Playing sports is a great way for toddlers to learn the value of teamwork and discipline and is also essential for building health. Getting them started with physical activity early can help establish a passion for exercise that can keep them happy and healthy as they go through life.
But choosing the right sport toy for any toddler can be challenging, so we’ve given you a head start by picking out the 20 best. We dug through the mountain of toys to find the ones with the strongest genuine reviews. Don’t worry; we disqualified any products with excessive phony reviews.
1. ToyVelt T-Ball Set (Best Budget Option)
The ToyVelt T-Ball Set is one of the 20 best sports toys for toddlers as a basic and classic introduction to baseball. This lightweight set comes with six balls, so kids have more on hand to play with before they have to collect them. It even comes with a case for easy clean-up and storage.
What we love:
- The bat is lightweight, so it’s easy for tots to swing
- Adjustable stand so it can grow with kids
We don’t like this as much:
- Stand could benefit from some extra weight for stability purposes.
2. SwimSchool Deluxe TOT Swimmer (Best Quality Option)
The SwimSchool Deluxe TOT Swimmer is a four-in-one trainer and swimmer that can be used as a pool chair, a pool float, a splash and play center, or a learn-to-swim tool. There’s an adjustable safety strap seat and the fabric is designed soft and stretchable for greater mobility. It’s recommended for ages two to four.
What we love:
- Flexible material allows tots to move around while staying safe
- Good portability as it’s easy to inflate and deflate
We don’t like this as much:
- Might help if the seat strap was wider for comfort
3. Kids Bowling Set
The Kids Bowling Set is made from soft material that won’t make too much noise when struck. It comes with ten colorful pins that are each numbered, and toddlers also get two bowling balls with a silly face on each one. This set is ideal for indoor play on hard floors or mats.
What we love:
- Can help with color and number recognition
- Material is soft-to-the-touch
We don’t like this as much:
- Young kids might need to help to stand them upright without them falling over.
4. Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set
The Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set is one of the 20 best sport toys for toddlers that can keep them constantly moving. It comes with a single easy-fold goal, a rotation-molded soccer ball, and an inflation pump for setup. The set is designed for use both indoors and outdoors.
What we love:
- Sized appropriately for young toddlers
- Simple to fold the goal down for storage and transportation
We don’t like this as much:
- There’s a chance the goal might need to be re-setup if hit
5. BRITENWAY Fun Basketball Hoop & Balls Playset
Make bath time fun with this Basketball Hoop & Balls Playset. The suction cups allow it to fit on the side of the shower or bathtub wall, but they also work on other clean surfaces for versatile use anywhere in the home or outside. It comes with three hard plastic mini basketballs.
What we love:
- Basketballs are firm and easy to grip
- Feature strong suction cups for stability
We don’t like this as much:
- The tiny hole in the basketballs might let in water if used during bath time
6. Balls for Toddlers
This collection of soft sports balls is great for a variety of games. They’re small for tots to hold onto them easily, and with their squishy design, they can even work well when used as stress balls. There’s a carrying bag so parents can pack and take them on the go.
What we love:
- Vibrantly colored, soft material
- Good size for little hands to grasp
We don’t like this as much:
- It might be better used by children who aren’t teething
7. Playwheels Trolls Roller Skates with Knee Pads
The Trolls Roller Skates with Knee Pads can excite fans of any popular animated film series. Both the skates and pads are adjustable so that they grow with kids. Each skate has toe breaks for safety, and the kneecaps are made from impact-resistant PVC material.
What we love:
- Quality toe breaks
- Grows well with kids so they last longer
We don’t like this as much:
- They can roll smoothly, so they may be better for kids who have skated before
8. Dart Board for Kids
This Dart Board for Kids comes with 12 red and blue sticky balls. The board itself is soft yet durable enough to withstand frequent play. It comes with a free sticky hook, too, for easy hanging.
What we love:
- Balls stick on well without issues
- The board features vivid, brightly toned colors
We don’t like this as much:
- Older toddlers may better use small ball size
9. Caydo 48 Pcs Kids Children’s Gold Plastic Winner Award Medals
Kids can dive into imaginary play with these Children’s Gold Plastic Winner Award Medals. A single pack contains 48 medals with the word “winner” written on one side and a star on the other. The gold medals feature a 28cm blue, red, and white ribbon.
What we love:
- Great for imaginary play
- Plenty of medals to use for continuous play
We don’t like this as much:
- Length better suits small toddlers
10. YoYa Toys Scoop Ball Game
The Scoop Ball Game comes with two scoop catchers and two balls so kids can play together or with a family. This comes with a bag so parents can pack up the game set and take it with them to play outdoors in the yard or in a park.
What we love:
- Good help with hand-eye coordination
- Quality, versatile coloring
We don’t like this as much:
- The balls can last longer with gentle play rather than rough use
11. Liberty Imports Face Off Dual Hockey Sticks
These Face Off Dual Hockey Sticks are among the best sports toys for toddlers to kick off their hockey career. There are two different colored hockey sticks, a hollowed puck, and a hollowed ball. Since this set can be played indoors and outdoors, it suits a game of roller hockey, floor hockey, and street hockey.
What we love:
- The wide “blade” on the stick makes it easier to hit the ball/puck
- Great as a starter hockey set
We don’t like this as much:
- You may have to hit the ball soft for it to keep its rounded shape
12. Meland Kids Golf Club Set
The Meland Kids Golf Club Set is a brightly colored, child-friendly golf set. It includes a bag with two wheels for mobility, and kids can choose from four colored clubs and eight balls to play with. There are even two holes with bases to set up shots at different distances.
What we love:
- Easy for kids to set up on their own
- Made from durable plastic
We don’t like this as much:
- The set is sized for better use with younger or shorter toddlers
13. Schwinn Koen Bike for Toddlers
With the Schwinn Koen Bike for Toddlers, children can learn how to balance and develop their coordination. This balance bike comes in multiple colors and features smooth steering to help a kid’s stability further. There’s also a saddle handle for parents to help tow the bike if the tot gets too tired.
What we love:
- Tool-free adjustable seat
- Constructed from high-quality steel
We don’t like this as much:
- It might help if the seat could adjust lower.
14. Lucky Bums Kids Beginner Ski and Pole Set
The Beginner Ski and Pole Set is one of the best sports toys for toddlers that safely introduce them to skiing. These plastic skis have rounded tips with no metal edges and scales on the bottom to improve traction in the snow. Flexible bindings and an attached strap aid in a secure fit.
What we love:
- It fits most snow boots.
- Good and safe way to help toddlers get a feel of sliding in the snow
We don’t like this as much:
- You may have to frequently re-tie and retighten the straps
15. Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center
The Step2 Sports-Tastic Activity Center features a tethered baseball, a loose bat, and a basketball on one side. On the other side are a molded soccer goal and a basketball hoop. Toddlers can use the small steps to climb up on and then happily slip down the miniature slide.
What we love:
- It can help with gross motor skills
- Multiple activities to keep young tots entertained
We don’t like this as much:
- A weighted base could be useful to keep it from moving
16. Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set
This EasyScore Basketball Set from Little Tikes has an adjustable hoop from two to four feet tall through six different settings. The rim is oversized and comes with a junior-sized ball that kids may grip with one hand. For stability, the base can be weighed down with sand before playing.
What we love:
- Easy to adjust so kids can keep it through various ages
- A softball is a good size for toddlers.
We don’t like this as much:
- Strings from the net might need to be reapplied often
17. Doufit Trampoline for 2 Kids
Designed for two, the Doufit Trampoline features a spacious jumping mat for kids to play with friends, siblings, or a parent. It has a max weight load capacity of 220 lbs. The handle adjusts five levels from 38 in. to 45 in., and it is covered in foam for safety and comfort.
What we love:
- Sturdy design that offers a decent amount of bounce
- Good compact size despite accommodating two kids
We don’t like this as much:
- The stability bar seems most secure with younger toddlers holding it
18. Get Outside Go! Easy Catch Ball & Glove Set
The Easy Catch Ball & Glove Set is good for beginning players thanks to the Velcro strips that make catching the ball hassle-free. It comes with a single glove and ball, and each item is sized appropriately so toddlers can hold them without a problem.
What we love:
- The glove is flexible and comfortable for kids to wear
- Soft material, so it’s safe for indoor use
We don’t like this as much:
- The ball only has two small strips of Velcro
19. Disney Minnie Mouse Roadster Racer Toddler Girls’ Costume
The Disney Minnie Mouse Roadster Racer Costume is one of the 20 best sports toys for toddlers where they can jump into the shoes of their favorite character and hit the races. This costume includes a colorful jumpsuit, an attached skirt, and a Minnie headpiece.
What we love:
- Good for Halloween and pretend play year-round
- Made from quality polyester material
We don’t like this as much:
- It might be best to purchase it a size up for long-term wear.
20. Best Choice Products Kids 6V Ride-On Motorcycle
This 6V Ride On Motorcycle will excite young bike lovers. It comes in three colors and features straightforward steering to help toddlers grasp the fundamentals. This goes up to 2 mph, and it has a 6V rechargeable battery that gives around 40 minutes of playtime. It also has built-in music, light-up headlights, and training wheels.
What we love:
- Easy and safe for kids to operate by themselves
- Fun working radio and headlights
We don’t like this as much:
- Works better on completely flat surfaces
Guide to Buying Sports Toys for Toddlers:
When purchasing sports toys for toddlers, keep these vital factors in mind:
- Safety: Be wary of toys aimed at older kids 5+ as these can be dangerous when in the hands of younger kids.
- Age Appropriateness: Select toys for toddlers within your child’s age range. Look for age recommendations on packaging to ensure a suitable match for your little one’s developmental stage.
- Size and Weight: Choose toys that your toddler can handle and manipulate. Lightweight and appropriately sized toys allow for comfortable and secure engagement in activities.
- Motor Skills Development: Sports toys can aid in developing your toddler’s motor skills. Seek toys that encourage throwing, kicking, catching, and balancing. Toys promoting coordination, balance, and hand-eye coordination are particularly beneficial for physical development.
- Durability: Toddlers can be rough with toys, so prioritize sturdy and durable options. Look for toys made from quality materials that can withstand vigorous play without easily breaking.
- Versatility: Consider sports toys offering various play options or adaptable to different skill levels. Toys suitable for indoor and outdoor use or adjustable for different abilities provide long-term value and maintain your child’s engagement.
- Educational Value: Some sports toys for toddlers incorporate educational elements like numbers, colors, shapes, or letters. These toys enhance cognitive development while providing fun playtime.
- Storage and Portability: Consider the toys’ storage and portability. Choose toys easily stored when not in use and consider whether they can be conveniently transported for outings or play in different locations.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Review product reviews and seek recommendations from fellow parents or trusted sources to gauge the sports toys’ quality, safety, and overall satisfaction under consideration.
Always supervise your toddler during play and ensure they play in a safe environment.
