solving i.e. those with multiple climbing routes or interactive elements can also support cognitive development. Of course, Montessori-aligned climbing toys provide a huge ton of benefits – open-ended, self-directed play that boosts hands-on learning and collaborative play.
3. Size and Adjustability
The size of the climbing toy should be appropriate for your child’s age and physical abilities. Consider if it’s for a single child or multiple kiddos, and don’t forget to factor in the available space in your home or yard.
Montessori climbing toys like the Avenlur Hazel or the Wood and Hearts usually require more space horizontally, likewise for most outdoor climbing toys space – think the Step2 Safari Truck Climber or Clubhouse Climber. If space is going to be an issue, consider indoor climbing toys that go vertical instead.
Adjustable features that grow with your child offer better value as they can be adapted to the child’s increasing skill level and ensure continued use over several years.
Other FAQs
A toddler climbing toy is a specially designed play structure that enables young children, typically aged one to three years, to engage in climbing activities safely. These toys are constructed to support the physical development of toddlers, enhancing things like motor skills, balance, coordination and strength while letting them have fun at the same time.
Predominantly made of either plastic or wood, toddler climbing toys come in various shapes and forms and typically include features like ladders, ramps, slides, tunnels or climbing walls. Often featuring vibrant colours to appeal to young users and child-friendly designs such as rounded edges to reduce the risks of accidents, they provide a controlled environment where toddlers can explore and challenge their abilities, fostering both confidence and physical fitness in a fun, engaging manner.
They can typically be introduced once a child starts to show strong and stable motor skills. This is usually around the age of one to two years when they start to walk and show interest in climbing.
It is important to ensure that these toys are age-appropriate and feature safety measures like low heights and soft materials – the SoftScape Corner Climber or Tiny Land Baby Play Gym are good examples to start with. Always supervise toddlers during play to ensure they are using the toys safely.
Children as young as 6 months old can start using a pikler triangle as they start to show an interest in pulling up and climbing (under close supervision). As they grow, it continues to offer challenges appropriate for their developing abilities, supporting climbing and physical confidence through the toddler years and into early childhood until around 6 years of age.
