The best baby activity center is the most needed item for children as they spend most of their time with their parents. Kids enjoy spending time together, doing fun activities, learning new things, and bonding.
However, most babies prefer being left alone while their parents are busy, and parents often feel guilty about leaving their kids in the playroom. Therefore, finding an activity center that helps kids entertain themselves and relax while their parents are busy is the need of the hour.
The best baby activity center is a very important item for a baby’s nursery. Finding the right baby activity center will ensure that the baby is spending his/her time in a fun and comfortable way and provides a safe environment for him/her to grow. There are so many options available, ranging from infant swings and baby bouncers to musical toys, but not all baby activity centers are the same.
After a long search, we have reviewed the 10 best baby activity centers for kids in this comprehensive post, which can provide enough stimulation for your child and make your life easier. We have also included a buyer’s guide at the end of this post to help you choose the best activity center for your baby.
Why Should You Buy the Best Baby Activity Center?
Baby activity centers provide plenty of opportunities for your little ones to explore and engage all their senses. Here are the five main reasons you should consider buying an activity center for your baby:
1. Visual Stimulation:
Babies are born with fully-formed eyesight and are able to focus on objects from birth. Activity centers usually have a variety of bright colors and patterns, which help to stimulate your baby’s vision.
2. Auditor Stimulation:
Most activity Centers come equipped with a variety of sounds, such as chimes, bells, and animal noises. These noises help to stimulate your baby’s hearing and develop their sense of sound.
3. Tactile Stimulation:
Activity Centers often have a variety of textures for your baby to touch and feel, such as soft fabrics, smooth plastic, or different types of materials. This helps them to develop their sense of touch and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
4. Movement:
Many activity centers encourage your baby to move their arms and legs through the use of dangling toys or spinning elements. This helps to develop their motor skills and coordination.
5. Socialization:
Activity Centers provide a great opportunity for babies to interact with other children and adults. This helps them to develop social skills and learn about communication.
Why Trust Us?
At KidsToyCart, we have a team of experienced writers and researchers who are passionate about helping parents find the best products for their kids. We understand that choosing the right product for your child can be overwhelming, so we do the hard work for you.
In order to compile this list of the best baby activity centers, our team looked at dozens of different products on the market and read through hundreds of user reviews. We then narrowed our list down to the 10 best baby activity centers based on features, quality, and value.
We believe that the products on this list are the best available and will help your child stay entertained while you’re busy.
Our Pick Up Of Top 10 Best Baby Activity Centers:
- Skip Hop Baby Activity Center
- Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper Activity Center
- Fisher-Price Animal Activity Jumperoo
- Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
- Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo
- Bright Starts Disney Baby Activities Jumper
- Bright Starts Around Baby Activity Center & Table
- Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center
- Joovy Spoon Walker
- Disney Baby MINNIE MOUSE Activity Jumper
Choose the best available product for your child not just to entertain but also to help the baby grow.
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center – Best for 1-Year-Old
Our favorite model is the Skip Hop Baby Activity Center, which features three stages of use: sit, swivel, bounce, and cruise and interact. They’ve done some really clever design here to create a play table that easily converts for cruising.
Designed in collaboration with a pediatrician, this activity center supports a whole-body approach to play and learning.
The rotation seat easily rotates for bouncing, which helps babies learn cause and effect. The seats are made from PVC plastic, which is much stronger than foam. This means they won’t break like foam and will last longer.
Boomers love it too! It easily becomes a table for older kids. The toys are designed to be easy for newborns to figure out. There are clips and tabs to help the baby learn how to grasp them.
The unique Discovery Window lets baby see their feet while they play, fostering a sense of cause and effect. The easy-to-assemble design features toys that can be positioned anywhere. As the baby grows, the activity center converts for easy cruising, ultimately becoming a sturdy play table for coloring, building, and more. With 25+ developmental activities, it’s sure to keep your little one engaged and entertained. Overall, this best baby activity center is great value for the price.
Features
- 360-degree rotating seat
- Toy-attachment system clips
- Comes with a discovery window
- Include a grow with me feature
- Easy to assemble
- Made from durable material
- Three stages of use
- 25+ development activities
Specifications
- Brand: Skip Hop
- Color: Explore & More
- Style: Activity Center
- Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)
- Product Dimensions: 18.5″D x 31″W x 31″H
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- The seat is made from durable PVC plastic
- The discovery window is a great feature
- The toys are easy for newborns to figure out
- Converts to a play table for older kids
Cons
- Not available yet
Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper Activity Center – Best for Small Spaces
Baby Einstein is an iconic name for kids’ toys, and we’ve previously reviewed some of their products. For this review, we’re going to focus on the Journey of Discovery and the Baby Einstein Journey of Discovery Jumper Activity Center.
Journey of Discovery is a popular activity center in the world of parenting, as it can help teach infants new skills such as sitting, standing, crawling, walking, running, jumping, playing musical instruments, and much more. Most centers come with educational games, but Baby Einstein also makes an exclusive version with the Journey of Discovery that features lights and music to play along with.
The Journey of Discovery is a good value-for-money activity center because it has three toy stations (including the aforementioned music-playing station), a spinning globe, and 4 activity balls.
The globe spins and changes the color of its light as you move it around the activity center. It has 6 music notes and the corresponding musical instruments that are played on each instrument. These include the violin, flute, trumpet, cello, piano, and saxophone.
If your child grows to a certain age, they will need to progress to the next activity stage to enjoy some more interesting activities. So, you can easily adjust the height of the seats to the appropriate position for your child to enjoy. This product is suitable for children up to 2 years of age.
We really like the versatility and portability of this product. It’s great to have in your kid’s room and great for traveling and vacations too!
Features
- Encourages exploration and learning
- Entertains with a variety of activities
- The seat rotates 360 degrees
- Adjusts to grow with baby
- Easy to clean and keep tidy
- Stimulating music and sounds
Specifications
- Brand: Baby Einstein
- Style: Journey of Discovery
- Batteries required: Yes
- Recommended Age: 0-2 years old
- Weight Maximum (lb): 25.0
- Model Number: 10917
Pros
- Easy to set up in the bedroom, living room, dining room, or kitchen
- Great for traveling, day trips, vacations, and backyard parties
- Suitable for children up to 2 years old
- Great gift for parents and grandparents
Cons
- Some parents complain about the loud music volume (but that is subjective)
Fisher-Price Animal Activity Jumperoo – Best Baby Activity Center for Hips
The Fisher-Price Animal Activity Jumperoo is the perfect pool toy for kids who are young enough to enjoy jumping around in their own splash zone but old enough to sit on their own.
They’ve come up with a great alternative to traditional baby pool toys because it gives them plenty of fun while they learn to swim!
The first thing to note is that this best baby activity center comes in two styles: an animal activity jumperoo and a color climbers jumperoo. It’s also made from sturdy plastic and has a removable seat pad, making it ideal for cleaning.
The other neat thing is that there are a lot of interactive features. This exciting jumper features 360 degrees of play, with plenty of fun animals and activities to keep the baby entertained. Music, lights, and sounds encourage the baby to bounce and jump, while the three adjustable height settings ensure a perfect fit as the baby grows. The colorful toys include a giraffe with a spinner-bead neck, a bat-at butterfly, a lion slider, a froggy teether, and more.
The jumper is easily removable and washable. To clean it, you just fill it with warm water and detergent and wipe it down. Then you just rinse it with fresh water and leave it dry. The bottom surface is hard plastic, but the rest is foam, so it’s quite soft. It’s easy to wipe clean, but some spots might need extra attention. The seat pad is machine-washable.
Overall, this best baby activity center is a very nice jumping toy. It’s made of strong material and holds up well, and the animals are cute. It’s a great product that parents will love, and it would make a great gift for someone who has a baby on the way.
Features
- Seat can rotate 360 degree
- Lights, sound, music, and more attractions
- 3-level adjustable height
- Includes colorful toys
- Removable and washable seat
Specifications
- Brand: Fisher-Price
- Age Range (Description): Baby
- Material: Polyester, Plastic
- Color: Blue
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery life: 20 Hours
Pros
- Colorful and eye-catching for baby
- Plenty of activities to keep baby entertained
- Adjustable height settings make it easy to find the right fit
- The seat is easily removed for washing
Cons
- May require batteries frequently
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo – Best Baby Activity Center with Lights
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo might look cute, but it’s got serious playtime potential. It’s pretty much everything you could ask for from an infant jumping toy. It has 360-degree play features, including a bat-at monkey, rattle lizard, peek-a-boo tiger, and even a musical chime. The play area is adjustable, so you can grow the fun along with your baby. There are also 3 different height settings, a maximum of 32 inches – so your baby can start playing when he’s old enough.
It has many ways to play, which will keep your child entertained for hours on end. There are 4 toys that play in rotation, and you can switch them out as you go. The music sounds pretty good too, and there are different options for what you can hear.
The sturdy, freestanding frame means no doorway is required, and the fabric spring covers keep little fingers safe. The soft, comfy seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe. When you’re done playing, simply fold the legs of the frame for easy storage. The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment for your little one! We think it’s the best baby activity center on the market.
Features
- 4 toys in rotation
- Music and lights
- Sturdy, freestanding frame
- Adjustable height settings
- Seat is machine washable
- Foldable for easy storage
Specifications:
- Brand: Fisher-Price
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Rainforest
- Item Weight: 7.3 Kilograms
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 37 x 32 x 32 inches
Pros
- No doorway required
- Bright colors that will capture the baby’s attention
- Toys are interchangeable
Cons
- Not very portable
Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo – Best Jumperoo for Small Babies
Fisher-Price really does know how to create a great product, and this is no exception. The Jumparoo Jumperoo is a perfect toy for both newborn and older children. It’s a simple jumperoo designed to entertain babies, but it can also serve as a nice size jumparoo for older kids and is also suitable for adult playtime.
The product is designed to give a baby the freedom of movement they need. The seat spins around 360 degrees, so babies can move at will, even though it’s a freestanding jumperoo.
The music, lights, and sounds help to entertain the little one. The sound level and volume are both adjustable, making it suitable for younger babies.
The seat pad features a soft velour fabric that’s easy to clean and can be removed for washing. This makes it easier to clean the toys too.
There’s also a pair of additional take-along toys. One of them is a light-up frog, and the other is a bat-at-panda and elephant duo. The frog is battery-operated and emits a soft musical chime when it moves. The elephant and bat-at-panda come with sounds that change according to how your child moves.
The entire jumperoo is completely waterproof, so you can take it outside to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it comes with a carry bag for storage or travel. If you’re looking for a simple jumperoo that doesn’t require a lot of space, this best baby activity center is a great option.
Features
- Encourages motor skills and exploration
- The 360-degree spinning seat provides hours of entertainment
- Vibrant colors and fun designs stimulate baby’s senses
- Music, lights, and sounds keep baby entertained
- The seat pad is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning
- Take-along toys for on-the-go fun
Specifications
- Brand: Fisher-Price
- Material: Plastic
- Color: White
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7.87 x 24.41 x 22.49 inches
- Age Range (Description): Infant
Pros
- Attractive designs
- Seat is machine-washable
- Stimulates the senses
Cons
- Not available yet
Bright Starts Disney Baby Activities Jumper – Best Baby Jumper for Development
If you’re looking for a jumper that will keep your little one occupied while you’re at work, this might be a perfect choice. There are so many exciting features here, but the first thing we notice is the great design. We are fans of Nemo and his fishy friends, and we think this jumper does a great job of reflecting that.
All the activities the baby can do with the toys include lights and sounds, and the seat will rotate 360 degrees to get the best view from all directions. It’s quite convenient for babies when they want to look everywhere while still having something to keep them busy.
And since it can take care of so many things at once, you won’t need to worry about whether your kid is too tired or hungry to play with it.
This little jumper will grow with the baby as the toy itself adjusts to the weight limits of 25 pounds for kids aged 6 months and above.
Overall, the Nemo jumper has a very good design, a ton of fun interactive features, and easy portability. You can always count on Disney to put out some of the cutest designs and products around, and this one certainly fits that bill. We think this is the best baby jumper for development and encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Features:
- Take a journey with Nemo and his friends
- Detachable toys for interactive fun
- 13+ activities keep baby engaged
- Seat rotates 360 degrees for all-around play
- Adjusts to grow with baby
Specifications
- Brand: Bright Starts
- Color: Blue
- Material: Metal
- Age Range (Description): Less than 18 months
- Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Design is eye-catching
- Seat rotates 360 degrees
- Includes over 13+ activities
Cons
- May be difficult to assemble
Bright Starts Around Baby Activity Center & Table – Best Baby Activity Center for 6 Months+
The Bright Starts Around Baby Activity Center is an extremely convenient piece of equipment for young children and their parents. With a variety of different activities, it will entertain your kid for hours and hours. Plus, it’s compact enough that you can fold it up and easily bring it along anywhere with you.
There are 10 activities and modes in this drum set, but only 4 of them are adjustable. The spinning monkey, spinning turtle, and the surfers are fixed. The parrot, the bead chaser, and the toggling whale can be rotated as desired.
All of the activities have colorful LEDs embedded in their drums, making it much easier to spot the items. The rotating turtle and the parrot are both great. But, the spinning monkey and the spinning turtle are too distracting for me.
The walk-around seat is great and very easy to clean. With a height of 33 inches, this baby activity center is suitable for your toddlers and is even big enough to accommodate older kids.
It’s very light and portable, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. This drum set has a weight of 3 pounds, so you can pack it up in your bag or backpack and take it with you everywhere.
Overall, this best baby activity center is a great value, and we would recommend this product to anyone looking for a versatile, portable, and durable drum set for their children.
Features
- 10 tropical activities
- 2 can play at once
- Light and music
- Suitable for 6 to 2 years babies
- Flip between animal and tunes sounds
Specifications
- Brand: Bright Starts
- Size: 4.4×23.7×17 Inch (Pack of 1)
- Color: Tropical Coral
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 34.4 x 23.7 x 17 inches
- Item Weight: 8.16 Pounds
Pros
- Lots of activities
- Great value
- Very light and portable
Cons
- Not very durable
Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center – Best Wooden Toy for Toddlers
This is the first time we’ve reviewed a tree-themed activity center. It’s very well made, and the kids really love it. Since day one, they’ve been asking us to get it, so this was a no-brainer.
If you have a small child and need an activity center, this is the one to get. It has a lot of fun inside – there’s a bead run, glider, dial, and a couple of small spinners too. The tree is also a nice touch and makes for a great first toy.
You can also use the tree to entertain the kids when you’re on the road – you just pop it inside the car, and they can play on it and keep themselves occupied.
The base is also very sturdy, which helps to ensure that your kids won’t knock over the stand or destroy it, and it’s waterproof, too, so you can easily clean it.
This best wooden activity center is well worth the money – it’s a great way to keep the kids occupied and last them a long time. If your little one loves to explore, then this is the toy you should buy for them!
Features
- Classic toddler activities
- Tree-themed activity center
- Hands-on learning, fun
- Suitable for 1-year kids
- Colorful and highly detailed graphics
Specifications
- Brand: Manhattan Toy
- Material: Wood
- Color: Multicolor
- Toy figure type: Play Figure
- Theme: Playset
Pros
- Sturdy and well-made
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Entertains kids for hours
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
Joovy Spoon Walker – Best Baby Walker for Carpet
This is the perfect first walker for your little one. It’s super lightweight and has a really low profile, so it’s easy for your baby to maneuver. It’s the best baby walker because it’s adjustable and super safe. Plus, it comes with a tray that can fit under the table, so you don’t have to worry about spills and messes.
Most other walkers have to be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and weights, but the Spoon Walker features three height levels which means that it adjusts as your baby grows.
With a maximum weight limit of 12.3 pounds, this walker is good enough for most infants and toddlers. That means it won’t get broken, and the tray won’t crack.
The tray can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher, but that’s no big deal since most walkers don’t come with trays. The Spoon Walker can also be used on the floor, so you can use it for tummy time or take your baby to the park for a nice stroll.
What’s great is that this walker is really affordable, so it’s definitely worth buying.
Features
- Made from premium quality material
- Extra-wide footprint
- JPMA certified
- Easy storage
- Compact and portable
- Machine washable
Specifications
- Brand: Joovy
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Charcoal
- Item Dimensions 27.75 x 25.5 x 18 inches
- Item Weight: 12.3 Pounds
Pros
- Super lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Tray can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher
- Can be used on the floor or outdoors
Cons
- Heavy, hard to move around
Disney Baby MINNIE MOUSE Activity Jumper – Best Baby Jumper for 6 Month Old
We’ve seen many similar products in the past, but none were as unique as this one was, and none had such a wide variety of activities. The Minnie Mouse Jumper is a special activity chair that will keep your child entertained for hours. The seat rotates all the way around 360 degrees so your child can enjoy the scenery from any side.
Furthermore, the seat also features Minnie’s adorable face, so your child will instantly recognize it as their own. And since the seat rotates, there’s no need for your child to move once they are settled in.
There’s also plenty of room for toys inside the seat. This baby activity center has 12 small toys and activity toys on the floor that your child can play with independently. There’s also an electronic toy station with Minnie-themed lights and sounds, along with 2 loops on the back for toys. Besides, there’s a washable seat pad included.
This best baby activity center is very versatile. It can handle babies as small as 10 pounds and even toddlers. And even though it’s geared towards infants and toddlers, it’s actually designed for kids of all ages. The Minnie Mouse Jumper is definitely something that your child will love, and it’ll help improve their motor skills and attention span.
So if you’re looking for a unique activity chair that can entertain your child for hours, the Minnie Mouse Jumper is a fantastic option.
Features
- Keep baby entertained with 12 toys and activities
- Seat rotates 360 degrees for hours of fun
- Giggles are just a jump away with Minnie Mouse
- Machine washable seat pad for easy cleaning
- Ages 6 months and up
Specifications
- Brand: Bright Starts
- Style: Minnie Mouse
- Color: Pink
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 31 x 27 x 34 inches
- Age Range (Description): Baby
Pros
- Unique design with plenty of activities
- Seat rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing
- Includes an electronic toy station
- Machine washable seat pad
Cons
- May be too tall for some doorways
What Things to Consider Before Buying The Best Baby Activity Center for Your Kids?
There are a few things you should keep in mind before buying the best baby activity center for your kids. Here are some things to consider:
The Age of Your Baby
Before purchasing a baby activity center, it is important to consider your child’s age. For example, if you have a newborn, you will want to look for an activity center that has features designed specifically for infants. This might include a bouncy seat or a vibrating chair. On the other hand, if you have a toddler, you will want to look for an activity center with more challenging activities. This might include a climbing wall or a slide. By taking the time to consider your child’s age, you can ensure that you purchase an activity center that is safe and enjoyable.
Before purchasing a baby activity center, it is important to consider your child’s age. For example, if you have a newborn, you will want to look for an activity center that has features designed specifically for infants. This might include a bouncy seat or a vibrating chair. On the other hand, if you have a toddler, you will want to look for an activity center with more challenging activities. This might include a climbing wall or a slide. By taking the time to consider your child’s age, you can ensure that you purchase an activity center that is safe and enjoyable.
The Size of The Activity Center
Another important consideration is the size of the activity center. You will want to make sure that the center is large enough to accommodate your child as they grow. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to purchase a new center every few months. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the activity center fits comfortably in your home. You might want to look for a compact activity center if you have a small home. Conversely, if you have a large home, you might be able to accommodate a larger activity center. By taking the time to consider the size of the activity center, you can ensure that it lasts for years to come.
The Features of The Activity Center
You also want to consider the features of the activity center. Some activity centers have more features than others. Some have music, lights, and sounds. Others have removable toys and washable seat pads. Look for an activity center that offers a variety of activities to match your child’s developing skills. For example, some centers have a spinning seat that helps strengthen leg muscles, while others have a piano keyboard that promotes cognitive development.
The Price of The Activity Center
Of course, the cost is always a consideration when making any sort of purchase. Baby activity centers can range in price from around $50 to over $500. It is important to set a budget before beginning your search. This will help you narrow down your options and find an activity center that fits both your needs and your budget. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that cheaper does not necessarily mean better when it comes to baby activity centers. You will want to read online reviews before making your final decision to ensure that you are getting a quality product.
The Safety of The Activity Center
Finally, you will want to consider the safety of the activity center. Look for an activity center that has been tested and is certified by a reputable organization. Additionally, make sure that the center has a wide base to prevent tipping. Also, look for an activity center that has padded edges to protect your child from bumps and bruises. By taking the time to consider these safety features, you can ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Buying the best baby activity center for your kids can be a challenge. However, by keeping these considerations in mind, you can be sure to find an activity center that is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your child.
FAQs
Can I use an activity center for my newborn?
Most activity centers are designed for use by infants and toddlers. However, some activity centers have features that are specifically designed for newborns. These might include a bouncy seat or a vibrating chair.
How long will my child use the activity center?
The length of time your child will use the activity center will depend on the age and development of your child. Most activity centers are designed for use by infants and toddlers. However, some activity centers can be used until your child is about four years old.
What are the different types of activity centers?
The different types of activity centers include walkers, jumpers, exersaucers, and activity tables.
Does an activity center need to be big?
The size of the activity center will depend on the amount of space you have available in your home. Some activity centers are compact and can be stored away when not in use. Others are larger and might need to be left out all the time.
How much should I expect to spend on an activity center?
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 for an activity center. However, if you are looking for a high-end center with all the bells and whistles, you could end up spending much more.
What are the safety features I should look for in an activity center?
When choosing an activity center for your home, it is important to prioritize safety. Look for a center that has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This certification means that the product meets or exceeds the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Can I use an activity center outdoors?
Most activity centers are designed for use indoors. However, a few models are specifically designed for use outdoors. These centers typically have features like sun canopies and storage pockets for toys.
When should I start using an activity center with my child?
The age at which you start using an activity center with your child will depend on your child’s development. In general, you can start using an activity center when your child is about four months old. However, each child is different, so it is important to consult with your pediatrician before starting.
How often should I use the activity center?
The frequency with which you use the activity center will depend on the age and development of your child. In general, it is safe to use the activity center for about two hours per day. However, each child is different, so it is important to consult with your pediatrician before starting.
Conclusion
So, what is the best baby activity center? After carefully considering all the factors involved in choosing the perfect one for your family, we have crowned the Skip Hop Baby Activity Center as our top pick. Its sturdy build and variety of activities will keep your little one entertained for hours on end, and it can grow with them as they continue to develop. The Baby Einstein Jumper Activity Center is a great choice if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option. It has all the features you would want in an activity center, but it comes at a fraction of the price.
No matter which activity center you choose, your child is sure to have hours of fun exploring and learning. With so many options on the market, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your family.
