Active Toys for 2-Year-Olds

Last Updated on November 20, 2020 by admin

Any toy whose main purpose is to get toddlers moving makes a great gift. 2-year-olds are constantly learning to use their bodies to run, jump, climb and more, and they have plenty of energy to do it with.

If you have an active toddler on your hands and the room to play with some bigger toys, browse the list below to get some ideas.

(If you’re interested in ride-on toys like bikes and scooters, which are also great for encouraging physical activity, head on over to the full post: Ride-On Toys for 2-Year-Olds.)


Little Tikes Basketball Hoop $34

Pre-Sports


The basketball hoop shown here is a classic, and is adjustable for your child to use until they're ready for the real thing. Golf fans will like this Children's Toddler Golf Set, $20. T-ball sets like the Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set, $22 and extremely popular on Amazon, are also a great gift idea for a 2-year-old. And although most 2-year-olds have enough work cut out for them just figuring out how to kick a soccer ball, the child of big soccer fans might enjoy this Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set, $37 and adjustable for years of use.


Radio Flyer Steel and Wood Wagon, $156

Wagons


Age 2 is a great time to invest in a classic wagon.
The Radio Flyer wagon pictured left is the best-seller on Amazon, but is a bit pricey at $156.
Another popular, highly rated plastic alternative:
Step2 Neighborhood Wagon, $56.

Swing-N-Slide Monster Web Swing, $144

Swings


I like these web swings because they allow younger toddlers to lie down and feel secure, but are just as fun as kids get older. If you're looking for a more traditional swing that's impossible to fall out of, try the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug 'n Secure Swing. It's just $28 and is the #1 best seller in swings on Amazon.

Little Tikes First Slide, $35

Slides


These plastic slides are ubiquitous for a reason they're durable, affordable and lots of fun for toddlers. You can also choose from among folding, collapsible slides for easy storage. Try Step2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide for around $105, or Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide, also by Little Tykes, for about $100 (Amazon Prime Eligible).

Spooner Board, $45

Balancing Toys


The Spooner Board shown here has great reviews and will particularly appeal to surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding fans. This is also a toy that can be used from age two and on for years. Another popular balance board type option: Teeter Popper - Green, $48.

Bilibo, $26

Spinning Toys


The Bilibo, shown here, is great for sitting and spinning, but their promotional video also shows plenty of uses for it. Other options for toddlers who love to spin: the classic Playskool Giraffalaff Sit n Spin, $43, or this cool Radio Flyer Spin N Saucer for $46 (Prime eligible).

Gonge Riverstones, $59

Obstacle Course Toys


These are a little pricey for what they look like, but customers love them and I can imagine why. You'd be surprised how interested two-year-olds are in jumping from spot to colorful spot, and if they're elevated, that just adds a whole other layer of fun. Some people have reported success using fitness balance pads for this type of play, too.

Truedays® Play Tent Hut Ball Pit, $27

Ball Pits


Most of us can remember the joy of playing in a ball pit as a child. I liked this one shown because it doubles as a tent, and it's easy to collapse and store. Kids will inevitably get bored if something sits out indefinitely, so you'll want to be able to put this away - especially because it takes up some floor space. You'll also have to buy the balls for the pit separately.

The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline, $88

Trampolines


The trampoline to the left got great reviews that mentioned ease of assembly and disassembly (again, any toy that takes up significant floor space should be easy to store). It also has a weight limit of 150 lbs, which means kids can use it for years. If you're on a budget, try this Little Tikes 3' Trampoline for $50 (Prime Eligible), with a weight limit of 50 lbs. If the 2-year-old you're shopping for is small for his or her age, you may want to double check whether the height of the bar will work for them.
Toy Monster Monkey Bars Tower, $145

Climbers


This is on my personal wish list. It's a bit of an investment, but will be worth it if it steers my kid away from always (ALWAYS) climbing all over the back of the couch. Good for indoor or outdoor use, but it doesn't look like it's easy to disassemble (I couldn't find a climber that was ... if you find one, please comment).

Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Happy Giddy Tunnel, $25, Prime Eligible

Tunnels


The tunnel pictured here got an average 5-star review on Amazon, and many of the satisfied commenters bought it for their 2-year-olds. Bonus: it's weatherproof. (It lists a choking hazard warning, so keep an eye on any damaged parts if your toddler is still interested in putting things in hes or her mouth.) If you're on a tighter budget, check out this Prime Eligible #1 seller in play tunnels on Amazon for just $15.