Toddlers: How Riding Toys Help Develop the Imagination

By Michele Blandino

Riding toys, specifically those that are propelled by good old-fashioned foot power, are not only a wonderful way for your toddler to develop their gross motor skills while getting exercise, they also help to fuel their imagination. A toddler on a riding toy can be any number of things: a cowboy, a race car driver, even a dad taking his family on a trip to the park.

Riding Games

A toddler first learning to navigate on a riding toy will probably focus his energy on learning what he needs to do to get from one place to another and not spend much time engaging imaginary play. As he becomes more proficient, however, you will probably observe your child pretending they are off to school, the store or perhaps a more distant location like a favorite vacation spot or relatives home. You can help spark their imagination by taking an active role in their "trip". Toddlers love when parents and other adults participate in their play; you can easily participate in their riding adventures by simply waving "good-bye", wishing them a good trip or even asking them to complete a simple errand while they are on their riding toy such as retrieving an object from another part of the yard. Similarly, if your child is pretending she is a fire-fighter and her  riding toy is the fire truck that will take her to the scene of the fire, remind her to get her fire hat and any other related toy she might have to help her sustain the role play.

As your toddler grows and begins to engage in more social play, their riding toys can come right along. Indeed, children playing together can use their riding toys to form parades, go on imaginary vacations and countless other adventures.

How to Choose

There are a number of different riding toys available. One of the most popular is the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. This toy combines the look of a real car with some interactive parts such as the doors that open and close, a steering wheel and even an ignition key. Ride-on toys that have a specific theme such as the Mickey Fire Engine Team Activity Ride On and the John Deere Gator are also popular. The key to picking out a riding toy is to ensure it is safe and that it allows the child to use their leg muscles.

Safety Considerations

When shopping for a ride on toy, you should pay particular attention to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the appropriate age group for the toy as well as its intended use. Toys that are intended to be used only inside, in addition to not being durable enough for outdoor use, may not be safe to use outside. You should also encourage your child to wear a helmet, particularly when they are first learning to use the toy.