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29 Toys To Help Your ~Feral~ Toddler Burn Some Energy
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Genuinely how do their tiny bodies hold so much energy?! I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process). This includes one reversible arch, one reversible rock wall/slide ramp, and one Pikler triangle. This isn't only for toddlers; it's a great developmental tool for younger kiddos, too. My daughter used it to help her learn to sit up on her own by hanging onto the bars of the semi-circle, and then to practice her standing by holding on to the triangle. Now she uses it to climb up and slide down, it's definitely one of her favorites! Promising review: "We've wanted a climbing gym for a while now and fell in love with the aesthetic of this one! I love the natural wood paired with the multi-colored pastels. It looks gorgeous even in our living room. It was easy to set up and very sturdy. Our son loves the rock climbing ramp and slide. It's been hours of fun so far!" —Mercedes Ross Get it from Amazon for $129.99 or from Delta Children for $149.99. I'm gonna go ahead and recommend wearing helmets, too! Promising reviews: "Every year, I try to buy a large group of children in our family a Christmas gift that will keep them all outside and busy while the adults relax. This was the choice this year, and it was a huge success! A few of us adults were able to shimmy into it ourselves and play, too. We had to de`flate it to get out of it, but it was so fun. The kids were entertained for a long time and were running at each other so much that they were all worn out for the drive home. Christmas win!!" —Cindy McDaniel "Absolutely hilarious to watch! I got these for my kids (7 and 8) because I thought it would be a perfect way to blow off steam and get some energy out...it was great! They ran at each other pretty hard, but it didn't pop, and no one got hurt! If your kids do a lot of bickering as mine do...get these! 😅" —Sky Get a pack of two from Amazon for $22.99. Promising reviews: "If you have little ones, this is a practical toy that keeps them busy for hours, especially if they love cars and racing." —Cindy Hamann "This is light enough to take apart and move or store. My 2-year-old grandson loves this not just for riding down in the car itself, but also for the ramp portion, which he uses for his own entertainment (i.e., racing his toy cars down it or using it like a balance beam). It's very sturdy, and I feel it is worth every penny spent." —PL Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in two colors). This set includes four high-flying stomp rockets and an adjustable rocket launch stand. Stomp Rocket is a small business creating fun blaster toys that are powered by kids! Promising reviews: "Our grandson turned 4, and he loves rockets. He has several rocket books he reads. We thought he would like this toy, and we were right. He first used it in the traditional way by launching the rockets. He then decided to carry the launcher and use it to shoot at targets by holding it, aiming, and then stomping to fire. That kept him busy for hours. It was a great gift for him." —Connie "The assembly is EXTREMELY easy. The rockets launch well above my two-story home that I have to make sure it’s not too close so one doesn’t land on the roof. It’s actually fun for the adults as well. My son loves to watch me really launch one. This is a great outdoor activity for any boy or girl. You don’t have to chase the kids around, and they get plenty of exercise running to get the rockets after they’ve landed. Fun for everyone. Well worth the 20 bucks I spent on it." —Geno Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two versions and two quantities). Promising reviews: "This might be the only toy that keeps my young boys busy for more than an hour...They work SO well. Play with them outside on a windy day and watch how far they go! They also love the option of switching the back wing for 'straight' or 'swirly whirly' mode lol." —Em Ped "Wow!!! These things REALLY work as advertised!! To be honest, my expectations were pretty low. But I was very pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong! The looping mode is so awesome, the kids and adults were giddy with excitement! It’s also very durable — it can handle hitting the ground pretty hard without taking any damage. Definitely best airplane toy I’ve ever played with." —kliles Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two colors and different quantities). Promising reviews: "My kids absolutely loved this!!! So lightweight and easy to catch! Keeps kids active and busy! Love it! Highly recommend!!" —kelly "I got these to help my grandson burn off some energy, and we have such a great time with them! They're easy to use and glide so beautifully through the air. We have fun trying different ways to throw and catch them." —phausner Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four color combos). Promising reviews: "Different modes, and keeps kids busy for hours." —Amazonian "Given to our 4-year-old during her birthday party. Our 8-year-old grandson put it together with a little help from grandpa. The 4-year-olds to 8-year-olds all had fun running and jumping. I even got asked to play the tossing rings! Fun was had by one and all." —Joann Mollybee Kids is a small, family-owned business based in Pennsylvania. Promising reviews: "Super cute and so easy to use. This is a must when you need to keep your little ones busy with no prep work." —KP "A must-have. My 2-year-old son is obsessed. Always asks to play 'find you' game LOL. Then we play it, and every time he has an option in the game, he actually thinks really hard, then says, 'Come on, Mommy,' and runs me through the house to find the object. Highly recommended from a mom of four." —Britney bansley Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four versions). Former BuzzFeeder Mallory Mower has this and says, "This balance bike is 100% worth the splurge! It's almost embarrassing how many people stop and compliment it when my 14-month-old daughter rides it up and down our street. She loves using it as a push toy and taking tiny steps while we hold the handle in the back. We love watching her riding progress as her confidence grows. It's also just so, so beautiful. My husband is an industrial designer, and his coworkers came over when we got it because they 'had to see it in person.' So funny to watch a bunch of child-free adults gush over a children's toy. This thing is a HUGE win!" Promising review: "My 8-month-old grandchild absolutely loves this! She wants to get on it all day long, every day. She can’t walk yet, but picked up balancing skills right away." —Michele C. Get it from Early Rider for $229 (available in four colors). You'll find a handful of fun, free games already available, but you can also subscribe for a ton of other games. There are 3-month ($49) and 12-month Play Passes ($89) that reviewers say are totally worth it. Promising reviews: "This is so fun and so much better than sitting around on the iPad, at least they are moving their bodies! We have only played one game so far, but the kids are obsessed! Adults love to play it, too!!" —Nicole "So much fun!! My kids are obsessed!! We are having such an amazing time with our Nex Playground!!! There are so many fun games to play, and it’s a surprisingly good workout and way to stay active. SO much more engaging than screen time and a great way for our family to have fun together!! We’re huge fans!" —Jordan Simkovci Players must imagine the floor is made of lava and their only hope of survival is to spin the color wheel in order to find out which colored foam “safety stone” to jump to, while avoiding touching the floor — because that would mean certain death (aka the player loses). Though this is recommended for up to six players, ages 5+, former BuzzFeed parenting editor Chandni Reddy says, "My 4-year-old understood the game right away and plays it at least once a week." Promising review: "My almost 5-year-old likes this game a lot, so we often give it as a birthday present to kids her age. It’s perfect for Chicago winters when you have to figure out creative ways to be active indoors." —Elana Get it from Amazon for $16.97 (also available in a stepping stones version). It can hold up to 250 pounds and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (though reviewers note that if you use it outside, try to avoid concrete). Flybar is a small business that creates fun toys and activities for kids. Promising reviews: "My grandsons loved this. They jumped around on it for hours. I loved it because it kept them busy inside the house without breaking anything." —Cathy Ginn "Our 4-year-old loves this toy! It's really fun for her and great for developing balance and large motor skills. The fact that it burns off some of her boundless energy is an extra plus. There's a built-in squeaker (which kids enjoy and adults learn to block out). Nice that it's an indoor/outdoor toy! Definitely a good value for the money." —L J Wessling Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 11 colors). Promising reviews: "Very, very sturdy and easy assembly. We had a reunion and this swing kept the kids busy for hours. I definitely will be buying another." —msbakwudhic "So first off my kids LOVE this swing! It has been one of the greatest purchases I have purchased so far for their playroom!!! We use it inside to keep them busy on rainy days or when they need to get their energy out! I give the swing itself 5 stars for sure!!!!" —Samantha Brooke Main Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in two sizes). This toy acts as both a swing and a climber thanks to the 4-inch staggered platforms. It's suggested for ages 3+ and has a 150-pound weight limit. Jungle Gym Kingdom is a small business! Promising reviews: "This was a great purchase. We ordered for our yard to keep the kids busy this summer. They have fun swinging from our tree." —Heather J. Hernandez "Love this swing! It is so easy to set up, and my kids love it. This swing is so easy to take on and off; we even bring it with us for picnics and set it up in trees at the park. It definitely helps if you have kids who are tree-climbing age. Love love love! Would definitely recommend!" —45 Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors). Promising reviews: "Great for toddlers. Keeps them busy for a long time. I had to buy one for each kid because they love it." —Katie Acquafredda "I have a wild 3-year-old who has more energy in one day than I've had in my entire life. From sunup to sundown, he is ON. Unfortunately, we don't have a yard, and we can't always make it to the playground. We picked this up for him, hoping that it would help him get some of that energy out on days that we're stuck inside. We've had it for eight months, and it's been a lifesaver! I was worried it would take up too much space in the living room, but it's not bad at all. It's wide enough for him to jump comfortably, but not big enough to be an eyesore or get in the way. When I catch him trying to climb on the couch or run around too wildly, I just give him a quick reminder to jump on his trampoline instead. It's a win for both of us since he has a safe place to let that energy out, and I'm not scolding him because he's jumping on things he's not supposed to. He is about 40 pounds and 40 inches tall, and he doesn't seem to be growing out of it anytime soon. It was easy to put together and has held up beautifully! It's never tipped over, and we've never had any accidents with it. I am so thankful we picked this up for him because it helps keep all of us happy and sane." —Ana Promising review: "A must have!!! My little one is absolutely obsessed with this and fit perfectly inside my home!!! Keeps him super entertained for hours, and it was pretty easy to build. The quality is amazing, the colors are nice." —S. Marie Get it from Amazon for $89.98 (available in six colors/styles). Promising reviews: "This keeps my 19-month-old busy for a long time...it is very cute in his room, it doesn't take up too much space, and it is very durable. My 3-year-old grandson even plays with it as well." —Danielle Townsend "I went out and bought this after my grandkids showed interest in basketball. It was so easy to put together, it is sturdy enough for the kids to slam dunk, and it's durable enough to leave outside in the weather. Very happy with this purchase." —Amazon Customer Promising reviews: "These reusable water balloons were a great buy! My 2-year-old and 4-year-old had so much fun with them! We filled them with water from a pan and then squeezed them out and threw them around! They were very easy to fill, and they closed with magnets with a very secure seal that does not leak at all." —Rivka Simon "The adults in this house love water balloons but not the mess…plus with toddlers around, it didn’t quite make sense to have water balloons, but we saw a random video on TikTok and HAD to find reusable water balloons to try out. These were the first ones we bought to try out, and WHOA, we were blown away! Super easy for the 2- and 3-year-olds, too, which means more fun for all of us!! Do not think twice or continue with regular water balloons, you’ll waste precious time cleaning up and filling that could be used to make memories." —Taurus Get a four-pack from Amazon for $16.14+ (available in six pack sizes). Promising review: "My toddler is loving this scooter! It gives him the independence he wants while also helping him practice his balance for future bike riding. It was easy to assemble and is very durable. The storage in the seat was a nice addition as well!" —Cev197 Get it from Amazon for $59 (available in three colors). These tend to slip, so if you do want to use them on smooth surfaces, grab some grip tape. Promising review: "I love this toy because it will keep little ones busy. It reminds me of when my kids were little and they would hop around trying to avoid imaginary 'hot lava!'" —heidi Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $48.54. It comes with 12 rings, 12 bean bags, six cones, and one carrying bag. Promising review: "This is so cool. You can set up an entire obstacle course in your yard or home. So many options to create fun, exciting games! My girls have hours of play, creating their own games and using this product. Highly recommend." —Nichole Promising review: "My child absolutely loves the Nerf Vortex Aero Howler Foam Ball! This foam ball has provided endless hours of fun and excitement. Its unique design allows it to soar through the air with a satisfying howling sound, making every throw a thrilling experience. The soft foam material ensures safe play, making it perfect for kids of all ages. It's a great way to encourage outdoor activity and friendly competition." —Drippy Get it from Amazon for $11.29+ (available in four colors). For ages 2–5. Be sure to grab a helmet, too! Promising review: "This is a great scooter. We have four kids and have tried several different brands. This one is worth the money. It’s a smooth ride and easy for little ones to steer. It was also simple to assemble. 5 out of 5 would recommend!" —Unity Lunn Several reviewers shared that this little pool kept their kids engaged for hours. Promising review: "My kids love this. It is sooo easy to plug the hose into and turn the water on, and the kids can have hours of fun. Once the kids are done playing, I disconnect the hose, let the water drain, and hang it over the porch." —Austin Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five styles and sizes). Promising review: "I got these for my kids to play in the pool with, and they most certainly didn't disappoint. The maximum range on these (around 30 feet with a little elbow grease put into it) surpasses any Super-Soaker that I've ever tried, and they're extremely easy to use. Granted, they have no water reservoir, so you have to use them in the pool, lake, ocean, etc., for them to be effective, but aside from that, they are a fantastic water toy. Plus, they're brightly colored and float on the surface of the water, so almost impossible to lose." —iEspresso Get a pack of six from Amazon for $15.69. Promising review: "Love it and both my kids do as well. Perfect for starting out, WAY better than getting a scooter!" —Steven Benike Get it from Ookkie for $139.99 (available in six colors). It comes with an inflatable basketball, volleyball, and soccer ball, four water guns, a hose assembly kit, a blower, eight stakes for the inflatable water park, two stakes for the blower, four repair patches, and a carrying bag, Promising review: "Can I please just start off with THANK YOU!!! My husband and I talked for a long time about what to buy to entertain our kids, and let me tell you, we won PARENTS OF THE YEAR!!! Our in-laws are already planning out our summer get-togethers around our home!!! We literally are the hot spot for the summer! Thank you, guys, for bringing our family back together again!!! The materials on this thing are TOP NOTCH. Just unboxing our at-home waterpark from its box, we could tell it was made with durability in mind. I, a 31-year-old woman, got in there with three kids and had a blast!!! My kids couldn't get enough, and to tell the truth, neither can I. Thanks again!!!" —Stephanie Mayol Former BuzzFeeder Chandni Reddy says: "I'm not sure who's more OBSESSED with our Liki Trike... my toddler or me? My active toddler, who absolutely hates being strapped into his stroller, loves that it allows him to sit upright and steer the handles (while I push him), making him feel like he's in control and going on an adventure. It has made trips to the park/mall/zoo so much easier because it is lighter than our stroller *and* folds up tiny, taking up minimal trunk space. (We also took it on a flight recently and were amazed at how easily it fit in the airplane overhead bin!) My fave feature is how seamlessly it steers. Unlike other trikes, you don't need to awkwardly force it to change directions. In fact, my 5-year-old has no trouble navigating my 2-year-old around the park. The best part? My little one is so happy riding around on this thing that he's had barely any meltdowns when we're out and about. I'd say that's a huge win!" Get it from Amazon for $280+ (available in two colors and two styles). Promising review: "My son (7 years old/70 pounds/tall and lanky) has really enjoyed this. He enjoys rocking and wiggling on the cup side and standing on one foot and working on his balance on the other side. It's the first toy that he plays with when he comes home from school. He enjoys being silly and playing in it while he watches cartoons (he cannot sit still for any reason). We have already gotten a lot of use out of the disk — anytime he needs to burn some energy inside. It's easy to pull out and play with and put up when he is done. I like that it's made well and just one piece, so I don't have to keep up with anything. My husband wants an adult-sized one to do yoga with." —Sakredbeauty Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (also available in a two-pack). * If You Want To Encourage Your Kids' Independence, You’ll Want These 30 Products * I’m Sorry It Took Me So Long To Tell You About These 27 Parenting Products * Just 30 Essential Products For Road Trips With Kids * These 27 Products Will Help Turn Your Yard Into Your Kid’s Favorite Place * Things For Parents Who Want To Get Their Kids Excited For Back-To-School Plus, kids' rugs and chairs, and finds from Uncommon Goods, Target, and Walmart. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.