If your one-year-old is suddenly trying to scale the couch, coffee table, or anything in sight, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Climbing is a natural and important part of your toddler’s development. At this age, little ones are learning to coordinate their bodies, build muscle strength, and explore the world in new, exciting ways.
That’s where climbing toys for one year olds come in!
These specially designed toys offer safe, developmentally appropriate opportunities for toddlers to climb, crawl, slide, and balance—without giving parents a heart attack every time they do it.
In this post:
- Why One-Year-Olds Love to Climb
- What to Look for in Climbing Toys for One Year Olds
- Top Picks: Best Climbing Toys for One Year Olds
- Safety Tips for Climbing Play
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Why One-Year-Olds Love to Climb
At around 12–18 months, children begin to:
- Pull themselves up to stand
- Cruise along furniture
- Take their first independent steps
- Explore through trial and error
Climbing is a natural extension of these new skills. It helps them build confidence, improve balance, and strengthen their gross motor abilities. Providing a safe outlet for climbing at this stage helps toddlers meet developmental milestones and keeps your furniture a little safer too.
- Check out all my favorite gross motor toys for kids!
What to Look for in Climbing Toys for One Year Olds
Not all climbing toys are created equal—especially for this age group. When choosing a climbing toy for your toddler, it’s all about balancing safety, simplicity, and fun.
Here are the top things to look for:
- Low Height
Choose toys that are close to the ground. One-year-olds are still developing balance and coordination, so low climbers reduce the risk of falls and make independent play safer. - Stability & Safety
Look for a wide base and sturdy construction that won’t tip over easily. Avoid sharp edges or small parts, and always check for age-appropriate safety ratings. - Soft, Toddler-Friendly Materials
Natural wood with smooth edges or soft foam is ideal for little hands and feet. These materials are gentle, durable, and safer for early climbers. - Indoor & Outdoor Use
If you’d like the option to use it in different spaces, look for weather-resistant finishes or easy-to-clean surfaces that can handle indoor messes or outdoor dirt. - Open-Ended Play Options
Toys that offer multiple ways to play—like climbing, crawling under, sliding, or rocking—hold your child’s attention longer and spark more creativity. - Encourages Independent Movement
Choose something your child can explore on their own. The goal isn’t to climb for them—it’s to give them a safe space to build strength, balance, and confidence at their own pace.
Top Picks: Best Climbing Toys for One Year Olds
Here are a few toddler-tested and parent-approved climbing toys that are perfect for one-year-olds:
1. Soft Foam Climbing Blocks
Perfect for indoor play, foam blocks allow little ones to climb, crawl, and build with ease. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and gentle if your toddler takes a tumble.
Bonus: Some foam blocks are modular, so you can rearrange them as your child grows and gains confidence.
- Check out all my favorite soft play climbing sets!
2. Pikler Triangle (with Ramp)
This wooden climbing frame is a favorite for good reason. The triangle shape offers just the right amount of challenge, and the ramp doubles as a slide or climbing board. Many versions are foldable for easy storage.
Tip: Make sure to supervise closely, and choose a small triangle suited for younger toddlers.
- Check out some of my favorite pikler triangles for babies and toddlers!
3. Kinderfeet Wooden Climbing Dome
This wooden dome is perfect for busy little climbers!
Made from smooth, natural birch wood and finished with a child-safe, water-based lacquer, it’s just the right size for one-year-olds to explore safely.
The dome measures about 32 inches tall and 47 inches wide, so it fits nicely in playrooms or living rooms. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to 132 pounds, making it great for toddlers to grow into. Kids can climb, crawl, or throw a blanket over the top and turn it into their own little fort.
It’s a fun, stylish way to build strength and confidence through play.
- Check out additional backyard dome climbers for older kiddos!
4. Climbing Arch and Rocker
This versatile wooden arch is a favorite for curious one-year-olds who are ready to move, explore, and play.
On one side, it’s a sturdy climber that’s low to the ground—perfect for toddlers learning to pull up, balance, and build confidence. Flip it over, and it transforms into a gentle rocking seat that’s great for quiet play, reading, or just relaxing.
Made from solid natural wood and finished with smooth, non-toxic paint, it’s both safe and stylish, with a clean two-tone look that fits beautifully into any home. The arch measures approximately 37 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 19 inches tall, and it’s strong enough to hold up to 110 pounds.
Whether your little one is climbing, rocking, crawling under it like a tunnel, or using it as a cozy spot to sit, this multipurpose piece supports both active movement and imaginative play.
5. Step2 Game Time Sports Climber
This is a versatile playset designed to keep toddlers active and engaged, both indoors and outdoors!
This multi-functional climber features a climbing ladder, slide, basketball hoop, and a toss-through wall, offering various ways for little ones to play and develop their motor skills. The crawl-through tunnel beneath the platform doubles as a soccer goal or a fun hideaway, encouraging imaginative play.
Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, this playset is built to withstand energetic play sessions and the elements, making it suitable for placement in a playroom or backyard. Its compact design ensures it fits comfortably in various spaces, providing endless fun for your child wherever you choose to set it up.
Safety Tips for Climbing Play
Climbing is a big part of toddler development, but a little prep goes a long way in keeping it safe and fun. Even with the best-designed climbing toys for one year olds, supervision is always essential.
Here are some quick tips to help your one-year-old explore confidently:
- Always supervise: Stay close while your toddler is climbing, especially as they’re learning new movements. Spotting them from the side gives them freedom and protection.
- Set up on a soft surface: Place climbing toys on carpet, foam mats, or grass to cushion any falls. Hard flooring like tile or concrete should be avoided without padding.
- Create a clear play area: Keep the climbing zone free from furniture, sharp corners, or breakables. Give your child space to move around safely.
- Check for stability: Make sure the toy is set up correctly and doesn’t wobble. If it’s a foldable item (like a Pikler triangle), double-check that it’s locked in place before play.
- Dress for movement: Clothes should be comfy and snug—not loose enough to catch on handles or edges. Bare feet or non-slip socks help with grip while climbing.
- Follow the age and weight guidelines: Choose toys specifically designed for your child’s age and size. One-year-olds need low, sturdy equipment that’s built for beginner climbers.
- Encourage, but don’t assist too much: Let your child explore at their own pace, building independence and confidence.
Final Thoughts on Climbing Toys for One Year Olds
Climbing is more than just a physical activity—it’s a brain-builder, a confidence booster, and a powerful tool for early development. Investing in the right climbing toys for one year olds gives your toddler a safe, joyful way to explore the world—one step, slide, and tumble at a time.
- Check out these gross motor play activities for additional ways to get your kiddo moving!
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