Feeling a bit stir-crazy, Mama, after enduring these winter months? Are your kids bouncing off the walls or climbing on the counters?! I feel you! Well, I’ve discovered some toys that could help alleviate some of that pent-up energy. Here are five best indoor toys for active play in winter months, found on Amazon!
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Why Active Play Is Important for your kids.
The winter months can be challenging, alternating between snowy days, bone-chilling cold days, and that slushy, muddy winter mix days that leaves you questioning if you need rain boots or snow boots today! If you are a fellow Michiganer, I know you can relate! It can just be hard to plan activities that will allow your kids to get their energy out. That’s why it’s nice to plan ahead and have great toys to promote indoor active play.
Why is active play important for your little ones? Active play is crucial for children’s development for several reasons.. and it’s not just because you can tell when your kids have all of that pent up energy! There are many reasons why active play is super important for your kiddos, but I’ll just touch on a couple here. Incorporating active play into their daily routine does wonders for their physical health, motor skills, and emotional well-being!
Physical Health.
Encouraging active playtime helps our little ones grow stronger, improve coordination, and keep their hearts healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to ward off any worries about obesity and other health concerns down the road!
Motor Skills.
When our kids engage in active play, it really boosts their motor skills. Whether they’re running, jumping, climbing, or playing with their toys, it’s all helping them develop those big movements. And don’t forget about the finer stuff too, like drawing, building, and tinkering with objects—it’s all part of honing those delicate motor skills! You can discover my top pick for durable building blocks right here.
Emotional Well-being.
Encouraging those little ones to get moving is pure magic! It releases those feel-good endorphins, making them happier and less stressed. Plus, it’s a great way for them to let out all that extra energy and those big emotions, helping them stay balanced and in control, which results in fewer meltdowns!
Now that we have talked about how important planning active play is in your little ones day, let’s look at the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months, found on Amazon!
A climbing structure is first on the list of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months.
Can you say “climb away”? Yes, it’s a toy that encourages your little ones to climb! The Pikler Triangle Set with Sliding Ramp & Climbing Arch Ramp. is a perfect example to promote active play in your home! My husband and I just gifted this set to my daughter and son as their Christmas present. The age range of 12 months to 5 years is perfect for this gift. My 15-month-old daughter was just starting to learn how to climb, while my son was already a pro. They both had a blast with the Pikler triangle set!
When they’re not climbing on it, they’re using it for imaginative play. My son especially loves reenacting the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, using the Pikler set as the bridge and pretending there’s a troll underneath. It’s so much fun! A pikler triangle set is definitely the best indoor toy for active play in winter months!
A seesaw is second on the list of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months.
Isn’t this Wooden 2 in 1 Teeter Totter Seesaw & Balance Beam just the perfect example of fun? It reminds me of the good old days at the park when I was young! My little ones got this seesaw for Christmas, and they’re absolutely smitten with it. It’s such a joy to watch them play together and start learning the art of taking turns. Although we’re still mastering that part! My daughter seems to have mastered the art of letting my son do all the work while she enjoys the ride, gleefully shouting “up” and “down”!
The best part about this seesaw is that it converts to a balancing beam when the kids outgrow it! This is a great toy that will last your kids years and is part of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months, found on Amazon list!
An indoor/outdoor slide is third on the list of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months.
This Little Tikes 2-in-1 Indoor-Outdoor Wet or Dry Slide holds a special spot in my heart, as it’s where I shared precious moments with my son when he was just a baby. It was the very slide he went down for the first time and the first one he climbed up all by himself. Now, I get to witness my daughter mastering this same slide, continuing the sweet memories.
It’s just a great slide. It keeps my little ones active and entertained when they can’t go outside! It’s amazing how much energy they burn climbing up and sliding down over and over again. Plus, when you are able to go outside, there is a hose attachment on the bottom so you can convert it to a water slide!
A sit n spin is fourth on the list of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months.
Playskool Sit ‘n Spin are the ultimate indoor play toy because they keep my little ones entertained and active, especially when the weather keeps us cooped up inside. Not only do they provide endless fun, but they also help develop balance and coordination skills, making them a win-win for both playtime and learning. Plus, they’re compact and easy to store, making cleanup a breeze—what more could a mom ask for? Sit and Spins are the best indoor toys for active play in winter months!
Finally, turtle stepping stones are fifth on the list of the five best indoor toys for active play in winter months.
Turtle Balance Stepping Stones are not just for stepping—they’re versatile! Besides stepping on them, they can also be used as seats for spinning around. My daughter adores flipping them over, crawling inside, and having a whirlwind of fun spinning around! The turtles serve multiple purposes—they’re stepping stones, spinning toys, and even part of a fun turtle game. They even come with instructions for an enjoyable game that adds an extra layer of excitement! These turtle stepping stones are the best indoor toy for active play in winter months!
Final Thought.
My husband and I didn’t collect all of these toys overnight; it’s been a gradual process. I’ve researched the best toys for active play and also gleaned wisdom from other mamas, compiled a list, and slowly built up our collection. Purchases were made over time, often as birthday or Christmas gifts, or by requesting them from family and friends. These toys are investments; they’re of high quality and designed to last, ensuring they can be passed down to our other children. All that to say, taking it slow and steady pays off, and you can also create a list of items you want to buy for your little one as time goes by!
I hope this has provided you with some great toy ideas to promote active play and to help you navigate those long winter months with your little ones! Make sure to subscribe for more weekly read from The Blooming Mama.
Hugs, Mama! You are doing a great job!
Cassie
List of five best indoor toys for active play in winter months, found on Amazon!
1.Pikler Triangle Set with Sliding Ramp & Climbing Arch Ramp.
2. Wooden 2 in 1 Teeter Totter Seesaw & Balance Beam
3. Little Tikes 2-in-1 Indoor-Outdoor Wet or Dry Slide
5. Turtle Balance Stepping Stones
I like that ramp, looks very fun! ❤️
It is! I actually find myself wanting to be little again so I can play on it! Hehe!
These are great ideas! Definitely saving to prepare for the Florida summer 🥲
Oh yes! I didn’t even think of these toys being great to beat the heat too! Great point, thanks for sharing and I hope you can find a couple that your littles will love!
The sit and spin!! What a classic! Thanks for the fun, flashback memory.
It is such a classic! Haha happy to spark some core memories! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the indoor toy ideas! It’s still quite cold here in Switzerland and our (very active) boy is always so bored at home. I think he would enjoy the Turtle Balance Stepping Stones as he is in a phase now where he just steps on everything (books, lego, cars…)
You are welcome! Yes, winter months are just so hard with littles! I’m so glad you discovered something your son would like. We really like the turtles! You can also bring them outside in the summer time. Hope you enjoy!