There is nothing better than seeing a toddler having fun and learning. What makes this even better is if they can be outside, exercising, and playing at the same time. This is quite possible since there are so many toys out there that can help build up a child’s skills and allow them to learn new things. There are so many high quality toys that are perfect for playing outdoors, and can fit right in your backyard. Check out this list of the best climbing toys for toddlers.
Step2 Game Time Sports Climber
When you have little ones that are active and want to be entertained, you may need a lot to keep their attention. This climber is a great example of that, since it can be used to climb, there’s a basketball hoop, a slide, and a space to crawl through. This helps a kid not only learn how to use all of these spaces correctly, but can also keep them occupied for hours at a time. As a bonus, more than one child can use it at a time.
Pros
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Easy to put together
- Can be used inside too
Cons
- You must closely supervise play
Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber
If you loved jungle gyms when you were a kid, your kid may like them as well. This product is a dome that can be used for climbing. It is constructed to be very sturdy and you can choose from a few colors. It can handle up to 600 pounds overall, so it is great for a larger family. It is already painted to protect against rusting, although certain climates may put this to the test. It is essentially like the larger domes you may have used at the playground at school, but it is small enough that it will fit in your backyard.
Pros
- Comes with 1-year warranty
- Many kids can use at one time
- Holds up well over time
Cons
- Can become rusty in some areas
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
This is another slide that also has an area for climbing. It is suited well for smaller kids, but they may need some help getting up to the slide, since the climbing area does not operate like stairs. There is also an area to climb through and the whole thing can hold children up to 45 pounds. It is something simple but will provide hours of enjoyment.
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Includes a butt shaper in design
- High quality shaper
- Has a high amount of compression
Cons
- May be too expensive for some
- Sizes run small
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars
These monkey bars may be something you are familiar with from your childhood as well. This kit consists of plastic tubes that interlock into a dome. There is also an area to sit down after your child climbs to the top. It is bright in color and is lightweight, which makes it even easier to put together. All the pieces are coated, so they will not break down in the sun. It can be used for kids that are up to 8 years old as well, so little ones can share with their older siblings.
Pros
- Unit has UV protection coating
- Fits together well
- Lightweight
Cons
- Must be cautious with hands when assembling
Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber
For kids that like to play on the big equipment at the park, this is a smaller version for your home. This activity-packed playset features a climbing wall, a slide, a ladder, and steering wheels to move around, as well as a place to crawl through. Kids can pretend it is a castle or a boat, whatever they want. You can fill the bottom area with sand to create a sandbox as well, or even use it to store toys, so there are plenty of possibilities to explore.
Pros
- Bottom part can be customized for your child
- Stays together well
- Works for taller toddlers
Cons
- Lacks pre-drilled holes
Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
This set looks simple but there is a lot going on. There is a ladder to get up to the slide, and there is an area for pretending to drive, complete with doors, a wheel, and a dashboard. There are also plenty of places on the bottom level designed for crawling and using your imagination. This is a great toy for a play date and for athletic kids. It is also coated to protect it from getting sun damaged and is even exciting for younger kids. This is another one that can be placed indoors if you have a large playroom.
Pros
- Lots of activities
- Will stay looking new
- Can wipe clean easily
Cons
- Hard to assemble for some
Safe-Kids Cargo Climbing Net
This is a cargo net that you can install on a playset or piece of equipment that you already have. It is made of thick rope that will stay soft no matter how long it is outside. The connectors used are resistant to rust and the whole thing is unlikely to crack or become damaged easily, since there are no wooden parts. It is easy to set up, once you know where you will put it and the instructions are straightforward, even if you are a beginner when it comes to building. This is also a toy that can be used for many years, depending on what you fasten it to.
Pros
- Rope stays soft at all times
- Product is thicker than other nets
- Comes with a drill bit
Cons
- Will need a space to set it up
Barcaloo Rock Climbing Wall Hand Holds
This product consists of the hand holds that you use to set up a rock-climbing wall for your tykes. It includes 10 handholds in a kit, so you can set up the wall however you want it. It comes with all the hardware you need to install it, but you must have a wall to install it on. Each hold can withstand 220 pounds and they come with a 1-year warranty. You can purchase multiple kits if need more than just 10.
Pros
- Can be used for years
- Works for a climbing wall or obstacle course
- Easy grip design
Cons
- May not come with proper bolts
Step2 Skyward Summit
If your child is interested in climbing actual rocks or pyramids, this is something they will be interested in too. It is called a summit because it can be climbed on different sides until you reach the top. There is even a flag on the upper, so a kid can celebrate getting to the top. Each side of the tower offers a unique climbing experience, so different kids can use it at the same time. It even comes with hand grips, open air areas, and a cargo net, meaning there is always enough to do.
Pros
- Each side features a different activity
- Fun design looks like a mountain
- Holds up well even with jumpy kids
Cons
- Takes a while to put together
Kids Dome Climber
This is a strong metal dome that can be climbed to the top. There is a mat or cloth deck to sit on in the middle of it and a slide to get down in a cool way. It is constructed of powder-coated steel, so it will withstand a lot of use. The frame can handle up to 350 pounds. It does need a large amount of space to sit wherever you set it up. It is a great mix for kids that like to climb, jump, and use a slide.
Pros
- Can withstand over 300 pounds
- Mat included is heavy-duty
- Comes with 6 foot slide
Cons
- Takes two people to set up