10 Best Indoor Toys for Kids: Fostering Development for All Ages – The smarT Head Start – smarTrike Blog

10 Best Indoor Toys for Kids: Fostering Development for All Ages

A man in a blue shirt looking at the camera.
By George Croft
Milica Pešić
Edited by Milica Pešić

Updated September 12, 2023.

A little boy that is standing on a trampoline

When stuck inside, the right toys can make rainy days shine for kids while promoting healthy development. As children grow, their skills and interests change. According to a study, finding the right toys that align with their stage can nurture cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth.

This guide covers top-rated indoor toys for babies through 10-year-olds. Let’s explore how these toys encourage learning through play.

Our Top Picks for the Best Indoor Toys for Kids

  1. Best Overall Indoor Toy for Kids - SmarTrike 3-in-1 Activity Center
  2. Best Indoor Climbing Toy for Toddlers - Little Tikes 7′ Climb ‘N Slide Trampoline
  3. Best Indoor Toy for Three-Year-Olds - Skywalker Trampolines Springless Mini Trampoline with Enclosure Net
  4. Best Energy Burning Toy for Toddlers - SmarTrike 2-in-1 Indoor Trampoline
  5. Best Indoor Toy for Four-Year-Olds - Upper Bounce Mini Trampoline
  6. Best Foldable Indoor Toy for Kids - Little Tikes Easy Store 3’ Trampoline
  7. Best Indoor Basketball Toy for Kids - Skywalker Trampolines 8-Foot Trampoline with Safety Enclosure
  8. Best Indoor Toy for Seven-Year-Olds - Doufit Oval Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline
  9. Best Indoor Sports Toy for Kids - Jump Power Rectangle Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline & Safety Net Swing Combo
  10. Best Active Toy for 10-Year-Olds - Skywalker Trampolines – Rectangle Jump-N-Dunk Trampoline with Enclosure

1. Best Overall Indoor Toy for Kids

The 3-in-1 Activity Center: Trampoline & Ball Pit stands out as an excellent indoor toy because it allows children to engage in sensory play as early as 10 months old.



As your child grows older, this activity centre can be transformed into a trampoline with a handle, providing a secure environment for physical development when they reach 12 months of age.

At 24 months and beyond, the handle can be folded down to allow your child to focus on bouncing.

Pros


  • Enables early sensory play
  • 10 months to 24+ months
  • Usable regardless of outdoor conditions
  • Ensures physical development

Cons


  • Needs supervision for younger kids
  • Occupies indoor space


2. Best Indoor Climbing Toy for Toddlers

The 7-foot Climb 'N Slide Trampoline from Little Trikes, one of the leading indoor climbing toys for kids, is an excellent tool for encouraging physical growth in toddlers. This trampoline promotes both physical and cognitive development with features like a slide and trampoline.

Moreover, children aged 3-10 years can use it, making it a long-lasting investment that can be shared among multiple kids, saving the need to purchase extra toys. Additionally, two zipper enclosures ensure safe play, while pad protectors cover the safety springs.

Pros


  • Encourages physical growth in toddlers
  • Enhances both fine and gross motor skills
  • Long-lasting investment
  • Ensures safe play

Cons


  • Not sun-resistant
  • Degrading pads and foam
  • Fragile netting

3. Best Indoor Toy for Three-Year-Olds

Looking for the perfect indoor toy for your three-year-old? Look no further than the Skywalker Trampolines Springless Mini Trampoline with Enclosure Net.

Jumping on the Skywalker trampoline promotes gross motor skills, and the jump mat even has numbers and animals printed on it, making it a great tool for teaching recognition.

Pros


  • Promotes gross motor skills
  • Jump mat features numbers and animals
  • Enclosure net
  • Tested for both safety and durability.
  • Long-lasting investment

Cons


  • Indoor use primarily
  • Limited size for older kids
  • Muted color palette

4. Best Energy Burning Toy for Toddlers

The SmarTrike 2-in-1 Indoor Trampoline is one of the best indoor toys for active toddlers. Starting as early as 12 months, this trampoline stands out among indoor energy-burning toys for toddlers.

Its padded frame encourages toddlers to develop balance and gross motor skills while bouncing independently in a safe and fun environment.



For toddlers with a lot of energy who are always on the move, the SmarTrike provides an excellent outlet for them to channel their energy, ensuring they remain active and engaged even when indoors.

Pros


  • Development of balance and gross motor skills
  • Quick and easy assembly
  • Compact folding makes it easy to store
  • No springs ensure added safety
  • Padded frame provides extra protection

Cons


  • Requires indoor space for setup and use
  • Not suitable for older kids


5. Best Indoor Toy for Four-Year-Olds

The Upper Bounce Mini Trampoline stands out as one of the best indoor toys for four-year-olds. It's designed to cater to the advanced motor skills of 4-year-olds, allowing them to jump and play with more freedom.

The adjustable height handlebar ensures that the trampoline grows with your child, providing a comfortable and safe jumping experience.

Pros


  • Designed specifically for 4-year-olds.
  • Adjustable height handlebar
  • Folds in half
  • Sturdy construction ensures durability and safety

Cons


  • Requires assembly
  • Potential wear and tear
  • Specific weight capacity

6. Best Foldable Indoor Toy for Kids

The Little Tikes Easy Store 3' trampoline is convenient and foldable, which makes it perfect for an indoor energy-burning toy for toddlers. It's easy to set up and store away, and it's specially designed for indoor home use.

This is great for energetic toddlers who need to release some energy before bedtime, and it can be easily stowed away when not in use.

Pros


  • Excellent energy burner
  • Foam grip on the safety bar
  • Designed for safe indoor use
  • Easy storage
  • Durable construction for prolonged use

Cons


  • Requires a designated space for setup
  • Potential wear and tear with regular use
  • Limited to indoor use only

7. Best Indoor Basketball Toy for Kids

For parents searching for indoor toys for five-year-olds, this trampoline stands out. The Skywalker Trampolines 8-Foot Trampoline with Safety Enclosure is an excellent indoor basketball toy that offers both safety and durability.

It has a no-gap enclosure, which eliminates dangerous gaps where fingers could be caught.

Pros


  • Ideal for indoor basketball
  • Enhances hand-eye coordination
  • Safe no-gap enclosure design
  • Rust-resistant materials
  • Increased frame stability

Cons


  • Limited to 175 lbs user weight
  • Potential wear over time
  • Limited warranty duration

8. Best Indoor Toy for Seven-Year-Olds

The Doufit Oval Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline is a standout among indoor active toys for seven-year-olds. As kids grow, their energy and need for movement only increase, making this trampoline a perfect choice.

The handlebar ensures safety, while the jumping activity helps improve balance, coordination, and stamina.

Pros


  • Supports duo jumping
  • Enhances balance and coordination
  • Safe handlebar design
  • Ideal for indoor recess

Cons


  • Requires partial disassembly to move between rooms
  • Requires ample space
  • Limited weight capacity

9. Best Indoor Sports Toy for Kids

The Jump Power Rectangle Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline & Safety Net Swing Combo is an excellent product in the world of indoor sports toys. This product combines the excitement of a trampoline and a swing in one.

This indoor sports solution offers fun and safety, including jumping and swinging, with a spring safety pad and rust resistance.

Pros


  • Trampoline and swing combo
  • Enhances gross motor skills
  • Safe spring pad included
  • Rust-resistant design
  • Versatile indoor sports option

Cons


  • Requires spacious setup
  • Assembly might be complex
  • Limited to 80 lbs user weight

10. Best Active Toy for Ten-Year-Olds

The Skywalker Trampolines – Rectangle Jump-N-Dunk Trampoline with Enclosure is a top-tier choice among indoor active toys for ten-year-olds. The no-gap enclosure ensures a safe jumping experience by eliminating dangerous gaps. Its rust-resistant frame and increased stability make it a reliable choice.

Furthermore, the rectangle trampoline's springs work independently, providing a more controlled and responsive bounce.

Pros


  • No-gap enclosure for safety
  • Rust-resistant frame
  • Independent spring mechanism
  • Durable and stable design

Cons


  • Requires ample space
  • Potential wear with time
  • Assembly might be complex

Maximizing Indoor Play for Holistic Development

The SmarTrike 3-in-1 Activity Center and 2-in-1 Indoor Trampoline stand out as exceptional choices for indoor toys. Beyond mere entertainment, these toys play a pivotal role in fostering a child's gross motor skills, enhancing physical strength, and building self-confidence.

By integrating such toys into a child's playtime, parents can ensure a holistic development that seamlessly blends fun with learning.