11 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, McDonald’s or a local kids’ play center. 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 introduce their little ones to the fun of a ball pit for kids.
To simplify your search, we’ve rounded up our favorite kids’ ball pits for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, from cozy, injury-proof memory foam designs to ball pits with extra features that add to the fun. Here, shop our top picks for an array of categories.
We get it—shopping for kids toys can be a challenge. 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.
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
- 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
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
Best baby ball pit
- 5-in-1 activity mat adapts to baby’s changing needs
- Comes with detachable toys and 40 balls
- Meets ASTM standards
- Batteries needed
On the hunt for the best ball pit for babies? Look no further than this clever 5-in-1 design. The activity mat can be adapted to meet your little one’s changing needs and interests—plus, it folds into a ball pit, of course. With this play set, you’ll receive an interactive toy bar for baby to explore from throughout infancy, as well as 40 plastic balls to help them develop their gross and fine motor skills. An added bonus: The mat and toys are machine-washable, so you can pop them into the washing machine whenever they’re in need of a clean.
Dimensions: 27.6" (L) x 27.6" (W) x 19.7" (H) | Materials: N/A | Weight: 2.8 lbs. | Age rating: 0 months to 3 years
Best toddler ball pit
- Made from plush, supportive memory foam
- Perfect for infants, toddlers and kids
- Comes with 200 crush-proof balls
- Most expensive option our list
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. 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
Best inflatable ball pit for kids
- Made from ultra-durable, soft velvet vinyl
- Comes with 500 crush-proof balls
- Meets CPSC and ASTM standards
- Doesn’t come with a pump
- Not suitable for infants or young toddlers
This kids’ ball pit comes in a velvet vinyl material and a scallop-shaped design in three chic solid colors: blush pink, mint green and cream.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.
Dimensions: 66" (L) x 66" (W) x 14" (H) | Materials: Vinyl | Weight: N/A | Age rating: 3+ years
Best foam ball pit for kids
- Suitable for infants and toddlers
- Machine-washable cover
- Comes with 200 balls
- Parents say the base smells at first
Parents of toddlers and little kids will 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. One of our favorites is Nuby’s ball pit for kids. It comes with a super-soft cover that’s removable and machine-washable, so any of the inevitable messes that occur won’t be an issue. Better yet, the simple, modern aesthetic won’t look too out of place in your living space.
Dimensions: 35.4" (L) x 35.4" (W) | Materials: Foam | Weight: 7.9 lbs. | Age rating: 10+ months
Best large ball pit for kids
- Can accommodate more than one child at a time
- Sleek, modern design
- Comes with 400 balls
- Not suitable for infants
If you’re searching for a large ball pit that can accommodate multiples, siblings or playdates, this option from Avenlur is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. It measures over four feet in length and is made from soft, durable foam to keep your little ones safe as they play together. You can even pair it with Avenlur’s indoor slide to inspire even more hours of open-ended play. What’s more, it comes with 400 multi-colored balls that are easy for small hands to grasp.
Dimensions: 51.2" (L) x 51.2" (W) | Materials: N/A | Weight: N/A | Age rating: 1+ years
Best foldable ball pit for kids
- Made with wipeable, water-resistant vegan leather
- Folds for simple storage
- Available in several solid colors and prints
- Meets CPSC standards
- Balls sold separately
- Colors may appear differently in person
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
Best ball pit with slide
- 3-in-1 playset features a climbing frame, a slide and a ball pit
- Comes with 50 colorful balls
- Holds up to 50 lbs.
- Parents say the balls included don’t fill the it up all the way
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
Best ball pit with tunnel
- 3-in-1 set comes with a tunnel and two play tents
- Folds flat for simple storage
- Some reviewers say it isn’t as sturdy as they expected it to be
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
Best small ball pit for kids
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. When they’re done exploring, simply pack the balls away in the cute storage sloth for straightforward 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
Best mini ball pit for kids
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 33.8" (W) x 14" (H) | Materials: Fabric, plastic and metal | Weight: 2.9 lbs. | Age rating: 1+ years
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 another factor to keep in mind.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
