With three boys, we have a pretty energetic household. I like to joke that they are either reading or wrestling. Where both of these are great ways to spend downtime, I also see the need for my boys to do some heavy work and use their gross motor skills with exercise toys and equipment that help them decompress after a long day. (Never enough active play toys!) So, I put together this list of favorite toys that encourage activity, coordination, and balance.
Why exercise toys
Exercise toys are not listed to help children lose weight. Instead, these toys are listed here to help children redirect big emotions, sort through feelings, and channel strong energy toward others. These toys will help children develop skills such as pushing, pulling, resisting weight, tossing, and lifting, while also helping them self-regulate and move through a sensory reset.
And the best part? They are a TON OF FUN! And since it may be cold or rainy outside, this list also includes indoor active toys. (I got you.)
TOYS FOR 2025
Gah, these toys are the best. UPDATED for 2025. These are the best toys for kids.
Exercise Toys for Kids
When I say these toys are a ton of fun, I mean it. Hop on the Gibbon SlackBoard or hopper ball and see for yourself! These are excellent ways to spend time together, moving between dinner and bedtime with your family.
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Gibbon Slack Board
Slide over balance boards; this new and improved stylish board is taking your place. Please keep this in the living room for impulsive balance practice as you watch a show or bring it outside to test in the driveway. Choose from a few different styles.
Axe Throwing
We got this axe-throwing set as a family gift last year, and the boys use it all the time. Their friends come over to challenge them in the basement. When the weather is warm, we move it to the backyard—a great gift for multiple ages. It is such a fun game!
Hopper Ball
Okay. Bring me back to 1988, where I am hopping around the school gym listening to my gym teacher’s soundtrack featuring We Built This City. Maybe I need to play this for my kids the next time they are hopping around?!
Kids Slack Line
Slack lines are great for balance and coordination, which, by the way, also helps with reading. It’s true! Balance practice stimulates the vestibular part of your brain, which is linked to reading. (Get this slack line!)
Roller Blades
We’ve tested a few different brands, and these roller blades are our favorite. My eight-year-old can put them on and off himself (yes, please!), and they are tight enough to protect his ankles.
Balance Bike
Was the balance bike the star of the early years? One million percent. The boys rode their bikes daily, and when they were ready for a pedal bike, they jumped right on and took off. It was incredible.
Climbing Dome
You know where I can find the kids in my neighborhood? On this climbing dome and a large climbing structure that my husband has for himself. If you are looking for a playground alternative, this is it. It comes in a wide range of sizes, but I suggest the largest size so children can grow with it.
Gymnastic Bar
My niece has this gymnastic bar in her living room, and it’s high-quality. She uses it with the mat listed below.
Foldable Gymnastic Mat
This foldable mat fits perfectly under the gymnastic bar and comes in multiple colors.
Stretch Bands
Yes, these stretch bands are marketed to dancers, but can I see my boys using them too? Absolutely. In fact, I may need to try for myself before my next tennis match.
Roadster Bike
Peanut butter and jelly are like a tricycle and a balance bike. They go together and make the perfect combination for future bike riding skills. This is a great first pedal cycle for young children.
Scooter Board
I think I am back in the school gym again with the hopper ball. Only this time, I am having scooter races. There is a reason these are still going strong! Use outside or scoot around the house to get out some energy.
Dance Ribbons
Dance ribbons only for dancers? I think not. Use these ribbons as you listen to music, engage in pretend play, or cast magic spells on your little brother while waiting for dinner to be cooked. (See that? Endless options.)
Wiggle Car
We had this car in our house when the boys were younger, and it was used all of the time as they played inside. It also works great on the back deck if you have one. My boys used this wiggling car on a daily basis.
Animal Exercise Dice
Animal exercise dice? Say less. If you have a play tunnel, you can create an obstacle course where kids must run through it before rolling the dice.
Foam Pogo Stick
If you have a toddler or preschooler, start with this pogo stick. It is foam and great for little jumpers to practice coordination.
Big Kid Pogo Stick
Ready to level up? Your big kids need this big pogo stick to continue practicing coordination. This is an outdoor play gem!
Kid’s Parachute
Gosh, I am really channeling my inner child with this roundup. The kids’ parachute is another home run that is still sharing the spotlight with active play. All we need now is a hula hoop, and I am right back in 1992.
Rock Teeter
A rocking teeter helps toddlers and preschoolers better understand how to spring off their feet and distribute their body weight to make it move.
Walking Stilts
I’ve always hoped for a few more inches. Perhaps this is my ticket? Oh, wait, this is a child’s exercise toy roundup. Think I may be making a few decisions for myself, too. Physical play has no limits.
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones are an immediate yes. From the floor to obstacle courses, these will be used daily. This is the perfect toy for kids who insist the floor is covered in red-hot lava.
Nex Playground
Families LOVE the Nex Playground during the cold winter days! It gets kids moving with interactive games they can do themselves or with friends. A great way to keep an active lifestyle when more time is spent indoors.
Tug of War Rope
A tug-of-war rope is a fun way for a group of all ages to play together and also get in some upper-body strength training. This rope also helps build social skills and learning how to win or lose.
Kids Weight Set
We don’t have this weight set, but we have kids who love picking up and using my husband’s and my traditional weights. (Not to mention how they are always on the exercise equipment!) If they were a little younger, I would have gifted them their own set like this.
Boxing Target
Want an outlet for your tween? Set up this musical boxing machine to practice hand-eye coordination. There are 9 speeds to try.
Flying Disks
My first and only black eye came from a frisbee. Who knew?! These silicone frisbees are a little more forgiving and great to have around.
Ride on Scooter
Yes, please. Great for a flat driveway or walking path. (I wouldn’t use them on the road since they are so low to the ground.) Ride-on toys never get old.
Have an exercise toy your child enjoys that isn’t mentioned here? I would love to know in the comments which ones to try!
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