J.C.
I hate to say it but you are going to have to get him used to falling asleep the old fashioned way. He's only going to get bigger. And unless you are going to put up a swing set inside your house (cool) he will have to learn to go to sleep on his own - it's for his own good and DEFINITELY good for you.
You can try the old CIO/ferber method which works great. Or since he is a bit older, do the Supernanny routine of putting him in his bed with lights out (night light only), saying good night with kisses, etc. and leave. When he comes out it's back in with a kiss and a good night and leave. And from there on in, if he comes out of his room, you take him by the hand and bring him back to his bed - no kiss no talking. It will take a while the first night or two but he will learn how to soothe himself to sleep.
Good luck!!