Just like us adults, kids need their own space too, which is why products such as
kid’s teepees,
pools and
playhouses are becoming so popular these days. This is the case for kid’s ball pits too, allowing your child their own area to let their imagination run wild, whatever the weather. Ball pits also come in lots of different styles, with some including games, basketball hoops and tunnels too. If you are on the hunt for a safe, fun and inspiring way to keep your child entertained this summer, then look no further than a kid’s ball pit.
When it comes to selecting the best ball pit for your child, there are a few things you may want to consider beforehand to ensure you select the ideal product for your child. Firstly, ball pits come in lots of different sizes, ranging from singular ball pits for one child to ball pits suitable for up to 3 little monsters. You will want to have a good think about how many children will be using the ball pit before making a purchase to ensure everyone can get involved in the fun! Size is also important when it comes to where the ball pit will be placed, too. There are two main types of ball pits: ones suitable for indoor use only, and products that can be used outside too. If you are selecting an indoor-only ball pit, then you will want to make sure the product will fit in your child’s room, playroom or living-room beforehand. We recommend measuring your child’s play area to ensure the product will fit properly.
Another important factor to consider is the age of your child. Ball pits come in lots of different age categories, ranging from 6 months to 6 years. You will want to select a pit that is suitable for your child’s age range to ensure they get the most out of the product. Ball pits for smaller children tend to be more simplistic in design, whereas ball pits for older children tend to have more features to make them more engaging. These features can include tunnels, basketball hoops, slides and so much more. Be aware, however, that more complex products often have a larger price tag.
Another factor you will want to think about before making a purchase is how storable you need the product to be. Some ball pits are designed to be portable and easy to store, and therefore come with a carry bag or have a compact, foldable design. If you live in an apartment or your child has a small room, you may want to opt for a storable product, ensuring the ball pit won’t take up too much space.
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new kids’ ball pit, this is going to depend on a variety of factors. Kid’s ball pits can range from $20 to $150 depending on how big they are, their age group and how many features the product has. Ball pits for smaller children (6 months+) tend to be smaller and size and more simplistic in design and are therefore less expensive ($20-$50). Ball pits for older children (2 years+) tend to have more features such as slides and basketball hoops and are bigger in size too; these types of products are more in the $60-$150 price range.
Products that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use tend to be pricier too due to the fact they are made from durable, waterproof materials. There are cheaper kid’s ball pits available ($15 or less), but be aware that these products often don’t include the balls themselves and you will need to purchase these separately. Cheaper models are often more simplistic in design and don’t offer as many features, either.
Features
The features you want included in your new kids’ ball pit will depend entirely on the age of your child, the size of your home and your little one’s own personal tastes and preferences too. To help you select the best kids ball pit for your child, however, we have created a handy list of features to look out for to ensure you select a top-quality product.
Here are some important features to keep an eye out for…
- Foldable/Compact Case
- Mesh Windows
- Includes Balls
- Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Construction and Design
A feature we recommend looking for in your new kids’ ball pit is a product that is either foldable, collapsible or comes with a handy carry case. This will make the product MUCH easier to store away when playtime is over and means the product won’t take up a massive amount of space in your home. If the product also comes with a carry case, this will make it much more portable and enable you to take the ball pit to the park, a friend’s house or store it in the back of your car.
One feature we have noticed in more modern ball pits is the inclusion of windows made from mesh. If you are using the ball pit in the garden this will allow your child to look out at the world around them while they play. It’s also great for parents who want to keep an eye on their child while they are in the ball pit to ensure they are playing safely.
Many ball pits these days are cheaper as they don’t include balls. Although this may seem tempting, it does mean you will have to buy the balls separately which can be costly and inconvenient. We recommend purchasing a product that comes with balls included as this will save you the hassle of having to buy them yourself. Many ball pits with balls included often use more durable balls too that are crush and shatterproof.
Finally, we highly recommend selecting a product that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These types of products are usually made from a nylon material making them waterproof, meaning the product can be used come rain or shine! This will allow you to use the product more often and take it with you to parks and other open areas.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to caring for your new ball pit there really isn’t too much to it, which we’re sure is music to your ears! Most ball pits require minimal assembly due to their handy pop-up design. If the product you have selected does require some installation, then don’t fret—most ball pit products come with an instruction manual to help you along.
Most ball pits are made from a nylon material, making them super easy to clean. Simply wipe down with a cloth and hot soapy water or dismantle and place in the washing machine if the product will allow for it.
If you are after a particularly high-end product, then we recommend choosing a ball pit that includes a tunnel or basketball hoop to offer your little one hours of fun! We also recommend purchasing a product that includes a carry case, allowing you to take the ball pit wherever you fancy!
We have our fingers crossed in the hopes that after reading through our handy little buying guide you have figured out what type of ball pit is most suitable to your child’s needs as well as all the features you would like included in your new product. This will make it a lot easier when it comes to narrowing down your options and selecting the ideal kid’s ball pit for your child’s playtime! So let’s get looking at our top 5 picks, shall we?
By now you should have a better understanding of what types of ball pits each brand has to offer as well as what kind of product you are specifically after. If you don’t like the particular product we have featured from each brand, don’t worry—we selected brands based on their high quality and extensive range of products, so simply browse through their other collections to find something you love. All that’s left to do now is to choose your favorite and let playtime commence!
