It’s important to provide your energetic toddler with lots of safe climbing ways. Safe climbing opportunities help toddlers develop physically and explore their environment. Climbing also helps improve coordination and balance.
Thankfully, there are some toddler climbing toys made just for 1-year-olds. These playthings are ideal for independent play since they are solid and safe. Some great options for 1-year-old climbing toys include soft foam blocks, wooden blocks, or small plastic climbers.
One-year-olds are at a stage where they are starting to develop their gross motor skills. This is the perfect time to introduce climbing toys, which can help them learn to crawl, pull up, and stand. We hope you can pick one in our selection of the 10 best climbing toys for 1-year-olds.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset
- Best Budget-Friendly: Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center Playset
- Best Climber & Slide: Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
- Best Climber & Swing: Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing
- Best Wooden Style: ECR4Kids SoftZone Tree Tunnel and Climber
- Best For Easy Climbing: Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber
- Best Climbing Triangle: Foldable Wooden Climbing Triangle
- Best For Small Spaces: ECR4Kids SoftZone Tiny Twisting Climber
- Cutest Design: Little Baby Bum Wheels on the Bus Climber and Slide
- Safest Design: Step2 Panda Climber
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Climbing Toys For 1-Year-Olds Picks
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Playset – Best Overall
- They are a great size for climbing, playing, and stacking
- Quality in materials
- Easy to wipe off
- They hold their shape well
- No velcro
This set includes five pieces in various shapes, such as square, rectangle, wedge, round, and half-moon, allowing for endless possibilities in setting them up for playtime. These pieces are covered in soft and easy-to-clean vegan leather material, making it a breeze to wipe them down with a bleach-free cleaning wipe or mild soap and water solution.
This play set promotes gross motor skill development, which is critical for young children’s physical development. It’s a great way to encourage 1-year-olds to get moving and have fun while doing it!
Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center Playset – Best Budget-Friendly
- Assembly is fairly rapid if you follow the directions
- Sturdy
- Easy entertainment for the toddler
- Affordable
- The basketball hoop is a bit loose (comes off pretty easily)
Your little one will have a blast exploring different sports activities and zooming down the exciting slide. With options to kick, climb, slide, and dunk, this activity center provides a fantastic way for 1-year-olds to develop their gross motor skills in a fun and engaging way.
The climber comes equipped with two junior steps, making it easy for young children to climb to the top and improve their fine motor skills. Plus, with a plastic kid’s baseball bat and junior basketball included, your child can practice their swing and shooting skills without the need to chase after the ball.
Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber – Best Climber & Slide
- Super easy assembly
- Lots of little holes, nooks, and crannies for your youngster to explore
- Light and easy to move
- The underside is a perfect little cubby for dumping toys into
- The top deck does not have mid rails to prevent the child from falling off the sides
With a large slide surface area, toddlers and young children will have a safer ride down the slide, while easy-grip side rails make it a breeze to climb up to the two-tiered platform. And once they reach the top, they’ll discover a hidden fort with a steering wheel for all their pretend driving adventures!
Made with double-wall plastic construction and rounded edges, this playset is built to last for years of rough play. And don’t worry about the weather or UV rays – it’s weather and UV resistant, too!
Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing – Best Climber & Swing
- Easy assembly
- Durable
- Stable and heavy enough for kids to play on without falling over or falling apart
- Lightweight enough to move to different locations
- They hold water! If you keep it in a playroom and bring it outside for a party and it rains, just leave it there
This climber and swing set is packed with play possibilities to keep your 1-year-old active and engaged. With an easy-to-climb rock wall for beginners and a swing with a three-point safety belt, your little ones can enjoy hours of fun both inside and outside. Plus, it’s easy to assemble, so your little ones can start playing in no time!
ECR4Kids SoftZone Tree Tunnel and Climber – Best Wooden Style
- This is an excellent gross motor toy with longevity
- Very sturdy
- Wipeable
- Lots of creative uses
- The bottom of the actual tunnel does not have a grip and slides around, only the inside has it
This foam-made tunnel provides a unique and engaging play experience for preschoolers, daycare-goers, and families. With a wood-styled design, children can feel like they’re exploring a forest or cave, all while improving their gross motor skills by crawling through the cushioned and durable foam structure. Whether they’re acting out scenes from their favorite book or creating their own imaginative adventures, the possibilities for active and creative play are endless.
Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber – Best For Easy Climbing
- The slide is short but very toddler friendly
- Hide and seek feature
- Very easy to set up
- Easy to wipe down
- Definitely requires close parental supervision at first while the baby is getting used to using it
This set has everything your child needs to get moving, including a beginner-friendly rock wall, a thrilling crawl tunnel, and a gentle slope slide for soft landings.
But that’s not all – this castle playset is also easy to assemble and built to last. Your child will love peeking out of the clubhouse windows and imagining all sorts of adventures both inside and outside.
Foldable Wooden Climbing Triangle – Best Climbing Triangle
- Clear instructions with pictures
- Top notch quality
- Easy to fold & store
- All the edges are well-sanded
- The gap at the top makes it hard for little ones to get over
The set includes a sturdy and reliable triangle and a two-in-one ramp that can be used for both climbing and sliding.
The flat base of the triangle has four legs that are evenly spaced, ensuring that it stays sturdy and secure during playtime. Made entirely of wood, this set has a simple finish and is constructed with high-quality birch plywood. The polished edges and corners are free of burrs, making it safe for your child to climb and play.
When playtime is over, this set can be easily folded and stored away thanks to its locking mechanism. Plus, an instruction manual is included for easy assembly.
ECR4Kids SoftZone Tiny Twisting Climber – Best For Small Spaces
- Super soft
- Easy for littles to climb on
- Cleaning is super easy
- The color scheme is great
- It is small
The climber is designed to be used against a wall, ensuring a safe and enjoyable playtime. The components easily fasten together with stay-place fasteners, and the non-slip bottom keeps everything stable. The soft vegan leather covering is a breeze to clean, simply wipe it down with your preferred bleach-free cleaning wipe or mild soap and water solution.
Little Baby Bum Wheels on the Bus Climber and Slide – Cutest Design
- Easy to climb
- Fun music and sounds
- Slide is age-appropriate
- Does not take up that much space
- Takes time to assemble
This interactive playhouse and slide are not just musical and fun, it’s also educational! The dashboard includes a horn, ignition, and gear shifter for your child to engage in pretend play and learn about driving. Plus, you can use it both indoors and outdoors since it is water-resistant. The slide is 18″ high with a gentle slope, making it safe and perfect for young children to enjoy.
Step2 Panda Climber – Safest Design
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight for easy moving
- Safe for a toddler
- Small enough for indoor use
- May not be sturdy enough for older children
This multipurpose outdoor activity playset features a crawl-through tunnel, archway, slide, and stairway holes to spark your child’s imagination and foster creative play.
But that’s not all – safety is also a top priority with this climber. The large platform level is enclosed by a rail to provide extra protection while your child plays. And with its unbeatable strength and durability, thanks to the sturdy construction by EverTough, this outdoor climber play center is perfect for worry-free playtime with easy upkeep.
How To Choose Climbing Toys For 1-Year-Olds?
- Size: It should be big enough for your child to climb on, but not so big that it’s overwhelming.
- Handle: Look for a toy that has some type of handle or grip, so your child can keep their balance while climbing. One-year-olds are still developing their ability to balance, so it’s important to choose a toy that won’t be too difficult for them.
- Safety: Avoid toys with small parts or sharp edges, and make sure the toys are stable and secure (1). Plus make sure to check the CPSC website for recalls.
- Multipurpose: Some of the best climbing toys come with features like a slide, a basketball hoop, a tunnel, or swings. Different children will enjoy different features, so it’s important to find a toy that has a variety of activities.
Can A 1-Year-Old Climb?
It is possible for a 1-year-old to climb, although it depends on the individual child’s strength and coordination. Some one-year-olds may be able to pull themselves up to standing and then climb up on furniture or other objects, while others may not be able to do this yet. If your child is starting to try to climb, make sure that you provide a safe environment for them to explore in and that you supervise them closely to prevent any falls or injuries.
Are Climbing Toys Good For Babies?
Yes, climbing toys are great for babies! They help promote gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and balance. Plus, they’re just plain fun! Just make sure you look for age-appropriate toys that are specifically designed for babies and toddlers.
