Did you know that there are Pikler triangle alternatives there that are less than $50?
They don’t look like a Pikler but they have the same purpose – redirecting your child’s attention and energy to climbing safer avenues, instead of playing “monkey” on the window, curtain, fences, etc!
So in this article, I’ve listed play equipment that has a similar function to a Pikler, which is highly recommended by most parents online.
Some can be more or less expensive than a Pikler.
But there are cheaper ones that are not even worth $50, that are easy to assemble and install at home!
I’ve also included here a list of other play types of equipment that are unlike a Pikler alternative but can still keep your children busy and active, even indoors.
I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
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So What Can I Use Instead of Pikler Triangle?
A lot! The most popular ones are an indoor play jungle gym, climbing domes, and crawl and climb foam set.
Other parents have also recommended the Nugget or an alternative modular furniture set.
Scroll down below to also check out some cheaper alternatives to a Pikler, that won’t even cost you $50!
Best Pikler Triangle Alternatives
Indoor Play Gym
Check Price Here
These are the ultimate toy with a similar purpose to a Pikler triangle but are WAAAAY BETTER!
If you want to become the parent of the year or decade, this is the toy to give to your little ones.
The best examples of these indoor play gyms are the Avenlur Indoor Playground Jungle Gym and the Wedanta Indoor Playground Toddler Climber Slide.
Both offer a variety of climbing equipment to keep your climbers busy.
But it also has some other play things in it, such as a slide, monkey bars, gymnastic rings, and even a wooden swing!
Depending on the brand and size, it’s suitable for kids aged 1 to 6 years old, so all your little ones can have fun on it, giving you more bang for your buck.
It looks tough to assemble but seeing your child’s face climbing and having tons of fun on it, would make it worth it!
Climbing Domes
Climbing domes are a big, exciting piece of equipment that toddlers and even 10 years old will love!
Depending on the brand and size, these can carry a maximum weight limit of 600 lbs to 1000 lbs.
This means multiple kids can play on it! So no one has to wait for their turn, as everyone can choose an empty spot and climb on it!
It might not be suitable for timid toddlers, but depending on the temperament of your child, a confident and well-coordinated 3-year-old can climb this safely.
These are outdoor climbing equipment that even adults can enjoy and climb on, making it a bonding-playing experience for the whole family.
Rock Wall Climbing Set
Tire out your little ones with the best equipment that’s specifically made for climbing – a rock wall climbing play set.
They are dirt cheap than a Pikler.
And you can install these indoors, outdoors and the entire family – including you, can enjoy it!
These are weather resistant so you don’t need to worry about cracks or it breaking due to the harsh weather.
And depending on the brand can hold up a range of 230 lbs up to 440 lbs!
Just remember to always include some safety tools like a playmat or create a soft landing spot for your little ones outdoors, just in case.
Take note to also initially, guide younger ones on how to climb it.
Ladder Wall Set
This is another fantastic play set that would blow your kid’s minds.
It’s specifically made for cheeky climbers who give you a mini heart attack every time they climb up the fridge, the bookcase, out of their crib, etc.
The Wedanta Ladder Wall Set, in particular, is very versatile. Not only does it have a rope ladder, but it also has a trapeze, swing, monkey bars, and even an abs bench!
It’s a piece of mini indoor gym equipment to buff up your kid!
It has a maximum weight load capacity of 290 lbs so adults, like yourself – can work out on it! As long as it’s well secured to the wall, as advised by the brand.
Installing this is not for the faint of heart, according to most parents.
But they absolutely love how it kept their kids active and busy indoors, especially on a rainy day.
This leaves them plenty of time for some work, chores, self-care activities, and even hobbies!
Expandable Modular Jungle Gyms
These are play gyms but with a twist – you can take them apart and assemble a completely new play gym suitable for your little ones!
One great example of this is Quadro Playset.
You can easily disassemble it and create a structure that would cater to all kinds of ages – from crawling babies and even up to 6 years old!
You also don’t need to worry about toxic chemicals such as PVC, BPA, PAHs, phthalates, and lead, as this particular brand is certified safe.
Plus you can use this as an outdoor play gym! Maintaining and cleaning this playset is also a breeze.
Crawl and Climb Foam Set
These are best for crawling babies or those who are trying to stand up and cruise around.
With these foam climbing sets, you don’t need to worry about your little ones falling and hitting themselves on a hard surface or corner.
Some brands like the FDP SoftScape and ECR4Kids are made with CertiPUR-US Certified foam and are also GREENGUARD GOLD Certified, making them non-toxic and super safe for your little ones!
It’s easy to clean as well, so if there’s any drool, vomit or diaper blowouts, you can just wipe them away.
Just take note that some foam play sets can slide around and separate, so place them on a yoga mat to add more grip. Or add a velcro strip.
Other Pikler Alternative Toys to Tire Out Your Climber
These items below are recommended by a lot of parents in online communities.
They don’t exactly offer a lot of upward space for climbing and some are not really for climbing at all, but all can be equally entertaining for your little ones:
Climbing Arches/ Rainbow Rockers
All Circles PlayArch – Wooden Climber and Rocker
Climbing Cube
Wobble/ Balance Board
Bunny Hopkins Diversity Balance Board
Balance Beam
Special Supplies Wavy Circle Balance Beams
Sunny & Fun Balance Beam Gymnastics Obstacle Course
Stepping Stones
Hapinest Turtle Steps Balance Stepping Stones
Special Supplies Stepping Stones
JOYIN Turtle Balance Stepping Stones
Modular Furniture Playsets
JELA Floor Sofa Modular Funiture
Check out other climbing toys here that are suitable for 1-year-olds!
FAQ on Alternatives to a Pikler Triangle
What age is best for a Pikler Triangle?
Depending on the brand and size, most manufacturers can recommend a Pikler triangle for 6 months old and even up to 8 years old!
Does my kid need a Pikler Triangle?
No, your kid doesn’t need a Pikler Triangle. Budget-wise, they are not practical items and are not necessary for your children’s development.
But Pikler Triangles can offer a lot of benefits to your little ones that are very hard to ignore. Which makes it a popular product for parents who can afford it!
Why are pikler triangles expensive?
The best Pikler triangles are expensive because of the high-quality raw materials that are needed to make them. Not to mention the tedious and careful labor that goes into making one that’s safe and suitable for kids.
Shipping costs also add to its price, as it’s quite large and heavy.
Takeaway on Pikler Triangle Alternatives
If I had the budget for a Pikler or an alternative, I would have definitely bought one before!
But what I mostly did with my little one was go to the park and let her explore and do some risky play.
I remember she was only 8 or 9 months old when she started walking. So by 10 months old, I was already letting her climb up the stairs in the nearby park playground.
I was always closely following behind, guiding her on how to climb up and get down safely.
By the time she was 3 years old, she was already confident enough to have a go at the playground for 5-year-old kids.
I would still hover around, but I can see that she knew what she was doing and when she turned 4, I could sit down on the nearby bench and just do some “sittervising!”
So you don’t need a Pikler triangle or an alternative. They are not a must-have for your children.
But if you can afford an indoor Pikler triangle alternative, go for it!
It can be one of the best birthday or Christmas gifts you can give your little one!
Having one would save you a lot of time as you can just let your kid play inside in a more or less, safer way, while you work, do chores or even just relax on the couch!
