There's no telling how many times I've said "the couch is not a playground" to my toddlers over the last six months. (The limit does not exist!) When playgrounds, [1] gymnastics classes, daycares, and other entertaining, activity-focussed places were shut down or modified due to the pandemic [2], my kids had an excess amount of energy — and became endlessly creative on how to channel it at home. Climbing on tables? Just another Tuesday. Using your little brother to reach the books on the top shelf? [3] I'm actually surprised it didn't happen sooner. That's why I'm a huge fan of indoor jungle gyms right now! It's a place where kids are actually encouraged to climb and explore, without danger of getting hurt on (or damageing) unstable furniture. There are options available for every budget, designed to fit in tiny apartments and large playrooms. Shop 24 fun choices ahead.
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower
Neon green plastic tubes hook up to blue connectors to make the Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower [4] ($158) super durable. It will hold up to 150 pounds, so multiple kids can play at once!
Hide N Side 5pc Kids Ball Pit
My kids love hiding, so this Hide N Side 5pc Kids Ball Pit [5] ($65, was $85) would be perfect for them. They can crawl through the tunnels to get to the three different ball pits — one of which contains a built-in basketball hoop!
Goodevas Climbing Rope Ladder for Kids
Fasten this Goodevas Climbing Rope Ladder for Kids [6] ($35) in your home office, kitchen, or any other space you want to keep kids entertained while you work. It is made with hardwood and rope, so kids can climb up and (literally) hang out with you.
ActiveWood Playground for Home
Made from Siberian pine and designed in a minimalist style, the ActiveWood Playground from Home [7] ($788) is fun for kids and will fit your home's décor as well! Kids can climb or slide on the Montessori ramp, swing or hang from bars, and climb the multiple ladders on this fun indoor playground.
Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
Kids will love the Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber [8] ($230), designed for ages 18 months to 6 years. It is designed like a little jeep, with wheel holes to crawl through, a slide to go down near the front bumper, and a ladder to help kids reach the top.
Wooden Swedish Ladder Wall Set
Since it's taller than it is wide, the Wooden Swedish Ladder Wall Set [9] ($300, originally $350) is sure to fit easier in a small space. Climb the Swedish ladder one side, then try to master the rope ladder, trapeze, swing, and pull up bars on the other. It also comes with an abs bench that will double as a slide for younger kids.
Funphix Create and Play Life Climber
The bright colours and endless options for the Funphix Create and Play Life Climber [10] ($350) is sure to be a hit with your little climbers. Encourage them to use their engineering skills to design a structure they want to play with, then help them assemble it.
Little Tikes Jr. Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer
Jump, play, and slide with this Little Tikes Jr. Jump 'n Slide Bouncer [11] ($224). Then, deflate it for easy storage (if your kids will let you).
Tren Toddler Climber
This pink Tren Toddler Climber [12] ($120, was $132) is pretty and practical! It features a ladder, slide, swing, and basketball hoop for hours of entertainment.
Gym1 Deluxe Indoor Playground
No backyard? No problem! The Gym1 Deluxe Indoor Playground [13] ($180) comes with a swing, ladder, rope, trapeze, and rings that you can hang in any doorway in your home. Just fit the core doorway unit on an available doorway (it must have trim on the top), then switch out the swings to keep kids busy.
Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber II
Your kids will feel like royalty in the Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber II [14] ($300, was $310). It's designed like a miniature castle, with climbing walls, a platform with steering wheels, and a slide. It also has a hidden area they can hide out in underneath the playset.
Little Climber by Lily & River
Designed for little ones ages 6 months to 3 years, the Little Climber by Lily & River [15] (starting at $200) is sure to be a fan favourite. You can get various customizations (like have the natural birchwood painted white and sealed, or add a two-in-one ladder and slide, or just get the simple climbing triangle) for various price differences.
KidKraft Highline Retreat Playhouse
Admittedly, you will need a large living room or play space for the KidKraft Highline Retreat Playhouse [16] ($700) to work inside your home. But it's so worth it! It looks like a miniature house on stilts, with a ladder, a front "porch" and a slide.
Eezy Peezy Active Play 3 in 1 Jungle Gym Playset
Jumping in the ball pit has never been more fun! The Eezy Peezy Active Play 3 in 1 Jungle Gym Playset [17] ($140) comes with a mini ball pit and a slide, so siblings can have fun playing together.
Step2 Skyward Summit
Little adventurers will tire out easily with the Step2 Skyward Summit [18] ($816). Kids (recommended for ages 4-8) can climb to the peak of this mini mountain to reach the flag on top. With four unique climbing surfaces and nine grips, it's sure to keep them busy.
HOMEforDREAMS The Gym for Toddlers
Brighten up your playroom with the HOMEforDREAMS The Gym for Toddlers [19](starting at $280 for the rainbow one). The regular gym comes with a two-sided climbing ladder, and you can add rope ladders, swings, rock-climbing ladders, and more for an extra charge.
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set
Babies want to get in on the indoor jungle gym action, too! To help them avoid hurting themselves, get the ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set [20] ($130). It comes with five large foam climbing blocks in unique shapes for babies to crawl on and toddlers to stack and climb over.
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
When you can't go to the playground, bring the playground home to your kids! The Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber [21] ($80) features a simple climbing wall, platform, and slide designed for kids ages 1-4 years old.
CASSAROKIDS Climbing Cube
Crawl up, over, around, in, and under the CASSAROKIDS Climbing Cube [22] ($199). It is made with a sturdy natural wood and a unique shape that kids will enjoy exploring.
Infidev Climber and Swing Set
The Infidev Climber and Swing Set [23] ($99) has everything your kids ages 2-7 need for happy indoor play. It comes with a swing, slide, and basketball hoop — just like a miniature playground in your living room!
ECR4Kids Indoor/Outdoor Peek-A-Boo Caterpillar
This purple caterpillar is adorable! Toddlers will love climbing inside the ECR4Kids Indoor/Outdoor Peek-A-Boo Caterpillar [24] ($200) and looking through the various holes in his back to spot you.
LAZY BUDDY Freestanding Kid Slide
Nothing is more fun than going down the slide when you're a kid (and as an adult, obviously). This LAZY BUDDY Freestanding Slide [25] ($80) is so great! It is extra-long, with a slipping distance of 55 inches! Your kids will love going down this again and again.
WELINK 3 in 1 Kids Slide
The adorable blue elephant shape of the WELINK 3 in 1 Kids Slide [26] ($100) will immediately grab your toddler's attention. The fun steps, slide, and ball hoop will bring them joy for hours.
ONETWOFIT Gymnastics Expandable Junior Training Monkey Bars
When your children are little, they can use the ONETWOFIT Gymnastics Expandable Junior Training Monkey Bars [27] ($89) as an indoor swing set. When they get older, it doubles as a junior gymnastics training bar made with heavy gauge steel, so they can practice what they learned in class under your supervision.