Whether your child is just learning to crawl, an energy-packed preschooler, or somewhere in between, chances are they will enjoy a crawl tunnel. There’s something about making your way through that snug space that appeals to most children.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you select a crawl tunnel that works for your child and your family? We’ll go over how you can pick an outstanding product and share what we consider to be the best crawl tunnels for kids.
- Glow-in-the-dark star pattern
- Easy to wipe clean
- Sturdy
- For indoor & outdoor use
- Strong enough to climb on
- Easy to assemble
- Shorter design for younger kids
- Can be washed with damp cloth
- Foldable for easy storage
- Tent & crawl tunnel combo
- Easy to erect
- Takes up little storage space
- Large enough for several children
- Tall arches allow kids to sit inside
- Well-stitched seams
- Cute & appealing design
- Easy to collapse & store
- Soft & light doors
- Water-resistant and not easily deformable
- Easy to clean
- Versatile use
- Long-lasting
- Mesh paneling for breathability
- Light padding
- Sturdy construction for rough play
- Indoors & out use
- Lots of play value
- Cute play space for babies
- Encourages crawling
- Three designs to choose from
The Best Kids Crawl Tunnels of 2024
Here are the ten best crawl tunnels for kids.
Pacific Play Tents Kids Galaxy Crawl Tunnel
Best Space-Saving Crawl Tunnel for Kids
This crawl tunnel from Pacific Play Tents is six feet long and a spacious 19 inches across, making it suitable for children up to around 10 years of age.
The outer spiral is made of strengthened spring steel, while the fabric is a 70 denier polyester. That makes this tunnel gentle on little hands and knees while being strong enough to stand up to outdoor rough and tumble play.
One side is enclosed, and the other is mesh. If you have kids who are a little fearful about being inside a tunnel, keep the mesh side up so they can see out. Alternatively, lay the mesh side down, and your child can enjoy hiding inside.
Then, when the fun is done, collapse the tunnel for easy storage.
Pros
- Connects to tents by the same manufacturer.
- The bright, galaxy pattern with glow-in-the-dark stars is fun for kids.
- Easy to wipe clean.
- Durable.
Cons
- If your kids get mud or food on the mesh, it can be tricky to clean the holes.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 to 10 years |
Material | Polyester |
Length | 6 feet |
Diameter | 19 inches |
Extras | None |
Our Ratings
GUS Climb-N-Crawl Caterpillar Tunnel
Best Outdoor Crawl Tunnel for Kids
Gus the Caterpillar is made from heavy-duty plastic that’s not only made to last but is also Greenguard certified for minimal chemical emissions.
There are four tunnel sections that can be configured in different ways to build a toy tunnel that is straight or one with a bend or two. The sections are arch-shaped and open on the underside with holes through which kids can play peek-a-boo.
As if it wasn’t already fun enough, one end is Gus the Caterpillar’s head, and kids emerge from the crawl tunnel through his mouth. Add to that the extended tongue, which forms a mini indoor slide, a pair of eyes, a button nose, and Gus’s five pairs of shoes — all these elements make the cuteness factor high for this crawl tunnel.
Pros
- For indoor and outdoor use.
- Can be left outside in winter.
- Strong enough for this toy to be climb on.
- Different sections are available to make the caterpillar longer or more twisty.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- Bulky to store when not in use.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 to 8 years |
Material | Plastic |
Length | 7 feet 2 inches |
Diameter | 20 inches |
Extras | None |
Our Ratings
GeerWest Toddlers Tunnel
Best Crawl Tunnel for Toddlers
Short and sweet may be the best way to describe this crawl tunnel. It’s long enough to be fun at only 5.8 feet in length, but not so long that it’s scary for a younger child.
Comprising of five colors, the GeerWest toddler tunnel doesn’t show the dirt too quickly, which makes it a fabulous choice for outdoor play. Having said that, it is equally suitable for use inside, especially if you don’t have much space for fun activities.
The tunnel can be used as-is, but it can also be attached to the pacific play tents and tunnels.
Pros
- Shorter design for younger kids and space-strapped parents.
- For indoor and outdoor use.
- Can be washed with a damp cloth.
- Easy and quick to fold down for storage.
Cons
- Kids grow too big for it more quickly than most other crawl tunnels.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 years and above |
Material | 70 denier polyester |
Length | 5 feet 8 inches |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | Steel-spring construction |
Our Ratings
Kiddey Caterpillar Play Tunnel and Tent Combo
Best Crawl Tunnel And Tent Combo
The Caterpillar Combo from Kiddey is a glowing green crawl tunnel and tent set with bright yellow accents.
The tent is the caterpillar’s head, with the tent doorway at the front, acting as a vast, yawning mouth. The tunnel affixes to the tent’s side to form the body, which comes with four pairs of floppy fabric legs and feet.
Both parts are also stand-alone play items, so you don’t have to put up both the tent and the crawl tunnel each time your child wants to play. When they are done, both pieces fold down flat and can be put away in a storage bag, which is included.
Our youngest child did point out that caterpillars do not have noses, but this shouldn’t be a problem for anyone else.
Pros
- The tent and crawl tunnel combo provides added play value.
- Easy to erect.
- Takes up little storage space.
- Highly affordable.
Cons
- The tunnel and tent do separate from time to time, which can be annoying.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 to 8 years |
Material | Polyester |
Length | 6 feet |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | Storage bag |
Our Ratings
Pacific Play Tents Super Sensory Crawl Tunnel
Best Large Crawl Tunnel for Kids
So much bigger than the average crawl tunnel, this Super Sensory one from Pacific Play Tents is arch-shaped, with four mesh windows down each side. Two of the windows on each side are circular, one is triangular, and the other is square.
This tunnel’s unique feature is the set of “streamer” sections that affix to the inside roof of the arches and dangle down into the tunnel. These sections turn the inside of the crawl tunnel into a tickly ribbon-filled tube, which is big enough for several children to play in at once.
Some parents complain that the tunnel doesn’t have a soft, padded underside, but this wasn’t a problem for us. Traditional crawl tunnels do not have a padded bottom either.
Pros
- Large enough for several children at once.
- Tall arches allow kids to sit inside.
- Well-stitched seams.
Cons
- Doesn’t pop-up, requires more effort to erect.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 to 8 years |
Material | Polyester |
Length | 9 feet |
Diameter | 30 inches |
Extras | Streamer strips |
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Tunnel
Safest Crawl Tunnel for Kids
From the ever-popular Melissa & Doug comes the Giddy Buggy crawl tunnel for kids. A little longer than our toddlers’ pick that appeared earlier on this list, this option is one for the younger crowd, but it has an additional feature.
The tunnel comes with two discs, each of which is the same diameter as the tunnel and printed to look like the side view of a bug’s smiling face. These discs act as doors that can be affixed at the top of the tunnel, then drop down into place, turning the Giddy Buggy into a private tube.
These “doors” are soft and light, so if they fall into the closed position and onto your child, they will not be hurt.
Pros
- Cute, appealing, caterpillar-like appearance.
- Easy to collapse and store in the cardboard shipping sleeve.
- It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Cons
- Only a two-year age range, so your kids will outgrow it quickly.
Product Specs
Age Range | 3 to 5 years |
Material | Nylon |
Length | 4 feet, 8 ½ inches |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | Removable “doors” on each end |
Our Ratings
XJD Foam Climbing Blocks
Best Foam Tunnel
With its bright colors and easy to clean surface, this foam tunnel combo from XJD is a must-have for home daycares, grandparents with lots of grandkids, and any child who enjoys rough play.
The tunnel comes with two additional elements — a slope and a set of steps. All five pieces are used separately, together in various combinations, or with other kids soft play items.
Each piece is hard-wearing and non-deformable so this can be handed down to the next toddler in the family. The triangular block can be folded and sit on it.
The polyurethane cover which was sewn intricately has an anti-skid property for a safe child play.
Pros
- Water-resistant and non-deformable.
- Easy to clean.
- Versatile.
Cons
- The tunnel is so small that your child may not fit through. If so, it can still be used as a tunnel for their toy cars, dolls, and fire trucks.
Product Specs
Age Range | 6 months to 36 months |
Material | Soft EPE filler with anti-skid PU cover |
Length | 17.7 inches |
Diameter | Not specified |
Extras | Slope |
Our Ratings
Kiddey Multicolored Play Tunnel
Best Budget Crawl Tunnel for Kids
This tunnel from Kiddey is a strong, hard-wearing kids’ product suitable for any child big enough to crawl through it.
One half of the tunnel’s diameter is meshed for the entire length. This provides plenty of air-flow and light for those kids who may be reluctant to climb into a long dark space. Your child’s knees will get some support from the bottom of the tunnel, which offers a bit of light padding.
It has a basic pop-up design, which makes it simple to put away, and the accompanying storage bag makes the tunnel easy to store, without the fear of it popping up unintentionally.
This product is also available as a two-pack of tunnels that can be attached to each other, creating a mega tunnel that’s more than 11 feet.
Pros
- Long-lasting.
- Mesh paneling for breathability.
- Easy to store.
- Super affordable.
Cons
- Pictured with ball pit balls, but they are not included.
Product Specs
Age Range | 2 to 8 years |
Material | Polyester |
Length | 5 feet, 10 inches |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | Storage bag with zipper |
Our Ratings
Playz Pop-up Play Tent And Tunnel
Best Kids' Crawl Tunnel with Ball Pit
If you’re feeling adventurous and have space, the five-piece pop-up from Playz might be just what you’re looking for.
Two tunnels, a square-based pyramid tent, an open-top, tent-like cube, and a ball pit connect to create one mega-sized, versatile play area.
Both tunnels are half-panel and half mesh, as is the tent, which also has holes that act as windows or a place to throw your ball pit balls. There’s a removable mesh basketball hoop on the ball pit and a second hoop with a ball return funnel on the tent.
The tunnel opening panel on the ball pit is closeable so you can use each piece separately or in one of many configurations. The set does not, however, come with ball pit balls. You have to purchase those separately.
Pros
- Sturdy construction stands up to rough play.
- For use indoors and out.
- Lots of play value.
Cons
- Takes up a lot of room.
Product Specs
Age Range | 12 months and older |
Material | Polyester |
Length | 3 feet 7 inches |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | Ball pit, tent, play cube, storage bag |
Our Ratings
PigPigPen Princess Play Tent Crawl Tunnel
Best Crawl Tunnel For Babies
You don’t have to wait for your child to start crawling before you get them a crawl tunnel. This learn-to-crawl tunnel from PigPigPen is designed to encourage your baby to take their first tentative “steps” into mobility.
There are three sets that can be interconnected together to create a mini magical kingdom for your baby princess. The tent has a roll-up door while the tunnel has a mesh window to ensure breathability while actively encouraging your child to crawl through and discover the end of the tunnel where a ball pit is found with a basketball hoop. Moreover, this large mesh roof panel ensures you can see your baby at all times, and they can see you.
Bright pink hearts decorate the entire set. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with pit balls which you can purchase separately to complete the pastel pink playtime with crawl tunnels.
Pros
- Cute play space for babies.
- Encourages crawling.
- Three designs to choose from.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a ball pits.
Product Specs
Age Range | 1 to 6 years old |
Material | Alloy steel frame |
Length | 3 feet 8 inches |
Diameter | 18 inches |
Extras | None |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Age Range | Material | Length | Diameter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pacific Play Tents Kids Crawl Tunnel | Space-Saving | 3 to 10 years | Polyester | 6 feet | 19″ |
GUS Climb-N-Crawl Caterpillar Tunnel | Outdoor | 3 to 8 years | Plastic | 7 feet 2″ | 20″ |
GeerWest Toddlers Tunnel | Toddlers | 3 years and above | 70 denier polyester | 5 feet 8″ | 18″ |
Kiddey Caterpillar Play Tunnel & Tent | Tunnel & Tent Combo | 3 to 8 years | Polyester | 6 feet | 18″ |
Pacific Play Tents Sensory Crawl Tunnel | Large | 3 to 8 years | Polyester | 9 feet | 30″ |
Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy | Safe | 3 to 5 years | Nylon | 4 feet, 8 ½” | 18″ |
XJD Single-Tunnel | Foam | 6 months to 36 months | Soft EPE filler | 17.7″ | N/A |
Kiddey Multicolored Play Tunnel | Budget Pick | 2 to 8 years | Polyester | 5 feet, 10″ | 18″ |
Playz Pop-up Play Tent & Tunnel | Ball Pit | 12 months & older | Polyester | 3 feet 7″ | 18″ |
PigPigPen Princess Tents | Babies | 1 to 6 years old | Alloy steel frame | 3 feet 8″ | 18″ |
Are Crawl Tunnels Safe for Kids?
Every parent worries about their child’s safety, and rightfully so. There are too many hazardous products out there. But a crawl tunnel produced by a responsible manufacturer, made specifically for children, and used correctly, will be safe.
At What Age Can Kids Use Crawl Tunnels?
There are no hard and fast rules that apply to how old a child should be before using a crawl tunnel. But if you’re looking for the best crawling tunnels for babies, look for shorter, less complicated ones.
Some crawl tunnels are even designed specifically for babies who aren’t crawling yet. These tunnels can be used as soon as a baby is old enough to roll over. More extensive tunnels are designed for children who are mobile enough to move through them safely.
Benefits of Crawl Tunnels for Kids
Crawl tunnels aren’t just fun — they have tangible playtime benefits that will help your child in a multitude of ways.
Development Of Gross Motor Skills
Think about how your child’s body moves when they crawl. These gross motor activities are not only fabulous for developing muscles in the limbs but they are also great for building core strength.
Exercise
Crawling along the tunnel, emerging from the end, and running around back to the beginning is an excellent form of exercise. And because it’s so much fun, your child will willingly step away from a tablet screen to do this activity.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Our brains take in, process, organize, and respond to an extraordinary amount of information from our five senses. For some people, this unconscious and complex process doesn’t always run smoothly. This can result in sensory processing problems.
Crawl tunnels provide many of the elements found in sensory integration therapy, which can help people with these issues cope with sensory overload (1).
How to Choose the Best Crawl Tunnel for Kids
With so many options out there, how do you choose the best crawling tunnel for kids? By keeping these criteria in mind as you do your search.
Enjoy The Crawl
Kids of almost any age can enjoy crawl tunnels. They provide exercise, can stimulate the imagination, and are fun for all.
With the wide variety of styles, sizes, and price points available, you should be able to find something on our list that’s suitable for you and your family.