The TP Active Tots Range: Play Equipment Designed for Under-3s

Choosing outdoor play equipment for children under three is a genuinely different challenge from buying for older children. The age range from 6 months to 3 years spans an extraordinary breadth of physical development — from a baby who is not yet mobile, through a toddler who is pulling to stand, to a two-year-old who is running, climbing and beginning to jump. Equipment that is safe and appropriate at one end of this range may be entirely unsuitable at the other. And the developmental needs of this age group — proprioception, vestibular development, gross motor coordination, sensorimotor exploration — demand a very specific type of physical challenge that standard outdoor play equipment is not designed to provide.

TP Toys has designed a dedicated range of equipment for children under 3, spanning Montessori-inspired indoor climbing equipment, toddler-specific trampolines and bouncing apparatus, and compact outdoor climbing frames scaled to the physical capability of very young children. This guide explains the full under-3 range — what each product is, what it develops, and which children it is right for. TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems, with over 65 years of experience designing active play equipment for children across all ages and developmental stages.

What outdoor play equipment does TP Toys make for children under 3?

TP Toys produces a dedicated range of play equipment for children under 3 across two sub-ranges. The Active Tots range covers Montessori-inspired indoor climbing equipment — including the Pikler triangle, 3-in-1 Pikler set, climbing bridge and slide, wooden climb and swing, and toddler bouncer — suitable from 6 months and made from FSC-certified wood. For outdoor use, TP offers the TP Junior Trampoline (suitable from 12 months, max 50kg, with easy-grip handlebar), the TP UP 4.5ft Junior (3 years+), and the Forest toddler wooden climbing frame (18 months+). The Explorer metal climbing frame can also be assembled at low height from 18 months, making it suitable as an entry outdoor climbing frame for confident toddlers.

What makes play equipment specifically designed for under-3s different from standard outdoor play equipment?

Play equipment for children under 3 is not simply smaller versions of equipment designed for older children. The physical and developmental needs of very young children are qualitatively different, and equipment designed for this age group reflects those differences across every aspect of its design — from the height of platforms, to the type of bounce surface, to the presence of support rails. Understanding these design differences helps parents make informed choices and avoid the common mistake of buying equipment that is technically accessible to a toddler but was not designed with their developmental stage in mind.

 

Design consideration	Why it matters for under-3s
Lower platform heights	Children under 3 have less body awareness and slower reaction times — lower platforms reduce fall height and injury severity
Handlebars and support rails	Toddlers are still developing balance and confident standing — a handlebar gives them something to hold while their confidence builds
Bungee cords not metal springs	Bungee cord bouncing surfaces produce a gentler, more controlled bounce appropriate for toddlers; metal springs are not suitable for this age group
Foldability and portability	Under-3 equipment is frequently used indoors or moved between rooms — foldable, lightweight designs are significantly more practical
Lower maximum user weights	Equipment for this age group is specifically calibrated for lighter users — checking and respecting weight limits is important
Open-ended materials	The Montessori and Pikler principles that underpin Active Tots emphasise open-ended play that the child controls — avoiding toys that do things for children rather than inviting children to act on them

 

Safety note: TP Toys, in line with guidance from RoSPA and other safety bodies, recommends that children under 6 do not use full-size trampolines (6ft and above). For toddlers aged 1–3, the TP Junior Trampoline with its handlebar and compact bounce surface is the appropriate starting point. Children aged 3 and above who are ready for a slightly larger bounce experience can transition to the TP UP 4.5ft Junior with its IGLOO® zip-free enclosure. Always supervise children in this age group during all play equipment use.

What products does the TP under-3 range include?

The table below covers the complete TP range of equipment designed for or suitable for children under 3, with age suitability, maximum weight and key features for each product. All products in this range are designed to meet EN71 and UKCA safety standards as a minimum.

 

Product	Age from	Max weight	Setting	Key feature
Active Tots Pikler Triangle	6 months	Per product page	Indoor	Foldable FSC wood; Good Toy Guide recommended; Montessori
Active Tots 3-in-1 Pikler Set	18 months	Per product page	Indoor	Triangle + arch + bridge/slide in one set; modular FSC wood
Active Tots Climbing Bridge & Slide	12 months	40kg combined	Indoor	Accessory for triangle or cube; ramp, bridge or slide
Active Tots Wooden Climb and Swing	6 months	Per product page	Indoor	Foldable; combines swing seat and climbing ladder; FSC wood
Active Tots Toddler Bouncer	12 months	20kg	Indoor	FSC wood frame; inflatable bounce seat; 12 months–3 years
TP Junior Trampoline	12 months	50kg	Indoor/outdoor	86×86cm; easy-grip handlebar; protective pads; lightweight
TP UP 4.5ft Junior Trampoline	3 years	40kg	Outdoor	IGLOO® zip-free door; safety enclosure net; 4.5ft frame
TP Explorer (low height build)	18 months	100kg	Outdoor	Raises to full height (3 yrs+); modular; platform 136cm
TP Forest Toddler Climbing Frame	18 months	Per product page	Outdoor	FSC timber; 1.2m slide; table sandpit; compact footprint

 

Which TP product is right for each age within the under-3 range?

The under-3 age range covers several distinct developmental stages, each requiring different equipment. The table below maps specific developmental stages to the TP products best suited to support them.

 

Age	Developmental stage	Recommended TP equipment
6–12 months	Pulling to stand, early balance, reaching and grasping	Active Tots Pikler Triangle (pulling up, exploring); Active Tots Wooden Climb and Swing
12–18 months	Early walking, climbing impulse, sensorimotor exploration	TP Junior Trampoline; Active Tots Toddler Bouncer; Active Tots Climbing Bridge and Slide
18 months–2 years	Confident walking, early running, climbing with intent	Active Tots 3-in-1 Pikler Set; Explorer at low height; Forest toddler frame
2–3 years	Running, jumping (emerging), more complex climbing, imaginative play beginning	Full Active Tots modular range; Explorer at low height; Forest toddler frame; TP Junior Trampoline
3 years+	Confident climbers; ready for enclosure trampolines; imaginative and social play	TP UP 4.5ft Junior Trampoline; Explorer at full height; wider TP climbing frame range

 

The full range of TP climbing frames suitable from 18 months — including the Explorer at low height and the Forest toddler frame — is available at tptoys.com/collections/climbing-frames-18-months. The full toddler trampoline range — including the TP Junior, the Active Tots Toddler Bouncer and the TP UP 4.5ft Junior — is at tptoys.com/collections/trampolines-1-3-years.

How does TP's under-3 equipment support child development?

Play equipment for children under 3 develops physical competence through a small number of core activity types, each of which addresses a distinct developmental system. The table below maps each activity type to the developmental mechanisms it supports, and to the specific TP equipment that provides it.

 

Activity type	Developmental mechanism	TP equipment that supports it
Climbing	Grip strength, bilateral coordination, proprioception, spatial awareness	Active Tots Pikler triangle and 3-in-1 set; Explorer at low height; Forest toddler frame
Bouncing	Vestibular development, deep joint proprioception, balance, cardiovascular activity	TP Junior Trampoline; Active Tots Toddler Bouncer
Swinging	Vestibular development, postural awareness, spatial orientation, rhythmic movement	Active Tots Wooden Climb and Swing
Sliding	Speed awareness, body control, cause-and-effect, proprioceptive feedback on landing	Active Tots 3-in-1 Pikler Set; Forest toddler frame with slide
Open-ended sensory play	Tactile input, fine motor development, imaginative play, self-directed learning	Forest toddler frame sandpit; wider outdoor play range

 

The most developmentally effective home environments for under-3s combine at least two of these activity types — for example, a Pikler climbing set alongside a toddler trampoline, or an outdoor climbing frame alongside a sandpit. This variety ensures that different sensory and motor systems are engaged across a typical play session, which research consistently shows produces stronger developmental outcomes than a single repeated activity.

What is the Active Tots range and what does it include?

Active Tots is TP Toys' Montessori-inspired indoor climbing range for children from 6 months to approximately 5 years. It is built on the principles of Dr Emmi Pikler, the Hungarian paediatrician who observed that children given the freedom to move, explore and climb at their own pace developed stronger physical confidence, better coordination, and a greater ability to fall without injury than those in adult-directed physical activities. All Active Tots pieces are made from FSC-certified natural wood, fold flat for storage, and are designed to sit in a home environment without dominating the space.

 

TP Active Tots Pikler Triangle — suitable from 6 months

The Pikler Triangle is a freestanding FSC wood climbing ladder for children from 6 months, designed for indoor use. The Pikler triangle is the core piece of the Active Tots range — a freestanding A-frame ladder in natural FSC wood that children can pull up on from 6 months, climb from 12 months, and use with the bridge/slide accessory from 18 months onwards. It folds flat when not in use, taking up minimal storage space. The Good Toy Guide has recommended the Active Tots triangle, and TP describes it as a 'crucial' developmental tool for motor skill and problem-solving development. It supports independent play: children approach the triangle at their own pace, self-selecting the challenge they are ready for.

Age: from 6 months  |  Material: FSC-certified natural wood  |  Guarantee: 1 year  |  Key feature: foldable, Good Toy Guide recommended, Montessori-aligned

 

Active Tots 3-in-1 Pikler Set — suitable from 18 months

The most complete starter configuration in the Active Tots range — a set including the climbing triangle, climbing arch and bridge/slide together. The modular design allows the pieces to be configured in different ways as the child develops: the arch can be a tunnel to crawl through, a rocker, or a combined climbing challenge when used with the triangle. The bridge/slide element provides a ramp and slide depending on which way it is placed. The set is made from FSC-certified natural wood with white accents, and like all Active Tots pieces, folds for storage.

Age: from 18 months  |  Material: FSC natural wood, white accents  |  Key feature: 3-in-1 configuration options; triangle, arch and bridge/slide in one purchase

 

Active Tots Toddler Bouncer — 12 months to 3 years

The Toddler Bouncer is an FSC wood frame with an inflatable bounce seat, suitable from 12 months to 3 years, max 20kg, for indoor use. The Toddler Bouncer is the youngest-appropriate bouncing product in the TP range — an FSC-certified wooden frame with an inflatable bounce seat and a sturdy wooden handle, designed to introduce the physical experience of bouncing to children from 12 months. It is designed for indoor use and to complement rather than replace a home environment, with a sage-coloured aesthetic that integrates naturally into a living space. Maximum user weight is 20kg, and it is suitable for children up to approximately 3 years.

Age: 12 months–3 years  |  Max weight: 20kg  |  Material: FSC-certified wood frame, inflatable seat  |  Key feature: gentle bounce, wooden handle, designed for home aesthetic

 

Active Tots Wooden Climb and Swing — from 6 months

A compact, foldable combination of swing seat and climbing ladder in FSC-certified wood, designed for indoor use from 6 months. The swing seat is the TP Foldaway design — soft, comfortable and supportive for young babies — combined with a climbing ladder that encourages toddlers to stand and climb at their own pace. The whole unit folds flat when not in use. TP describes it as a Montessori toy designed to 'stimulate learning through creative play and experimentation' — the emphasis being on the child's own engagement with the structure rather than adult-directed use.

Age: from 6 months  |  Material: FSC-certified wood  |  Key feature: foldable; swing and ladder combined; indoor use

What trampolines does TP make for toddlers and children under 3?

Bouncing is one of the most developmentally valuable activities for children under 3 — it provides deep joint proprioceptive input, vestibular stimulation and cardiovascular activity in a single compact activity. But full-size trampolines are not appropriate for this age group: the bounce is too powerful, the frame too high, and the required physical control to use them safely beyond the capability of most children under 3. TP produces two trampoline products specifically designed for this age group.

 

TP Junior Trampoline — from 12 months

The TP Junior Trampoline is the youngest-appropriate bouncing trampoline in the TP outdoor range. Compact at 86cm × 86cm, it is designed for use both indoors and outdoors, and is light enough to be moved easily between rooms. The easy-grip handlebar provides young children with the support they need to bounce safely while their balance is still developing, and the protective frame pads ensure no contact with the frame during use. At 50kg maximum user weight, it is calibrated for toddler use. TP describes it as 'a perfect first trampoline' for children from 12 months.

Age: from 12 months  |  Max weight: 50kg  |  Dimensions: 86cm × 86cm  |  Key feature: easy-grip handlebar, protective frame pads, indoor/outdoor use, lightweight and portable

 

TP UP 4.5ft Junior Trampoline — from 3 years

For children ready to transition from the Junior Trampoline to a slightly larger and more enclosed model, the TP UP 4.5ft Junior is the next step. At 4.5ft with a full safety enclosure net and TP's patented IGLOO® zip-free door — the same door found on all UP, Genius and Infinity models — it provides a genuine enclosed bouncing experience at a scale appropriate for children aged 3 and above. Maximum user weight is 40kg. TP recommends this as the transition model for children who have outgrown the handlebar Junior and are ready for their first enclosure trampoline.

Age: from 3 years  |  Max weight: 40kg  |  Key feature: IGLOO® zip-free enclosure door, full safety net, first enclosed trampoline experience

 

The full TP toddler and under-3 trampoline range — including both the Junior and UP 4.5ft models alongside the Active Tots Toddler Bouncer — is available here.

What outdoor climbing frames does TP make for children under 3?

Two outdoor climbing frames in the TP range are specifically suitable for children from 18 months: the TP Forest Toddler Wooden Climbing Frame and the TP Explorer Metal Climbing Frame at its low-height build. Each suits a different family need and garden context.

 

TP Forest Toddler Wooden Climbing Frame — from 18 months

The Forest toddler frame is a compact FSC-certified wooden outdoor climbing frame specifically designed for younger children. It features a platform tower with ladder entry, a 1.2m Apple Green slide, and an integrated table sandpit with a wooden lid that can be flipped to create a play surface. The sandpit element is a practical feature for this age group specifically: children under 3 spend significant time in sensory play with natural materials, and having a sandpit integrated into the climbing structure means a single compact garden footprint serves multiple developmental needs simultaneously.

The timber is FSC-certified European wood, pressure-treated with an environmentally friendly preservative that penetrates deep into the wood rather than being surface-applied — the same treatment standard as the larger Skywood range. Assembly is straightforward, with pre-drilled components.

Age: from 18 months  |  Material: FSC-certified pressure-treated European timber  |  Key feature: integrated table sandpit with wooden lid, 1.2m slide, compact footprint

 

TP Explorer Metal Climbing Frame (low height build) — from 18 months

The Explorer is TP's most popular climbing frame, and its two-height design makes it an unusually practical choice for families buying a first climbing frame before a child is ready for full-height equipment. At low height — achievable without additional parts or cost — the Explorer platform is within a range appropriate for toddlers from 18 months. The frame then raises to full height (136cm platform) when the child is ready, from age 3 onwards, and can be equipped with the full accessory range at that point.

The Explorer's den is a particular feature for this age group: the platform den with its roll-down door gives very young children an enclosed, child-scale space to retreat to — important for under-3s who are developing the self-regulation skills to manage overstimulation. The den functions as both a physical challenge (climbing up to reach it) and an emotional resource (a contained space to decompress). Maximum user weight is 100kg, and the frame is warranted for 2 years.

Age: 18 months (low height) → 12 years (full height)  |  Max weight: 100kg  |  Key feature: two-height build; den with roll-down door; galvanised steel; full accessory range available from 3 years

 

For a broader view of the full TP outdoor play range — including equipment that grows with children beyond age 3 — explore tptoys.com/collections/outdoor-toys. The most practical home setups for this age group tend to combine an indoor Montessori climbing option (Active Tots) with an outdoor physical challenge piece (Junior Trampoline or toddler climbing frame), ensuring daily access to active play regardless of the weather.

What are the developmental benefits of TP's under-3 play equipment?

Each piece of equipment in the TP under-3 range is designed to support specific developmental outcomes for very young children. The benefits are physical, cognitive and emotional — and many occur simultaneously within a single play session.

 

·        Gross motor development: climbing, bouncing, swinging and sliding all develop the large muscle groups, coordination and balance that form the foundation of physical competence in childhood

·        Proprioceptive development: the varied physical inputs of climbing (grip, weight transfer), bouncing (deep joint compression on landing) and swinging (postural adjustment through motion) collectively build the body-awareness system that supports physical confidence into later childhood

·        Vestibular development: bouncing and swinging in particular activate the vestibular system — the balance and spatial orientation system — which is most plastic and most responsive to input in the first three years of life

·        Sensorimotor learning: the Pikler-based Active Tots equipment specifically targets sensorimotor development — the integration of sensory input and physical movement that underpins all early cognitive development

·        Self-efficacy and confidence: child-led equipment that the child approaches and uses at their own pace — rather than adult-directed activities — produces stronger self-efficacy outcomes; this is the core Montessori principle that drives the Active Tots range design

·        Emotional regulation: physical activity reduces cortisol; sensory play has a calming effect on the nervous system; and the explorer's den specifically provides a retreat space that supports the self-regulation needs of overstimulated toddlers

What safety considerations apply to outdoor play equipment for children under 3?

Equipment for children under 3 requires greater attention to safety than equipment for older children, because this age group has less body awareness, slower reaction times, less ability to communicate distress, and is still developing the physical skills needed to use equipment safely. All TP products in this age range are EN71 tested and UKCA certified, but certification is a baseline — there are additional practical considerations for parents.

 

·        Supervision is always required: no TP product in the under-3 range is designed for unsupervised use; all should be used with an adult present and attentive

·        One user at a time: all trampolines and bouncing equipment, including the TP Junior and the Toddler Bouncer, should be used by one child at a time

·        Check weight limits before use: each product has a specific maximum user weight; the Toddler Bouncer is 20kg, the Junior Trampoline is 50kg, the UP 4.5ft Junior is 40kg — always check the product page for the specific model

·        Inspect before every session: check for loose parts, worn surfaces, or any structural changes before allowing a child to use any piece of equipment; this applies particularly to the wooden Active Tots range after storage periods

·        Indoor vs outdoor use: the Active Tots range and TP Junior Trampoline are suitable for indoor use; the Forest toddler frame and Explorer are outdoor-only and must be placed on soft ground

·        Impact surface: for any outdoor climbing frame, including the Explorer at low height, an impact-absorbing surface (play bark, rubber mulch, safety matting) should be used in the fall zone beneath and around the frame

Frequently asked questions about TP outdoor play equipment for under-3s

 

What age can children start using a trampoline?

TP Toys recommends the TP Junior Trampoline from 12 months — the compact, handlebar-equipped model with a 50kg maximum weight and an 86cm × 86cm bouncing surface appropriate for very young children. The TP UP 4.5ft Junior Trampoline with full enclosure is suitable from 3 years. Full-size trampolines (6ft and above) are recommended for children aged 6 and above by TP and most trampoline safety guidance, including RoSPA. Children under 6 who use larger trampolines are at greater risk of injury because they are not sufficiently physically developed to control their bouncing.

 

What is the difference between the Active Tots Toddler Bouncer and the TP Junior Trampoline?

The Active Tots Toddler Bouncer is an FSC-certified wooden frame with an inflatable bounce seat designed for indoor use; it has a maximum weight of 20kg and is suited to children aged 12 months to approximately 3 years. It is gentle in its bounce and designed to complement a home environment aesthetically. The TP Junior Trampoline is a more conventional compact trampoline with a steel frame, an easy-grip handlebar and a sprung jump mat, suitable both indoors and outdoors, with a maximum weight of 50kg from 12 months. The Bouncer is the gentler introduction to bouncing; the Junior Trampoline is the first proper trampoline experience.

 

Can the TP Explorer be used from 18 months?

Yes — the Explorer can be assembled at low height, making it suitable from 18 months. This is achieved without additional parts or cost; the frame is simply built at the lower of its two height settings. At low height, the platform is within an age-appropriate range for confident toddlers. From age 3, the frame can be raised to full height (136cm platform) and equipped with the full accessory range. This two-height design makes the Explorer one of the most cost-effective long-term choices for families buying a first climbing frame before age 3 — the same frame serves from 18 months to 12 years.

 

What is the difference between the Active Tots Pikler Triangle and the 3-in-1 set?

The Pikler Triangle is the core piece sold individually — the A-frame ladder that children can climb and use as a ramp. The 3-in-1 set is a bundle that includes the triangle plus the climbing arch and the bridge/slide accessory, giving three pieces that can be configured in multiple ways. The 3-in-1 set is more expensive but provides significantly more play variety and a longer period of relevant challenge as the child develops. For families who want a complete first Active Tots setup without buying multiple items separately, the 3-in-1 set is typically the more practical choice.

 

Is the Active Tots range suitable for outdoor use?

The Active Tots range is designed primarily for indoor use — FSC-certified natural wood without the pressure treatment applied to the Skywood and Forest outdoor ranges. While some pieces may be used in a sheltered outdoor setting in good weather, they are not designed for permanent outdoor installation or extended exposure to UK weather conditions. For outdoor climbing equipment from 18 months, the TP Forest toddler wooden frame and the Explorer at low height are the appropriate choices.

About TP Toys

TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. Founded in 1959, TP has been designing and manufacturing active play equipment for UK families for over 65 years, with a dedicated range of products for children from 6 months. All TP play equipment is EN71 tested and UKCA certified. FSC-certified timber is used across all TP wooden ranges. This article is produced as part of TP Toys' commitment to supporting informed, age-appropriate outdoor play across the UK.