This list is full of the best toys to keep kids active, moving and burning off all that extra energy. Because every home needs a supply of toys that will keep busy indoors and outside.
Toys to Keep Kids Active
Over the years I have created specific selection criteria to decide whether or not a toy is worth bringing into my house.
Here are a few key features I look for when selecting toys:
Does it…
- Encourage outdoor play?
- Require movement?
- Develop coordination?
- Offer sensory input?
- Inspire creativity and imagination?
You will notice that many toys on this list check all of those boxes.
Not only are the toys listed below super fun, but they also help develop fine and gross motor skills.
Fine motor skills are small movements — such as picking up small objects and writing with a pencil — that use the small muscles of the fingers, toes, wrists, and face.
Gross motor skills are the bigger movements — such as jumping and balancing — that use the large muscles in the arms, legs, torso, and feet.
As a teacher, I see more and more kids struggling with these issues skills.
And without them kiddos have trouble writing, skipping, tying their shoes, and coordination.
When children struggle with these basic skills they become easily frustrated.
This can easily lead to tantrums, anxiety and anger.
However, when they are able to master these skills it also helps them to become more confident and tolerate frustration more easily.
It sounds crazy, but it’s true: Toys that encourage physical movement and play can help improve behavior.
Also, kids who are active and are able to “get their energy out” tend to be more relaxed.
This gift guide is perfect for children with lots of energy, ADHD or sensory processing disorders.
At the same time they are also perfect for any child who just wants to have fun.
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Awesome Toys for Active Kids
This list is organized by age-range.
Toddler toys are at the top, while tween toys are at bottom.
Be sure to scroll through the entire list to find the perfect gift for your busy kid.
Howdy Cow Kids Bouncy Hopper
This indoor/outdoor is fun for toddlers that need to get their wiggles out!
Playskool Sit ‘n Spin Classic
Got hyper kids? Let them spin their brains out on this classic toy that is so much fun!
Magicfly Kids Parachute
A super-fun parachute perfect for play and fort building.
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On
This toy has been my sanity saver for years.
We have used it inside, outside, down the hallway and for birthday parities.
It’s a 10-foot long roller coaster ride on track, built for years of play outdoors or in the playroom.
It has a recessed retainer well keeps ride on car in place during mounting. Also, the riding car has high back, handrail, and foot rests for riding securely down the track.
Little Tikes Rock Climber & Slide
Your kiddos will love having their own personal playground. Complete with climbing wall, slide,
MOLUK Bilibo
This magically attractive toy inspires limitless play. The shell shape and bright colors are immediately appealing,The award winning Bilibo was designed in Switzerland in conjunction with child development experts.
Gonge TOP
This giant top can fit two children and can be used indoor or outdoors. With supervision it can even be used as a boat in the pool! Watch kids rock, spin and teeter their little hearts out.
Gonge Stepping River Stones
Perfect for the ultimate version of “The Floor is Lava”
Each side of the stones vary in steepness and difficulty.
One of my favorite features is that the stones can be stacked for easy storage. There is also a rubber rim that prevents slipping – they thought of everything!
Wooden Wobble Balance Board
UNLIMITED WAYS TO PLAY: The Wooden Balance Board is whatever you imagine it to be - a swing, a bridge, a shop, a cabin, a stepping stone, a racetrack, a lounge chair, fitness equipment, a puppet, a small football goal, a teeter popper or a tunnel......
ActivPlay Swivel Teeter Totter
Take outdoor play to the next level with this awesome teeter totter that also swivels 360 degrees.
Your kids will bounce their little hearts out...which is just what they need!
Jump 'n Slide Bounce House
Trust me on this one....this is an investment in your sanity!!! Inflate it indoors or outdoors to provide kids with hours of jumping to wear them out!
The Kid-Powered Plasma Car
Reach speeds of up to 6 mph with this fun toy for active kids. The car is propelled by the back and forth motion of the driver. This is so much fun the kids won't even realize they're getting worn out!
Schwinn Steerable Kids Bike
We have tried a lot of bicycles over the years and this was our favorite by far.There is a quick release seat post for fast growing kids.You can start off with training wheels and the “parent push” handle. Overtime, remove these and allow your kiddo to ride independently.
Whoobli Punching Bag for Kids
Growing kids are full of energy - and that energy has to go somewhere. This SUPER COOL boxing ball set will be the most addictive toy in the house! Unlike some punching bags that fall over after one big blow this sturdy bag stays upright!
Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber
The kids will spend hours climbing, hanging upside down and building forts with this awesome dome climbing set.
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Rocket
Your kids will have a blast as they run, jump and STOMP to launch these rockets up in the sky!
BANZAI Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers
These inflatable body bumpers let children bounce into and off of each other for hours of silly fun!
Let's Go Code! Activity Set
A hands on way for kids to learn about coding without the need for screentime.
Zip Line Kit with Spring Brake and Seat
Endless hours of backyard play is at your fingertips with this safety focused zip line.
Yoga Dice
A fun game that turns yoga into a competition between friends, siblings or the entire family. Who can hold the pose and make it to the finish line first?
Diggin DodgeTag Game
A dodge ball inspired game with vests that help to keep score. Watch them run, dive and laugh while they have a ton of fun!
Spooner Boards Freestyle
A fun way to develop balance and coordination as the twist, spin and wobble around.
More toys for active kids:
- The Best Gifts for Boys who Love to be Outside
- 20 Awesomely Unusual Gifts for Boys
- A Gigantic List of the Best Boredom Busters for Kids
- The 11 Best Sprinklers for Kids
There you have it mama!
The best gifts for energetic kids!
Allie says
Great post! Ok I might have to get those oddly shaped exercise dice… TheyAre awesome! Thanks for a wonderful list.
Rosie says
LOVE THIS gift guide so much! In fact I am going to order some things from your links! Great list ❤
Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced says
Thank you! I really put a lot of time into it and personally own many of the items, I’ve used in classrooms, or my kiddos have used them at friends houses.
mary says
Great list! We have cold winters in Ohio and I’m always looking for toys we can setup in the basement during the cold months…and preferably ones that will keep the kids active. So many of these are perfect for that! I love the roller coaster, hanging rings and river stones.
Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced says
We live in California and I am always jealous of all the midwest homes with basements for that exact reason. What a great place to play and get their wiggles out when it’s freezing outside!
alida venter says
Great post! Thanks for the ideas. With the holidays coming up, this post will help a lot!
Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced says
Glad you were able to get some great gift ideas!
Christina says
These are awesome ideas! Th makes for all the research
Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced says
Hi Christina! Glad you found this post helpful. I love being able to share the best ideas I can find with my readers. The toys on this list have provided my own children with hours of play over the past few years. Money well spent for sure!
Amy says
Hi! You have a rock climber in the pictures above but no link to what it is. I would love to have something like this for my kids. Could you let me know where to get it? Thank you.
Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced says
Hi Amy, When I wrote the post the rock climber was available and unfortunately it no longer is. I have looked everywhere online and even on the manufacturer website. I am hoping that they start making them again soon. I have had many people reach out asking if something similar is available. I have searched everywhere and this is the closest thing I can find https://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Rock-Climber-Slide/dp/B015KN8FCQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=step+2+climber&qid=1606143484&sr=8-44&linkCode=ll1&tag=simplywell0f-20&linkId=1635cdafebcefe0be5ccdf727dd00633&language=en_US (aff link)