7 Best ball pits to buy in 2022: from pop-up to corner ball pits
IDEAL for active play and sensory stimulation, little ones will love having soft play at home with their very own ball pit.
Available to buy in a whole range of shapes and sizes, and more affordable than you might think; the best ball pits provide a soft, safe space for kids to have fun.
Ball pits come in every style, colour, shape and price point.
There are the inexpensive, pop-up ball pits that you can find online for under a tenner.
These are typically brightly coloured and ideal for captivating babies and toddlers.
For a ball pit that's a centrepiece in any room, check out the Insta-ready ball pits from brands like KiddyMoon, Tweepsy and MeowBaby. Typically, these have a lovely cotton covering, chic pastel-hued balls and come in a selection of handy shapes to suit your space: round, square, even triangular to fit in corners.
Parents who have taken the plunge and gotten their kids a ball pit absolutely love them: just note, most of these ball pits require around 200 balls minimum, and yes, they will end up everywhere. But that's half the fun.
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1. Best corner ball pit: KiddyMoon Foam Ball Pit
A ball pit doesn't have to take up a ton of space in the centre of a room, as this chic design from KiddyMoon illustrates.
It comes in a variety of colours (both balls and pit) to appeal to your aesthetics, and the cover is Oeko-Tex certified so you know it's non-toxic. It zips off for easy machine washing.
Reviewers say it's 'amazing quality' and the 'best ball pit I've come across', generally agreeing that 'it's expensive but worth it'.
2. Best ball pit with hoop: Kids Ball Pit Play Tent for Toddlers
This roomy ball pit is 120x77x47cm with plenty of space for little ones to move about - and a hoop for practising ball skills.
It's made of anti-tear polyester fabric so can withstand some pretty energetic play and it's pop-up so is super easy to put up and take down.
Lightweight and portable, it also comes with a storage bag so it's easy to put away when not in use.
3. Best bargain ball pit: Chad Valley Pop Up Ball Pit
Suitable for babies from six months, this great value ball pit is perfect for pre-walkers who can sit up and enjoy holding and grasping the colourful balls.
It's pop-up so opens up easily and your little one is sure to love all the vibrant colours - while parents will love the price tag.
Reviewers agree this brightly coloured and patterned ball pit is 'amazing for the price'.
The pop-up design works inside or outside, and customers advise you should buy at least 200 balls for it (it can fit up to 450).
4. Best square ball pit: KiddyMoon Foam Ball Pit
Tweepsy has a huge range of ball pits in all shapes, colours, textures and prints.
This deeper 40cm design includes 250 multicoloured balls and will work for kids aged up to 3 or 4.
It's great for active children who want to dive right in... and will help kids develop hand-eye coordination as they throw the balls around.
Fans insist it's a 'life saver'.
5. Best activity centre with ball pit: Hide N Seek Ball Pit and Tent
This five-piece playset, including a ball pit, basketball hoop and target practice, is a fab obstacle course.
The bright colours will attract children and the different tasks will keep them entertained for hours. Perfect for indoors and outdoors, this could be a gamechanger at summer parties.
The activity centre is made from 190T soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring, ensuring that kids are safe and that the tent and ball pits are long lasting.
6. Best outdoor ball pit: Moonvvin Kids Ball Play Pool Pit
This clever baby ball pit is so easy to put up, take down and store as it folds away - plus, it comes with a carry bag if you need to take it to a kids' party or on holiday.
Measuring 80x80 cm and 26cm high, it's the ideal size for babies and young toddlers to use as their own private play space.
It's available in three pink/blue colour combinations and is made from anti-tear polyester oxford fabric so it's strong and tough enough to use outdoors as well as inside.
Please note the balls will need to be purchased separately.
7. Best modular ball pit: MEOWBABY Foam Play Set With Ball Pit
This modular activity centre is great for adding and removing bits depending on how busy your room is. It comes with 100 balls so you can get stuck in straight away.
It features five different obstacles that can be built in many different ways—the soft blocks are easy to carry and store. All elements have removable covers that can be put in the washing machine, so no need to worry about stains.
What age is good for a ball pit?
It is best to check the age recommendations on products ahead of buying them or allowing your baby or toddler to play.
Some retailers, such as Argos, sell ball pits for ages 6 months and over.
How many balls are needed for a baby ball pit?
It is dependent on the ball pool, but standard ball pits can take up to 450 balls.
Argos sells packs of 100 balls for pits, so you would need up to five of those.
Are ball pits safe for toddlers?
With many ball pits recommended for ages 6 months and upwards, toddlers are okay to play in them.
However, babies and toddlers should always be supervised by an adult during play.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best ball pits to buy in 2022? Then you might like our 13 best mud kitchens for kids.
And for more ways to entertain the kids in the garden this summer, check out our roundup of the 10 Best garden football goals 2022.
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