11 Best Indoor Items For Big Body Play
Ever had one of those days where your toddler is bouncing off the walls—literally? Whether it’s freezing outside, pouring rain, or just one of those days when you can’t make it to the park, keeping little ones active indoors can feel like a challenge. But that’s where big body play comes in!
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Why Big Body Play is Essential for Toddlers
Big body play is a crucial part of toddler development, helping children build coordination, strength, and spatial awareness. It includes activities that involve large muscle movement, such as climbing, bouncing, and balancing. When outdoor play isn’t an option due to weather, having indoor options allows kids to burn off energy in a safe and engaging way.
Instead of seeing it as another task to manage, think of big body play as a way to make bedtime easier! With the right setup, toddlers can enjoy movement-based play, and you can take a well-deserved break. Below is a list of the best indoor items to turn your living room into an active play zone.
11 Must-Have Indoor Items for Big Body Play
1. Mini Trampoline
A mini trampoline is a fantastic energy-burner for all ages. Most come with a handle for stability, making them a safe option for toddlers. Not only is bouncing fun, but it also helps develop balance and coordination. Watching your little one’s excitement as they “jump so high” (even if it’s just a few inches) is priceless!
2. Small Slide
Indoor slides provide endless entertainment while building confidence and motor skills. They’re great for younger toddlers learning to climb and slide safely. Choose a model with handles at the top for extra security, and if space is limited, opt for a folding version for easy storage.
3. Rock Wall
Now this one I do not personally have but my sister does…set up in her living room…all the time. Because why not.
If you have space, an indoor rock wall is an incredible addition. It challenges kids physically and mentally as they strategize their next move. Make sure to add a soft mat underneath for safety. Climbing builds coordination, strength, and confidence in a fun way!
4. Soft Foam Climbing Blocks
We purchased these blocks for my 1-year-old this year for Christmas and let me tell you, like the mini trampoline these are some of the greatest items for the one-year-olds all the way to the 5-year-olds.
Foam climbing blocks are a favorite in our home. They encourage open-ended play, from obstacle courses to fort-building. Whether used for playing “The Floor is Lava” or stacking into a throne, these blocks provide endless entertainment while promoting gross motor skills.
5. Parachute
Parachutes bring back childhood memories for many of us! They’re fantastic for group play and can be used in multiple ways, such as:
- Popcorn: Toss lightweight balls or bean bags onto the parachute and try to make them bounce off
- Mushroom: Players lift the parachute, then sit or stand on the edges, creating a mushroom shape
- Tag: One person s ‘it’ and tries to tag others as they run under the parachute
- Cat and mouse: Players move the parachute to trap a ‘mouse’ running around underneath
- Volleyball: Using a soft ball, volley it back and forth by moving around the parachute
6. Balance Stepping Stones
These colorful stepping stones challenge toddlers to balance as they hop from one to another. With different heights and textures, they improve coordination and sensory skills. They also make a great addition to a DIY obstacle course!
Clean-up is a breeze with this set, either stack them high or stack them together. There are so many options for this neat toy and another great way to play the floor is lava!
7. Bouncy House
A few years ago, I lucked out on a black Friday sale and found a small bouncy house that was perfect for my toddlers. It comes up each year now for a few days right after New Years.
A small indoor bouncy house takes big body play to the next level! While they require more space, they provide hours of fun and physical activity. Just be sure to have a patch kit handy in case of small leaks.
8. Small Ride-On Toys
Scooters, pedal-free balance bikes, and ride-on toys keep kids moving indoors. Many work well on carpet, and kids find creative ways to race and navigate small spaces. These toys improve leg strength, coordination, and spatial awareness.
9. Sitting Scooters
A classic gym-class favorite, sitting scooters allow kids to zoom around while strengthening their arms and core. While they can lead to the occasional squished fingers, they’re a hit with toddlers and preschoolers alike!
10. Pikler Triangle
Picklers, or climbing triangles, are so cool!! These can have climbing structures, slides, rock walls, rocking arches. Your kiddo can climb and rock and slide and balance. Some come in bright colors while others have a natural wood color and a huge bonus, most fold up for very easy storage. I love having this as part of our rotation.
Whether climbing, sliding, or rocking, these versatile toys keep toddlers engaged for hours.
11. Indoor Snowball Fight
If you have a child who loves throwing things (but you’d rather keep breakables intact), an indoor snowball fight is a perfect solution! Use soft fabric snowballs or crumpled paper. Let kids build forts with pillows and unleash their energy in a controlled way.
Knowing When to Step In—and When to Step Back
Big body play can feel a little nerve-wracking at times, especially since it often falls into the category of risky play. Climbing, jumping, rolling, and wrestling all come with the possibility of bumps and tumbles, which can make it tempting to intervene right away. But part of the magic of big body play is that it helps kids develop balance, coordination, and an understanding of their own limits.
The key is knowing when to let them take the lead and when to step in for safety. Not all risky play is dangerous, but it’s important to recognize when play shifts from adventurous to hazardous. And don’t forget—you can absolutely join in on the fun too! Engaging with your child in big body play strengthens connections and makes the experience even more enjoyable for both of you.
It’s great to feel comfortable knowing when to step back and observe versus when to step in or join in with free play!
What are your favorite indoor activities for big body play? Join the discussion in our Facebook group and share your go-to items!
