16 Toys and Games That'll Get Kids Moving

Educational Insights – Nancy B’s Science Club Bug Discovery Lab & Incredible Insects Journal, $22 (ages 3 and older)

Open playgrounds might be scarce this winter, but you can still keep your preschooler pumped up for outdoor exploration. This kit promotes STEM learning with a specially designed insect catcher that makes it easy to gather and examine creepy-crawlies up close, then safely set them free. Kids can record their findings in the enclosed journal, which is filled with fun facts, experiments and writing prompts.

Antsy Pants Play Tunnel, $20 (ages 3 and older)

When it comes to kids’ toys with staying power, the price of a $20 soft play tunnel may be the best money you can spend. This foundational piece of play gear promotes movement, imagination and creative play well into the school years. Use it on its own or to connect it to forts, tents or playhouses. When play is finished, it folds almost entirely flat.

Scoot Drone Hand-Operated Indoor Flying UFO Toy, $35 (ages 4 and older)

Launching and following this hand-controlled drone will keep your preschooler active for hours. Scoot is made to use indoors without a remote, making it perfect for cooped-up kids on cold and drippy Pacific Northwest days. Most drone toys aren’t safe for little ones, but this one features a unique webbed shell that protects little hands (and your light fixtures) as kids launch and relaunch the hovering UFO-style drone.

Blippi Ball Pit Mystery Adventure, $49.88 (ages 3 and older)

Remember public ball pits? They provided total-immersion exercise and sensory play, but they were also germy as heck. Public ball pits may have become a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean your kid has to miss out on the fun you remember from your childhood. This indoor/outdoor portable ball pit promotes movement, sensory development and motor skills. The 35 brightly colored balls include 10 filled with special surprises.