Jungle gyms capture the climber’s thrill of leaving the earth behind, then the rush down the slide back to the ground! Our ballpark growing up had the best obstacles to swing from and leap off. Now, Step2 Climber and Slide sets allows the climber spirit of the toddler to soar without the greater dangers of a big boy jungle gym. Step2 makes many different Climb and Slide sets for climbers 2 to 4 years old of all interests. We looked at toddler activity gyms with climbing walls, swings, basketball hoops and hideouts! We focused on Step2 products because of the trustworthy name and quality, easy-to-assemble plastic products. These climb and slide sets can be used as an indoor or outdoor climber. Visit the Step2 blog for more ideas on outdoor activities!
Most Basic Climber with Slide – Step2 Play and Fold Jr.
Toddlers as young as 18 months will love the Step2 Play and Fold Jr
Although by 4 years old, your tike may have outgrown this slide. Step2 also makes a bigger version called the Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide for Toddlers
Most Fun Climber – Step2 All Star Sports Climber vs Kangaroo Climber
In addition to the simple folding slides, Step2 incorporates other fun activities in their designs. Our favorite Step2 activity climber 
Other designs for single kids include Lookout Treehouse, Game Time Sports and Ball Play Fun, Kangaroo and Panda Climber. The All Star Sports set in the picture offers the most activities. But perhaps you may choose the Kangaroo or Panda Climber for a more basic set up and fewer parts.
- Features a basketball hoop; climbing ladder; football toss; soccer; slide and score keeper
- Accessories include a football, basketball and soccer ball
- Durable construction is built to last for years
- Climbing ladder provides a safe and easy challenge for children
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Best Value Climber – Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber
If you have multiple little kids or some play dates planned, it may get crowded on the climber. Step2 and other brands offer full-blown jungle gyms, but those get pricey. We think the best value compromise is the Step2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber
We like the look and price point of the Woodland Climber. Be sure to bring the SUV and a spotter; the package will weigh more than 80 pounds. Another midrange option is the Step2 Play Up Double Slide Climber. Once you get to the playhouse or clubhouse climber combinations, price rises quickly.
- Item includes 2 steering wheels, 2 rock wall like climbing sides, slide, platform play area and an optional sandbox area underneath
- This durable climber will outlast the toddler years and promote lots of imaginative play
- Climber beautifully blends into residential surroundings with its natural colors and realistic textures
- Minimal adult assembly required
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Best Playhouse Climber – Step2 Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber
Once they’ve graduated from the indoor climber age, you will be ready to send your tikes to the backyard. The Step2 Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber
Expect a few hours for full assembly, even with a power drill. Once assembled, you don’t need stakes at all and it will hold up to 240 pounds! Make sure you have some space cleared. This item ships in two huge boxes!
- Elaborate playset rests securely on the ground for easy placement
- Elevated clubhouse and lookout tower each have dual windows and their very own slides
- Fun details include a skylight and rotating steering wheel
- Easy entry steps have sure-grip rails for safe climbing
- Multiple lower-level tunnels make for crawling fun and hide-and-seek adventures
Most Creative Step2 Climber – Skyward Summit
The climbing toddler must contend with hand grips and cargo nets to reach the summit, where they can plant the flag!
The creative flag idea also makes for some great capture-the-flag.
This rock wall climber provides a unique addition to the backyard and a new challenge for the billy goat in your family!
- Designed with four unique climbing surfaces to give children a variety of challenges
- Features 2 climbing cargo nets, 1 floor net and 9 grips
- Your child can peak out a hole at the peak of the summit
- Limit 4 children (maximum weight 320 lbs.); Limit 1 child on platform (maximum weight 80 lbs.)
- Adult Supervision Recommended
Best Step2 Swing Set Climber – Naturally Playful Playhouse
Finally, we would be remiss to not include a swing set option in our Step2 Slide Guide. The Naturally Playful Playhouse Climber comes with the Step2 Swing Set Extension
- Climber has roomy deck with balcony railing
- 5 1/2 foot slide
- Secret playhouse with door and crawl-through portals
- Swing extension with two strap swings
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Little Tikes vs Step2 Climber Review
Obviously, these two brands are #1 and #2 in terms of large assembled plastic toys for toddlers. Little Tikes probably has the edge for your shopping carts, work benches, basketball goals, tee ball sets, and of course the classic Cozy Coupe. They just have more volume and exposure. However, Step2 has clearly gone the extra mile in climbers, slides and swing sets, as evidenced by their variety and creativity outlined above. We know that it takes creativity to keep kids entertained these days. There’s really not anything else on the market for toddlers like the Skyward Summit. Step2 and Little Tikes have a similar reputation and quality of product, so we have to declare Step2 the best for climbers and slides based on the breadth of selection.
Step2 Climber Assembly Instructions
We’ve assembled links to the assembly instructions for the bigger sets, which can have a lot of screws and pieces. Expect the larger sets to take a few hours from opening to play time!
Step2 Woodland Climber Instructions
Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber Instructions
Playhouse Climber and Swing Set Extension Instructions
Should I Buy Step2 Climbers on Amazon or Craigslist?
As far as new products go, Amazon’s prices will be competitive with any big box retailer, like Walmart or Toys’R’Us. Also, if you have Amazon Prime
