18 Best Indoor Active Toys to Let Off Some Steam

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: October 22, 2023

Active toys are designed to encourage movement, develop gross motor skills and help build strength and endurance.

Good active toys should be safe, easy to use and arouse the child's interest. It should also stimulate the child's physical development and challenge the child to learn new skills. In addition, the toys should promote social interaction and cooperation.

Not every active toy is the same, so in this article I will help you choose with extensive comparisons. Choose below which information you are specifically looking for.

Image	Name	Price euros	Price dollar	Price/quality
	Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball	€15.95	$32.00	7.5
	Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick	€16.99	$18.99	8.6
	Goliath The Floor is Lava	€19.99	$19.99	9.5
	Appleround Rocking Animal	€21.95	$20.90	8.5
	Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball	€28.99	$28.99	7.5
	Elite Sportz Ring Throwing	€29.73	$19.49	8.7
	Janod Sword and Shield Wolf	€40.00	$34.99	7.8
	Playskool Sit 'n Spin	€46.50	$30.07	8.5
	Gonge River Stones	€51.00	$68.38	9.1
	Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene	€69.49	$56.99	8.1
	Hot Bee Dance Mat	€69.99	$49.99	7.2
	Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board	€79.95	$83.97	8.9
	Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children	€109.19	$119.00	7.9
	Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship	€123.29	$39.99	7.1
	Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball	€139.00	$219.99	8.2
	Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber	€169.99	$199.99	8
	Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set	€230.92	$208.86	8.7
	VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters	€261.30	$210.12	8.9

The Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick is the cheapest product at €16,99 ($18,99). This is due to the use of foam instead of more expensive materials. The product has a price-quality score of 8,6, so it offers a lot of play value and quality for the money.

The is slightly more expensive Goliath The Floor is Lava with a price of €19,99 ($19,99). Despite its low price, it has a high value for money score of 9,5, indicating that it offers excellent value. This game is cheaper than others due to the use of cardboard instead of more expensive materials.

The Elite Sportz Ring Throwing costs €29,73 ($19,49) and offers a value for money score of 8,7. This game is made of MDF wood, which is cheaper than other types of wood, keeping the price low.

The Gonge River Stones are significantly more expensive at €51,00 ($68,38). This is because it is a larger set made of sturdy plastic. Despite the higher price, it has a strong value for money score of 9,1 and is one of the most comprehensive playsets on this list.

The Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board costs €79,95 ($83,97) and has a price-quality score of 8,9. This product is more expensive due to the use of bamboo, a durable but more expensive material.

The Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set costs €230,92 ($208,86) and has a price-quality score of 8,7. The higher price is due to the use of PVC foam from sustainable production. This also makes it the safest set that your toddler can have a lot of fun with.

The most expensive product is the VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters with a price of €261,30 ($210,12). This product is more expensive due to the use of PVC plastic, a durable and expensive material. It has a price-quality score of 8,9, so it is more than worth the price for a large, quality jumping mat like this.

Image	Name	From	Best age	Everything
	Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set	1 years	1 years	3 years
	Playskool Sit 'n Spin	1 years	2 years	4 years
	Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber	2 years	2 years	5 years
	Appleround Rocking Animal	2 years	3 years	5 years
	Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship	2 years	3 years	5 years
	Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board	2 years	3 years	8 years
	Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene	2 years	3 years	6 years
	Janod Sword and Shield Wolf	3 years	3 years	6 years
	VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters	3 years	4 years	99 years
	Gonge River Stones	3 years	4 years	7 years
	Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick	3 years	4 years	8 years
	Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball	3 years	4 years	12 years
	Hot Bee Dance Mat	3 years	4 years	10 years
	Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children	3 years	4 years	14 years
	Elite Sportz Ring Throwing	3 years	5 years	99 years
	Goliath The Floor is Lava	4 years	5 years	10 years
	Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball	5 years	6 years	99 years
	Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball	6 years	7 years	99 years

There is the Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set. This set is suitable from 1 year, with the best age between 1 and 2 years. The soft materials make it safe and fun for the little ones. A similar product for this age group is the Playskool Sit 'n Spin, also suitable from 1 year, but this is most suitable for children between 2 and 3 years.

As children get older, they can switch to... Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board. This balance board is suitable from 2 years, but to really make good use of the balance activities, the best age is between 3 and 5 years. The rounded corners provide extra safety.

For children from 3 years old Gonge River Stones a good choice. At 4 to 6 years old they can already come up with really fun activities with the stones. They are made of non-toxic material.

The Goliath The Floor is Lava game is a fun option for children aged 4 and up, with the best ages between 5 and 7. This game is a fun way to stay active indoors with the whole family as you try not to step on the lava.

For the slightly older children there is the Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball. This game is suitable from 5 years old, with the best age between 6 and 10 years. It is best to be a little older when throwing the balls into the basket.

Finally, there is the Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball. This flying ball is best suited for children between 7 and 12 years old because it is quite difficult to keep it in the air.

Image	Name	Playtime	Theme	Play value
	VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters	Extended (30+ min)	play mat	8.8
	Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board	Longer (10-30 min)	Balance	8.5
	Hot Bee Dance Mat	Longer (10-30 min)	play mat	8.3
	Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball	Longer (10-30 min)	Honey	8.4
	Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball	Longer (10-30 min)	Honey	8.2
	Goliath The Floor is Lava	Longer (10-30 min)	Performers	8.7
	Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children	Longer (10-30 min)	Trampoline	8.5
	Elite Sportz Ring Throwing	Longer (10-30 min)	Performers	8.3
	Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber	Longer (10-30 min)	Playset	8.9
	Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship	Longer (10-30 min)	Honey	8.6
	Gonge River Stones	Longer (10-30 min)	Balance	9.0
	Janod Sword and Shield Wolf	Longer (10-30 min)	Weapons	8.6
	Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set	Longer (10-30 min)	play mat	9.5
	Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene	Longer (10-30 min)	bouncy castle	8.4
	Playskool Sit 'n Spin	Short (<10 min)	Playset	7.7
	Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick	Short (<10 min)	ride on	8.7
	Appleround Rocking Animal	Short (<10 min)	ride on	8.1
	Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball	Short (<10 min)	Honey	8.5

The VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters provides the most playing time. This is because it is so versatile for gymnastics, tricks and regular bouncing, along with the energetic intensity of jumping around the mat.

Next we have a group of products that offer longer play time, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. The Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children and the Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene both have an energetic intensity and you can jump on them together, similar to the VidaXL AirTrack. However, their playing time is slightly shorter due to a lower score in open-endedness and versatility.

The Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set and the Janod Sword and Shield Wolf you generally play alone, which results in a slightly shorter playing time compared to the cooperative games. Yet they offer a longer playing time than other products due to their high scores on imagination and open ending.

The Gonge River Stones, Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship, Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber en Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board also provide a long playing time. They all have an energetic intensity and a high score on open-endedness. Because you can use them in multiple ways, they have a longer playing time.

Finally, we have the Elite Sportz Ring Throwing, Goliath The Floor is Lava en Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball. These products have a competitive play mode, which allows for quite a bit of playtime together. However, you have to do them together to make it fun.

Image	Name	Intensity	Theme	Playtime
	Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board	Energetic (3)	Balance	Longer (10-30 min)
	Goliath The Floor is Lava	Energetic (3)	Performers	Longer (10-30 min)
	Hot Bee Dance Mat	Energetic (3)	play mat	Longer (10-30 min)
	Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball	Energetic (3)	Honey	Longer (10-30 min)
	Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball	Energetic (3)	Honey	Longer (10-30 min)
	VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters	Energetic (3)	play mat	Extended (30+ min)
	Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber	Energetic (3)	Playset	Longer (10-30 min)
	Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children	Energetic (3)	Trampoline	Longer (10-30 min)
	Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship	Energetic (3)	Honey	Longer (10-30 min)
	Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene	Energetic (3)	bouncy castle	Longer (10-30 min)
	Gonge River Stones	Energetic (3)	Balance	Longer (10-30 min)
	Appleround Rocking Animal	Energetic (3)	ride on	Short (<10 min)
	Janod Sword and Shield Wolf	Energetic (3)	Weapons	Longer (10-30 min)
	Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick	Energetic (3)	ride on	Short (<10 min)
	Playskool Sit 'n Spin	Active (2)	Playset	Short (<10 min)
	Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set	Active (2)	play mat	Longer (10-30 min)
	Elite Sportz Ring Throwing	Active (2)	Performers	Longer (10-30 min)
	Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball	Active (2)	Honey	Short (<10 min)

The Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball produces the highest intensity. The technology of the hover provides an energetic playing experience. Social interaction is maximized, making the game more competitive and increasing its intensity.

Similar in intensity are the Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children and the Janod Sword and Shield Wolf. Both offer an energetic play experience, but the trampoline encourages more social interaction, which increases the intensity. The sword and shield game is solo, but the fantasy elements can increase the intensity.

The Gonge River Stones and the Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene also offer high intensity. Both are cooperative games that encourage social interaction. However, the bouncy castle offers a longer play time, which can increase the intensity.

The Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural Balance Board and the Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber have a similar intensity. Both are solo games that require balance and coordination, which increases the intensity. However, the indoor climber has a slightly higher social interaction score, which can increase the intensity.

The Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship, Goliath The Floor is Lava and the VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters are in the middle in terms of intensity. They all offer an energetic playing experience, but the Airtrack is real gymnastics and The Floor is Lava is a fun active game.

The Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick and the Appleround Rocking Animal have the lowest intensity. Both are short-lived solo games. They can bounce nicely both indoors and outdoors.

Below are the extensive reviews, arranged according to our “Toy score”. This is based on the play value, price/quality, replayability, safety, durability and the materials used. The playing value, together with the price-quality ratio, is the most important thing. After all, the toys have to be fun to play with and if they are too expensive, no one can afford them.

Sports toys can be great for keeping kids active, but they aren't the only type of active toys. It depends on the child and his interests. Some children love sports and will enjoy toys that simulate sporting activities, while other children prefer games.

From toddler to toddler activity book collection

Educational games and coloring pages for 3 to 6 years

Your toddler and preschooler will love this e-book, along with the accompanying printables. He or she can play with it at every stage of development, together with mom and dad.

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1. Iglu Soft Play Foam Blocks Set (9.1)

Best soft play set

Igloo Soft Play Foam Blocks Set

9.1

Toy score

Play value

4.8

Price/quality

4.4

Replayability

4.4

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Best for

• Extremely safe and durable material
• Complete soft play set

Less good

• Very pricey

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• From: 1 years
• Best: 1 – 2 years
• Up to: 3 years

A great soft play set with extremely high play value. It's easy to use, captures the imagination and has plenty to do for open-ended play. It's soft and safe to explore, but it also encourages social interaction with you or playmates.

Replayability is high due to the versatility of the set, even though you will only use it at home due to its size. The materials are sturdy and will last a lifetime and Iglu produces all foam blocks in a sustainable way.

2. Goliath The Floor is Lava (8.9)

Best active family game

Goliath The floor is Lava

8.9

Toy score

Play value

4.4

Price/quality

4.8

Replayability

4.2

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Best for

• Promotes physical activity
• Doesn't feel like a game while still teaching game elements

Less good

• Limited variation
• Rules are quite complex which can make young children lose interest

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• From: 4 years
• Best: 5 – 7 years
• Up to: 10 years

Goliath The Floor is Lava! is a game where players have to imagine the floor is red-hot lava as they spin the spinning wheel to jump to the correct foam pieces to reach safety.

The Floor is Lava! is a family game that promotes physical activity, an active imagination and excitement for both children and adults.

This great game is best enjoyed with 2 to 6 players ages 5 and up. Both boys and girls will enjoy this game, which comes with 25 colored foam “safety bricks”, 27 challenge cards, a game spinner and instructions.

This game makes children jump, jump, play and improve their strength, fitness, balance and endurance.

3. Kinderfeets Kinderboard Natural (8.8)

Best balance toy

Children's parties Children's board Natural Balance Board

8.8

Toy score

Play value

4.3

Price/quality

4.5

Replayability

4.5

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Best for

• Sturdy wooden construction
• Can be used in many different ways
• Stimulates gross motor skills

Less good

• Quite pricey
• Great for lots of pretend play

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• From: 2 years
• Best: 3 – 5 years
• Up to: 8 years

Even before they can use it as a balance board, it is already great for open-ended play. This way it can serve as a bridge or tunnel, just like the Grimm's rainbows. It appeals to the imagination and this is great for the play value. But as they get a little older, it can also stimulate gross motor skills.

This versatility is also great for replayability. It can stand in the nursery or living room and be reached whenever a large object is needed.

Kinderfeets uses ecologically friendly stains and lacquers to color the balance board. These are more expensive than solvent-based alternatives. The board is made of bamboo, a raw material that recovers much faster than hardwood. A very sustainable brand that also won the 2018 Family Choice Awards.

The material is sturdy and can support a weight of up to 220 kg.

4. Gonge River Stones (8.7)

Best balance activity for indoors

Gong River Stones

8.7

Toy score

Play value

4.5

Price/quality

4.6

Replayability

4.1

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Best for

• Lots of games to come up with
• Very durable material

Less good

• Gets boring after a while

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 6 years
• Up to: 7 years

Riverstones are a great option when it comes to keeping your child active.

They give you six different stones of different sizes, and the idea is that you move from one stone to another without falling!

It's a lot of fun too - try it out the next time you have some preschoolers over!

With the help of some water and these artificial stones you can create all kinds of games for your children.

5. VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters (8.6)

Best indoor gym mat

VidaXL AirTrack 3 meters

8.6

Toy score

Play value

4.4

Price/quality

4.5

Replayability

4.2

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Best for

• Perfect size for enough exercises
• Great price quality ratio

Less good

• Inflation pump is not great

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 16 years
• Up to: 99 years

The Turnmat AirTrack is a handy mat for at home because it has smaller dimensions than the other two in the table.

The mat can also function well in the garden, for the children or for athletes who enjoy exercising in the open air.

This AirTrack mat is 3 meters (300 x 100 x 10 cm) in size and weighs 11 kg. Ideal for athletes, but also for children to play on at home or in the garden.

Made from Double Wall Fabric PVC. Sturdy and water resistant.

With this mat you have enough space to train or play on your own, but you can also use it with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

You can adjust the air pressure depending on the number of people going on it at the same time. The AirTrack can even be used in the water!

6. Let's Go My First Foam Pogo Stick (8.5)

Best physical toy

Let's go My First Foam Pogo Stick

8.5

Toy score

Play value

4.4

Price/quality

4.3

Replayability

4.2

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Best for

• Nice soft material
• Extremely strenuous, good to lose energy

Less good

• Not the most durable material

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 6 years
• Up to: 8 years

The Pogo sticks are fun, but they can also be dangerous for 4 year old kids. This brings the joy of pogo stick while being safe.

The handlebars and footrest are both made of soft material, ideal for soft children's hands, the stick is extremely safe. Also for your floor because it is suitable for indoors and outdoors.

Outside, it will become less attractive a little faster due to stones or dirt and damage the underside, so it is best to use it outside on your tiles or on the driveway. It is very easy to use. The handle stretches so that even adults can use it. It holds up to 113,40kg (250lbs), although it will probably be fun for up to 8 years.

7. Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber (8.3)

Best indoor gym toy

Tiny Land Indoor Wooden Climber

8.3

Toy score

Play value

4.5

Price/quality

4.0

Replayability

4.2

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Best for

• Sturdy wooden construction
• Can be used in many ways

Less good

• They grow out quickly

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• From: 2 years
• Best: 2 – 3 years
• Up to: 5 years

The Tiny Land Wooden Climber is an adjustable indoor climbing frame consisting of 3 parts. Because everything is loose but fits together, you can connect it as a bridge, or make a separate rocking chair. This makes it very versatile and good for replayability.

The size also makes it a lot of fun to do with two people. You can crawl under it and walk over it so they can make a small trail out of it. Perfect to burn off energy.

The material is sturdy wood. Not specifically durable but it is a toy that will last a long time. It is very open-ended because you can come up with all kinds of things. A play set with a high play value.

8. Elite Sportz Ring Throwing (8.3)

Best active toy for a rainy day

Elite Sportz Ring throwing

8.3

Toy score

Play value

4.2

Price/quality

4.4

Replayability

4.0

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Best for

• Rings of rope and plastic make it suitable for indoors and outdoors
• Handy carrying bag so you can easily take it with you.

Less good

• Plastic is somewhat less durable

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 5 – 10 years
• Up to: 99 years

The Elite Sportz ring throwing set has a wooden base with 14 rings. There are both heavy rope rings and light plastic rings. This makes it not only suitable for different ages, but also for indoors and outdoors since you don't want to throw the heavy rope rings with wooden handles on your floor. Not every set has this.

This makes the set very user-friendly and a bit more versatile, all good for play value and replayability. It may be a little less durable with the additional plastic, but it is worth it and the price-quality ratio is very good.

9. Janod Sword and Shield Wolf (8.3)

Best active acting toy

Janod Sword and Shield Wolf

8.3

Toy score

Play value

4.3

Price/quality

3.9

Replayability

4.1

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Best for

• All natural materials such as wood, leather and cotton
• Very nice design

Less good

• Very expensive for a sword and shield

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 3 – 5 years
• Up to: 6 years

You pick up the sword and shield and you can play with them right away. No difficult parts and hard play has been thought of because all corners are rounded and the materials used are sturdy.

Due to the white wooden appearance, the lifespan also remains quite long, but it is mainly made to last. The paint on the shield may come off with rough use. A very nice design with all natural materials such as hardwood, leather for the shield handle and cotton for the handle of the sword.

The play value is high due to a high degree of open-ended play and imagination, and social interaction can also be high if another child has their own sword or if a game is played in another way that appeals to the imagination.

The play value could have been higher if it was something easy to combine with other types of toys. This would have made it more versatile, but in the end it is also a prop that is used for dressing up and pretend play.

The price is high, so the price-quality ratio is slightly lower and so is the total toy score. Quite expensive for a sword and shield toy set, but the materials are excellent.

10. Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children (8.2)

Best indoor trampoline

Ancheer Trampoline for 2 Children

8.2

Toy score

Play value

4.8

Price/quality

4.0

Replayability

4.1

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Best for

• Quality of the trampoline is good, especially considering the price
• Easy to carry and place anywhere

Less good

• Hard to jump on for smaller children
• Not suitable to leave outside

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 8 years
• Up to: 14 years

With a diameter of 142,24 cm (56 inches) on the longest side and 92 cm (36 inches) on the shortest side, there is enough jumping surface for 2 children, especially with the 100 kg (220lbs) carrying capacity. It stands low to the ground and due to its compact size, this trampoline fits anywhere. It is also easy to fold and store. This provides enormous ease of use.

The handle is adjustable in 5 positions so that it remains fun for all ages, and even for adults. He jumps a bit heavier, but that is nice with 2 on it at the same time. The social interaction is therefore also somewhat higher, which greatly improves the play value.

11. Intex Bouncy Castle Jump-O-Lene (8.1)

Best small bouncy castle

Intex Jump-O-Lene bouncy castle

8.1

Toy score

Play value

4.2

Price/quality

4.1

Replayability

4.0

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Best for

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Big enough for 2 children

Less good

• No extra activities

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• From: 2 years
• Best: 3 – 5 years
• Up to: 6 years

This Intex bouncy castle Jump-O-Lene is a small bouncy castle that you can use both indoors and outdoors.

With a size of 174 x 174 x 112 cm, the bouncer is the right size for people who have little space, but still want to enjoy a bouncy castle.

The bouncy castle is not for very large children, but is more intended for the slightly smaller between 3-8 years with a maximum weight of 54 kg.

You can set up the small inflatable bouncer at home or outside in no time. Both the floor and the walls are inflatable.

The trampoline has fresh and bright colors and immediately makes every child happy.

Definitely a great idea to give as a gift if you are not sure whether it will fit in the available space.

12. Appleround Rocking Animal (7.9)

Best bouncy toy for indoors

Appleround Rocking Horse

7.9

Toy score

Play value

4.1

Price/quality

3.9

Replayability

3.8

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Best for

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Very sturdy material

Less good

• They grow out quickly

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• From: 2 years
• Best: 3 – 4 years
• Up to: 5 years

Suitable for outside but also very nice for inside, this rocking cow is easy to inflate and nice and bouncy!

This brand mainly focuses on outdoor toys, we have already treated a nice octopus for outside on the garden hose from them. This rocking cow is inflatable and therefore also suitable for outdoor use, but it is also great for indoor use.

It is great fun for children from about one and a half to three to sit on and bump around and every now and then when my son watches TV he likes to grab it and just sit on it.  

It is very easy to inflate with a nozzle at the bottom and actually since we got it, we only had to inflate once more and that was actually because it had been outside for a while, so it is hardly necessary at all .

It looks very nice in the room and it is nice to drag along and to bump into rows every now and then. And what I like most is that he's just standing there.  

There are all books in which also cows occur and then he recognizes it and then says "cow" and then he immediately sits on it!

13. Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball (7.9)

Best large active toy for the basement

Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball

7.9

Toy score

Play value

4.2

Price/quality

4.1

Replayability

3.9

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Best for

• Automatically adds up the scores
• Large size but collapsible for storage

Less good

• Very big and can only do one thing

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• From: 5 years
• Best: 6 – 10 years
• Up to: 99 years

The Pop-A-Shot Arcade Basketball cabinet is a game for 1 or 2 players that automatically adds up the score and can be played in different modes. This gives it extra versatility and interactivity and is perfect for play value and replayability.

Despite its size, the ease of use is also excellent. You can fold it and store it against the wall. The construction is sturdy and made of steel and can withstand a blow. You have to be a bit careful with the sail. But with normal play it should last a long time.

14. Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship (7.7)

Best Ball Pit with Tunnel

Werpower Ball Pit Spaceship

7.7

Toy score

Play value

4.3

Price/quality

3.6

Replayability

4.0

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Best for

• Nice active set where they can use their energy
• Basket provides extra versatility

Less good

• Very large

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• From: 2 years
• Best: 3 – 4 years
• Up to: 5 years

This 3 in 1 Kids Pop-up Tent is a great spaceship with a crawl tunnel.

The tent, tunnel and ball pit can also be used separately from each other. The star-covered fabric is made of soft and durable polyester, the fabric is also breathable.

Your little one can enjoy themselves in this ball pit with cozy tent and they can also crawl through the exciting tunnel.

Also nice for toddlers or older children to spend the night in the rocket. The set is suitable for kids from one to eight years old.

15. Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball (7.7)

Best indoor sport

Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball

7.7

Toy score

Play value

4.1

Price/quality

3.8

Replayability

4.0

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Best for

• Can be charged via USB
• Football that can be played indoors

Less good

• You do need the space

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 7 years
• Up to: 12 years

The Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball is more of a disc than a ball that you play with indoors. It floats above the ground and is made entirely of soft foam so that it won't break anything inside. You still have to be careful with the things you have, of course, but they work great in a large empty room or hallway.

You need the space, so the ease of use could have been a little higher, but the social interaction is huge and it is energetic and challenging to play. A whole new way of exercising. They are also easy to carry, which improves replayability.

The battery lasts a long time and can be charged with USB.

16. Playskool Sit 'n Spin (7.7)

Best small active toy

Playskool Sit 'n Spin

7.7

Toy score

Play value

3.9

Price/quality

4.3

Replayability

3.5

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Best for

• Very good quality
• Fun activity that any toddler will enjoy

Less good

• Not easy to combine or take me

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• From: 1 years
• Best: 2 – 3 years
• Up to: 4 years

The Playskool Sit 'n Spin is a classic game where children use their hands to spin themselves around. It is a very active game, even though they are sitting.

The ease of use is high, just sit and go. The play value could have been higher if more social interaction was possible or if it would appeal more to the imagination. But that's just the nature of this game, make yourself dizzy and then roll on the floor laughing.

The replayability isn't that high either. It is not easy to combine with other toys, so it must be chosen again on its own to play with. It is also not very portable, so you will probably only use it indoors at home. The price-quality ratio is great, because the material is very sturdy and will last their entire toddler years.

17. Flying Ball Flying Orb Ball (7.7)

Best indoor active tech gadget

Flyingball Flying Orb Ball

7.7

Toy score

Play value

4.3

Price/quality

3.8

Replayability

3.8

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Best for

• Interactive and fun experience for both kids and adults
• Improve hand-eye coordination

Less good

• Only a flight time of about 10-15 minutes

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• From: 6 years
• Best: 7 – 12 years
• Up to: 99 years

The first thing you notice is the updated flying ball design. With its RGB light and unique globe shape, it looks cool and futuristic. The powerful motor ensures that the ball flies smoothly through the air and returns to your hand like a boomerang.

What I like about the Flyingball is the advanced ways you can play with it. You can try different angles and directions and discover new ways to play with the ball. If you push the ball up about 30 degrees, it will bounce back at you like a boomerang. If you throw the ball down about 30 degrees, it will fly in a straight line.

Another advantage is that the Flyingball is safe and durable. It is made of flexible premium ABS material and is completely safe for children. The fans are placed in such a way that they cannot cause injury. In addition, the ball is lightweight, making it safe to use both indoors and outdoors.

Charging the Flyingball is easy thanks to the USB charging design. You can fully charge it in just 25 minutes, which gives about 10-15 minutes of flight time. The supplied USB cable can be connected to a power bank, notebook, phone adapter or car charger, so you can use it anywhere.

18. Hot Bee Dance Mat (7.6)

Best active dance toy

Hot Bee Dance Mat

7.6

Toy score

Play value

4.2

Price/quality

3.6

Replayability

3.7

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Best for

• Interactive and active entertainment
• Multiple games and difficulty levels

Less good

• There is no lock function for the arrows so that if you accidentally step on an arrow you can accidentally switch modes

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• From: 3 years
• Best: 4 – 7 years
• Up to: 10 years

I was super excited to get the Hot Bee Dance Mat. My son loves to dance and I thought this would be a great way to release his energy. I must say it does not disappoint! The mat is well made and durable, perfect for my son's enthusiastic dance moves. It has bright and colorful luminous arrows that guide him as he dances to the rhythm of the music.

The dance mat has three interactive games with five levels of difficulty, making it both fun and challenging. My son especially likes the “Simon Says” memory game where he has to follow the arrows and test his memory. In addition, the mat has a free dance mode in which he can make up his own rules and dance freely.

Another advantage of the dance mat is the adjustable settings. I can adjust the volume from a whisper-quiet background music to a full blast, depending on the environment and my preference. The buttons and controls are easy to understand, even for young children.

As for durability, I am impressed with the quality of the materials. The dance mat is well built and can withstand many dance competitions without wearing out. It can also be easily folded and stored between the arrows, which is useful if you want to save space.

How do you choose the best active toys?

Active toys are the most fun when you can release your energy. It should also be fun to return to again and again.

When ranking the toys on this list, we use our “Toy score”. It's based on the following components, each with its own weight.

1. Play value (30%)
2. Price/ quality (30%)
3. Replayability (20%)
4. Safety (10%)
5. Sustainability (5%)
6. Materials (5%)

The play value, together with the price-quality ratio, is the most important thing. After all, the toy must be fun to play with and when it's too expensive, no one can afford it.

The play value assesses the product on the features that make it fun to play with. These are ease of use, degree of open-endedness, imagination, social interaction, interactivity, versatility and aesthetics. When a toy is easy to use and understand, is attractive to the child and there are many opportunities to make up your own play with it with open end and imagination, it will be played longer with a higher quality of play.

The value for money is a score based on the ratio of the quality of the toy to the price of the item. This ratio determines how much value you get for your money, in play value and in the intrinsic quality of the item such as the materials used.

Replayability rates the product on features that ensure it will be used again and again. These are ability to combine, portability, longevity, durability and versatility.

Are sports toys the best for keeping your kids active?

Sports toys are active types of toys. It includes items such as footballs, jump ropes and frisbees. These toys encourage children to move and be active.

They help with physical development by promoting movement. Moreover, they encourage social interaction and teamwork, because many sports are played together. So they are a great way to help children stay active and social.

There are also other types of active toys. Active games, like The Floor is Lava above, are great too. They encourage children to stay physically active and help develop social skills. Every child will want to stay active in their own way.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.