The Best Indoor Toys and Games for Active Play

Best Overall: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Balance Stepping Stones

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Who else recommends it?Insider also picked the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Balance Stepping Stones.

What do buyers say?87% of 2,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

The National Geographic Balance Stepping Stones rank high on our list because kids can create obstacle courses, time how long it takes them to get across, or simply work on their balance. They’re made from a lightweight soft material for kids 3 years old and up and come in packs of either five or ten. Each stone is designed at an angle so kids have to pay close attention when they’re stepping on them, and they can be played with indoors as well as outside.

Best for Toddlers: Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent

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For some imaginativeindoor play, kids as young as 2 years old can hop in and out of this 37 x 39 x 37-inch tent. Equipped with two see-through mesh windows and a front entry door that can be rolled and tied up to stay open, this tent will make kids feel like they have a cool clubhouse. While the tent doesn’t come with a set of plastic balls, you can purchase some and turn it into a ball pit for even more active play.

Best Sports Toy: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Dilly Dally Tootle Turtle Target Game

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Great for developinghand-eye coordination, getting out some energy, and just general target practice, this game has kids between 3 and 6 years old toss bean bags at a Velcro board covered with numbers. Perfect to encourage your little ones to play together, the game can be played by one or two kids. If you choose to keep score, you can also use the toy as an opportunity to teach some basic math (either highest or lowest score wins).

Best for Multiple Kids: Obuby Connect N Build Kids Fort Building Kit

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Creative kids as young as 5 years old can work together to build all kinds of imaginative things using this connection set. Fit the building sticks into the round ball connectors at various angles to build rocket ships, playhouses, tunnels, or whatever kids can dream up. These sets are available with either 85 or 120 pieces.

Best for Big Kids: Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito Game

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Who doesn’t want to spend their day tossing toy burritos at each other in a dodgeball-like manner? The game has kids trying to collect cards while also trying to dodge burritos being thrown at them by their opponents. It involves strategy,problem-solving, and most of all, energy! This 2- to 6-player game is best for kids 7 years old and up.

Best Quiet Toy: Melissa & Doug Hop & Count Hopscotch Rug

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One good way to burn off some energy? Hopscotch! This rug has the classic game colorfully laid out and numbered 1 to 10. It has a non-slip back so it can be safely played with on uncarpeted floors and it also comes with beanbags to play the classic game. The rug measures 78.5 x 26.5 inches, is machine washable, and best for kids between 3 and 7 years old.

Best for Pretend Play: Endless Games The Floor is Lava Game

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Remember pretending the floor was lava when you were a kid? Now that concept is an actual game for kids 5 years old and up. The game comes with colored felt squares that are tossed all over the floor. Players spin a wheel to determine which color square they have to jump to next, without touching the lava (floor) surrounding them. All that jumping and lava avoidance will definitely burn off some of your kid’s energy.

Best Splurge: Radio Flyer Blaze Interactive Riding Horse

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If you’re at the point where you would pay just about anything to help your kid get their energy out, splurge on this riding horse. The horse is made for kids between 2 and 6 years old and under 60 pounds. The horse is attached to the framing with large springs that allow the rider to bounce as fast or slow as they want. Your little one will love the sound effects that are triggered by bouncing speed, walking, trotting, or galloping, or when they feed the horse its play carrot. The horse also comes with a comb so kids can feel like they’re really taking care of it.