Best Kids’ Ball Pits for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
We all have memories of playing in a kids’ ball pit when we were younger, whether it was at Chuck E. Cheese or McDonald’s. It was loads of fun to dive into an endless sea of plastic balls, and play for hours until our parents would have to pry us from the mesh-walled arenas and take us home. But these days, parents don’t even need to leave home to show their little ones the fun of a ball pit. Sure, they might not come with the lingering scent of hot, bubbly mozzarella and a distant echo of arcade games, but we’re seemingly okay with that.
We’ve rounded up our favorite kids’ ball pits for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, from cozy, injury-proof memory foam pits to ball pits with extra features that add to the fun. Here, shop our top picks for an array of categories.
When you’re shopping for a ball pit for kids, be sure to pay attention to the age recommendations and what’s included with your purchase. Some ball pits are better suited for babies (once they can sit up on their own, since they’re shallower, come with fewer balls and feature sensory stimuli like crinkle paper and squeaking buttons to engage them and help foster their cognitive, social and emotional development. (Of course, never leave baby unattended in a ball pit.) Larger ball pits are more appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, since they’re equipped with more balls to toss and jump in, and can be outfitted with options like slides and tunnels for double the fun. It’s also important to note that not every kids’ ball pit is sold as a bundle; some picks only come with the pit itself, while the balls are sold separately. In these cases, the overall expense can get pricey, which is something to keep in mind.
Ready to find the best ball pit for your curious kiddo? From options for infants to extra-large designs, there’s something for every family below.
Overall best ball pit for kids
First up on our list of the best ball pits for kids is this durable, lightweight design from EocuSun. The pop-up structure assembles in seconds, and can be folded flat for storage when playtime is over. It’s roomy enough for up to two kids to enjoy at once, making it a great activity for siblings or play dates. One of our favorite parts though has to be the price tag, which rings it at under $14—score! What’s more, parents say it’s great for indoor and outdoor play and that it’s easy to clean.
Dimensions: 39.4” (L) x 39.4” (W) x 14.5” (H) | Materials: Polyester and steel | Weight: 9.9 oz. | Age rating: 6 months to 5 years old
- Compact design for easy storage and transportation
- Easily wipes clean
- Affordable price point
- Balls sold separately
- Avoid using it on rough surfaces, like concrete or pavement
Best baby ball pit
This Melissa & Doug plush turtle baby ball pit has all of its charm balled up inside—just unzip the shell and place baby right in! It features 60 colorful balls that are easy to grasp, as well as ample stimulating playthings (like satin fabric tabs, crinkling feet and a teething ring) to occupy baby and their brimming curiosities. The best part? It zips up for easy storing, or even for toting to Grandma’s house. This ball pit would make a great gift for the one-year-old in your life!
Dimensions: 39” (L) x 29” (W) x 8.5” (H) | Materials: Polyester | Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Age rating: 9 months to 2 years old
- Equipped with sensory toys, textures and a teething ring for infants
- Zips up for simple storage and transportation
- Comes with 60 colorful balls
- Meets ASTM standards
- No assembly required
- Best suited for older infants
Best toddler ball pit
Once your child goes from babbling baby to rambunctious toddler, they’ll need more activities to get all of their pent-up energy out—and there’s nothing like a toddler ball pit with 200 plastic balls to get them going. (Worth noting: Given the age rating of this one, it’s a great ball pit for babies and toddlers alike!) This set is equipped with balls in a gorgeous neutral palette to match the natural-toned boho pit. Made from a high-quality memory foam interior and a soft plush exterior cover, the durable walls won’t cave in (even against the mightiest jumping efforts!) and the portable design can easily be moved from room to room.
Dimensions: 42” (L) x 42” (W) x 16” (H) | Materials: Memory foam and cotton | Weight: 15 lbs. | Age rating: 6 months to 6 years old
- Made from plush, supportive memory foam
- Minimalist aesthetic; available in several colors and patterns
- Comes with 200 crush-proof balls
- Most expensive option our list
Best foam ball pit
Speaking of toddlers, you’ll want an option with some give to accommodate rough play. A soft foam ball pit constructed with lush, hypoallergenic foam is a great way to go, since it provides a safe and non-toxic environment for your little ones to romp around in while you supervise nearby. MeowBaby’s cotton and elastane-blend cover is removable, machine-washable and dirt-repellent, so any of the inevitable messes that occur won’t be an issue. Pro tip: If you want a toddler ball pit that doesn’t show stains as noticeably, opt for the dark gray color.
Dimensions: 35.43” (L) x 35.43” (W) x 11.81” (H) | Materials: Cotton, polyester and elastane | Weight: 8.8 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years
- Plush yet sturdy design
- Can be used inside and outside
- Machine-washable, dirt-repellent cover
- Comes with 200 balls
- Parents say the balls included don’t fill the it up all the way
Best large ball pit
Chic and minimalist, this large baby ball pit from Balu Organics is sure to add a dose of modern charm to your home’s decor. Made from super-cushy velvet fabric designed to prevent bumps and bruises, this polyurethane-free, non-toxic foam ball pit is safe for baby to play with, jump in and explore. The included crush-proof balls are light and durable, made from BPA-free LPDE plastic and are the perfect size for your little one’s hands to grasp.
Dimensions: 34.7” (L) x 34.7” (W) x 16.3” (H) | Materials: Velvet and memory foam | Weight: N/A | Age rating: 7+ months
- Comes in a variety of colors and two foam options
- Can easily be taken apart for simple storage
- Zippered covers are machine-washable
- Fits up to 500 balls
- Balls sold separately
Best ball pit with slide
Most of the kids’ ball pits that feature slides are intended for outdoor use, but a few indoor options are available too. Take this playroom-worthy jungle gym, for example. It’s made using safe and sturdy plastic construction, durable interlocking plastic tubes and connectors with double self-locking springs. Some assembly is required, but there’s so much going on with this activity arena that you’ll power through it if only just to see your little one’s face light up when they discover what awaits them. There’s even a toss-and-stick target for them to launch the balls at—no need to worry about them pegging their younger siblings!
Dimensions: 56” (L) x 62” (W) x 29” (H) | Materials: Plastic and nylon | Weight: 20.3 lbs | Age rating: 1 to 3 years old
- 3-in-1 playset features a climbing frame, a slide and a ball pit
- Comes with 50 colorful balls
- Assembly required
- Holds up to 50 lbs.
- Parents say the balls included don’t fill the it up all the way
Best inflatable ball pit
This kids’ ball pit from DiPP!t comes in a velvet vinyl material and a scallop-shaped design in three beautiful solid colors: blush pink, mint green and cream—talk about chic! There’s also a non-velvet black-and-white terrazzo pattern that can just as easily pass for trendy home decor. Premium crush-proof ball pit balls are included and offered in a variety of beautiful hues, from blush and pearl to mint and lilac. Just note that the ball pit doesn’t come with a pump, so you’ll need to blow it up with one of your own, or you can use a hair dryer on the cool setting.
Dimensions: 66” (L) x 66” (W) x 14” (H) | Materials: Vinyl | Weight: N/A | Age rating: 3+ years
- Made from ultra-durable (and soft!) velvet vinyl
- Modern aesthetic available in three hues
- Comes with 500 crush-proof balls
- Meets CPSC and ASTM standards
- Doesn’t come with a pump
- Not for use with water
Best ball pit with tunnel
On the hunt for a ball bit with a tunnel? Look no further than this colorful 3-in-1 design. Thanks to the two play tents included in this set, your kiddo is bound to enjoy hours of open-ended play. For your little one’s safety, the structure includes several mesh windows for ventilation—and peek-a-boo opportunities, of course! At the end of the day, simply fold it back up and fold it flat to reclaim your living space again in no time.
Dimensions: 119” (L) x 31” (W) x 34” (H) | Materials: Polyester | Weight: 3 lbs. | Age rating: 3+ years
- 3-in-1 set comes with a tunnel and two play tents
- Folds flat for simple storage
- Comes in two colorways
- Some reviewers say it isn’t as sturdy as they expected it to be
Most aesthetically pleasing ball pit
Having a ball pit for kids in your home doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Case in point: This contemporary option from Gathre. You’ll love its chic, elevated design and your kiddo will love playing, tossing and scooping in it for hours on end. Other highlights include how it’s made from wipeable, water-resistant vegan leather (swoon!) and that it comes in several cool earth tones and a print option. If that’s not all, this ball pit also easily folds for added convenience.
Dimensions: 41.5” (L) x 41.5” (W) x 12.5” (H) | Materials: Vegan leather | Weight: N/A | Age rating: N/A
- Made with wipeable, water-resistant vegan leather
- Folds for simple storage
- Available in several solid colors and prints
- Meets CPSC standards
- Balls sold separately
- Recommended for use on a level, cushioned or carpeted surface
- Colors may appear differently in person
Best small ball pit
How about a design that will grow with your tiny one from the newborn days to the inquisitive toddler years? This multipurpose play destination is perfect for tummy time, overhead tracking, sit-and-play sessions and sensory-engaging fun! Easily move toys—like the play arches, large selfie mirror and rainbow tummy time bolster—to different spaces to present baby with new challenges. When they’re able to sit on their own and you can notice their sense of adventure bubbling up, the play gym turns into a baby ball pit, where they can enjoy the 40 multi-colored, easy-to-hold balls. The pit can even accommodate play dates! When they’re done exploring, you can pack the balls away in the cute storage cloth for easy organization.
Dimensions: 32” (L) x 23” (W) x 32” (H) | Materials: Polyester, metal and plastic | Weight: 2.7 lbs. | Age rating: 0 months to 3 years old
- Multipurpose design grows with baby from infancy to toddlerhood
- Comes with 40 colorful balls
- Meets ASTM standards
- Spot clean only
Best mini ball pit
This indoor and outdoor kids’ ball pit set includes 42 crush-proof balls in a mesh bag and a transport pouch that makes it easily portable for parties or play dates. The pop-up design sets up in seconds for hours of fun, and can then be folded up and taken wherever you go! Toddlers can hop in, move, play, explore colors, learn about different animals and improve their motor skills all at the same time. And not only will it keep them active, it’ll also keep them safe—the balls are made with phthalate-free, BPA-free, lead-free and non-PVC plastic. And with a low price tag, there’s no reason not to love it!
Dimensions: 39” (L) x 33.78” (W) x 14” (H) | Materials: Fabric, plastic and metal | Weight: 2.86 lbs. | Age rating: 1+ years
- Parents say the fabric is easy to clean
- Includes and mesh bag and transport pouch for added convenience
- Comes with 42 crush-proof balls
- No assembly required
- Affordable price point
- Balls included don’t fill it up all the way
We get it—shopping for kids toys can be overwhelming. To streamline your shopping experience, we browsed a wide variety of ball pits from leading brands and retailers, so you don’t have to. We considered several aspects when sourcing products, including quality and durability, style, size, material, age rating, assembly and extra features (like tunnels and slides). We also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for real families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. Lastly, to ensure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we looked for approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the ASTM International, where applicable.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Plus, more from The Bump: