5 Best Ball Pits for Kids of 2023
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- Ball pits are a fantastic sensory activity for children.
- Many parents have found that ball pits help their children exert energy and calm down.
- If your baby is able to sit up, they are ready to explore baby ball pits.
I have vivid memories of diving into the ball pit of McDonalds as a child. I remember playing for what seemed like hours in the piles of multi-colored balls. Something about being able to swim across the sea of balls was just so entertaining.
Nowadays, it’s hard to find ball pits in public play areas. The ball pits have been removed from most playgrounds for concern of safety and germs. But are there benefits that these ball pits provide that we’ve overlooked?
Buying a ball pit for your home is a great alternative to outdated public ball pits. Ball pits are a fantastic sensory activity for children. They are a popular pick for children with special needs alongside other sensory activities and toys like sensory swings, water beads, or light-up sensory toys.
Ball pits are fun for all ages. Whether you have a baby or an elementary-aged child, they are sure to bring a new element of fun to your home.
Before you start your hunt for the best ball pits, let us do the work for you. We’ve created a list of the best ball pits for kids of 2023. Take a peek and see if you find the best ball pit for your child.
Top Choice: PigPigPen 3pc Kids Play Tent
- Best Gift Toys : The space world Theme 3 in 1 baby ball pit is designed for kids. The 3Pcs boys play tent includes a kids princess tent, a kids tunnel tent and a ball pit for toddlers. Each component can be used together or separately. This Combination of toddler tents are the best gift for toddlers
- Safety First: Keeping your kids safe is our first and foremost priority. The kids tent is made with highest quality 190T soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring. This tunnel ball pit further encourages your child to explore the space while crawling! A idea gift toys for 3-6 year old boys or girls
- Practical & Useful: The perfect idea for Birthday Parties. Playhouse for kids allows your child to sleep and read, while the tunnel can exercise the child’s crawling ability, and the child can put any toy they like in the pool to play in it. This toddlers toy play tent helps develop arm and leg muscles and gross motor skills. This toddler ball pit toys is Recommended for Birthday gifts and Christmas Gift for boys ages 3-6
- Portable & Folding house: Give it as a Christmas gift to 3-6 year old girls and boys. This kids playhouse set would be a perfect gift for Birthday, Christmas, or just a surprise to your kids .Best toddler toys for backyard or at home. This kids fort pops open up in seconds and folds away flat for convenient storage in a deluxe zipper carrying case
Our top pick for the best ball pit for kids is the PigPigPen 3pc Kids Play Tent. Here’s why we chose this as our favorite:
Functionality. The designers of this play tent thought of portability and ease of use. We love the fact that all 3 pieces detach and can be used separately.
Fun. What child doesn’t love a play tent with a fun design like unicorns or rocket ships? The multiple design options allow parents to choose something their kids will love.
Play Options. When kids play with this tent and pit, they’ll have multiple options of how to play. You can even purchase an additional tunnel to attach so your child has two tunnels to explore.
Price. This play tent comes at a modest price. We think the value is fair considering everything this has to offer.
Best Foam: Milliard Ball Pit
- COMMERCIAL QUALITY – say goodbye to those cheap pop-up ball pits that rip and fall apart just weeks after purchase. We designed a top quality, real foam, ball pit that’s soft and comfy for your little ones and sturdy enough to last through years of use. Please note that balls are not included. We recommend 400 balls to fill the pit halfway
- THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS – Besides for being a ton of fun, ball pits provide an incredible therapeutic experience for babies and toddlers alike. The balls massage the entire body with a deep pressure sensation to encourage relaxation and play. The visual and tactile sensory stimuli build gross motor skills, focus, and cooperative play. Babies love using this as a cozy playpen too even without balls.
- CERTIFIED SAFE – At Milliard, safety for your child is our priority. This ball pit has been lab tested to comply with all US safety regulations and is certified safe for babies ages 0 months and up. Dimensions are 44” diameter and 10” high.
- EASY CLEAN COVER – Never worry about accidents or spills in your ball pit. We designed the cover with a soft vinyl material that liquids slide right off it making it super easy to spray and wipe clean. If a deeper cleaning is necessary, you can even remove the cover, put in a gentle wash cycle and re-zipper it on!
This next ball pit was designed by a brand that produces high-quality products for kids, including a portable toddler bed we love. The Milliard Ball Pit is yet another product that does not disappoint.
Many parents are tired of cheap play areas for kids that fall apart quickly. Millard steps up the game in quality. The foam and cover are designed to last for years and meet all US safety requirements.
This sturdy ball pit is perfect for 1 to 2 small children. It measures 44 inches in diameter and 10 inches high. With this size, you’ll need to purchase about 400 to 800 balls.
Parents will be pleased to know this indoor ball pit wipes down for easy cleaning. You can also just remove the entire cover and machine wash it. Some parents have even filled the pit with soapy water and washed the pit and balls at the same time.
Parents of infants can start using this pit right away for their babies. It’s safe for ages 0 months and up. Without balls in it, you can use it as a playpen.
One downside is that you won’t be able to fold this up and store it away. However, it would make a great addition to a playroom. You could even add a slide into the pit for more fun for toddlers.
Dimensions: 44 x 44 x 10 inches | Weight: 13.46 pounds | Material: Vinyl
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Best Play Area: PigPigPen 3pc Kids Play Tent
- Best Gift Toys : The space world Theme 3 in 1 baby ball pit is designed for kids. The 3Pcs boys play tent includes a kids princess tent, a kids tunnel tent and a ball pit for toddlers. Each component can be used together or separately. This Combination of toddler tents are the best gift for toddlers
- Safety First: Keeping your kids safe is our first and foremost priority. The kids tent is made with highest quality 190T soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring. This tunnel ball pit further encourages your child to explore the space while crawling! A idea gift toys for 3-6 year old boys or girls
- Practical & Useful: The perfect idea for Birthday Parties. Playhouse for kids allows your child to sleep and read, while the tunnel can exercise the child’s crawling ability, and the child can put any toy they like in the pool to play in it. This toddlers toy play tent helps develop arm and leg muscles and gross motor skills. This toddler ball pit toys is Recommended for Birthday gifts and Christmas Gift for boys ages 3-6
- Portable & Folding house: Give it as a Christmas gift to 3-6 year old girls and boys. This kids playhouse set would be a perfect gift for Birthday, Christmas, or just a surprise to your kids .Best toddler toys for backyard or at home. This kids fort pops open up in seconds and folds away flat for convenient storage in a deluxe zipper carrying case
Some ball pits only include the pit and balls. While this is fun in itself, it’s nice to find products that serve more than one purpose. The PigPigPen 3pc Kids Play Tent is the 3-in-1 play area your little one is sure to love.
This 3-piece set includes not only a ball pit but a tunnel and tent as well. Each piece is designed to connect and lead to the next play area. All 3 pieces can be detached and used separately if desired and you can easily use this with two children or more.
This is also the perfect pit if you’re looking for a design your child will love. When you purchase this play tent, you’ll have your choice of a dinosaur, princess, mermaid, rocket, stars, or unicorn theme. This would make a great gift or fun addition to your child’s room.
Another feature this indoor and outdoor pit includes is the ability to fold it up and put it away. The entire playpen unfolds and bounces open in seconds. When you are finished, simply fold the pieces back up and store them in the included zip-up carrying case.
This tent is recommended for ages 3 to 6, but the safety details state that it’s safe to use from 6 months and up. Balls are not included and you will need to purchase them separately.
Dimensions: 51 x 118 x 47 inches | Weight: 4.11 pounds | Material: Polyester
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Best Inflatable: 3 Rings Kiddie Pool for Toddler
- Drain Easily: The kids pool have drain hole on the bottom to easily drain water out
- Dual Inflatable Bubble bottom, soft and full security.
- Functions: kids ball pit pool, fishing pond, pool float, baby bathtub, child sand pit, toys pool and a great toddler swimming pool after the summer fun!
- Material: Our blow up backyard pool is 40% thicker than common products in the market and can better resist punctures. It is made from durable vinyl pool, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Repair patch included which can take care of your pool and will last a long time..
This next pick is the best inflatable ball pit for a modest price. But we love that it also serves as a kiddie pool. The 3 Rings Kiddie Pool for Toddlers is designed for either purpose.
This durable vinyl pool is made with material that is 40% thicker than most baby pools. So whether you use it as an indoor or outdoor ball pit, it will last. It even has an inflatable bubble bottom which provides a little bounce as your child plays.
This inflatable ball pit is perfect for one to two kids at 48 inches in diameter and 12 inches high. So you can expect to need 400-800 balls to fill it. The plastic balls are not included.
To clean this giant ball pit, you can either wipe it down with disinfectant spray or fill it with soapy water. The drain on the bottom will allow you to easily release the water.
Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 12 inches | Weight: 3.01 pounds | Material: Vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride
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Best Pop-up: Sunny Days Entertainment Zoo Adventure Ball Pit with Play Balls
- CREATIVE FUN: Uniquely designed with preschooler’s favorite zoo animals like lions, monkeys, elephants, panda bears and more, get all the learning and playful action of a ball pit right in the middle of the living room.
- BONUS PLAY BALLS: Includes 20 soft air-filled balls in a variety of bright colors; Perfectly sized for kids to catch and throw while improving hand eye coordination; Balls are Phthalate and BPA free!
- IMAGINATION-STIRRING GRAPHICS & MESH WINDOWS: Features different scenes of of jungle animals both inside and outside; The ball pit even has mesh windows for fun peek-a-boo play and added supervision for toddlers.
- ACTIVE PLAY: Active kids love to crawl and play; With this ball pit, young animal lovers 12 months and up will have hours of fun counting, tossing and catching; Create exciting adventures and invent your own games with new animal friends!
Pop-up ball pits are convenient because they are easy to assemble and store away flat. The Sunny Days Entertainment Zoo Adventure Ball Pit with Play Balls is the best ball pit that sets up and tears down in seconds.
Kids will love the cute zoo-themed design. Animals will surround your child as they jump into the ball pit. The material is made with lightweight nylon and includes mesh windows so you can see inside.
We also love that this ball pit includes 20 balls. You will still have to purchase more balls to fill the pit but this is a good starter set. The ball pit measures 35.5 inches in diameter and 11.75 inches high.
To assemble, unfold the pit and slide in the sturdy polls for reinforcement. When your child is finished playing, remove the polls, fold the pit flat, and store it away. If you need to clean the ball pit, you can wipe it down with a disinfectant spray.
This is not a giant ball pit, so it’s better for toddlers or one kid at a time. Toddlers over 12 months of age are safe to use this ball pit.
Dimensions: 4 x 13.4 x 13.4 inches | Weight: 1.63 pounds | Material: Polyester
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Best for Multiple Kids: Portable Baby Ball Pit-Playpen Playard Fence with Basketball Hoop
If you’re a parent of multiple kids, or if your child often has other kids over to play, you’ll want a ball pit that is fun for all. Our next pick is perfect for use with multiple kids.
The Portable Baby Ball Pit-Playpen Playard Fence with Basketball Hoop is a giant ball pit with a twist. For one, instead of the normal circular shape, it’s made in a rectangle shape. And this pit also includes a basketball hoop for more fun.
The frame on this indoor and outdoor playpen is made with sturdy steel pipes. Each corner is reinforced with plastic joints and the walls are made of mesh and nylon. The size is larger than most at 50 in by 50 in wide and 26 inches high.
You can also add toys and a tummy time mat and use this as a playpen for babies. Toddlers will enjoy it as a pit filled with balls or a play area. Parents should note that balls are not included and you will need to purchase quite a bit to fill it.
Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 26 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Material: Stainless Steel
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Recommended Accessories
Ball pits are a great item to have in playrooms. They are just one of many activities you can provide your child to further their physical and mental development. Here are some other developmental accessories you can add to your child’s play area:
Why Are Ball Pits Good for Kids?
When we buy toys for our children, we’re often only thinking about the entertainment value they bring. But many toys are designed with developmental benefits too. This is definitely the case with ball pits.
Your child won’t just have fun as they jump and crawl through the balls. As they play in the ball pit, they’ll also strengthen their muscles. The push and pull actions that take place as they play require them to use muscles they might not otherwise use.
These same actions also help develop their gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve big movements like running, jumping, and kicking. These are important skills needed for proper development.
Another benefit is the sensory development they provide. The feel of the balls as children sink into them is often soothing. Many parents have found that ball pits help their children exert energy and calm down.
At what age is a ball pit suitable?
The great thing about at-home ball pits is that they are perfect for any age. If your baby is able to sit up, they are ready to explore baby ball pits. Your baby can begin to grab, lift, throw, and even taste the balls as they play.
The plastic balls used in baby ball pits are much too large for them to fit in their mouth. So there is no choking hazard. As long as the ball pit isn’t too deep, there is also no risk of your baby slipping under and suffocating.
Purchasing a ball pit that meets safety regulations will ensure your child is safe as they play.
Are ball pits safe for toddlers?
At-home ball pits are completely safe for toddlers. Just as with baby ball pits, be sure the depth isn’t too deep for your toddler. Ball pits you buy at home are usually shallow enough to be completely safe.
Public ball pits should only be used under adult supervision. This will ensure your child doesn’t get trapped under the balls.
What to Look for When Buying a Ball Pit
When buying a ball pit, you’ll want to consider a few things. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself before purchasing:
How deep should the ball pit be?
Will you be buying a giant ball pit for an older child or a smaller ball pit for a baby? This will make a difference in what size you choose.
There are specific ball pits made for babies, toddlers, and older children. Small babies should not use a giant ball pit that would cover their whole body if they lay down in it. Just a single layer of balls is enough for a little one that size.
As your child grows, you can add balls into the pit to add fun. A toddler would be fine in a deeper ball pit that comes up to their waist, so long as they can easily stand up and maneuver through the pit.
How many balls make a good ball pit?
Depending on the ball pit you purchase, there might not be enough balls included for your liking. In this case, you’ll want to purchase more balls.
Use this simple calculation to figure out how many balls you will need.
- Get the measurements of your ball pit.
- Determining the cubic square feet by using this formula:
Length x Width x Depth = Cubic Square Feet
- For every 1 cubic square foot, you’ll need approximately 70 balls. For every 1 ½ cubic square feet, you’ll need 100 balls.
What material should the ball pit be made from?
As you shop, you’ll notice a variety of materials that ball pits are made from. Popular choices are inflatable ball pits, ball pits with mesh sides, or foam ball pits.
The type of material you choose is up to you. You’ll just want to make sure that it is durable and easy to clean. You’ll likely be cleaning it often, so be sure you’ll be able to wipe it down without a hassle.
Also, consider whether you will keep the pit in your child’s room or use it outdoors. Some materials won’t hold up outdoors and are better for a room indoors.
FAQs
What type of balls makes a good ball pit?
The balls you choose for your ball pit should be made from non-toxic and lead-free plastic. Your little one will likely end up with a ball in their mouth at some point. So you want to prevent harmful toxins from getting into their body.
How should the balls in a ball pit be cleaned?
To clean ball pit balls, simply remove them from the pit and spray them down with your preferred disinfectant. Be sure the disinfectant you use is safe for eating surfaces. This will ensure they aren’t consuming toxins if it enters their mouth the next time they play.
You can also make a sink full of hot soapy water and wash the balls that way. When you wash them, look for any balls that might be cracked or getting worn out. These should be disposed of to ensure your child is safe while they play.
After you clean the balls, you should also wipe down the ball pit with a safe disinfectant spray.
How often should ball pits be cleaned?
You should clean your ball pit anytime you’ve had company over or multiple children playing in the ball pit. This will eliminate bacteria. Cleaning the ball pit if your child has been sick is also helpful.
If your child is the only one who plays in it, clean the balls once a week and the entire ball pit every couple of months.
Where should you place a ball pit at home?
If your little one is old enough to use the ball pit without supervision, you can place it in their room. If your little one is under 1 year, you should always supervise them while they play. The living room is a good place for a ball pit for your baby.
Can I make my own ball pit?
Yes, you can make your own ball pit. It’s easier than you may realize. You can use simple items like a kiddie pool or bathtub to create a play space for little ones that will keep them entertained for hours.
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