Image: MomJunction Design Team
Toddlers are little bundles of joy who never run out of energy. So, we have compiled a list of the best toddler jungle gyms to keep your child engaged and active. Toddlers need an outlet to try and explore new things, and a jungle gym is one such activity space that quenches their desire to do something unique. Jungle gyms are not necessarily meant for the outdoors. You can find jungle gym games that you can install indoors, suitable for those who don’t have backyards.
These indoor jungle gyms allow your child to stay away from screens and video games and give them sufficient exercise to maintain optimal overall health. These games help keep your child entertained, improve their motor skills while providing them with active playtime. With various exciting features, choosing the right jungle gym might be challenging. So, explore our list of the best-selling and time-tested jungle gyms to pick one according to your requirements.
Top Picks
15 Best Jungle Gym For Toddlers
1. Best Rust-Resistant:Eastern Jungle Gym
Image: Eastern Jungle Gym This incredibly fun full bucket kid jungle gym comes fully assembled, has a high back for added safety and support, and comes fully enclosed. Made of polyethylene, it has 66 inches long galvanized steel chains to swing from, and the bottom 30 inches are soft and pinch-free and have a good grip as they are coated with yellow plastisol. The widely tried-and-tested bucket measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 10 inches and can be adjusted to fit multiple size beams up to 9 feet high. It’s made of premium quality and durable material and is ideal for babies and toddlers up to the age of 4 years.
Pros
- 2/0 straight-coil swing chains
- Heavy-duty construction
- Rust-resistant
- All weather design
Cons
- Does not include carabiner clips
"I love this swing set as it accommodates my little one securely. Its high-rise back provides him with ample back support and ensures comfort. It has proven safe and enjoyable, although some supervision is recommended."
Quick fact
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 7,961 fine reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Lightweight:Hide N Side Tunnel Tent
This 5-in-1 vibrant ball pit playhouse has all the features to keep your kid entertained for hours. It features an awesome target wall game that takes enjoyment for children and their parents to a whole new level. There are several maze options which children can customize to their liking. Depending on the ball size, the ball pit can accommodate up to 400 to 600 balls. The entire toddler jungle gym pops open in a matter of seconds so it doesn’t take any time to assemble. The tunnels can be fastened closed with easy-locks; and the cube, teepee, and ball house fold into a compact size for storage in the lightweight carry case that’s included. This customizable playset for toddlers is therapeutic, boosts imagination, creativity, gross motor skills, and encourages crawling, coordination, and sensory processing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 4 dart balls included
- Made from durable 190T soft polyester fabric
- Superior-quality early childhood playground equipment
- Wrapped steel spring frame
- Pet-friendly
- Suitable for sensory processing disorders
Cons
- Balls for the ball pit not included
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 7,297 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
3. Best Weather-Resistant:Costzon Toddler Swing And Slide Set
The four-in-one playset by Costzon features a large climber, a basketball hoop, and a long slide to keep your children entertained for hours. The parts of this toddler jungle gym with a slide are crafted from a durable, high-quality, weather-resistant HDPE material. The fun slide has a smooth slope, and the rounded edges prevent injuries during playtime. The entire playset is appropriately sized for your toddler, and the slide can hold weights up to 110lb, while the swing can hold weights up to 66lb. The basketball hoop and ring toss game help improve children’s coordination and motor skills.
Pros
- Multifunctional design
- Non-toxic, child-safe material
- Attractive and child-friendly colors
- Easy to assemble
- Indoor/outdoor playset
- Non-slip textured steps
Cons
- Instructions may be a bit difficult to understand
- Base of the swing may not be stable enough
"This indoor playset has excited my little ones. They especially love playing with the basketball hoop. It has a robust construction and is quite easy to assemble. I suggest adding some weight so active toddlers can't topple it over."
4. Best Versatile:Avenlur Magnolia 7-In-1 Jungle Gym
Build your child’s sensory and motor skills with the Avenlur seven-in-one playset. This skill-building indoor jungle gym includes activities like monkey bars, a mini rock climbing wall, swings, climbing ladders, and a slide to improve concentration, and coordination while enhancing the child’s ability to balance properly. In addition, the low-ground design ensures your child a secure and convenient usage. This trusted playset also promotes hand-eye coordination, strengthens the muscles, and improves the child’s creative play. However, remember that the playset can only withstand a weight of up to 300 lb, so only three to four children may use the playset at a time.
Pros
- Durable design
- Smooth wood surface
- Montessori-inspired
- Improves social skills via group play
- CPC-tested
Cons
- May not be foldable
- Assembly may take longer than usual
5. Best Double-Story: Step2 Play Up Gym Set
Swing, crawl, slide, and climb with the double-story Step2 Play Up gym set. This playset aids in improving your child’s motor skills. The durable plastic material is free of sharp edges, splinters, and BPA and phthalates, making it safe for children. It is equipped with a dummy steering wheel for pretend play adventures, and the durable stairs allow your child to climb securely. In addition, the sturdy A-frame and ground anchors keep the playset stable.
Pros
- Fade-resistant roof
- Features two levels of play surfaces
- Stain- and chip-resistant
- Boosts social skills
- Stylish play structure
Cons
- Instruction manual may be complicated
- Assembly may be time-consuming
"I like how this compact outdoor playset fits nicely into my humble backyard without taking up much space. My child is so fascinated by the cottage-style design that he uses it as his stage for his pretend-play scenarios."
Did you know?6. Best Rust-Resistant:Eastern Jungle Gym
Image: Eastern Jungle Gym This heavy-duty swing with a green belt seat is ideal for any backyard and is sure to thrill your kid. The attractive playset comes fully assembled with zinc-coated chains made of galvanized steel that are 66 inches long, extremely strong, and can be adjusted up to 30 inches. There is a yellow plastisol coating on the bottom half of the chains so that kids have a comfortable and pinch-free grip. Constructed with heavy-duty materials, this weather-resistant gym toy for toddlers is extremely long-lasting and durable. The swing seat measures 26 x 5.5 inches and is constructed with commercial-grade copolymer plastic.
Pros
- Rust-resistant
- Thick seat
- 2/0 straight-coil swing chains
- Suitable for children up to 5 years
Cons
- Does not include the required hardware
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,011 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
7. Best Compact: Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber
Let your child have endless fun climbing, crawling, and sliding in your backyard or indoors with the Little Tikes Hide & Seek climber. The activity kit features a climbing rock wall and adventure tunnel that help improve children’s motor skills and critical thinking abilities. In addition, the toddler jungle gym with climbing wall encourages children to coordinate with others and helps build balancing ability. This versatile playset also has a peek-a-boo window to encourage pretend play. Despite being loaded with multiple features, this climber can accommodate two children simultaneously.
Pros
- Smooth sliding surface
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to carry and store
- Suitable for compact spaces
- Multi-functional playset
Cons
- Steps may be slightly narrow
- May wobble on uneven surfaces
Quick tip8. Best Safety-Certified:Unicoo Toddler Slide And Swing Set
Meeting all the ASTM and CPSC safety standards, this toddler jungle gym with basketball hoop by Unicoo offers eight functions and is suitable for indoor and backyard play. The wide base design prevents the set from wobbling, giving your toddler a safe space to enjoy to the fullest. The durable indoor jungle gym allows your child to climb, slide, play basketball, soccer, and a ring toss game. A safety harness, adjustable height, a footrest, and a guardrail allow your child to swing safely. In addition, the music box feature enables your child to listen to stories or songs as they swing.
Pros
- Durable HDPE material
- Easy to clean
- Smooth edges and non-slip steps
- Has a height-adjustable basketball hoop
- Toddler jungle gym with swing set
Cons
- Size of the set may be smaller than expected
- Assembly instructions may be difficult to read
9. Best Fade-Resistant:ECR4Kids Activity Jungle Gym Climber
Image: Ecr4kids This plastic jungle gym for toddlers helps to foster social, physical, and cognitive development as well as teamwork and cooperation in toddlers. Measuring 65.74 × 33.07 × 39.76 inches, it’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Kids love to crawl, climb, and slide down this jungle gym. This vibrantly-colored activity center provides a variety of options for playing. The reversible slide can be converted to stairs for younger toddlers by simply clicking the pieces together. There are interesting shaped cut-out windows for children to look out or grasp while climbing, and for adults to keep an eye on their little ones.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- Lightweight design
- Convenient to store
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Aids in motor development
Cons
- There is no step to get to the platform to slide.
"The playhouse's easy assembly and sturdy build have impressed me, and it is a fun space for my adventurous kids. The slide is a bit steep for my youngest, but it is suitable for indoor and outdoor play, and I would recommend it."
Pro tip10. Best Easy To Assemble:Wedanta Indoor Playground Akvarelka
Image: Wedanta The top-notch climbing frame of this indoor jungle gym for kids is made of natural beech and pine wood and comes well-varnished and polished. The slides and ladder are perfect for toddlers between the age of 2 to 5 years, while the monkey bars create an indoor gym for kids. The vibrantly colored ladder and net are painted with safe and child-friendly paint. This indoor playground for kids has a sturdy and solid construction, and it can stand by itself without the need to drill holes in the wall. It’s also compact and occupies little space, and so it is convenient to use indoors. The indoor gym measures 49 x 52 x 59 inches, the height of the slide is adjustable, and it has a weight capacity of 110 pounds. It’s ideal for boosting physical and social skills, creativity, and bonding.
Pros
- Easy-to-assemble play structure
- Safe and secure playset
- Includes gymnastic rings
- Builds muscle strength
- Ideal for team building and critical thinking
- CPC-certified
Cons
- Bolts that hold it together may need to be replaced after a few months.
"Assembling this playset was a bit of a challenge, as the instructions were a bit unclear. But, once it was up, my kids instantly took to it. It has been a great addition to their playroom. Consider some DIY padding for extra safety."
11. Best Strong Construction:TP Toys Explorer 2 Jungle Gym
Image: Tp Toys This innovative toddler jungle gym comprises a tent and a platform with an adjustable frame so that it can be sized and used by kids of different ages. Ideal for kids between 3 to 12 years of age and is perfect for outdoor use. It also features a play mat with a fun explorer theme. It is crafted with a high-quality, galvanized steel frame, polyester canopy, and a breathable mesh vinyl platform. This fun and engaging playset measures 82.5 inches in height with a base diameter of 82 inches at its full size and 53.5 inches with a base diameter of 66.5 inches at its smallest size. This backyard play structure features round viewing windows and roll-up doors as well.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Durable and strong construction
- Boosts creativity and imagination
- Enhances motor skills and muscle strength
- CPC-tested
Cons
- Some may find it challenging to assemble.
"My toddler can't seem to get enoughof this jungle gym and tent set. He loves to climb and swing on the monkey bars. Setting it up is tedious, but the sturdy build and entertainment quotient make it a worthwhile ordeal."
12. Best With Canopy: Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber
Strengthen your child’s muscles and improve focus with the Lifetime geometric dome climber. Made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, this climber set can withstand weights up to 600lb. It features polyethylene climbing grips for anti-skid and safe climbing and allows three to ten children to climb simultaneously. An attachable canopy protects your children from the sun as they sit inside and have fun with friends. Additionally, the kit is low-maintenance as it is stain-free.
Pros
- Weather- and rust-resistant
- Chip-resistant color
- Lead-free base
- Sturdy and durable
- Thick canopy fabric
- Easy-to-attach loops
Cons
- Assembling may be tricky for some
13. Best Easy-To-Maintain: Best Choice Products 5-Piece Kids Climb & Crawl Playset
Create a track or let your child stack the blocks with the Best Choice Products playset. The multicolored blocks feature a vinyl covering, allowing you to wipe clean easily. Its foam-padded climbing ramp is ideal for toddlers to crawl and climb safely. This playset is crafted as per ASTM and CPSIA standards. In addition, they are available in various shapes, including a triangle, a half-moon, a cylinder, and large and small rectangles. In addition, the blocks also promote hand-eye coordination, motor skills, color recognition, and coordination as they play with the set.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Wide area for climbing or sitting
- Lightweight and padded
- Bright colors promote color recognition
Cons
- Seams may need restitching
- May not have velcro to join them together
"These colorful blocks are soft enough to not hurt my child but sturdy enough to retain their shape despite my child’s rough play. I would have liked the surfaces to be less slippery, yet I approve of their ability to encourage my child to crawl, climb, and stand."
14. Best For Backyard: Jugader Upgraded Climbing Dome With Canopy And Swing
Enjoy flying, jumping, and climbing with the Jugader climbing dome. It helps your child develop physical strength and motor and communication skills while playing in groups. With the heavy-duty construction, the dome allows six children to play at once without wobbling the dome. In addition, the dome can withstand weights up to 800 lb. The powder-coated steel protects the dome from sun rays without damaging the rods or chipping the paint. The kit includes a canopy that doubles as a ground mat and hammock—allowing your child to pretend to fly or sit on the ground and play. The climbing dome also comes with a swing for unlimited fun.
Pros
- Made of weather- and rust-resistant material
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Promotes team-building skills
- Swing ropes are strong and durable
Cons
- May not include instructions
- Canopy attachments may be slightly challenging
"This climb dome has a swing and a canopy and has delighted my kids. It is robust and has withstood hours of play. Though the assembly was a puzzle, and I would have liked clearer instructions, it is still an excellent option for some backyard fun."
15. Best With Hook-And-Loop Strips: Amazon Basics Kids Soft Play Corner Climber
Unlike other stacking climbers, the AmazonBasics corner climber is designed with interlocking strips to keep the blocks attached and in one place. The soft CertiPUR-US-certified PU foam padding keeps your child safe while playing on the climbers. The outer PU leather fabric also allows easy cleaning, helping you avoid the water mess. This climber kit enhances your child’s coordination and gross motor skills as they try to climb the blocks. The attractive colored blocks also promote color recognition.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Reinforced seams
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for daycare, preschool, and home
Cons
- Blocks may have an unpleasant smell
- Some may find the material thin
"This climber set has been instrumental in enhancing my toddler’s coordination and motor skills. Although it does not support independent play, as I have to supervise my kid, I consider it a worthwhile investment. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze."
How To Choose The Right Kids Jungle Gyms?
Review and consider the following factors while selecting the right toddler jungle gym for your little one.
- Multipurpose: A jungle gym that has several features is what you should be looking for. Slides, tunnels, a dart board, or a basketball hoop offer your toddler a variety of activities that they can explore, and prevents them from getting bored by a single activity.
- Timeless toy: A toy that grows with your child is always a better option. A climbing toy that caters to a broader age group is always a better choice as they can use it for several years rather than just a few months.
- Encourages learning: Some jungle gyms help stimulate your toddler to learn numbers and letters, and explore more. Such features not only keep your child entertained but they learn in the process too, which is always the best kind of learning.
- Safety: Always look for a jungle gym with rounded edges and avoid anything that could possibly poke them, scratch them, or cause any kind of injury. Don’t buy your toddler something that’s designed for older children as it can pose a potential danger and may even frustrate them. Make sure that there are no hanging ropes or small parts that may be a choking hazard, or which they can get entangled in, or wrap around their necks. The material of the jungle gym needs to be sturdy and durable so that it doesn’t break down with the weight of children. Lastly, ensure that the jungle gym complies with expert-approved (ASTM and CPSIA) safety standards.
- Wooden climbing frames vs. tunnels vs. soft play: Of the 3 main climbing toys, tunnels are the most budget-friendly but lack in durability, whereas wooden climbing frames are usually the most expensive but may not always be very safe for children. Soft playsets offer a happy middle path as they are versatile, durable, and safe, and can be found in a wide price range.
- Space available: Jungle gyms come in a variety of sizes and shapes— there are small compact ones for indoor use and larger ones for outdoors. What you choose should be determined by the size and space available. If your toddler has a large room exclusively used as a playroom, a big soft playset as a permanent fixture would be ideal. If you have space constraints and need to fold it up after use, a portable tunnel might be a good option. A weather-resistant jungle gym would be ideal for the outdoors if you have the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I do anything to winterize my jungle gym?
- As the harsh elements can cause your jungle gym to deteriorate, it’s a good idea to remove the plastic components and store them, as they can get brittle and crack in the cold.
- Check for any loose hardware or damage and resolve it to prevent any major damage.
- Also, keep it clean and don’t allow debris or leaves to collect around it, as the moisture can lead to mold and mildew buildup.
- If it’s made of wood, apply a water-based sealant a couple of times a year for extra protection from rot and decay, and sand over any irregularities in the wood.
2. Should I have an outdoor or indoor toddler gym?
This would depend on the resources you have and your ability to maintain the gym. An outdoor gym is great for playing and allows your toddler to play with friends without making the house messy. On the other hand, indoor gyms are great for snowy or rainy days and when you need to get things done inside while supervising your child.
3. How helpful are toddler jungle gyms for my kid?
Toddlers have a lot of energy, and a jungle gym is perfect for expending extra energy. Different parts and colors of the gym can also provide varied sensory experiences. Also, climbing, dangling, and holding on to bars are activities that aid physical development.
4. How safe are toddler jungle gyms?
Jungle gyms for toddlers are designed following safety precautions, making them relatively safe. To make toddler gyms even safer, precautions like wearing a helmet, not roughhousing, and checking the equipment before use, can be followed.
5. How do I know if my child is ready for a toddler jungle gym?
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a diligent writer and reviewer who specializes in toys and gifts, and she follows a meticulous and structured writing process after researching different products on multiple websites. She has gathered the best toddler jungle gyms after going through innumerable parent-tested products and user reviews. She has added each of their pros and cons to make your shopping experience fruitful, easier, and smoother. She even added tips to select the right one for your child.
Setting up a jungle gym is a good idea if you plan to direct your child’s energy to the right activity. Jungle gyms pack lots of fun and promote motor skills in growing children. They also help develop a habit of staying active in children while reducing their screen time. However, like you would ensure complete safety when buying just about anything for your little one, you must invest in a jungle gym that is certified to be safe and age-appropriate. It is also recommended that you select a jungle gym after checking its specifications to ensure that it fits the available space in your backyard or garden. Once you choose the right jungle gym for your children as per their preference, they are sure to have a blast.
Infographics: How To Make Jungle Gym Playtime Safe For Children?
Jungle gyms are one of the best structures to keep the child entertained at home, encourage them to be physically active, and facilitate opportunities for socializing. Check out the following infographic to learn how to make your child’s playtime in jungle gyms safer.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Playground Safety; The Nemours Foundation
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/playground.html - Important Milestones: Your Baby By Thirty Months
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-30mo.html - Just A Swinging, Sliding, And Climbing!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/just-a-swinging-sliding-and-climbing - Youth Physical Activity Guidelines Toolkit
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines_backup.htm
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