Channel their excess energy with these 26 thrilling toys and games for children who can't seem to stay still.
Unleashing Fun Indoors for the Energetic Tot!
Written by Raylyn Paquin, BuzzFeed Contributor


- A whirling disk for conquering restlessness and mastering balance. Wobble disks are a fantastic tool to help kids unleash their energy in a confined space, and when they need that extra burst, they can flip it over for climbing and jumping.
- A crawling crab for young adventurers to practice their crawling, walking, or running moves. This whimsical crab won't stay still, making it an ideal toy to not only keep your toddler entertained but also engaged during those dreary, cold days.

Amazon AmazonPromising Review: "Initially hesitant, our son warmed up to this toy after seeing some cool videos on Instagram. Now, he loves to chase it while crawling, making us feel this toy is an absolute must-have for parents. I highly recommend it as a perfect gift idea for your little one." -Krissa

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six dazzling colors).

- A classic Little Tikes slide, a timeless treasure for your youngsters. With versatile uses, this slide can last long past the toddler stage. When it's not in use, it can be folded up for easy storage. Bonus: it can be tossed into a pool during warmer seasons for splashing fun!

Promising Review: "I've purchased this slide multiple times, most recently as a gift for my 18-month-old grandson, who was so excited to use it after playing with his older sister's slide. The slide has certainly stood the test of time, both indoors and outdoors, lasting both kids enjoyment for years." -Brandy

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

- A set of stepping stones to foster balance and agility, or to send their 'Floor is Lava' game into hyperdrive. With a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds, these stepping stones will give your little one years of reliable enjoyment.
- A kiddy trampoline, complete with a handlebar, for your bundle of joy to hold steady. Imagine the scene: your toddler, overflowing with energy, wanders over to the trampoline. They jump, jump again, keep jumping...and you - yes, you - get the chance to sit back and relax. Treat yourself to this dream by clicking "add to cart."
- A calming sensory swing, perfect for providing a tranquil space or an energetic outlet. This swing offers gentle, soothing pressure to the user, can aid in filtering overstimulating light, or can be used as a regular swing for those days when your child just needs to burn off energy. It's a win, especially for those sensitive to sensory input.
- A kid-sized bounce house, the ultimate joy provider for many joyful years. This bounce house strikes the ideal balance between size, fitting perfectly in living rooms or basements when the weather’s less cooperative.
- A gymnastics mat, ensuring flawless cartwheels (and fewer fallen body parts). The handy hand and foot guides can turn playtime into games, making even the most mundane tasks fun and engaging.
- The Nugget couch, the top-of-the-line play couch that's earned its reputation. With countless copycats on the market, nothing surpasses the durability and quality of this iconic brand. My kids are hard on theirs, and it still holds up splendidly. It's a couch, a bed, a gymnastics mat, a slide, a fort, or a horse - you name it, they've probably used it as that. I'm a believer.
- A Montessori-inspired play structure, a versatile and long-lasting toy that caters to your energetic child's every need. It transforms into a climbing structure, a slide, a rocking arch, or a place to cool down and relax. With a weight capacity of 220 pounds, this is a toy that will maintain its appeal and endure.
- The ultimate indoor swing and play gym, an irresistible invitation for playful exploration. This toy comes with a swing, ropes, rings, and a ladder, held aloft entirely by a pull-up bar. The perfect indoor plaything for cold weather scenarios, it's sure to become a family favorite year-round.
- A Stairslide, a staircase transformation into the ultimate slide. No need to wait for boxes to build a slide - with this, you can enjoy a sliding-down-the-stairs adventure every day.
- A soccer ball juggling trainer for those budding soccer enthusiasts who simply cannot quit practicing, rain or shine. The netting keeps messes at bay and provides a non-destructive outlet for your child. Even kids less keen on soccer will find joy in practicing their kicks.
- A foam balance board for honing balance and stability in a fun, contained manner. Use it while watching TV, play balance games, or even use it as a slide, tunnel, or bridge - the possibilities are endless!
- A hilarious Pass the Potato game, a fun twist on a classic game that adds a dash of humor and keeps your toddler entertained. This soft potato reacts to being passed or dropped, saving you the task of finding a real potato for the game.
- A bestselling interlocking balance beam, excellent for constructing imaginative obstacle courses and lava-filled adventures. This beam boasts eight bars and five sensory step-stones, ensuring plenty of creative fun and long-lasting enjoyment.
- A bouncy unicorn, a magical toy for your little mystical creature lover to burn off energy in a bouncy dance. The bouncy unicorn has stood the test of time, impressing even those managing play farms with its durability and popularity among children ages toddler to 7 years old.
- A set of foam play shapes, perfect for designing controlled chaos in a fun and creative way. Great for sparking imaginative play and encouraging your child to burn energy without ending up in the emergency room.
- A foam pogo stick for endless bouncy fun, ensuring your high-energy child remains springy and energetic. Sturdy enough to support up to 250 pounds, this pogo stick can even be used by grown-ups - no judgment here.
- A classic Sit 'n Spin for some simple, fun, and glass breaking-free spins. Kids just have to sit, spin, laugh, and repeat.
- A dartboard, requiring less finesse and a larger target for even young players. What's more fun than hurling balls at a board, hoping they'll stick?
- An indoor glow-in-the-dark bowling set, granting your little one the joy of knocking over colorful pins. This compact set is a foolproof recipe for endless fun and enjoyment.
- A flying orb toy, elevating the game of Keepy-Uppy and eliminating the need for balloons. Not only does this ball glide, float, and rise, it also returns to you like a boomerang, ensuring it stays within arm's reach.

Promising Reviews: "My son has had this for a few days and has had a blast with it. This toy is perfect for kids with intense energy, as chasing it around the front yard has been a hit for him. It's lightweight and easy to use." -Diana H.

"The performance of this aqua ball has been remarkable. We've used it daily since getting it, and it holds up well. The foam around it protects our floors, and the LED lights are a fun addition." -Stephan K.

Get it from Amazon for $25.60 (available in six colors).

- An ankle skip ball for a trip down memory lane and endless indoor fun. This simple toy helps with coordination and burns loads of energy - even adults will feel the burn.
- A hovering soccer ball because cold weather doesn't have to mean no more soccer games. These disks have foam padding to protect your home from scuffing, and the air-powered mechanism keeps them hovering safely off the ground. Plus, the built-in LED lights make the game more electrifying in the dark.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Enrichment Data:

Keeping toddlers entertained during cold weather indoors can be a challenge, but there are plenty of toys and activities to help. Here are some ideas for indoor toys and play:

Indoor Toys for Toddlers

- Soft Play Equipment: Soft play structures like foam climbing blocks, soft play ball pits, and soft play climbers provide a safe environment for active play while developing motor skills.
- Rhythm Instruments: Simple instruments like xylophones or tambourines encourage auditory development and physical activity through music and movement.
- Building Blocks and Stacking Toys: Wooden blocks and magnetic tiles that encourage creativity and fine motor skills are great for building and constructing indoors.
- Play Couches: Play couches are ideal for imaginative play, climbing, and building forts, offering endless opportunities for movement and creativity.
- Pikler Climbers: Pikler climbers are perfect for safe indoor climbing, helping develop gross motor skills and confidence.
Indoor Activities
- Arts and Crafts: Engage your toddler in activities like painting, coloring, or making collages to foster creativity.
- Indoor Obstacle Courses: Create indoor obstacle courses with household items like cushions and chairs for physical activities inside.
- Storytime and Puppets: Storytelling and puppets can stimulate imagination and language skills.
- Treasure Hunts: Organize simple treasure hunts around the house to encourage problem-solving and exploration.
These toys and activities can keep toddlers engaged, active, and entertained during cold weather.
- The kiddy trampoline comes with a handlebar, allowing your toddler to hold steady while jumping, providing a fun and safe way to release energy indoors.
- The set of stepping stones can be used to foster balance and agility or elevate a 'Floor is Lava' game, ensuring years of steady use due to its weight capacity of 220 pounds.
- The calming sensory swing provides a tranquil space or an energetic outlet, helping sensitive children filter overstimulating light and offering gentle pressure to aid in relaxation.








