Reddit mentions: The best ball pits & accessories for kids

Toys:


Jalousie 12 Pack Dog Squeaky Toys... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSG684C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

UEETEK Squeaky Dog Toys for Small... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZJBH52?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Sport Balls Asst, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ENGOP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_c8tyDbBXQWQ6M


Marshall Ferret Fun-N-Games Blanket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OE5H54?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Kaytee FerreTrail Flex-E... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ASBEK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Bed Bug Play Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MIU5HI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Krackle Sack,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ARPSI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Octo-Play https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EFV9YM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Pet Turtle Tunnel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VVY49M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_BLdeGqpB9Nl5j

KONG - Plush, Low Stuffing Squeak... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IVGBFY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

EocuSun Kids Ball Pit Large Pop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUHQZG0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Click N' Play Pack of 200... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYLU3GG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share x3

D.Y. TOY Weazel Ball - The Weasel Rolls with Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PKFJKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7.tyDb0YSNMVT

Bonka Bird Toys 1745 Chandelier... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015RSD7JA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X7FJAO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ZippyPaws - Zippy Burrow Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy - Unicorns in Rainbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8GCB7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pjuyDbWY6CFSW

JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy (2... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113J85JO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

3Pack Molar Clean Teeth Rubber Toy, Bagvhandbagro Clean Teeth Rubber Pacifier Chew Toy, Bell Chewing Playing Training Toys, for Pet Puppy Dog Cat (Color Random) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJNGWMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_okuyDbTBM8HB2

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Squeaking-Dog-Toy-Hamburger-or-Hot-Dog-Assorted/54273866

https://www.chewy.com/zippypaws-zippy-burrow-crayon-box/dp/206190?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=ZippyPaws&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8_JjfKpnKxdVtL4DtsY7-ld2qS-_7r6PVUG1k0afX9p0jvSthjMAbkaAknVEALw_wcB

just disclaimer some of these toys should only be played with under your supervision so use your best judgement. Check any rubber or stuffed/fabric toys daily for wear and if you see it starting to come apart throw it away as any loose pieces can be swallowed and cause a blockage. My ferrets aren’t chewers they just like to have toys to stash so I’m not as worried but everyone’s ferrets are different so be careful. Also you could make a dig box with rice (never instant) or dried pasta which is a lot of fun for them. They love tunnels, they love to dig, and they love to steal and stash small objects so the toys meet that criteria they’ll be happy lol

In order to answer part of what you wrote in the first paragraph, the pool is 90 inches in diameter at the outer edge. It does not give the interior diameter, but we can get a rough estimate by looking at the cylinders that make up the wall. Three cylinders add up to 20 inches, so each cylinder is roughly 7 inches in diameter, which makes the interior diameter of the pool 76 inches (radius = 38 inches).

Calculate the volume:
38^2 pi 20 = 90,729 in^3 = 392 gallons.
38^2 pi 14.5 = 65,779 in^3 = 284 gallons

I get a different number when calculating for the ball size. You use a radius of 1.08 inches. I calculate 5 cm /2 = 2.5 cm radius = 0.98 inch diameter. I also would like to point out that a 5 cm ball is smaller than the balls in a commercial ball pit (think Chuck E Cheeses). Standard ball pit balls would probably be more like 3 inches in diameter, but that's a rough guess from memory. I don't have anything to measure.

Using the packing density of 0.64 you give from XKCD, we get the following:

5cm balls: 0.98^2 Pi 4/3 = 4.0 cubic inches
65,779 in^3 0.64 / 4.0 in^3 = 10,525 balls

3in balls: 1.5^2 Pi 4/3 = 9.4 cubic inches
65,779 in^3 0.64 / 9.4 in^3 = 4,479 balls

Here are a couple of sources for 3 inch balls:

26 cents per ball
http://www.amazon.com/150-Large-Crush-Proof-Ball-Balls/dp/B000VX2PO0/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1449891804&sr=1-3&keywords=3+inch+ball+pit+balls

21.31 cents per ball
http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Crush-Proof-Ball-Balls/dp/B000NNM41C/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1449891804&sr=1-6&keywords=3+inch+ball+pit+balls

That's still super expensive (4,479 0.2131 = $954.47) and costs more than the 5 cm balls (10,525 0.082 = $863.00), though the 5 cm balls may not give the same ball pit experience you remember as a kid. Getting a smaller pool would definitely make it more affordable.

Edit: You could probably get by with significantly fewer balls depending on the age of your kids. Here is a small ball pit without balls, but take a look at the dimensions and number of balls in the first review.

http://www.amazon.com/FocuSun-Playpen-39-4-inch-19-7-Inch-Zippered/dp/B00XPLB35M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449892883&sr=8-1&keywords=4+inch+ball+pit+balls

Our son is turning one next month and his favorite thing ever is this ball pit we made him with an inflatable pool and some ball pit balls which I linked below. Hours of entertainment.

BalanceFrom 2.3-Inch Phthalate Free BPA Free Non-Toxic Crush Proof Play Balls Pit Balls- 6 Bright Colors in Reusable and Durable Storage Mesh Bag with Zipper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHC4VM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DfdGDb1KJCPXS

When mine was that age, a foam play mat and a rattle ball were a huge hit.

Over the next few months, musical toys (especially Infantino Go Gaga’s DJ Panda), grapefruit sized inflatable balls), and skip hop’s follow bee were huge hits.

As she became more mobile, pillows or any crawling obstacles were fun. Bubble machine, a ball pit, and wood blocks also were a lot of fun.

Here are some products we loved:

https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Explore-Follow-Me-Yellow/dp/B072JNNTGB/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=follow+bee&qid=1565642671&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/EocuSun-Tent-Toddler-Zippered-Activities-Presents/dp/B00XPLB35M/ref=sxin_2_sxwds-bovbs?keywords=ball+pit&pd_rd_i=B00XPLB35M&pd_rd_r=ccf33609-8e39-405f-9254-559524fd2cb5&pd_rd_w=CvaLK&pd_rd_wg=RhYnG&pf_rd_p=eba0c0ae-19a3-4eb8-a600-1bc2a745bcd0&pf_rd_r=7AH7AJM86XX0BCH4D6NA&qid=1565642755&s=gateway (You need about 500 balls)

https://www.amazon.com/Vtopmart-Automatic-Solution-Toddlers-Operated/dp/B07DLRLZ6X/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?keywords=fubble+machine&qid=1565642862&s=gateway&sprefix=fubble+mach&sr=8-13

Click N Play Value Pack 1000 Phthalate Free BPA Free Crush Proof Plastic Ball, Pit Balls 6 Bright Colors.

Soft Plastic Kids Play Balls - Non Toxic, 50 Phthalate & BPA Free - Crush Proof & No Sharp Edges; Ideal for Baby or Toddler Ball Pit, Kiddie Pool, Indoor Playpen & Parties, 50 Balls https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KT1F8V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NMNpDbQH11EKW

These are the ones I got, theres like 50 different kinds on amazon.

Thanks for the reply. I'll take your word and get those balls instead. I was going to buy the first ones that were 19 something. And are the first ones that come up when you search play pit balls. And will definitely read that post too.

EDIT: so [these were the ones I was looking at.] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000066SW0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1381000863&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70) seems like they are slightly larger diameter. Are they the ones you previously bought by any chance?

I actually just got her one like this ...

Minnie Mouse Disney Color N' Play Activity Playland https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J40C4ME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G7dNzbB6GX87W

Only paid $10 from Craigslist.. which I'm glad about because she doesn't really seem to care about it !

I bought these from a local Meijers for $20USD and followed this guide. I wanted a decent quantity and color selection so I could experiment with weights, give sets to other people, and it's an inexpensive way to meet that criteria. The 3" diameter makes them quite visible and the size has been sufficient for me to learn 5 balls and get started with 6. I can hold 4 of them in a hand using a pyramid, so I can see myself going into 7-8 with these balls too. They have also been holding up very well, I made my first 6 balls about a year ago and only one of them is broken from my shoddy work and one other has had a leak, which I fixed with tape.

Sorry I don't have much experience with professionally made balls, so I can't offer much advice there. I have tried the Sil-X silicone filled balls and have to say it feels rather unique and smooth and they look pretty cool. I've also heard great things about a set of Japanese made Russians from Dan Barron(box/technical juggling god) and they felt very nice; he said they were filled with something other than salt but i forget.

Again, I have limited experience with different russians, but I think the difference in feel between russians is much less varied than in beanbags so I think everything is a pretty safe choice.

For those who want to buy some: Click N' Play Pack of 200 Phthalate Free BPA Free Crush Proof Plastic Ball, Pit Balls - 6 Bright Colors in Reusable and Durable Storage Mesh Bag with Zipper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYLU3GG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Wnr5BbJNDA8CF

I have a set of these. They juggle really well. I find them to be a little slippery when catching more than two in a hand. The thicker shells give them a little more roll than my other DIY russians. Not ideal for foot stalls. If your friend is really interested in foot stuff, they should also check out intex shells. You have to dig through to find good even shells, but well worth it.

Those look like their just the thick soft play mats you can buy individually arranged in a clever way.

It looks like a homemade version of this

If anyone is on the fence, it's really easy! I used this video as a guide:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh8yIkrdV9g&t=155s

And purchased these plastic balls from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000066SW0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I realize now how silly it was to purchase Brontosaurus Balls and other similar sand-filled balls. The ones I made are better quality and will last longer now that I know how to do repairs.

800 Ball pit balls They're light, legal to have, and as G-rated as it gets. Jus get some guys to help you move your furniture out of your living room, pour the balls out, and relive being a 5 year old again. It's what I'd want! Happy early birthday, by the way!

Ball pit balls. Lots of them. Takes a bit more money, but if you have friends that will chip in it's not so bad.

http://www.amazon.com/Phthalate-Balls-Filled-Bright-Colors/dp/B0016MKZXS/ref=pd_sbs_t_9

Much cheaper alternative would be balloons. Packing peanuts are way too much hassle to clean up.

I actually had just bought an inflatable pool and filled it with balls for Waffle: https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkJ4r9hDW9/?taken-by=fuqua_dogs

I think the only thing you really need to be concerned about is monitoring your dogs and make sure they're not trying to scarf the ball down their throats. Otherwise, I think it's always a fun idea!

I bought these (link) for my ball pit, and they work just fine. I probably need to add more balls though, since they didn't fill my pool very much!

I had this snail filled with two packs of these ballpit balls smack dab in the middle of our living room for... basically a year. My son LOVED it. His favorite toy. It was a riot. But my God- what an eye sore. And ball's- balls everywhere. It's been months since that thing popped and I'm still finding balls under couches and entertainment centers!

Well the good news is now you can get on the internet and buy enough ball pit balls to fill a room of your house and relive childhood like a boss.

You can get fairly large children's ball pits (minus the balls) that fold into a tiny square like cheap laundry hampers when you want to put it away

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XPLB35M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1449605420&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=kids+ball+pit&dpPl=1&dpID=51Bz8hpUGsL&ref=plSrch This is the one I have. I don't think beardies can get a good grip on the smooth plastic sheets, but with enough determination they might be able to rip hole into it after trying for a while.

Actually that is a relatively common and popular size for Russians. Here are some recommendations,

Intex,
http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Fun-Ballz-Multi-Colored-Plastic/dp/B000066SW0

Plug & Play,
http://www.oddballs.co.uk/75mm-plug-play-juggling-balls-p-3740.html

Norwik,
http://www.norwikjuggling.com/index.php/shop/shop/balls/big

Brontosaurus,
http://www.brontosaurusballs.com/?page_id=7

A skin cell is 30 micrometers.

Average male is 5'9" (5.75 feet)

Google tells me 30 micrometers is 0.0011811024 inches

Plastic ball is 2.3"

0.0011811024/2.3 = 0.00051352278 (ratio of skin cell to plastic ball)


5.75 (feet of average human male)/0.00051352278 (ratio to increase size) = 11197.1663652 feet

that's 3732 yards

or 2.1 miles tall.

Assuming my math is correct, which it almost definitely isn't.

...or the most awesome ball pit ever.


 


(I blame Amazon. They had it listed in the kid's section under Ball Pits and Accessories. Here's is one with less paint filling.)

I think a couple of these should fill it nicely:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Ball-Environment-Panels-32-2403/dp/B07C42BLYC/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1558645488&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1

I bought a set of 400 balls on Amazon and used about 60% of them. Looking back, I would recommend buying a 200 ball set since it’s about enough.

If anyone is inspired.

http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Crush-Proof-Plastic-Balls-Colors/dp/B0067PN44G/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1458201425&sr=8-7&keywords=plastic+balls+for+ball+pit+1000

This one appears to have good reviews. There's one that has 400 for $47

You could also do a pop-up ball pit. I used one for my boys when I would clean their cage, and it’s less than $15. (Link for example)
ball pit

Amazon has some too, not sure how they compare with the Toys R Us ones /u/annamuffin420 mentioned. There's some talk in the reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/My-Balls-100-Ballz-Ball/dp/B000Z408YY

Looked into it after seeing the dog playing in the kiddie pool ball pit on the front page the other week

Of course, anyone who wants to make their own ball pit at home can buy balls off Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PYLU3GG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512066843&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ball+pit+balls&dpPl=1&dpID=61WGLW8eRIL&ref=plSrch

I want to fill a hot tub with them instead of water

Amazon!
Ball pit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XPLB35M/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_xNBGwbZP5EP6D

I also got the balls from there although I can't remember which kind.

Hey! Just to let you know, I'm 90% the ball pit on your wishlist doesn't come with the balls. You may want to throw this or this on your wishlist too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KT1F8V
Here's the item. It has way more reviews than one would expect for some generic children's play balls. I guess it's also possible it's just sketchy because of the questionable ethics of farming reviews on Amazon.

I want to buy a couple dozen of these, now.

googled "ball pit balls bulk" and got this

I imagine it'd be easiest to get them this way, rather than try to find them locally. Having them shipped solves your transportation problem too. The downside being, it won't be cheap.

Amazon.

EocuSun Kids Ball Pit Large Pop Up Toddler Ball Pits Tent for Toddlers Girls Boys for Indoor Outdoor Baby Playpen w/ Zipper Storage Bag, Balls Not Included (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUHQZG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NbI3Db8YSVHFN

These? https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Plastic-Kids-Play-Balls/dp/B076KT1F8V

wew lad! I'm doing it!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000066SW0/

These are the balls that I use and I know many people use.

Ball Pit!

https://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Crush-Proof-Plastic-Balls-Colors/dp/B0067PN44G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495761287&sr=8-5&keywords=1000+plastic+balls

Here is the mobile version of your link

Here's 100 for $20.00 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Crush-Proof-Plastic-Balls-Colors/dp/B0067PN44G/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1412570522&sr=1-6

This ball pit would keep my son occupied, which would allow me to sit in my butt and be lazy

You shouldn't use exercise balls for any animals, they feel exposed and it can cause them stress. They also have poor ventilation and especially when they pee and poop while in it. If you want to give your mouse some exercise you can make or buy a playpen and put lots of toys, cardboard boxes, etc. in it for her to explore safely. I use this for mine!