Discover the best toys for toddlers who like to climb! These climbing toys for toddlers will make sure your little one tired and happy.
It’s hard to believe our LG is 18 months old now! She’s been an active little person since before she was even born, so it’s not surprising that she loves to climb, run, and jump. She adores her Nugget and stepping stones (as seen in this post on indoor gross motor toys for toddlers), but warmer weather made me start looking for larger climbing toys, too. I hope you enjoy this collection of the best toys for toddlers who love to climb!
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Why toddlers should be allowed to climb & the benefits of climbing toys for toddlers
I think we’re often really worried about our toddlers climbing. As moms, it’s natural for us to be concerned about our precious little ones! Climbing seems scary, but remember that it’s an important part of encouraging your child’s development. It provides physical activity and promotes strength, bodily awareness, balance, and coordination.
Appropriate climbing toys can also help you channel your toddler’s climbing energy. When she tries to climb the bookshelves, for example, you an redirect and explain that this toy of hers is for climbing, not the shelf. To help keep your child safe, always supervise her while she’s climbing and, if you’re really concerned, put down crash pads for a soft landing.
Step stools
If your toddler is younger, smaller, or just starting to climb, step stools are a great “toy!” They’re also practical for your child as she grows and can help her become more independent and capable of self-care tasks like washing hands and brushing teeth.
You may already have a short step stool around the house, but it’s important to find one that’s well-suited to climbing on by a toddler. My daughter first started trying to climb up on a folding step stool I was using to reach the top shelf. The problem is that many folding stools aren’t that sturdy and they don’t lock in place. When your child bumps the stool or tries to move it on purpose, it may start to fold up or cause pinched fingers. Non-slip pads are also helpful because they can keep the stool from sliding around as your toddler tries to climb.
A low “mobility step” is the perfect first step stool for your young toddler. They’re designed to help people with limited mobility step over doorframes, which means they’re low, non-slip, and have a large top. All these features make them perfect for toddlers, too! You can also use it to help your toddler get into the house or place one at the bottom of the stairs if your last step is taller than the others.
- Reduce the height of the step into a doorway or room with this non-slip mobility half-step walking aid.
- Measures approximately 19.75 inches long x 15.75 inches wide x 3.5 inches high.
- Place the mobility step stool next to your bed, bathtub, car or doorway for easy entry! Made of sturdy polypropylene plastic, this step assistant...
This wood low step stool is another great choice (and, quite honestly, more attractive!) At 16.6″x12.6″, it has plenty of space for your little one to step up on! You can paint or stain it to match your decor, or leave it unfinished. I’d personally use my own homemade wood polish recipe on it because it’s totally non-toxic and food safe.
- Unfinish-Ready for Paint or Stain! If you don't love the color we provide,you may choose this stool,we have sanded it already,you can pain it...
- Crafted from natural wood, which is sturdy and air purifying, relieves your fatigue and benefit to your health.
- Smooth surface! - Our Stool is fully sanded and smooth to the touch. All corners and edges have been fully rounded and sanded .All wood screw...
A two-step stool is the next logical “step up” for a toddler who’s mastered a single low step.
I’ve looked over about a zillion different options, and this wood two-step stool is my favorite for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that it has a textured top, which can help reduce slips. It also has carrying handles, which means it’s easier to move around the house. A sturdy step-stool can be helpful for years to come, so this is a great feature! I also love that it matches the bedroom and playroom furniture from the same company.
- A 2-step stool with textured patterns on the stairs.
- Wide & sturdy: keeps you steady as you go. This kid's step tool won't tip over.
- Handy handles: this portable stool's easy to grab and go!
My daughter is completely obsessed with water and splashing it whenever possible. If your child loves splashing, you might want to go for a plastic two-step stool. This two pack of stools is my favorite choice for wet locations because they have large no-slip bumpers and removable plugs to help any excess water drain away. The stools are also stackable, which is handy, easy to clean, and lightweight enough for little people to carry.
- premium quality heavy duty plastic step stool. For toddlers, kids, adults, bed, sink, counter toilet
- non-slip surface reduces the risk of slipping
- removable non-slip caps - can be removed to drain water off the surface
Lastly, I have to include this learning tower. Your little one can practice climbing up and down steps on the side and the upper platform is adjustable for years of use! It’s perfect for helping in the kitchen, using a computer, or working anywhere that’s more adult height. It has a flat front so it can stand right up against the counter without any annoying gaps and you can add on an easel for art time fun!
- Designed by a former Montessori school principal, the Original Learning Tower encourages interaction, exploration and togetherness between children...
- Durable build and stable design safely bring your toddler to counter-height to participate in cooking, cleaning, crafts or other hands-on activities...
- Four-sided open frame helps to build confidence and independence by allowing your child to climb in and out by themselves
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Slides for toddlers
Okay, now let’s start getting into the “toys!”
Slide are great for toddlers who enjoy climbing. My daughter loves climbing up slides, so I try to let her (as long as she’s not holding up slide traffic at the playground) because it’s also fantastic climbing practice. If you have a slide at home, your little one can do up and down the slide all day long!
A simple small side is great for indoor or outdoor use. I really like this classic slide because it’s tall enough for your child to use for several years.
Unlike some slides that are super duper short, this one’s slide is just over 3 feet long. It has a fairly steep angle, so children can actually get a pretty good slide down it. (Though, of course, my daughter prefers to climb up it! She is absolutely obsessed with this slide at her weekly gymnastics class.)
It’s also easy and convenient to put together because everything snaps in place – no tools required! This means there are no bolts or screws to work loose (some other plastic slides have metal screws that wear away at the plastic with time or comes loose with use). The only downside is that the rails at the top are really low, but I’ve found that to be the case with every slide like this I’ve checked out. I just make sure I stay right with my daughter if she’s using the slide, but she’s always been very cautious at the top.
- Perfect beginner's slide, sized especially for younger kids (3-feet long)
- Folds down without tools for compact storage and moving
- Product Size: 23.00''L x 18.00''W x 39.00''H and Slide length: 38.00''L.Handrails snap into place
The Step2 Panda Climber is a fun choice with more options for climbing and crawling than a basic slide. It’s fairly small, which means it can be used indoors and is a great size for toddlers. It takes up about four feet of space, which could easily fit in most living rooms, bonus rooms, or even a bedroom!
- Features crawl-through tunnel, archway, fun slide, and large platform
- Large platform level designed with a safe rail enclosing the climber for added safety during playtime
- All activity elements are appropriately sized for toddlers, Durable poly construction wipes clean easily and lasts for years
In addition to climbing, toddlers are also working on their ball-throwing skills. My daughter is in love with balls. The Step2 Sports Climber comes with plenty of opportunities to practice climbing and ball throwing with a basketball goal and spots lower down to practice kicking and throwing balls. It comes with one “multi-purpose sports ball,” which is nice because it’s fewer parts to keep track of! It’s fairly small at 5.5′ x 2.5′ which means it can fit indoors, if necessary. It has a dial to ‘keep score,’ but younger children have fun clicking the dial around as a sensory and motor experience.
- This kids' sport-themed activity set has it all, designed for tons of fun physical play with a bonus in gross motor skill development. Great for...
- Shoot some hoops, play a round of soccer, and get active with the slide in between. The clickable knobs under the basketball hoop are a convenient way...
- Kids can use the climber set's ladder with molded-in grips to climb onto the platform - and make a slam dunk from the top! Take turns going down the...
Climbing towers, foam playsets, and construction sets
My daughter loves climbing on foam playsets like this whenever she visits her favorite bounciest house! They’re an excellent choice for younger toddlers, older infants, or if you’re a bit apprehensive about letting your little once climb! I like how easy to clean this particular set is, and that it’s made in the USA. Foamnasium also sells individual wedges, steps, and more to customize your play area.
- Includes a Large Block, Toddler Step, and two Wedges.
- Encourages active play, creativity, and fun for your child in a safe way.
- Durable, easy-to-clean vinyl cover stands up to countless hours of play.
One of my absolute favorite toys as a child was this construction set called Pipeworks. It isn’t available anymore, but I found this Quadro pipe construction set that seems super similar! The tubes snap together easily and lock in place (you discontent them with a special tool/wrench). It’s easy to make a climbing frame, small slide, or playhouse. You can get more sets to add on for even bigger creations and wheeled vehicles. I was so excited to find the Quadro line because I want my daughter to have something similar to my beloved Pipeworks set! I also love that they are designed and made in Germany, not Asia. A Quadro construction set can provide literally years of open-ended play, not just climbing fun.
Until I saw one a friend had for her toddler, I didn’t realize you could get climbing towers/geodesic domes sized for little kids! I immediately put one on my wishlist for LG. I love how this climbing set isn’t just a dome – it also has a tower on top, too! The main part of the dome is about 3 feet tall the the tower sticks up a bit more, so this one is best for more experienced climbers.
- Endless play: children will enjoy endless fun and active playtime with the toy Monster monkey bars climbing tower. This will quickly become a favorite...
- Durable: featuring interlocking plastic tubes and connectors with double self locking springs make this set Durable, yet surprisingly lightweight and...
- Quality: Made of high quality plastic enhanced with UV protection. Uv protection offers long lasting outdoor play while quality plastic material...
There is also a wooden indoor climbing dome, but at the time of writing it is unavailable with no known restock date. Womp-womp. I’m hoping it comes back in stock sometime because I’d love to have it for LG!
The Pikler triangle
The Pikler triangle, also called a climbing frame, provides endless climbing fun. (This particular triangle folds up so it doesn’t take up too much space at home, plus it’s handmade in North Carolina. Pair it with a slide for even more enjoyment!
This Pikler triangle comes with a sliding board, but it’s made in the Ukraine instead of the USA. It’s still made with hardwood, though, and comes with your choice of colorful rails or natural wood. It also folds and has a bolt to lock it in place to prevent accidental collapse during use.
- SUPERIOR MATERIALS: Sturdy construction for reliability and safety using Wood (beech and pine). All materials and varnish are natural, environmentally...
- DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATION: Deployed: 41" tall and 34.3" wide. Slide: 47 ", width - 13.8". Easy to assemble and fold away for storing or...
- INCLUDES: Pikler Triangle with painted bars, Slide, mounting kit.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Pikler triangle, it was developed by a Hungarian pediatrician who believed that children learn best when allowed to move and develop at their own pace. Similarly to Dr. Maria Montessori, Dr. Pikler taught the importance of respecting your child and not forcing her into positions she’s not ready to achieve independently. The Pikler triangle is not technically an official Montessori material, but it is weirdly used by Montessori homes and classrooms.
It isn’t Pikler triangle, but this wood rocking rainbow is another “alternative parenting style” classic used in Waldorf and Montessori homes. It’s fun as a rocking boat or as an arch to climb over. If you’re feeling a bit nervous at a Pikler triangle, this is a great alternative because the slats are closer together and it’s only 14″ tall.
- This multi-use piece was originally developed in Waldorf early childhood classrooms. The movement awakens imagination, strengthens muscles, and...
- Unbox and watch the child's imagination take over. It becomes a slide, a boat, a resting place, a doll bed, a puppet stage, a lemonade stand, a...
- The rocker encourages open-ended collaborative play amongst pairs and groups of children.
Jungle gyms for toddlers and preschoolers
Regular readers know I’m a huge fan of selecting wood toys from trustworthy companies whenever possible. Luckily, there are some absolutely beautiful wood indoor/outdoor jungle gyms!
I love that the Wedanta jungle gym has so many features (including a slide, ladder, gymnastic rings, monkey bars, and a climbing net) and that it’s made in Europe! It’s constructed from birch, which is a hardwood. (Softer, cheaper woods are more likely to splinter and hurt little hands and feet.)
- Kids playground for 1 to 5 year, all activity elements, climbing toys are sized for toddler climber
- Play area easy to assemble, use your monkey bar indoor for kids and young explorers
- Playset can hold: 110 lbs (50 kg), kids playset requires adult assembly for fun activities for kids to explore
For even more features, check out this larger jungle gym! (It’s also made by Wedanta.)
- Monkey bar for 1 to 5 year, all activity elements, climbing toys are sized for toddler climber
- Jungle gym easy to assemble, use your play area as indoor playground for young explorers
- Playset can hold: 110 lbs (50 kg), kids gym requires adult assembly for fun activities for toddlers
This wooden indoor gym has a nice, natural birch wood color and is like a super-sized version of the Pikler triangle!
Although I’m a fan of wood toys and play structures, there are also lots of plastic climbing toys available. This caterpillar tunnel and climbing toy is one of my favorites. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and great for a variety of age ranges! It’s also fairly large (I can crawl through it without difficulty), which means it can be used for years by children of all ages.
- Kids Play Structure - brightly colored caterpillar climbing structure for active play in preschools, child care centers or at home
- Indoors or Outdoors - weather- and fade-resistant design for use in the playroom, in the backyard or on the playground
- Motor Development - children ages 2-4 develop motor skills as they climb, crawl and interact in the colorful play tunnel
This climbing wall is the ultimate climbing toy for children of all ages! When I showed the Step2 Skyward Summit Climber to my husband he asked “Can we get this right now?!” It’s quite large at 5×7 feet and best for outdoor use, but very durable and holds up to the elements well. With rock climbing holds, nets, and multiple platforms, it’s great for playdates and use by multiple children at the same time! Because it’s so large and sturdy, it does require a bit of assembly. An electric screwdriver or drill can help you insert in all the screws without wearing out your wrists and hands.
- Designed with four unique climbing surfaces to give children a variety of challenges
- Features 2 climbing cargo nets, 1 floor net and 9 grips; RECOMMENDED AGE: 4 - 8
- Your child can peak out a hole at the peak of the summit
I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of the best toys for toddlers who like to climb! If you have any other favorites I’ve missed, please let me know!
More parenting & toddler resources
Awesome gross motor toys for toddlers
The best sippy cup alternatives for toddlers
The best wood toys for toddlers
Natasha is a former classroom teacher turned WAHM. She also is a registered yoga teacher and certified life coach. She shares her passion for education with craft tutorials and free printables. She also shares her experience moving through grief after losing a parent and passion for positive parenting. Learn more about Natasha and where she’s been featured.
