Seesaws, Rockers and Climbing Arches for Kids

Avenlur play guide

Rock.Balance.Climb.

Seesaws and rockers look simple, but they're some of the most-loved pieces of play equipment for young kids. This guide covers what they are, what kids get from rocking and balancing, how to choose the right one for your child's age, and our favorite wooden rockers, climbing arches and seesaws.

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What they areBenefitsTypesHow to chooseRockers & archesSeesaws & balanceFAQs
Children playing on the Avenlur Willow rainbow seesaw Avenlur Bailis wooden climbing arch and rocker Avenlur Banyan jumbo wooden rocker and climber

Seesaws vs. rockers

A seesaw is a board balanced on a center support. Two children sit at opposite ends and take turns pushing off the ground so one end rises as the other falls. A rocker, often called a climbing arch or Pikler arch, is a curved wooden frame. Curve down, it rocks like a boat. Flipped over, it becomes an arch to climb over and crawl under.

Why Kids Love Rocking

Rocking is one of the first ways parents soothe a baby, and kids never really lose their love for it. The steady back-and-forth is calming, and as kids get older it becomes a game: how high can we go, how fast, can we both fit?

Seesaws add a social twist. One child can't do it alone, so it becomes a lesson in teamwork, timing and taking turns, wrapped up in a lot of giggling.

Kids on the Avenlur Willow seesaw and balance beam

Benefits

What Kids Get From Seesaws and Rockers

Balance

Staying upright while rocking or seesawing teaches kids to adjust their body and keep their balance.

Strength

Pushing off the ground and controlling the ride works legs, glutes and core muscles.

Coordination

Timing a push with a partner, or climbing over an arch, builds coordination and body awareness.

Teamwork

A seesaw only works when two kids cooperate, agree on rules and take turns.

Confidence

Climbing over an arch for the first time, or going higher on the seesaw, is a small challenge kids can master.

A Calm Down Spot

A flipped-over rocker makes a cozy spot for gentle rocking or reading with a cushion.

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Types

Rockers, Arches and Seesaws Compared

Ages are typical. Always check the age range and weight limit on each product.

Type Best for How it's used
Climbing arch / rocker Crawling babies to preschoolers Rocks one way, flips into a climbing arch the other
Pikler set with rocker About 1 to 6 years Triangle, slide and rocker arch together for climbing and rocking
Rocking boat Toddlers playing together Two or more kids rock together; often flips into steps or a bridge
Indoor seesaw Toddlers and preschoolers A low seesaw for two; some flip into a balance beam
Balance beam Toddlers and up Walking, stepping and obstacle courses

Buying guide

How to Choose a Rocker or Seesaw

Match it to your child's age

For young toddlers, pick a low rocker or a seesaw that sits close to the ground, so a sudden stop or a partner hopping off isn't a long drop.

Think about who's playing

A seesaw or rocking boat shines with siblings or friends. A climbing arch or Pikler set works great for one child.

Look for flip-over designs

Rockers that become arches, and seesaws that become balance beams, give kids two toys in one and keep play fresh.

Check stability and finish

Look for a wide, steady base, smooth sanding and rounded edges. Avenlur playsets and climbers are tested to ASTM and CPSIA standards.

Plan for a soft surface

Use rockers and seesaws on a rug or play mat, with room around them to rock freely.

Check the warranty

A solid warranty is a good sign a product is built to last. Avenlur playsets and climbers come with a five-year warranty against defects.

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Rockers and climbing arches

Wooden Rockers and Climbing Arches

Rock one way, climb the other.

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Seesaws and balance

Seesaws, Balance Beams and Pikler Sets

Balance and climbing toys for toddlers and preschoolers.

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FAQs

Common Questions About Seesaws and Rockers

What is a Pikler arch?

A Pikler arch, also called a climbing arch or rocker, is a curved wooden frame with rungs. With the curve facing down, it rocks like a cradle or boat. Flipped over, it becomes an arch to climb over and crawl under. It is often sold alongside a Pikler triangle.

What age is a climbing arch or rocker for?

Many babies start using a low rocker or arch as they begin to crawl and pull up, and toddlers keep using them for climbing and rocking for years. Check each product’s age range and weight limit before buying.

What age is a seesaw for?

Low indoor seesaws are made for toddlers and preschoolers. Taller playground seesaws suit older kids. For young children, choose a seesaw that sits close to the ground.

Can a toddler use a seesaw alone?

Some indoor seesaws, like the Willow, flip into a balance beam that a child can use alone. A classic seesaw works best with two children of similar size, with an adult nearby.

Are wooden rockers safe for toddlers?

A wooden rocker is a safe way for toddlers to rock and climb when it suits their age, sits on a soft surface and is used with supervision. Avenlur playsets and climbers are tested to ASTM and CPSIA standards.

Do rockers and seesaws fit in small spaces?

Most indoor rockers and climbing arches are compact, and many, like those in Pikler sets, store flat or stand on end when not in use.

Keep reading

More Play Guides

Pikler triangle buying guideSizes, ages and add-ons Indoor slides for toddlersTypes and how to choose Best indoor climbing toys for toddlersSeven top picks, by age Benefits of wooden toysWhy parents choose wood

Find Their Favorite Way to Rock

Wooden rockers, climbing arches and seesaws, tested to ASTM and CPSIA standards and shipped free in the continental US.

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