The pieces in this set can be used multiple ways to build fortresses or spread out like an obstacle course. It will also give your little ones (ages 18 months and up) a soft place to land if they are learning to tumble. Plus, the pieces come with slipcovers that can be removed for washing to keep them fresh for years to come. This recently won a Good Housekeeping Toy Award for 2026.
If you’re going to let your kids climb, safety is a top priority. Per the brand, this jungle gym meets ASTM and CPSIA requirements, meaning it doesn’t have sharp edges or small pieces, and that it’s built structurally sound. This way you know it isn’t likely to collapse under your kid’s weight. That said, you should always watch your kiddos as they swing on the monkey bars, slide, and scale the rope and wooden ladders, for good measure.
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Like so many of the Step2 Playhouses, this is built for use indoors and outdoors. Once the temps start to cool, you can bring this camper inside so the kids can continue having fun playing pretend grilling and making s’mores. It comes with 52 accessories, like pots, plates, food, and oven mitts to make it feel like the real deal.
If you want something that will last them as they grow, this climbing structure can even handle the weight of a 220-pound person, and up to 500 pounds total if multiple kids are using it at the same time. There are nine different elements for them to explore, from a rock ramp climber to a trapeze swing and a pull-up bar. Note that this one needs to be wall-mounted to make sure that it’s extra secure.
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Shooting hoops is a great way for kids to work on their hand-eye coordination, and there’s no more iconic way to do that than with this Mickey basketball set. It’s adjustable to go from 3.5 to 4.2 feet, and you can add sand or water to the base for extra stability. It comes with a toddler-sized basketball and an air pump. Plus, you can move it outside in the spring, summer, and fall.
Some kids are less into active play, and want more gentle imagination time. This cozy cabin comes decorated with garland and curtains that can open and close. You can add your own decor to make it even more special. It’s perfect for quiet reading time or play dates with pals.
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There’s no need to choose between a cozy hideaway and a climbing wall with this Little Tikes set. It folds out neatly so kids can play pretend in the triangular hideaway, and then there are movable pegs on the exterior that work like a mini-rock wall. You can change the angles to be steeper as they get older, to add a bit of a challenge.
If you’re looking for a play set for a smaller space, this one fits a lot into one unit. There’s space for them to crawl and hide, a climbing ramp, a slide, and a basketball hoop. They can even use the open spaces at the bottom as a soccer goal, so they can practice their shooting drills.
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They can truly have a space of their own with this pink cottage house that’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It’s set up so they can make it anything from a library to a school to a kitchen, whatever they want. The door swings open, and there’s a mailbox so they can receive letters.
There are a lot of ball pits on the market, but many are either a thin fabric or hard plastic. This one is built a little differently. It’s shaped like a kiddie pool but made out of a soft foam so kids won’t accidentally flop onto hard edges. This comes with 50 balls to get them started.
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