Best Outdoor Climbing Toys for One Year Olds & Toddlers

Has your little toddler started to explore the many ways in which he can use his arms and legs by crawling under furniture and climbing on it? As cute and adorable as it might seem, you probably know it is now the time to look for a practical toy that doesn’t just help burn off all that extra energy your toddler seems to have, but also help him learn how to climb, and spend some time outdoors while he’s at it. 

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Ready to go and check out the best outdoor climbing toys for your toddler? We’ve compiled a quick list of some of the best! But before you go ahead and start adding your favorites to the cart, here’s a bit more about why you must consider investing in a climbing toy in the first place. Read on.

Why is Climbing Beneficial for Toddlers?

As parents, a lot of us tend to relate climbing in toddlers as just a way of releasing pent-up energy or to satisfy curiosity. In reality, it is so much more than just that. Climbing actually serves a greater purpose. It offers a number of benefits that include gross motor development, mental and sensory benefits, and even better physical awareness and health. 

Quite literally, climbing can have a very strong and direct impact on a child’s growth and development. 

What Role Does Climbing Play in Child Development?

Apart from being a fun pastime, climbing can play several important roles in a child’s physical and mental awareness and development. 

When children learn how to climb, they are developing strong connections within their brains, and are quite literally visualizing solutions to a problem. By completing the activity that requires a specific sequence, they are essentially learning how to solve a low-risk problem. 

Researchers are now beginning to understand the biological impacts of this developmentally important form of play. That’s not all. There are several other ways climbing helps influence a child’s overall development. 

• It offers social benefits, as children experience a boost in confidence after finishing the task. 
• It helps them learn to cope with stress and fear. 
• It offers sensory awareness and even influences health by increasing flexibility of muscles, blood flow through the body, and a lot more. 

What Gross Motor Skills Does Climbing Teach?

Climbing allows children to engage their entire body, which can, in general, help strengthen their gross motor skills. As kids deal with their entire body weight, they also get to enjoy the benefits of increased muscle strength and muscle tone. 

Visual perception is also impacted, where children learn how to place their hands and feet while they climb. 

In addition, climbing also helps develop hand-eye coordination, agility, and speed. 

How to Choose the Right Climbing Toy for Your One Year Old or Toddler

With a plethora of options available, choosing the right climbing toy for your toddler can seem like a daunting task, especially considering the fact that some of them can be quite an investment too. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you decide to finally click ‘Buy Now.’

• Durability
• Space consumption
• Ease of assembly
• Safety  
• Affordability 
• Ease of cleaning
• Weather resistance
• Carrying capacity 

Confused? To help you out with that, we’ve put together a list of the best toddler outdoor climbing toys money can buy- everything from jungle gyms to domes and more. 

The Best Outdoor Climbing Toys for 1, 2, & 3-Year-Olds

Ready to get your toddler to enjoy a bit of outdoor play? Here are some good toddler climbing toy options that you can set up outdoors. 

Best Kids' Dome Climber

Dome climbers are the standard, no-fuss option to opt for when you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor climbers for toddlers. They might seem simple, but they can translate into hours of fun for your toddler and his playmates. Here are some good picks that are worth investing in. 

Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber

This heavy-duty free-standing dome climber is one of the best climbing toys for one-year-old children. UV resistant and with super low maintenance, it has become one of the most popular parent-approved and loved climbing toys out there. You’ll also have several color options to pick from. 

Play Wild Kids Climbing Dome

This one might seem similar to most other climbing domes available, but is much more durable, and is superior in many other ways. It comes with a three-year warranty and is made using steel, which is then coated to prevent rust and corrosion, which makes it the ideal climbing toy for your outdoor space.  

Plus, it is huge! It has room for up to 6 children and is incredibly easy to set up too. It might be a tad bit pricey compared to other options but is definitely worth it. 

Best Toddler Jungle Gym

Toddler jungle gyms are a bit different and may have more elements than dome climbers. Here are some of the best durable and practical toddler jungle gyms that you can choose from. 

Wedanta Jungle Gym Kids Playset

And here’s an outdoor climbing toy with a difference! Unlike most other climbing toys, this one’s crafted in real wood, which doesn’t just make it much more durable, but eco-friendly too. It packs in a monkey bar, a climbing ladder, a climbing net, gymnastic rings, and a slide- all in one. 

Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower

Incredibly durable, lightweight, and surprisingly easy to put together, this climbing tower is another great investment you can consider making if you’re on the hunt for climbing toys for one-year-olds. It has a detachable top and a strong overall structure, which you can set up easily in your outdoor or indoor space. 

More Outdoor Toy Options for Active Toddlers

That’s not all! There are tons of other brilliant options for you to pick from when you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor climbing toys for your toddler. 

Little Tikes Tree House Swing Set

This one might be a bit pricey, but is a great investment for a large family. You can set up this swing set in your backyard and let your kids enjoy time outdoors on the swings, the climbing wall, and the slide for hours. 

The set is super durable, which means it’ll last you for years. 

Amazon Basics Soft Play Twisting Climber Playset

While this playset is perfect for use indoors, you can get it outdoors too and get them to enjoy active playtime. It is quite reasonably priced, is super easy to wipe and clean, and is one of the best outdoor climbing toys for toddlers and younger children. 

ECR4Kids Caterpillar Climbing Play Structure For Kids

Here’s another play structure that works great when set up indoors or outdoors. It boasts of having a fade-resistant and water-resistant design and is great for children between 2-4 years of age to enjoy their outdoor time climbing, crawling, and interacting. Set up a play date for your toddler with this one in the backyard and you’re all done for hours of fun! 

Toddler Climbing Toys FAQ

And here’s answering some of the most pressing questions you might have about choosing toddler outdoor climbing toys. 

At What Age Do Toddlers Start Showing an Interest in Climbing?

Toddlers start to develop curiosity about climbing around 18 months of age. It is during this developmental phase that they start to have much more control over their body movements, and might want to explore their boundaries. 

For some toddlers, however, this stage can arrive much earlier. 

Can you set up a Climber Inside or is it Just for Outdoor Use?

Climbers and toddler outdoor climbing toys can be set up both inside and outdoors. Some toys are specifically designed with the versatility in mind to be used in both these spaces. 

With indoor spaces, however, it is important to note that you might need to make certain adjustments to the space to make it more comfortable and safe for your toddler to play and climb in. 

What is the Ideal Age Range for Most Climbing Toys?

Climbing toys can be introduced to toddlers right when they begin to show signs of interest in climbing vertical structures around the house. This can differ from toddler to toddler and can range between 12-18 months, sometimes more. 

Are Dome Climbers Safe?

Contrary to popular belief, dome climbers are much safer than monkey bars. If you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor climbers for toddlers, dome climbers are an excellent choice. They can also help your toddler exercise and experience risky play. 

When it comes to purchasing an outdoor climbing toy for your toddler, you can’t go wrong!