Active play toys include hoops, tops, marbles,the Slinky, hopscotch, jump ropes and balls. The first evidence of jump ropes can be seen in medieval paintings where children roll hoops and jump rope down the cobblestone streets of Europe.

The yo-yo was introduced to the United States from the Philippines in 1929. Children have blown soap bubbles for many years, but in 1940, a Chicago cleaning-supply company started bottling bubble solution that was a great success, and millions of bottles are sold each year. The hula hoop started in Australia as an exercise ring made of bamboo. Plastic versions were introduced to the United States in 1958 and became an instant sucess.