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Toys Tested:31
Winners:15
Brandon Walsh
Toddlers have a lot of energy, and if you don’t find a constructive way for them to release it, you can bet that they’ll find a destructive way to get their wiggles out and toddler climbing toys are a great option when it comes to that.
In a hurry? Here's The Dads CHOICE FOR Best Toddler Climbing Toys!
SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset »
The SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset is perfect for toddlers and even babies who are crawling and pulling up. It comes with five different-sized block shapes and can be reconfigured for endless entertainment. You can choose from two colors to match your style.
GO CHECK PRICE »In recent years, there have been many climbing toys released on the market. While choice is a wonderful thing, it can be challenging to know which one to buy. We’ve compiled a list of the best toddler climbing toys. Read on to learn more about our favorites!
Why Are Climbing Toys Are Great for Toddlers?
Climbing toys are not just an effective way to help your toddler get their energy out. They also help with development. Once kids are walking, they have the instinct to climb and engage in “risky behavior.” While this behavior can be terrifying for parents, it’s natural and important to kids.
Climbing toys give your toddler a safe place to climb and practice their new movement skills. They get to work on gross motor skills as well.
The Best Toddler Climbing Toys
Below are some of the best climbing toys for toddlers.
1. SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset
The SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset is perfect for toddlers and even babies who are crawling and pulling up. It comes with five different-sized block shapes and can be reconfigured for endless entertainment. You can choose from two colors to match your style.
Read Our Full Review2. Avenlur Pikler Foldable 2-in-1 Triangle Climber
If you want a Pikler triangle that's a little more extra than the one recommended above, you'll be wowed by the Avenlur 2-in-1 Pikler climber. It has the basic triangle along with a rock-climbing wall and a ramp.Â
Read Our Full Review3. Indoor Playground Kids Jungle Gym Playset
Indoor playgrounds are all the rage. While outside time is important, many parents want the convenience of a playspace their kids can use year-round, and that gives them time to get things done inside. This adorable indoor playground will have your kids excited and ready to play.
Read Our Full Review4. Wooden Swedish Ladder Wall Set
If you're short on space but still want a place for your toddler to climb indoors, a Swedish wall gym is just the ticket. It fits against a wall and has a small footprint. One of the best things about this wall gym is that it'll last your child well past their toddler years.
Read Our Full Review5. PlayWilder Triangle
The Pikler Triangle is one of the most common trends in climbing toys for children. At first glance, it doesn't look like much, but toddlers love these climbing toys. This triangle can be used by babies as young as six months to toddlers who are three or older.
Read Our Full Review6. Little Tikes Rock Climber & Slide
Your toddler will love this Little Tikes Rock Climber & Slide because it looks just like the sets that big kids play on. It's a great set because it offers so many ways for your child to climb. In particular, it has a ladder and two different rock walls, sure to satisfy all your child's climbing urges.
Read Our Full Review7. Indoor/Outdoor Peek-A-Boo Caterpillar Climbing Structure
Toddlers love to climb but are often too small for many of the play structures. That won’t be the case with this adorable caterpillar that's just their size. It's made of durable plastic that is resistant to fading in the sun.
Read Our Full Review8. AGame Adventure Dome
If you have a slightly older toddler and want a climbing toy that'll last them for a few years, the AGame Adventure Dome is an excellent option. It's made like the classic dome climbers seen on playgrounds of the past.
Read Our Full Review9. A-Frame Hideaway and Climber
Believe it or not, there's a climber that encourages both active play and quiet time. This wooden a-frame climber makes an adorable tent that doubles as a climber. One side of the tent features several climbing holds.
Read Our Full Review10. Funphix Create and Play All-in-One Life-Size Structure
Our vote for the most creative climbing toy is the Funphix Create and Play Life Size Structure. This set comes with bars and connectors so your kid can build almost anything they want. There are also ramps, platforms, and wheels to let their imaginations run wild.
Read Our Full Review11. ActivPlay Modular Jungle Gym
If you want a versatile climbing toy, you'll love this modular jungle gym. It's a traditional-style jungle gym with some add-ons like an arched ladder and a saucer swing. This outdoor set will keep your kids entertained for years to come.
Read Our Full ReviewSoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset
The SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset is perfect for toddlers and even babies who are crawling and pulling up. It comes with five different-sized block shapes and can be reconfigured for endless entertainment. You can choose from two colors to match your style.
It’s easy to make this set more challenging for older toddlers, and older kids may even enjoy using the shapes to build their own structures. It’s made of foam and soft vinyl, so it’s easy to clean.
DADS LIKEY
- Foam is good for crawlers and early walkers as it provides a softer landing
- Helps build motor skills in kids who are just becoming mobile
- Toddler climbing blocks are large and give your toddler plenty of room to play
DADS NO LIKEY
- Older toddlers may not find the set challenging enough
- Doesn't include a tunnel
Avenlur Pikler Foldable 2-in-1 Triangle Climber
If you want a Pikler triangle that’s a little more extra than the one recommended above, you’ll be wowed by the Avenlur 2-in-1 Pikler climber. It has the basic triangle along with a rock-climbing wall and a ramp.
This climber can be reconfigured in several ways. You can start with the basic triangle for a smaller toddler and add on the other pieces as your child grows and needs more of a challenge. Your child can set this climber up to encourage imaginative play as well.
DADS LIKEY
- Folds up to save space
- The ramp can be flipped over and used as a rocker
- Can be used for very young toddlers all the way up to older kids
DADS NO LIKEY
- Pricier than some of the other climbers
- While the triangle folds, the ramp still takes up some extra space
Indoor Playground Kids Jungle Gym Playset
Indoor playgrounds are all the rage. While outside time is important, many parents want the convenience of a playspace their kids can use year-round, and that gives them time to get things done inside. This adorable indoor playground will have your kids excited and ready to play.
This jungle gym has four different climbing stations, with easier and more challenging options based on your kids’ ages. There’s also a slide and gymnastic rings, so your child is sure to get their energy out, even if they’re stuck inside for several days.
DADS LIKEY
- Features bright colors that'll look great in a playroom but aren't obnoxious in other parts of the house
- The structure is made of durable solid wood
- The slide can be lowered for younger toddlers
DADS NO LIKEY
- Has a large footprint
- Would be better if one of the ladders was a rock wall
Wooden Swedish Ladder Wall Set
If you’re short on space but still want a place for your toddler to climb indoors, a Swedish wall gym is just the ticket. It fits against a wall and has a small footprint. One of the best things about this wall gym is that it’ll last your child well past their toddler years.
A Swedish wall gym gives your child several options to get their wiggles out. There is a ladder, a climbing rope, monkey bars, slide, trapeze swing, and more. Your child can work on developmental skills while building up strength and endurance.
DADS LIKEY
- Adults can use it for their workouts
- Kids can come up with creative ways to use this gym
- Even much older kids can enjoy this climbing toy
DADS NO LIKEY
- Not ideal for younger toddlers
- Some found it was challenging to put together
PlayWilder Triangle
The Pikler Triangle is one of the most common trends in climbing toys for children. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much, but toddlers love these climbing toys. This triangle can be used by babies as young as six months to toddlers who are three or older.
The company offers several ways for you to customize this climber as well. You can add on ladders and rock walls as your toddler gets older. As a bonus, the flip side of these add-ons lets them double as a slide.
DADS LIKEY
- Made of solid Baltic birch for safety and durability
- Folds up for easy storage
- Child development specialists approve of Pikler Triangles
DADS NO LIKEY
- Pricey, especially if you add on a lot of extras
- Needs a sealer added if it’s used outside
Little Tikes Rock Climber & Slide
Your toddler will love this Little Tikes Rock Climber & Slide because it looks just like the sets that big kids play on. It’s a great set because it offers so many ways for your child to climb. In particular, it has a ladder and two different rock walls, sure to satisfy all your child’s climbing urges.
It also features a platform with a boat steering wheel to promote imaginative play, a slide, and several cutouts to crawl through. Older and younger kids will be entertained for hours on this toy.
DADS LIKEY
- Slide can be adjusted for younger and older toddlers
- Different climbs allow it to be used by multiple ages
- Perfect size to be used both inside and outside
DADS NO LIKEY
- May be a little too big for very young toddlers
- Some found it a little challenging to assemble
Toddlers love to climb but are often too small for many of the play structures. That won’t be the case with this adorable caterpillar that’s just their size. It’s made of durable plastic that is resistant to fading in the sun.
This caterpillar offers several ways to play. Kids can crawl along inside of it and play peek-a-boo with the holes by its sides. They can also crawl on top of it and even pretend to ride it. It’s the perfect size for them to get the satisfying of climbing while still being low enough to the ground to be safe.
DADS LIKEY
- Adaptable to both inside and outside play
- As a bonus, you can use the feet to work on colors and counting
- Can be used from when your child starts to crawl up to age six
DADS NO LIKEY
- Kids can unscrew some of the screws
- Feet come off if you need to move it
AGame Adventure Dome
If you have a slightly older toddler and want a climbing toy that’ll last them for a few years, the AGame Adventure Dome is an excellent option. It’s made like the classic dome climbers seen on playgrounds of the past.
The dome is 8.5 feet in diameter and has a capacity of 300 lbs, so there’s plenty of room for two or more kids to climb and hang. As well, there’s a small platform and a slide for extended play. This climber is a delightful addition to any backyard.
DADS LIKEY
- More affordable than some other options
- Long-term investment, as you’ll likely get many years of play out of it
- Well-designed and durable
DADS NO LIKEY
- Not the best option for smaller toddlers
- May take a while to assemble
A-Frame Hideaway and Climber
Believe it or not, there’s a climber that encourages both active play and quiet time. This wooden a-frame climber makes an adorable tent that doubles as a climber. One side of the tent features several climbing holds.
Your kid will enjoy climbing on this hideaway and can hide themselves inside, read, or engage in imaginative play. The fabric over the entry gives kids added privacy.
DADS LIKEY
- Kids will love having their own private space
- A small window lets light and air inside
- Could be seen as an attractive addition to any indoor or outdoor space
DADS NO LIKEY
- Not as many climbing options as some other toys
- Relatively small, which may not accommodate bigger kids
Funphix Create and Play All-in-One Life-Size Structure
Our vote for the most creative climbing toy is the Funphix Create and Play Life Size Structure. This set comes with bars and connectors so your kid can build almost anything they want. There are also ramps, platforms, and wheels to let their imaginations run wild.
You can configure this set to make it the right size for a smaller toddler or let your bigger kids build some pretty complex structures. There are endless possibilities, and you can find some helpful examples online.
DADS LIKEY
- Fun for kids of all ages
- Helps your child build STEM skills along with motor skills
- Can be taken apart and easily stored when playtime is over
DADS NO LIKEY
- Expensive, but you'll likely get years of use out of it
- Younger kids may not be able to build their own structures
ActivPlay Modular Jungle Gym
If you want a versatile climbing toy, you’ll love this modular jungle gym. It’s a traditional-style jungle gym with some add-ons like an arched ladder and a saucer swing. This outdoor set will keep your kids entertained for years to come.
While this set is probably best used by older toddlers and preschoolers, you could replace the saucer swing with a baby swing.
DADS LIKEY
- Multiple ways to climb and hang
- Design is customizable
DADS NO LIKEY
- Not ideal for small toddlers
- Large investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about toddler climbing toys? We have answers!
Are Climbing Toys Good for Toddlers?
When chosen and used properly, climbing toys are great for toddlers. Kids this age have an urge to climb, and it's best to give them a safe space to practice their newfound skills. If you choose a climber that's appropriate for your toddler's age and monitor them for safe use, climbing toys can help your toddler develop gross motor skills.
Can One-Year-Olds Climb?
Many one-year-olds can climb. Some babies start climbing not long after they start crawling before they even start to walk. If you want to encourage safe climbing for your one-year-old, provide low toys with ramps so they can easily get up and don't have far to fall.
Are Climbing Toys Safe?
Most climbing toys are safe for toddlers. Only buy from reputable companies, and be sure to read all instructions and warnings before letting your child use a climbing toy. You should always monitor your child while they're playing on a climbing toy. It's also a good idea to use climbers on a padded or soft surface in case of falls.
How Do I Stop My Toddler From Climbing on Everything?
The simple answer is: you can't. Unless you keep your toddler in an empty room, they'll find a way to climb. It's an important stage of development, and their instinct is to climb. Since you can't stop your toddler from climbing, the best solution is to provide them with safe, developmentally appropriate toys that are designed for climbing.
Conclusion
Your toddler is inevitably going to climb, and your best option is to give them a safe space to climb. This list of the best toddler climbing toys has many great options for different ages and stages of development. You’ll be able to give your child places to climb both indoors and outdoors.