Active Toys for School-Age Kids

Find gifts for children that encourage fitness and physical activity.

Adapted from equipment used by physical therapists, maze balance boards are deceptively challenging. Kids must use their legs and feet to maneuver balls through a maze as they balance upright. Sturdy enough for adults to use too!

Launch a rocket to the moon with a stomp of the foot! Attach a specially designed "missile" (three are included) to the telescoping launch tube, then take a flying leap onto the blast pad to send the rocket aloft. Parents will be glad to know the missiles can only shoot straight up into the sky—not toward pets or siblings. Plus, all the parts fit together into the toy's base for easy clean-up and storage (once your missiles come back to earth, that is).

This deceptively simple, plastic ball takes backyard baseball to a whole new level. Throw fastballs and curveballs with a ball that's lighter and safer than a standard ball. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Bravo! This souped-up, spruced-up twist on the Italian classic game of bocce is fun for the whole famiglia. Toss out the 12-sided foam target and then try to land your ball and hoop as close to it as possible. A scorekeeper worn on your wrist gives you a different throwing challenge every round.

This innovative game brings a classic book to life in an active new way. It's not your typical roll the dice, move your pawn board game. Instead, players must balance a boat on their noses or a cake on their knees, say, while also jumping up and down or doing the limbo. It's recommended for ages 4 to 8; simple reading is required.

Clever sidewalk-chalk courses encourage kids to add fitness moves to outdoor play. This book includes instructions for 15 courses you can use right away, then alter, adapt, and re-use over time. Each course incorporates fun moves such as windmill toe touches, butterfly kicks, and downhill skiing-style jumps (plus instructions for these moves too).

Remember playing dodgeball in the school gym? Ouch! Here's a better idea: Dodge Tag. Two players don adjustable mesh vests, then give chase, lobbing soft, safe balls. Stick one to your opponent's vest to score a hit.

These adorable, soft dolls are perfect for young, aspiring athletes. Choose from dolls representing basketball (pictured), soccer, golf, running, tennis, dancing, gymnastics, softball, and swimming. Each doll comes with accessories, such as a ball, a towel, and a backpack. A portion of the profits from sales of these dolls goes to organizations that encourage girls to participate in physical activity and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Become the neighborhood's top athlete by competing in six classic, street-based games: stickball, kickball, street hockey, handball, jump rope and shootout soccer. Use your Wii remote to throw, kick, run, and jump; play head-to-head or on teams. This game requires a Nintendo Wii console (compare prices) and is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board (compare prices).

Think fast and listen up when you play this ball game. Each player wears a color-coded wristband, and the electronic ball gives commands out loud so you'll know where to throw it next (there are four different games to play). If you don't do it in time—BOOM! The ball lets you know.