Indoor Climbing for Toddlers

Some toddlers love to climb. You can’t take your eyes off them because if you do they’ll be half way up the nearest bookcase before you can stop them. Others have absolutely no interest in climbing at all, either because they are content at ground level or worried about falling, climbing just isn’t for them. The truth is both of these groups of toddlers can benefit from opportunities to climb safely. For those who love to climb, indoor climbing opportunities can channel that urge safely. For toddlers who aren’t keen on climbing, it can build their confidence and help them to develop their gross motor skills. Unfortunalty bad weather means we can’t always go to the playground or the woods to practise climbing so below are some toys that can provide safe indoor climbing for toddlers.

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The Best Indoor Climbing Toys for Toddlers

The most straightforward way to provide indoor climbing for toddlers is to buy a toy that is designed for the job, below are some options that can work well.

Indoor Climbing Frames for Toddlers

A simple indoor climbing frame for toddlers can provide a great opportunity for them to develop their climbing skills.

Costzon Foldable Triange Ladder

Pros:

• The ramp can be used at different heights making it suitable for a wider range of ages and climbing abilities
• The slide is a fun extra feature for children to enjoy
• The simple wood design is attractive

Cons:

• The addition of the slide or ramp requires extra space
• Some reviewers mention screws need regular tightening

Merex Foldable Triangle Climber

Pros:

• Multipurpose, can be used for climbing, as a den and has a table to sit at/easel to draw on
• Folds smaller than most climbing frames for storage
• Includes a stall to sit at the table

Cons:

• The bright colours may not fit well in every home
• It’s more complicated to fold than the basic wooden triangle climbing frame

3 in 1 Wooden Triangle Ladder, Climbing Net and Board Slide

Pros:

• Offers multiple climbing experiences through the rungs, net and ramp
• Simple design will fit in most homes
• Designed to avoid sharp edges

Cons:

• The board slide is plain wood so not slippery

Indoor Climbing Gyms for Toddlers

These indoor climbings gyms for toddlers offer more options that just a simple climbing frame, most are larger so you’ll need a fairly big space for this type of indoor climbing toy.

Indoor Playground Toddler Climber

Pros:

• Takes up less room than a lot of the other gym options
• Toddlers will have lots of options for play

Cons:

• The gym is quite high and able climbers will be able to climb to the top which is quite far from the ground
• The bright colours may not suit every home

Indoor Toddler & Child Playground Climber

Pros:

• Great range of climbing and play options
• Large frame will have a longer lifespan than some of the other choices
• Varnished wood finish will look good in most homes

Cons:

• The height of the frame and the fact that toddlers could climb on the top means they need careful supervision

Indoor Climbing Domes for Toddlers

Climbing domes are a great low height option when you’re looking for indoor climbing options for toddlers.

Albott Dome Climber

Pros:

• The customised hand grips make it good options for toddlers who aren’t great at climbing yet
• The low height mean toddlers won’t fall far if they lose their grip

Cons:

• Bright colours make it not suit every home decor
• Only offers one type of play

The Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower

Pros:

• Monkey bars allow for developing upper body strength
• The monkey bars are removable
• Suitable up to the age of 8 allowing for more years of use
• Can be used inside or outside

Cons:

• Monkey bars create extra height so toddlers will need closer supervision when they are in place

Jugader Dome Climber with Canopy

Pros:

• The canopy allows the dome to be used as a play house and also provides shade in summer
• Can be used either indoors or outdoors

Cons:

• At 8ft it’s larger than other domes we’ve included so you’ll need a bigger space
• It’s also higher than the other domes so falls are more risky

DIY Indoor Climbing for Toddlers

If you don’t want to buy an indoor climbing toy for your child then there are some DIY indoor climbing options for toddlers. Make sure you supervise them carefully when doing these activities.

Ladders

Small ladders can be used as a DIY climbing toy for toddlers. Place one end of the ladder on a piece of sturdy furniture like a sofa and put the other end on the floor. Your toddler can now climbing up the incline.

If you have a small step ladder then you can allow your child to climb it while hold them.

A Sturdy Plank of Wood

A sturdy plank of wood can be used in the same way as the ladder to provide a ramp for a toddler to climb up. You can also place it on top of two low objects and allow them to balance along it.

Cushions

If you want something soft for a younger toddler to climb on then creating a mountain of pillows, cushions and blankets can be great fun.

Safe Indoor Climbing for Toddlers

When allowing toddlers to climb inside it’s important to make sure they are safe, here are some guidelines to help you provide safe indoor climbing for toddlers.

• Always put something soft on the floor beneath climbing areas
• Always supervise toddlers when they are climbing
• Have clear rules about what it’s ok to climb on and what it isn’t
• Attach large pieces of furniture to the wall in case your climbing rules aren’t followed

Advice on Choosing the Best Indoor Climbing Toys for Toddlers

Below is a summary of what you should take into account when choosing indoor climbing toys for toddlers.

• Do you want the option to have it inside and outside?
• How comfortable are you with your toddler climbing high up?
• How long are you hoping your child will be able to use the climbing toy for?
• Do you want the option to use it as a den as well as for climbing?
• Does your toddler struggle to climb and need something simple or are they a master climber who needs a challenge?
• Do you want something that will look attractive in your home?
• Are you just interested in climbing or do you want other play options?

If you’re interested in other toys to keep toddlers entertained, have a look at our guide to outdoor toys for toddlers, the best ride on toys for toddlers and construction toys for toddlers.

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