Strider 12 Sport, No Pedal Balance

As soon as our kids were walking, we had them on balance bikes! And by 4 both were riding pedal bikes with no problems and no training wheels!

Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower

We love lawn mowers so much that both of my kids had to have their own! These are great walkers for little ones just learning to walk, and even older kids seem to love pretending to mow the lawn as they get older.

• Sounds are mechanical, so no batteries are needed
• Push the toy mower and the beads pop
• Pull cord to hear engine sounds
• Clicking key and moveable throttle
• Removable plastic gas can

Little Tikes Bouncing Fun! Blue Hopper

Not only are these a great workout (believe me I've tried to bounce on one of these!), they are also perfect for sensory input.

• Safe with a recessed re-inflatable valve
• Helps build coordination skills

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

I have the sweetest memories of my oldest zooming around the house and driveway in his Cozy Coupe. For years this was his favorite toy.

• Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
• GROWS AS KIDS DO. The removable floorboard makes this ride-on transition easily between parent-controlled and kid-powered modes
• Includes: working doors, steering wheel with working horn, moving, clicking ignition switch, gas cap open and closes, rugged, durable tires, front wheels spin 360 degrees

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

At their smallest height (and with smaller kids) this is a great toy for gross motor play both inside and outside. As it expands and gets taller (and your kids get stronger) you may need to move this to an outdoor-only toy.

• 6 ADJUSTABLE HEIGHTS. Raise the height to increase difficulty as your kids grow. Basketball Set can be adjusted from 2.5 to 4 feet
• OVERSIZED RIM. Designed with an oversized rim making it easier for kids to score baskets
• DEVELOP SKILLS. Encourages preschoolers and toddlers to play independently while working on balance and improve their hand-eye coordination
• Base must be weighted with 40lbs. of sand (not included )
• Includes 3 junior sized, soft basketballs (color may vary)

Little Tikes T-Ball Set

This folds down and stores easily so it's not taking up precious garage space. The bat is chunkier than a standard bat, so it's easier for little ones to make contact with the ball.

• Compact and foldable
• Comes with one bat, one stand, and five balls

Little Tikes Flowin' Fun Water Table

This was the first water table that I found that actually connects to a hose, so the water is always flowing! This takes your water table game up to the next level. My kids would play with this for hours.

• Includes 8 interchangeable pipes, fittings, and faucets, a scoop, bucket and boat
• Connect to a standard garden hose, or pour water into the central tower, to create endless splashing fun

Little Tikes Activity Garden Playhouse

We loved this playset and even gifted it to a family who has used it for their two kids! Climb and slide, or sort and click. This activity center has dozens of things for little ones to do.

• Convertible frame shape
• Shape sorter, ball drop, mini-piano, bells, a slide, shutters, a front door, mailbox, and so much more

Fisher-Price Adventure Play Tunnel

A play tunnel can be so many things (aside from a tunnel to practice crawling through) as kids get older. From a "secret passageway," to a "caterpillar costume," and even an "underground tunnel," to their fort.

• 6 FEET LONG: The durable 6 foot tunnel gives preschoolers plenty of room to crawl explore and play on their own or with friends
• IMAGINATIVE PLAY: A cozy space for kids to explore their imagination while crawling bending and creating new play adventures that support motor skill development
• ACTIVE PLAY: Encourages kids ages 3 and up to stay active while enjoying games like hide and seek racing and imaginative movement play
• EASY ASSEMBLY AND STORAGE: Pop up design allows for quick setup with no tools required and folds flat for fast easy storage when playtime is over
• SAFE AND DURABLE DESIGN: Built with rounded corners strong stitching and safe materials to provide worry free indoor play parents can trust
• PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Lightweight construction makes it easy to move and transport between rooms or take along to different play areas as needed

VTech Wiggle and Crawl Ball

My second was a late crawler. This ball helped him learn to tilt, lean, and eventually scoot to keep playing with it.

• Move and crawl with the animal friends on the Wiggle and Crawl Ball by VTech
• Interactive ball wiggles and wobbles on its own encouraging your little one to chase after it; features 45+ playful songs, melodies, sounds and cheerful phrases
• Five flashing lights attract your baby's attention while spinning and twisting animals encourage interaction; play and crawl with the moving ball

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play – Jumbo Play Mat

Both of my kids loved this play gym as infants. From laying on their back watching the singing elephant, to tummy time on the silky mat, to propped up with the included pillow, and when they are ready to sit and play, it converts to a ball pit!

• Includes 40 balls with carrying case for easy storage
• Cheerful elephant toy lights up and plays 20 minutes of music (and detaches for on-the-go fun)
• Includes 7 tropically cool take-along toys: elephant musical toy, crinkle toy, mirror, flash cards, hanging leaf toy and bead rattle
• Grow with me from infant to toddler, ages newborn and up
• Machine washable mat and easy-to-clean wipeable toys

Ingenuity 3-in-1 Baby Jumper and Activity Center

I think my oldest might have lived in his activity center if we let him! He would jump and spin, play with the toys, and be happy as a clam!

• 3u2011inu20111 design grows with baby: jumper, activity table, and floor toy pieces
• 360u00b0 rotating seat with 3 engaging toy stations for allu2011around play
• Lightu2011up greenhouse with music and nature sounds encourages causeu2011andu2011effect fun
• Jumper adjusts to 4 heights for a justu2011right fit through early development
• Activity table mode features modern wood legs for a stylish, open play space

Fisher-Price Twist N Twirl

This is a cute toy for kids to practice balancing, spinning themselves, and has a very fun clicklike feel as you go around and around.

• 360 DEGREE SPINNING FUN: Turn the easy grip handle and spin into action. This classic sit and spin toy delivers exciting 360 degree spinning for toddlers.
• ACTIVE MOVEMENT FUN: Helps toddlers build balance, coordination, and core strength through engaging, movement focused play made just for growing little ones.

Little Tikes 3' Trampoline

This trampoline is always a hit at our house! It folds down for easy storage. It's perfect for little ones learning to jump with both feet. Once your child gets older (and can jump higher) you may have to move to a bigger model as we have found it can be a little unstable for our tall 6 year old.

• Perfect trampoline for toddlers to burn off energy
• Features large jumping surface and handle bar for stability

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

I have the sweetest memories of my oldest zooming around the house and driveway in his Cozy Coupe. For years this was his favorite toy.

• Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
• GROWS AS KIDS DO. The removable floorboard makes this ride-on transition easily between parent-controlled and kid-powered modes
• Includes: working doors, steering wheel with working horn, moving, clicking ignition switch, gas cap open and closes, rugged, durable tires, front wheels spin 360 degrees

VTech Pop-a-Balls Bulldozer

My kids loved pushing this around and watching the balls pop out. It does take some finess to get the balls to go into the bulldozer, but it was great fine motor practice loading the balls back up with their hands too.

• Push the handle to roll the red bulldozer across the floor and watch it pop balls out of the chimney into the bucket
• Press the buttons to learn colors, numbers, phrases and music
• Grab the chunky handle to encourage motor skill development

Skip Hop Baby Walker

One of the things I dislike about most walker toys is that they are covered in buttons, lights, and other distractions. This design leaves a little market for kids to play with, but the focus is on the walking aspect.

• Grow-With-Me Fun in 5 Ways: From first sit-ups to confident cruising, our convertible baby walker grows with your little one from 6 months to 5 years. Sit, cruise, push the shopping cart, roll the stroller, or dive into pretend play and spark creativity with endless ways to explore, learn, and play!
• Supports Balance, Motor Skills & Early Learning: Our baby push walker is thoughtfully designed to help little ones practice walking, balancing, and counting. Its interactive features encourage gross and fine motor development, imaginative play, and early problem-solving in a fun, engaging way.
• Detachable Play Panel for Floor & Easel Play: The removable play panel turns into a mini easel or floor activity station. Detachable fruits and veggies let kids role-play as farmers market workers or shopkeepers, building hand-eye coordination, cause & effect, and pretend play skills while exploring at their own pace.
• Farm-Themed Fun: With a bright, farmstand-inspired design, the baby activity walker includes interactive fruits and veggies designed to keep your child engaged and entertained for years of learning fun. Coordinates with Skip Hop Farmstand collection. Size (inches): 16.3L x 18.5W x 18H

Ollyball Keepy Uppy

I wasn't sure this ball could live up to its claims (an indoor ball that won't damage anything?!), but sure enough, it does what it says. This is one of the few toys that never gets rotated out. Simply because my kids play with it every day, and it's great for indoor exercise.

• Full-Force Indoor Play for Active Fun: Engineered with the patented KrunchCOR bladder, this 12-inch Keepy Uppy ball absorbs impact for safe, energetic indoor play.
• Award-Winning Ollyball Ready to Play Includes the Ollyball Keepy Uppy indoor ball, KrunchCOR bladder, inflation straw, instruction manual, and resealable package, and is recognized with multiple family and toy industry awards.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Fort Building Kit

We have built forts, rockets, cars, caves, houses… You name it. These versatile sticks have also turned my kiddos into helicopters, fire fighters, and magicians with wands.

• BUILD THE COOLEST FORTS EVER – With 135 pieces, kids can build forts that are nothing less than epic! This fort building kit makes it easy to build an indoor fort with endless configurations. It's perfect for creative building and play!
• DURABLE, PREMIUM-QUALITY COMPONENTS – Sturdy poles in two different lengths work with the Flex-Tech hubs to create a number of dynamic structures, with 6 included clips that make it easy to cover the fort with a sheet or blanket (not included).
• HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOYS – We're proud to make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all our products are backed by exceptional service. If your experience is less than stellar, let us know and we'll make things right!

Radio Flyer Steady Start Balance Bike

Once your child is walking, they are ready for a balance bike! We had an indoor balance bike that no longer exists. I chose this one because of the super wide wheels (easy to balance), and rubberized wheels (keeps scratches off your floors and kids from slipping on wood and tile surfaces).

• STABLE 3-WHEEL DESIGN: A wide front wheel and dual rear wheels help the bike stand on its own – no kickstand needed – making it an ideal training bike for toddlers as they ride on sidewalks, paved driveways, and indoor floors.
• QUIET RIDE, INDOOR & OUTDOOR: Wide, treaded wheels deliver a smooth, quiet ride on hardwood, carpet, cement, or paved paths – making this the perfect kids bike for playtime anywhere.
• GROWS WITH YOUR TODDLER: The tool-free adjustable, padded seat and comfort handgrips provide a secure, comfy fit as your child grows, ensuring years of active play for toddlers and young kids.

Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper

My kids have played with a smilar version (that doesn't have suction cups on the bottom). These types of boards are great for balancing, spinning, and pretend play (hello helicopter!).

• PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Rock, roll, sit, and stand with the these sensory toys for toddlers, featuring sturdy silicone suction cups for endless ways to engage and play
• DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY: This pop it toy is made from exceptionally strong plastic with handles on each end for stability
• IMPROVES MOTOR SKILLS: These learning toys help improve core strength, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, stimulating senses and engaging imagination
• VERSATILE PLAYTIME: Sit, rock, tilt, or wobble on these toddler pop it toys; suction cups pop with every movement, providing fun and active sensory excitement

Fat Brain Toys Bilibo by MOLUK

These came out after my kids had passed the prime window, but we've played with similar sensory and gross motor toys so when I saw this one I knew it needed to make the list!

• ENCOURAGES IMAGINATIVE PLAY: The simplified design of these toddler outdoor toys allows kids to explore endless play possibilities, from a turtle shell to a hero mask, fostering creativity and imagination as 2 year old toys.
• PROMOTES ACTIVE PLAY: Children can use bilibo outdoor toddler toys as a spinning seat, stepping stone, or helmet, engaging in physical activities that improve motor skills and coordination.
• SUPPORTS OPEN-ENDED PLAY: bilibo''s versatile nature of outdoor toddler toys encourages problem-solving and creativity, offering a unique way to entertain and stimulate a child''s mind.

Little Tikes Campin' & Climb Wall

I love the compact design of this toy. It's like a pickler triangle, but it folds down and fits under a bed or a couch. Kids can play house and camping inside or climb on the outside.

• Made in the USA. The Little Tikes Company is located in the heartland of America.
• ADJUSTABLE DESIGN Adjustable climbing wall angles to either lean against the wall or stand on its own.
• HIDEAWAY TENT Large and spacious tent area opens up between the climbing walls for an additional play space.

Chuckle & Roar 10-Pin Kids Bowling Set

Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart

A kids center near us has a dozen of these shopping carts along with pretend food that the kids can pretend to shop with. They are very realistic. The bottom legs give the cart more stability. My little one loves to push his doll in the front seat and pretend to play "daddy at the store."

• Built Like the Real Thing: Features a sturdy metal frame, pivoting front wheels for smooth rolling, and a fold-open seat for a doll or stuffed animal passenger (sold separately) to join the trip
• Skills on the Move: Builds fine motor skills, coordination, and social play while encouraging hands-on, screen-free fun that inspires creativity and imaginative role-playing every single day

JC Toys Boutique Folding Umbrella Doll Stroller

Strollers make great walkers for little ones who are just starting to walk, and continue to be used for pretend play around the house.

National Geographic Kids Balance Stepping Stones and Beams

My kids love stepping stones and balance beams, but sometimes they become too cumbersome to store. These stack like trays, but are durable enough to step and hop on.

• 12 COLORFUL PIECES u2013 Includes 4 hard plastic stepping stones, 4 straight beams, and 4 curved beams, so kids can design endless obstacle courses while building balance, coordination, and gross motor skills through imaginative play.
• SAFE, NON-SLIP DESIGN u2013 Each stone and beam features a non-slip rubber base for maximum stability and secure play indoors or outdoors (not recommended on wet surfaces).
• BUILD, ROLL & JUMP u2013 Kids can create their own course, roll the included foam dice, and jump to their color for an interactive and exciting challenge.
• STACKABLE & DURABLE u2013 Lightweight yet sturdy construction supports kids up to 150 lbs. Stackable design makes for easy storage and travel.
• PLAY & LEARN CARDS INCLUDED u2013 Four Play & Learn cards introduce fun games and activities that spark creativity for toddlers and preschoolers.

B. toys Balance Beam Set

These balance beams and stepping stones connect together to form obstacle courses and pathes. Kids can use their imagination to create all kinds of different designs.

• Balance Beams: Get creative and active with a modular set of balancing beams that connect any which way!
• Easy Assembly: Match up the pieces to form beams and connect to the foot pads with a click.
• Active Play: Playing with this balance beam set helps improve coordination and turns playtime into full-body fun!

Fat Brain Toys Step-to-Play Jumbo Piano Mat

Didn't we all dream of having one of these as a child? This piano mat gets kids up and moving, allows them to create or listen to music, and teaches them how to follow music (close-ended) or create their own songs (open-ended).

• Choose from 8 unique instrument sounds; Select sound effects, including vibrato, sustain, and repeated rhythms; Select a beat to groove to and set the tempo
• Encourages active play, coordination skills, music skills, concentration, creativity, and more.

Goliath The Original The Floor is Lava!

We love this game to take a childhood classic like 'the floor is lava,' but save your couches and coffee tables from getting trampled. My only complaint is that the stepping stones are foam, so they slip on carpet.

• ENDLESS GAMES PRESENTS: The Floor is Lava! is a family board game that promotes physical activity, an active imagination, and engaging excitement for kids and adults.
• ACTIVE FUN: Turn every floor into an exciting u201clava jumpingu201d adventure with The Floor is Lava! Get your child up off the couch or away from video games with this fun interactive game!
• EVERYONE LEAP: Real entertainment and laugh out loud fun challenges the whole family. Popular for birthdays, holiday parties, or game night. For 2 or more players ages 5 -105!
• INSIDE OR OUTSIDE PLAY: Each of our cushioned, durable, slip-resistant foam stepping stones can be used during outdoor birthday parties or indoor sleepovers.

Hasbro Twister

This game brings back a lot of memories, and it is great for gross motor play indoors. It encourages kids to work together, and builds strength, balance, and coordination through play.

Explorind Kittens Hurry Up Chicken Butt

This game is super fun to get kids up, moving, and being silly! The rules are simple enough to understand, and a whole game only lasts about 5 minutes. Making it perfect for quick family games.

• How to Play: Get ready to jump up and get silly with Hurry Up Chicken Butt!
• Shake the Chicken to reveal your wacky activity, then perform it quickly before passing the Chicken Shaker to the next player
• But watch! if the timer goes off while you're holding the Chicken, you're out!
• This game is fast-paced, unpredictable, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing

Nex Playground

Our experience with this is limited to my in-store demo. We have a Nintendo Switch system (gifted to us), so we didn't want to invest in another system. However, this little cube is like the oldschool Wii but without the need for a controller. Because your body is the controller, I can see kids being able to play this much easier than learning to operate a traditional game controller.

• 5 GAMES INCLUDED. UNLOCK MORE WITH PLAY PASS. Playground comes with Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, and Party Fowl. A separate purchase of a 3-Month ($49) or 12-Month Play Pass ($89) is required to access the full catalog of games and get new games each month, including Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, How to Train Your Dragon, Peppa Pig, Care Bears, Elmo, Miraculous Ladybug, Gabby's Dollhouse, Kung Fu Panda and more.
• GET MOVING WITH ACTIVE FAMILY FUN. Nex Playground is a new kind of video game console that gets your family moving. It easily connects to your TV, transforming your living room into an active play space. Within minutes, your family will be playing Fruit Ninja, Whac-a-Mole and more. Using a built-in camera to track motion and natural body movements, anyone in the family can jump right in.
• JUST USE YOUR BODY TO PLAY. Play naturally just by moving your body. Playground uses the magic of AI to follow your movements using the built-in wide-angle camera. No controllers or clunky trackers! Up to 4 players can play at the same time, so everyone can get moving together.
• SAFE FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES. Playground content is safe and appropriate for all ages. No ads. No in-app purchases. No mature content. Playground is also kidSAFE+ COPPA certified and motion tracking data is never stored or processed in the cloud.

Danny Go! Dance & Go! Music Mat

It's Dance Dance Revolution for your living room! This mat encourages kids to follow along to steps, getting them up and moving to their favorite Danny Go! songs.

• Get Up and Go with Danny Go!: Energetic kids can play tunes and find a groove along with songs from the hit YouTube series with the Danny Go! Dance & Go! Music Mat.
• Music Maker Mode: Step on instrument buttons to hear piano, drum, guitar, and saxophone sounds. Make up dances, compose tunes, sing along, and have fun.

Danny Go! Color Beat Drumsticks

Before these existed, we used cut pool noodles to play along with our favorite Danny Go! videos. These light up, make sound, and have easy-to-grip handles to enhance the experience.

• Get up and go with Danny Go!: itu2019s easy to kick up a beat, start instant dance parties, and enjoy lots of musical fun with the Danny Go! Color Beat Drumsticks.
• Just Like the Show: Kids will have a great time as they press the buttons on the drumsticks to cycle through lights, music, and sound effects. Beat out a rhythm in the air, on the carpet, a couch cushion u2014 almost anywhere!