Living / 13 July, 2021 / Ellie Thompson
While the wet weather continues to stop play, we’ve been thinking about how to keep the kids amused indoors. This round-up of toys for indoor active play will let your little ones burn off some energy while having the maximum fun possible, so you don’t need to worry about the weather outside. But, if the sun does decide to make an appearance this summer, pretty much all of these toy suggestions will be great for outdoor fun once the grass is dry.
Indoor active and imaginative play is where it’s at, and the Pikler Triangle And Slide Set developed by Dr Emile Pikler over 100 years ago is a fabulous choice for children aged six months to six years. The wooden frame comes with a slide and climbing ladder and is brilliant for developing gross motor skills, strength, balance and confidence.
The Pikler Triangle And Slide Set available at Snughub can be used in lots of different ways, as a tunnel, teddy house or a camp. Simply let their imaginations run wild!
The high-quality frame folds flat so it’s super-easy to store. It arrives perfectly sanded to prevent sharp edges and splinters.
Balance boards are a brilliant form of indoor active play. They foster gross motor coordination and are a great form of exercise, encouraging your child to climb, rock and balance. They increase strength and core stability, and also teach your child about spatial awareness.
Capikooa’s range of Balance Boards are designed for children aged 1 to 8 years and above. Made from high-quality beech, they benefit from a child-friendly finish using a clear environmentally friendly water-based lacquer.
Capikooa also do a fab range of accessories. Their padded cuddle-fleece snugs can turn your balance board into a comfy spot for reading after play.
Explorer Balance Board, 1-4 yrs
Adventurer Balance Board, 4-8 yrs
Pioneer Balance Board, 8 yrs plus
To enrich motor skills, improve balance and coordination every child would benefit from the fun of a ride-on. Ride-ons are irresistible toys that are brilliant at making sure your child gets exercise even when it’s raining outside.
The Red Classic Racer Ride-On by Great Gizmos is available at Rachel Riley and would make a fantastic birthday or Christmas present. The Racer Ride-On is built from a strong steel construction in a vibrant, bright red colour. Featuring a padded brown seat, metal steering wheel and a round front grill, the ride-on comes with four durable steel wheels with black rubber tyres for the ultimate ride.
This handmade 2-in-1 Rocker and Climbing Frame is brilliant for indoor active play. Designed to improve balance, gross motor skills and core strength, your little ones can climb to their heart’s content. The frame doubles up as a rocker for double the fun to help kids develop their strength and coordination. Your little ones will have fun using the frame as a bridge, a see-saw and a tunnel – you’ll find there are no limits when it comes to their imagination!
The 2-in-1 Rocker And Climbing Frame available at Snughub is made from the finest sustainably sourced birch-faced ply. It even comes with a star or heart cut-out for added cuteness!
The Cabana Kids Lillie Tent is fabulous for active play both indoors and out and guarantees your little ones hours of fun. Measuring 125cm x 110cm of floor space, it’s 110cm high, so there’s lots of room for toddlers to escape into their own world.
Handcrafted from 100% luxury cotton canvas, the tent has a nine-paned window with a blind, so they can keep lookout from inside their den.
The Cabana Kits Lillie Tent is durable, and designed with Ultra Anti UV so it won’t fade in the sunshine. It can be stored in its matching carry case so you can get your floor space back once playtime is over.
A contemporary take on a classic, this scooter-style rocking toy from Kid’s Concept is white and grey with black and gold detailing.
The handles and footrest will ensure a comfortable ride while the anti-tipping rail at the back of the seat is sure to keep little ones safe. Fun and stylish, the White Rocking Scooter is a great option for indoor active play.
Ball pits offer sensory play for toddlers and babies that can sit up unaided. Ball pit fun helps little ones strengthen muscles as well as supporting their fine motor development.
This Larisa and Pumpkin ball pit is made of the highest grade sponge that naturally deforms and pings back into shape, so it’s easy to crawl in and out, while offering just the right amount of support. It’s covered with a 95% organic cotton 5% elastane fabric cover that unzips easily for popping in the washing machine, so you can keep it clean.
Hop or ride, bounce or go, the Micro Rid On Air Hopper is brilliant for kids aged 18 months plus. An inflatable hopper in the form of a ride-on, it’s unique ergonomic design helps kids improve balance and coordination as they play.
Indoor active play toys never looked so good. Designed to compliment any interior, the Jupiduu Children’s Slide available from Scandiborn boasts a modern, attractive style, and is available in white, green, pink and blue.
Climbing is a great way to improve leg strength and coordination, while sliding helps your child develop a sense of balance, improving their coordination and reflexes.
Amazon is home to a plethora of options when it comes to trampoline for indoor active play. Trampolines are not only fantastic fun, they’re brilliant at improving core strength and aiding the development of gross motor skills and balance.
Trampolining stimulates their senses and can have a positive effect on behaviour and impulse control. It’s also a great way to exercise, as it’s thought that just ten minutes of jumping offers the same amount of exercise as thirty minutes of running!
The Bumpermat can be used in so many different ways from newborn up. It’s a fabulous investment for indoor active play. From facilitating tummy time to providing a safe and comfortable space to play, the Bumpermat does it all.
Comprised from individual mats that zips together, you can configure the mats to match the activity in hand. Use it as a playpen, or turn it into the most incredible ball pit. Make a den or use your Bumpermat as a travel cot – the options are endless. As the mats all unzip, the Bumpermat can be stored easily when not in use.
The Bumpermat is made free from harmful chemicals, and for ease, it can be simply wiped clean. We love the range of gorgeous pastel colours too.
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a great choice if you’re in the market for a tablet-laptop combo for kids. There are three tablets in the Tab S8 series to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that fits the bill. Perfect for streaming, homework and playing games, the tablet is brimming with super-cool features and state-of-the-art tech. With superior, easy-to-use parental controls, the Galaxy Tab S8 series is an incredible kid-friendly range that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Save up to £200 on the Galaxy S8 Series* Plus get a free Keyboard worth up to £299**. Offer valid from 15.03.23 to 11.04.23.
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