The Best Kids' Exercise Equipment 2025

With screens dominating our daily routines, keeping kids active is more important than ever. It’s not just about staying fit; physical activity has diverse benefits, from encouraging teamwork to promoting mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of exercise kids need depends on age. Children aged three to seven should be physically active throughout the day, while ages six to seventeen require at least 60 minutes daily.

The right exercise equipment can make staying active fun and engaging for kids, whether indoors or outdoors. To meet their daily activity goals, we’ve rounded up the top workout equipment across various categories. From ride-on toys to fitness trackers, here’s a selection of the best kids' exercise equipment that fits all budgets, spaces and ages.

Why do kids need exercise equipment?

According to Brittany Steindl, PT, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist at BLS Physical Therapy: "Kids' exercise equipment provides structured, safe opportunities for physical activity, tailored to their developmental needs. It fosters strength, coordination, and motor skill development while making movement fun and engaging.

Using equipment designed for their size boosts confidence and encourages independent exploration of physical activity. Additionally, it is specifically sized for their bodies, ensuring proper biomechanics during use, which helps prevent injuries and promotes efficient movement patterns."

How to choose the best kids' exercise equipment

When shopping for kids’ workout equipment, you’ll want to ensure it’s age-appropriate, fits your available space, has robust safety features, serves its intended purpose indoors or outdoors, stays within your budget and handles the activities its designed for.

Age-appropriate

Selecting equipment that is safe and appropriate for your child’s developmental level is vital. Steindl points out, "Age-appropriate equipment ensures it matches the child’s developmental stage and physical abilities, allowing for safe and effective use. Children tend to engage more enthusiastically in activities when they have access to gear that corresponds with their skills and interests."

Safety and age-appropriateness go hand in hand. For instance, if a young child uses equipment meant for older kids, they may be at a greater risk of injury. To make informed decisions, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, read product labels thoroughly, and heed any safety warnings.

Space-friendly

According to Steindl, “Space-friendly designs are vital for fitting the equipment into your home while avoiding clutter.” If you’re in an apartment, it’s wise to pick compact and foldable options to maximize your small area. However, if you have a backyard, you have the luxury of choosing larger pieces like trampolines and climbing structures that can create an exciting play environment outside."

Space impacts safety, as well. Taryn H. Parker, who directs curriculum and training at The Little Gym International—a prominent child development franchise—advises keeping exercise equipment 12-18 inches away from walls to ensure safety during floor exercises like gymnastics or tummy time.

Indoor vs. outdoor

Indoor equipment, such as mini trampolines, balance boards and play structures is ideal for adverse weather or families with limited outdoor space. Outdoor equipment like bikes, scooters and sports gear is a more adventurous way for kids to stay active, encouraging exploration and social interaction, whether at home or the playground.

Providing kids with a combination of both ensures they have a variety of exercise options, encouraging physical activity regardless of season or environment.

Purpose

Steindl emphasizes the importance of considering why you are choosing certain exercise equipment. “The goal of the equipment should reflect what parents want their children to accomplish—like using a wobble board for better balance, resistance bands for building strength, or a mini trampoline for boosting cardiovascular health. Recognizing these goals is key to selecting tools that focus on particular skills or developmental areas."

Safety features

Safety features are essential for kids' exercise equipment, helping prevent accidents and injuries while ensuring children enjoy physical activities without a hitch. Steindl highlights key safety aspects to look for including non-slip surfaces and padded handles, which provide children with the assurance they need to use the equipment safely.

Stabilizing and non-slip parts help kids maintain balance, keep the equipment standing firm and reduce the risk of tipping or collapsing. Padding helps soften falls and absorb impacts, ensuring kids can bounce back quickly and keep playing.

Budget and longevity

When you’re choosing gear for your kids’ sports and playtime, it’s crucial to balance your wallet with durability. Investing in quality equipment can save you cash in the long run. After all, well-made gear is like a trusty sidekick—it sticks around longer and performs better, making it a smart choice that grows with your family.

Safety tips for kids’ exercise equipment 

• Supervise young children during play. This helps prevent injuries and, according to Parker, can "transform any mishaps into important teachable moments.” If accidents do happen, parents can quickly attend to them. Parents should also provide clear guidance on proper equipment usage and establish easy-to-follow rules.
• Follow weight and age recommendations for gear. This helps prevent injuries and ensures the gear matches a child's size and physical capabilities.
• Ensure equipment meets current safety standards. Check safety certifications for workout gear, including whether it's been tested for durability, and ensure there are no product recalls. Steindl also recommends that parents regularly inspect the equipment before usage.
• Use recommended safety accessories for equipment. Research whether your child will need safety accessories, such as a helmet for riding a bike, scooter or rollerblading. This additional equipment can prevent life-threatening injuries, such as head trauma from falls or impacts.
• Place indoor equipment on padded flooring or mats. These cushioned surfaces help absorb impact, reducing the risk of injuries from falls or slips. Padded surfaces also provide better traction, allowing children to maintain balance and stability during their activities.

Best kids’ exercise equipment 2025

Indoor play and climbing equipment

Indoor gear like climbing towers and foam blocks offer year-round fun, rain or shine while promoting physical activity and boosting brainpower. When using this equipment with friends and family, kids develop vital social and problem-solving skills.

BlueWood Pikler Triangle Set

This toddler mom-approved climbing set contains a triangle ladder, a slide and an arch ladder, providing seven different ways to play! And if space is tight, no worries—the foldable design makes storage a breeze. It's made from FSC-certified solid wood, so you know it’s built to last, with a 160-pound weight capacity.

Best Choice Products 5-Piece Kids Climb & Crawl Foam Block Structures

This block structure set is made from soft yet durable foam, providing a safe playground for kids ages two to seven. The variety of shapes encourages imaginative play and sharpens problem-solving abilities as kids arrange and rearrange the pieces. This five-piece set complies with U.S. Federal Safety standards.

Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower

Designed for ages three to eight, This climbing tower can be used indoors or outdoors, suitable for kids ages three to eight. The lightweight build doesn’t skimp on safety; it’s designed to handle group play, with sturdy interlocking plastic tubes and double self-locking springs. It's easy for parents to assemble and disassemble with a weight limit of 150 pounds.

Kids’ trampolines

Trampolines provide an excellent cardiovascular workout for little ones while improving balance, coordination and motor skills. The best trampolines for kids are made of durable materials and safety features such as enclosure nets, padded edges and non-slip surfaces to reduce the risk of injuries.

SereneLife Trampoline

This outdoor trampoline from SereneLife is our top trampoline pick for kids. It's designed with all the right safety features including a protective net enclosure, padded covers, foam pillars, a zippered closure and stabilizing L-shaped legs. This trampoline contains weather-resistant materials, including a galvanized steel frame, and ranges in size from 8 to 12 feet. Weight capacity varies by model.

Giantex 7-Foot Trampoline for Kids

If indoor or outdoor space is limited, go with this smaller 7-foot trampoline. Safety is paramount with this model, as well, featuring a protective net enclosure and a sturdy galvanized steel frame. While space-saving, this trampoline still offers ample space for play and supports up to 220 pounds. It's ASTM-approved, ensuring that children ages three and up can bounce around safely.

Little Tikes 3-Foot Trampoline

This Little Tikes mini trampoline is our top pick for younger kids. With a compact size and lightweight build, it's a breeze to move around. It has a sturdy frame and a padded handlebar for added safety. The Little Tikes trampoline is designed for ages 3 to 6 years and supports up to 55 pounds. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and when playtime is over, parents can fold down the handle for easy storage.

Balance and coordination gear 

Balance and coordination equipment can make exercise feel like an adventure when paired with creative play. Balance beams, wobble boards and stepping stones do wonders for boosting physical abilities, including building stronger muscles, better posture and improved motor skills. With this gear, kids also enhance their cognitive skills like concentration and spatial awareness—it’s a workout for both body and brain.

Gentle Monster Wooden Wobble Balance Board

This board strengthens the vestibular system, which helps kids maintain balance. It also works out the core muscles, improves posture and boosts overall physical development. The Gentle Monster board doubles as a playground for the imagination—kids can turn it into anything from a bridge to a racetrack, all while honing their motor skills and creativity.

For maximum safety and effectiveness, it’s best to use the board barefoot or with non-slip shoes. This balance board is crafted from sturdy wood and can support up to 480 lbs, so kids and adults alike can use it.

National Geographic Stepping Stones for Kids

Kids will have a blast playing with these award-winning stepping stones from National Geographic. Featuring a range of heights and sizes, they encourage both balance and coordination. Plus, they're perfect for The Floor Is Lava game!

With non-slip bases and textured surfaces, these stepping stones can be safely used indoors or outdoors. Each stone supports up to 150 pounds. What's more, they're educational—kids can learn colours and use them as a STEM toy for counting and other basic math concepts.

Strider 12-Inch No Pedal Balance Bicycle

This is our top balance bike for toddlers and young kids. Weighing in at just 6.7 lbs, it's light and easy for little ones to control. The bike's low center of gravity keeps kids stable as they ride. The frame provides ample space between the seat and handlebars for natural movement and leg extension.

This Strider bike features an adjustable seat and handlebars, meaning it grows with your child, accommodating riders from 12 months to 4 years old. Without pedals to get in the way, children can focus entirely on mastering balance and steering skills, setting a strong foundation for future cycling adventures. It comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose your kid's favourite.

Family-friendly fitness equipment

Turning exercise into a family affair is simpler than you might think—especially with the right gear. By investing in kids' versions of adult equipment, everyone from toddlers to grandparents can work out together! Parents can showcase healthy habits, encourage a love of exercise and promote family bonding at the same time.

Gaiam Kids Yoga Exercise Mat

Yoga is a great way to get the family moving together! This kid-sized yoga mat from the popular Gaiam brand comes in a variety of cool colours and patterns. The textured, non-slip surface ensures stability while little ones experiment with different yoga poses. For your peace of mind, this yoga mat is made from safe, non-toxic materials and is latex-free, in case your kid is allergic.

Gaiam Balance Ball for Kids

Designed especially for kids, this versatile balance ball can be used in many ways—for balancing exercises, core strengthening, bouncing games, practicing good posture and more. It's also a great alternative seating option—for fidgety kids who have trouble sitting in a chair, it'll help them get the wiggles out. This balance ball includes an air pump and supports up to 200 pounds.

KC Kids Fitness Foam Dice Game

This fun dice game turns fitness into playtime! It features a variety of animal-themed yoga poses and exercises with a whopping 1,296 activity combinations. The colourful foam dice are just the right size for little hands, and the whole family can join in. They're conveniently portable and durable for indoor or outdoor use.

Ride-on toys for outdoor exercise

From toddlers to teens, ride-on toys are a fun and enriching option for exercise. Bikes, tricycles, pedal cars and scooters provide entertainment while keeping children engaged in movement. Ride-on toys improve motor skills, fostering strength and coordination; promote balance and spatial awareness; as well as enhance independence and confidence as kids navigate their environment.

Retrospec Koda Plus 20-Inch Kids' Bike

The Koda Plus is our top bike for kids, designed for ages 6 to 8. This bike from Retrospec is durable and designed to grow alongside your child, featuring an adjustable seat and handlebars. Safety is a priority with this model, including dual hand-operated V-brakes that are easy for little hands to reach, wide tires with solid traction and a bell for added security.

This Koda bike comes in four colours with a front storage basket. See other top-quality bikes in Retrospec's youth collection.

Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll Kids Tricycle

This tricycle is one of our favourite bikes for toddlers. With two riding modes and an adjustable seat, it's suitable for ages 2 to 5. In parent-steering mode, the lockable footrests keep your child stable while you steer. The removable handle allows children to transition to independent pedalling as they improve their riding skills.

This tricycle boasts a durable build, including a solid steel frame and molded wheels. There's even a covered storage bin for taking toys and essentials on the go. A safety bell offers extra peace of mind for parents.

Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids

This Razor scooter features adjustable handlebars, adapting to your child as they grow. It's got a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame and a rear-fender brake. Weighing only 4.3 pounds with a foldable frame, it's a breeze to store and take on the go. This scooter comes in a variety of colours with a weight limit of 143 pounds.

Activity sets for all ages

From simple swing sets to elaborate obstacle courses, activity sets offer kids more than just fun, encouraging them to stay active while sharpening their motor skills. Activity sets are also social hubs, helping develop social skills and encouraging group play. With sporting equipment sets, kids also learn the value of teamwork.

Homello Cotton Jump Rope for Kids 2-Pack

This classic jump rope set improves cardiovascular health and coordination skills. Kids can also build confidence as they learn new tricks! Unlike the jump ropes you might remember from your childhood, these are adjustable to accommodate your child’s height.

Safety is key, with durable cotton-braided ropes and easy-to-hold wooden handles designed for small hands. These jump ropes come in an affordable set of two.

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

This parent-approved basketball set boasts over 40,000 reviews and an impressive rating of 4.8/5 stars on Amazon. The Little Tikes set has six adjustable height settings ranging from 2.5 to 4 feet, making it suitable for ages 1 to 5.

Kids can improve their game indoors or outdoors. The set comes with three soft balls that won’t cause injuries or damage in your home as your little one shoots baskets.

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids

This fantastic obstacle course is conveniently adjustable. With no fixed obstacles or distances, you can space out the challenges as needed to accommodate different yard sizes and skill levels. It’s tailored for children ages of 4 and 12, made from durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand regular use. There are 50- and 65-foot models available.

Kids' fitness & activity trackers

Fitness trackers motivate kids to get moving and achieve daily step counts while promoting health and wellness. Many of these devices also feature sleep tracking, mindfulness activities and fun games or challenges that make physical activity more entertaining. Some even come with parental controls, allowing parents to track their children’s progress and set goals together.

Fitbit Ace 3

The Fitbit Ace 3 keeps track of steps taken, active minutes and sleep patterns with fun motivational features to keep children active, including virtual badges and on-screen celebrations when they reach their goals. Parents can monitor their child’s activity levels and set goals using the intuitive Fitbit app. This tracker is water-resistant and designed for ages 6 and up.

Garmin Vivofit jr. 3

This Garmin tracker offers a unique blend of fitness tracking and engaging interactive elements. It monitors steps, sleep patterns and active time with educational games and entertaining adventure challenges. Parents can assign chores, create alerts and reward their kids for good behaviour. It boasts a waterproof design, meaning kids can wear it at swim practice. The Garmin Vivofit jr. 3 is designed for ages 4 to 9.

It’s simple to operate and effectively monitors key activities such as steps, sleep patterns, and active time. The interactive app also provides various educational games, while parents can benefit from features that allow them to

Fitbit Inspire 3

This Fitbit is our preferred choice for older kids, offering more advanced features than the Ace. The Fitbit Inspire 3 tracks heart rate,  blood oxygen levels and includes over 20 exercise modes, along with tools for managing stress and mindfulness sessions. What's more, this smartwatch features GPS navigation and lets kids receive texts, calls and alerts from their phone. It's water-resistant with a sleek design that will appeal to older kids.

Experts:

• Brittany Steindl, PT, DPT, is a pediatric physical therapist at BLS Physical Therapy.
• Taryn H. Parker, is the director of curriculum and training at The Little Gym International, a prominent child development franchise.