10 Best Baby Activity Centers Reviewed in 2024
Activity centers are compact toys that are packed with plenty of activities for babies to explore and interact with for hours of continuous play. They are designed to excite and intrigue them with their many bright colors, shapes, sounds, and movements. These incredible toys toys are great for children age of six-months-old , but it is possible to begin earlier than that for a terrific head start to learning and physical movement. Manufacturers have created these playthings to impart on the child many skills and abilities.
Once babies are acclimated to the workings of these movements they are ready to move on to outstanding activity centers. They will be able to play alone for hours and hours in progressive educational fun. We are pleased to spotlight these fabulous toys for your enhanced shopping experience. Here are the best baby activity centers in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 71 hrs of research
Has five sides of activities
Develops fine motor abilities and crawling
Made of plastic that is free of BPA
Has a shut-off that is automatic
Includes an adjustable volume control
- VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube
- Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn
- LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical
- WolVol Educational Musical
- Summer Infant Pop N' Jump
- Bright Starts Springin' Safari
- Little Tikes Activity Garden
- Skip Hop Explore and More
- ALEX Discover My Busy Town Cube
- Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable
10 Best Baby Activity Centers Reviewed
1. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube
Has five sides of activities
Develops fine motor abilities and crawling
Made of plastic that is free of BPA
Has a shut-off that is automatic
Includes an adjustable volume control
Songs included may lack creativity
Toy could slip if baby uses it for support to stand
With almost 2,000 online customer reviews and being tied with other toys for the highest rating, the Vtech Busy Learners Activity Cube is loaded with the colors of the rainbow on all sides and offered in a purple or a red main color. It has five sides of activities for exploring and discovery and includes buttons that light up for animal shapes, sounds, and names.
Read moreDesign
This incredible toy aids babies in play while sitting and develops fine motor abilities with fourteen features that are interactive. It also encourages crawling and attracts the child’s attention with the fun sounds. The many sounds are activated when the item is moved because of the motion sensors. It keeps little ones entertained and engaged with the many melodies and songs and is ideal for babies six-months-old and older. Made of plastic that is free of BPA, it has a shut-off mechanism that is automatic and an adjustable volume control. Requiring batteries for operation, it develops cognitive, language, emotional, social, motor, and physical talents in young babies quickly.
Educational Value
Many abilities will be exercised and obtained when the baby interacts with this wonderful product. Their motor, verbal, auditory, language, and finger dexterity skills will be improved, just to name a few.
Sensory Stimulation
There are so many things to look at, touch, and play with on this cute little cube toy. Babies will be enchanted with the many colors, shapes, and buttons to press for numerous sounds and melodies.
Price Range
Having a below-average cost, this lovely toy cube derives its value from the many activities and sounds included, the colorful and appealing design, and the many skills that it exercises of the child.
2. Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn
Features height adjustment for the seat
Is a safe substitute for baby walkers
Includes actions of bounce, spin, and rock
Seat spins 360-degrees for increased mobility
Seat pad is detachable and machine-washable
Can be noisy with a bouncing baby in it
Some buyers found issues with a few of the small items
Offered in several exciting color themes, the Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn activity center provides a secure play and learn environment and grows along with the child for added value. It exercises hand-eye-coordination, object performance, visual development, tactile development, self-awareness, cause-and-effect principle, object exploration, and gross and fine motor talents.
Read moreDesign
This wonderful toy physically exerts the baby to develop muscles in the legs, back, and neck, plus includes a comfortable soft cushioned seat. The top includes many activities for the infant to happily engage in for hours of fun play, as they bounce, spin, and rock with joy. It features a height adjustment for the seat in three positions and is a safe substitute for baby walkers. The seat spins 360-degrees for increased mobility and flexibility, and the lightweight frame is small and easy to relocate in the home. The plastic surfaces wipe clean easily with a damp cloth, and the seat pad is detachable and can be machine washed.
Educational Value
The list of skills that the baby will gain from using this incredible toy is long because it is designed to exercise many physical and mental capabilities. While they play for hours on end, they will be progressively benefiting from the activities.
Sensory Stimulation
As your child gets older, they will be able to do more and more with this highly versatile plaything. They can swivel completely around in the seat, plus bounce, spin, and rock when they get the urge.
Price Range
With a below-average price, this fabulous product exercises many abilities and skills has plenty of activities to do and is easy to transport from room to room in the home.
3. LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical
Teaches colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
Has activities on every side of the table
Gives practice with the cause-and-effect principle
Has different modes of learning and music
Legs of the table can be detached
Did not work properly for some buyers
The legs can be sharp on the edges
With a colorful and eye-catching design, the LeapFrog and Groove Musical Table includes more than seventy tunes, learning responses, and songs when the buttons are pressed. It teaches colors, shapes, numbers, and letters and exposes the child to musical instruments and sounds.
Read moreDesign
This superb item has many children’s tunes that are classics such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Old MacDonald” and is perfect for babies six-months-old and older. As an Educator-Approved toy, it has activities on every side of the table and gives practice with the cause-and-effect principle. This wonderful product develops motor, auditory, language, visual, finger dexterity, and cognitive skills, as well as different modes for learning and music. The sturdy legs of the table can be detached for playing on the floor or bed for a relaxed form of play.
Educational Value
Learning through music and activities is exciting for the little ones. The musical table is a great way to encourage them to engage for hours of fun for both babies and toddlers. Each activity on the table allows them to explore with sights and sounds while enhancing motor skill development and vocabulary skills. Between the learning modes and the lights, this table will soon become their go to toy for some fun.
Sensory Stimulation
Children will be busy for hours exploring all this toy is capable of doing. There are activities and buttons on each side of this adorable table that can be enjoyed by more than one child at a time.
Price Range
With a below-average cost, this cute table toy has the great features of playing a huge number of songs and sounds, having removable legs, and a completely covered top with all sorts of fun activities.
4. WolVol Educational Musical
Strong and sturdy high-quality toy
Has been tested for safety and quality
Includes sound effects, music, and lights
Many activities are included on all sides
Colorful, bright, and eye-catching
Music is loud and cannot be turned down
Was smaller than some buyers expected
The Wolvol Educational Toy Musical Play Cube is a strong and sturdy high-quality toy that has been tested for safety and quality. It includes fun and attractive sound effects, music, and lights and is perfect for babies six-months-old and older. This fabulous product makes a wonderful gift for a baby, as many activities are included on all five sides.
Read moreDesign
It requires batteries for operation and is colorful, bright, and eye-catching. Some of the many skills exercised are motor, visual, audible, tactile, cognitive, language, and hand-eye coordination abilities. There is a built-in microphone to sing songs, a cell phone that detaches, a steering wheel, activity tools, gears for a water tank, and a bell to ring to keep your child busy as a happy little bee.
Educational Value
Allowing little ones to explore with their hands promotes the development of hand eye coordination and develops the key skills that enhance their creativity. A play cube is a wonderful tool that gives babies and toddlers age 18 months and older a way to learn, play, and explore. Before you know it they will be solving how to display the different pictures, working the beads along the lines, and driving the fun steering wheel with a smile on their face. It is an educational tool that they will enjoy playing with time and time again.
Sensory Stimulation
Endless hours of fun are provided to children with this play cube. It provides them with 15 different activities that are effective learning tools. Each of the activities allows the children to engage and provide developmental milestones from 18 months on. It easily has something for everyone to enjoy.
Price Range
Being below-average in price, this exciting cube activity center is valued for its five sides of activities, use of sounds effects and lights, and is a strong and long-lasting plaything.
5. Summer Infant Pop N' Jump
Unfolds quickly and easily for setup
Height adjustment has three levels
Support seat is machine-washable and removable
Baby is protected from the sun with the UV canopy
Comes with a travel bag with a shoulder strap
The carry bag might tear easily if used often
Legs may damage or scratch wooden floors
Keeping the little ones engaged away from the home or even at home can be a challenge. The pop and jump have been created and designed with the idea that little ones can develop their motor skills and engage in fun activities while being confined to a safe place. This lightweight and easy to fold pop and jump is that and more. It unfolds in seconds and allows the child to enjoy jumping, viewing a mirror book, and playing with a few toys while being in a safe place.
Read moreDesign
Included activities are a mirror book, teether, rattle, and spinner ball, which are ideal for babies six-months-old and older. The baby is protected from the sun when playing outdoors with the UV canopy. Use it on the go or when traveling, as this item can be enjoyed anywhere. It comes with a travel bag that is compact and includes a convenient shoulder strap.
Educational Value
If you are looking for a toy that will keep your baby busy for hours and can be taken anywhere, then this is it. even outdoors, this portable activity plaything is wonderful to set up for endless entertainment.
Sensory Stimulation
One of the first activities that infants like to do is jump up and down, as if they are enthusiastically testing the principle of gravity. They can do this repeatedly with this thrilling jumper toy with plenty of small toys for added fun.
Price Range
This lovely little jumper plaything from Summer Infant has a below-average cost when compared to the others listed. It has the great features of being highly portable with a travel bag, plenty of toys for fun play, and providing an exciting jumping activity for the baby.
6. Bright Starts Springin' Safari
Folds flat for storing and transport purposes
Cushioned seat has a 360-degree rotation
Storage tray is built-in and simple to clean
Seat pad is durable and machine-washable
Grows with the child since the seat is adjustable
Wheels would not stay in place for some people
The height adjustment was an issue for a few parents
Bouncing in here will be the place that your little one is crying to get to. The bounce station allows children to be able to develop fine and gross motor skills while having some fun. They will squall in joy while they bounce so high. The toys on the tray around them are also super fun to engage with. As they play they can also spin 360 degrees allowing them to get to each of their favorite toys.
Read moreDesign
It includes cute characters and interactive items and folds flat for storing and transport purposes. The comfortable cushioned seat has a 360-degree rotation, plus the storage tray is built-in and simple to clean. This wonderful product includes a seat pad that is durable and machine-washable, and it grows with the child because the height is adjustable.
Educational Value
At the bounce station is a tray full of toys that are provided to allow the little ones to play with developmental appropriate devices while gaining strength in their legs. Each of the toys works their fine motor skill set and presents some challenges that keep them coming back each time to play with them.
Sensory Stimulation
For the compact size of this fantastic play center, it is loaded with a huge number of activities for the infant. They will not know what to do first, as each toy is more interesting than the others.
Price Range
This ideal activity center has an average cost. it derives its value from the many thrilling activities included, the versatility of the height, and the simplicity in the cleaning of this terrific toy.
7. Little Tikes Activity Garden
Is a multi-functional activity center
Exercises many talents and skills
Features a detachable play panel
Does not need the use of any tools
Is easy and quick to put together
Might not be enough room inside
Could use some more noisemakers
The Little Tikes Activity Garden Baby Playset is a multi-functional activity center that exercises fine motor abilities and is ideal for ages six-months-old and older. It presents an enclosed, durable, and safe environment to play and can be altered into a two-sided open center for playing.
Read moreDesign
Use for playing while sitting with the adjustable play panel. The detachable play panel plays songs, has large buttons to press, clicking bugs, spinning gears, a spinner and mirror, and a bead tumbler. Other features of this activity set include a telescope to look through that is movable, a functioning door, a Tap-a-Tune piano on the door, mailbox with a shape sorter, and an archway with a crawl-through space. The window shutter functions to open and close and have a flower pot with a ball drop. This thrilling plaything requires batteries for some operation and is easy to put together. Colorful, bright, and exciting, it transforms in shape without the use of any tools.
Educational Value
When you have a multi-function playhouse for your little one to play with and learn it will make playtime everyday fun. The playhouse is perfect for the development of their gross motor skills while also working their fine motor skill developmental set. From the little slide to opening the mailbox, they will learn through play each and every day.
Sensory Stimulation
Children can play in this adorable playset with it in an open or closed form. It is highly versatile, as some of the parts detach for playing with them away from the rest of the toy.
Price Range
This cute playset has an above-average cost. It derives its value from the many activities included, the flexibility and versatility of the design, and the easy assembly of the toy.
8. Skip Hop Explore and More
Folds up easily for transport and storage
Has a window for infants to see their feet
Teaches cause-and-effect principle
Can be converted to a functioning table
Has a system of clips for attaching the toys
Table toys only face inward
Legs are not adjustable for height
Including a soft comfortable seat that is cushioned and a bouncy floor piece for exciting bouncing fun, the Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center folds up easily for transport and storage. The table top features many colorful engaging toys for hours of productive play, and the floor piece has a colorful piano with large buttons to play with the feet.
Read moreDesign
The comfy seat rotates 360-degrees to stretch and turn with the child, as they learn the cause-and-effect principle with the many activities. There is a window in the table top for infants to see their own feet playing with the musical keys below. This terrific plaything can be converted to a functioning table as the child outgrows the activity center. It has a system of clips for attaching the toys, making it easy to remove and change them.
Educational Value
Being a mentally and physically stimulating toy, this adorable activity center has plenty of things to do for the fingers, toe, and whole body. The child can play with the toys on the top, activate the colorful keys with the feet, and jump for thrilling exercise.
Sensory Stimulation
As your little one grows this activity center is perfect to grow right along with them. It is a bouncer and activity center that transforms into a learning and coloring station with ease. When purchasing items for your baby there are many available on the market so selecting items that grow and transform with your little one is great. It goes from infant stage to child stage with a few easy moves.
Price Range
This is the most expensive product we feature in this category. It derives its value from having three stages of activity, being easy to transport and fold, and teaching several important skills to the child.
9. ALEX Discover My Busy Town Cube
Includes five complete sides of fun
Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Is tough for even destructive of babies
Design is eye-catching and enjoyable to view
Created for tactile and visual stimulation
Was smaller than some buyers expected
A few people had some wood cracks at the base
Five sides of fun for countless hours of entertainment that allow little ones to create, explore, and engage. This wooden activity center is a classic toy that provides children with five sides of learning fun. From the ABCs to the 123s and more they will learn as they explore. It colors are bright and the doors are fun. It will give them a place to explore and then more.
Read moreDesign
Featuring curvy wires at the top with plenty of big movable beads in an array of colors, it also has several doors to open and close, animals to match and spin, word tiles with the ABCs with pictures to learn and turn, and racing rollers. Perfect for one-year-olds and older, it is cheerful, bright, and tough enough for even the most destructive of babies. The design is eye-catching and enjoyable to view and created for tactile and visual stimulation.
Educational Value
The skills obtained are many with such a highly interactive and functional plaything. For hours and hours, your baby will be gaining many insights of visual, tactile, motor, language, cognitive, and reasoning talents.
Sensory Stimulation
When your baby plays with this outstanding wooden cube, you will want to be there to watch the excitement. Parents will be just as entertained as the child, as they watch all the discoveries and play of the baby.
Price Range
Having a price that is below the average, this unique wooden cube toy is just bursting with activities, has plenty of vivid colors and pictures, and is a tough design that is fun to gaze at.
10. Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable
Use in four various ways and folds easily
Includes a 360-degree rotating seat
Builds cognitive development and fine motor abilities
Small toys are thoughtfully designed and tested
Has a soft seat with cushioning
Did not bounce as much as some parents would have liked
A few babies lost interest quickly
Offered in three different colors, the Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Baby Activity Center can be used in the four various ways of fold, transform, play, and bounce. It includes a 360-degree rotating seat and elastic bands that come with the toy make bouncing possible with the seat pad.
Read moreDesign
This terrific product can be stored in a closet or the trunk of a car because it folds easily, plus it is made of safe materials that meet national standards. It has a soft seat with plenty of cushioning for comfort and is ideal for babies six to twelve-months-old. The table top can be swapped out for the seat to make it a play table for toddlers, and stools are sold to go with the toy as a table. It has plenty of small toys to entertain your baby, in addition to building cognitive development and fine motor abilities. The edges of the table have durable toys that are thoughtfully designed and tested for enjoyment and fun.
Educational Value
Activity centers are something you normally think is only something that is used at home, well not anymore. This is a foldable activity center that makes learning on the go something that happens each and every time. It is easy to fold up and take along anywhere. On the tray around the activity center is brightly colored and simple fun. It provides those curious little ones with a place to explore.
Sensory Stimulation
This item is called the four-in-one because it has different forms that it can take. It can be a seat for the child to play with the toys, a jumper to bounce in, a table to sit at with stools, or in a folded form for storage and travel.
Price Range
Costing more than the average of the listed products here, this folding toy is valued for its versatility and flexibility as a seat and a table, its choice of colors, and its many playthings to keep the child busy.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
There are so many things for the child to do using these ideal activity centers because they are made to keep the baby entertained and engaged in thoughtful fun play for long periods. Some of the items that are featured on these incredible toys are letters, numbers, colors, animals, sounds, music, lights, opening doors, shapes, moving beads, and rattles. The possibilities are endless for a child playing alone or engaging in play with an adult or another child.
Educational Value
Babies will learn many skills with these super toys that are loaded with interactive activities to interest them. These include fine and gross motor, tactile, visual, auditory, cognitive, communication, and social abilities that they need for life. It is never too early to begin these talents, as early learning will gain the knowledge your child needs to exceed in their coming years. The activity centers that have a bounce function, allow the child much physical activity for muscle development also in the legs, back, feet, and ankles.
Sensory Stimulation
Each of these activity centers is attractive for the young child with vibrant colors, pictures, and movable parts they can interact with for hours. Children love to explore new things and investigate what they are all about. Your child will be thrilled to see what each toy and activity can do and how they can play with them for fun and enjoyment. The designs of these playthings are intriguing for the child and the parent, as they are loaded with many new and fun tasks.
Price Range
These activity centers vary widely in price because of the size, materials used, capabilities of the product, and the skills taught to the child. We like to give you a sense of the value of each item that is based on the price. We do not list specific online costs because these prices change frequently. We do calculate an average with the prices and compare each one with that average. In each Cost and Value section, you will see that the item is either average, above-average, or below-average in price. We also state the best qualities or features that make the item worth that cost. The activity center with the highest cost is the Skip Hop Explore and More, and the lowest in cost is the Vtech Busy Learners Cube.
That using an activity center provides babies with an engaging activity that promotes cognitive development and physical development. It rewards them with exciting sounds and bright lights that keep them going for a period of time. This is a rewarding time for caretakers and babies.
An activity center like a jumper is a great place for baby to have some playtime while Mom or Dad get an activity completed. They are easy to carry around the house and place in whatever room you need.
Other Factors to Consider
Accuracy
Online customers have selected these listed items as the best baby activity centers being offered currently by manufacturers. They have the best ratings and the most reviews of all available products. We feature them here for you in this informative buying guide to enhance and aid your shopping experience in looking for the perfect one for your child. in our useful summary sections, we give you all the details we could find to help you make this important decision. There you will find the manufacturer’s information about the item from their descriptions and also the details of online customer feedback and comments. The activity center with the most reviews is the Vtech Busy Learners Cube. The best rating is a tie between five excellent products with almost perfect ratings. These are the Vtech Busy Learners Cube, the Summer Infant Pop N’ Jump, the Skip Hop Explore and More, the LeapFrog and Groove Musical Table, and the Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are the appropriate ages for these activity centers?
Most of the manufacturers recommended the ages of six-months-old and older for these activity centers. It is never too early to introduce your child to the many pleasures of educational toys such as these. Even as an infant that cannot yet hold its own head up, you can show them the colors, shapes, pictures, and moving parts of the toys to make their minds active in progressive thoughts.
q: Do any of these toys have small parts that can come off to be safely played with as a hand-held toy?
Nothing small can come off of these activity centers to cause a problem for the child. a couple of these had an activity tray or piece that was removable for playing with separately without the whole activity center. These can be taken in the car or used at doctor’s offices or restaurants to keep the child busy during boring times.
q: Are there any choices of styles of colors with these models?
A few of them gave a choice for color or theme, and we made a notation of that when a choice was given for the parents. Most of them are just one model of the same color and theme choices.
q: Should the child play with these alone or with an adult?
They can play with them either way. it is best to introduce the child to the toy when you can spend some time with them to show them what the toy is capable of doing. Then they will try to mimic what you do and learn how to operate the plaything well.
q: What skills or abilities will the baby learn with these activity centers?
Their cognitive, motor, visual, language, social, interactive, auditory, tactile, and dexterity abilities will be exercised and developed by simply playing with these items. Recognizing patterns, shapes, and designs will also be a challenging task as they interact with these colorful products.
q: What types of activities do these contain?
There are plenty of things to do on these activity centers from bouncing to actively engaging with the individual tasks. Children will learn numbers, colors, animals, letters, phrases, songs, and melodies. They can bounce in the ones that have a bouncing mechanism or play with the wires loaded with colorful wooden beads on the top. There are doors to open, blocks to rotate, and colorful buttons to press with fingers and toes. The possibilities and time engaged in progressive positive fun are endless and so beneficial for the child.
q: How do you decide which one of these activity centers is the right one to get for your child?
This is a hard decision since you may think a toy is just the one, but your child may not like it for some small reason. We would suggest choosing the one that appeals to you most for what activities and abilities you want your child to practice. If you want them to be able to jump and bounce, then get one that has this ability. Each one exercises many abilities and talents that the child will need for later years, so none of them are bad choices. The biggest complaint that we encountered online from customers was that their child was just not interested in a certain toy. That is going to happen and sometimes for reasons we may not understand. Your child should like the majority of these activity centers, as they have plenty of things to do on all of them.
Sources
- Safety Tips for Buying Baby Gear, Online Article ,
- Tips on Playing with Babies and Toddlers, Online Article ,
- For babies' development, go for activities, not gadgets, Online Article ,