10 Counting Games for a Ball Pit, by Age
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Quick answer: Good counting games in a ball pit start with "one, two, three, in" for babies, move on to counting balls into a bucket up to 5 for 2-year-olds, then number hunts with numbered balls, "how many hidden?" and simple adding and taking away for 3 to 5 year olds. Count out loud, touch each ball as you count, and keep numbers small until your child is confident.
Counting is one of the easiest things to practise in a ball pit, because every ball is the same size and children are already picking them up. At Soft Play Market we put this list together for parents who've asked for number games that actually work at different ages. For colour, letter and shape activities, see our separate guide to ball pit learning activities.
How do children learn to count?
Saying "one, two, three" in order comes first. Matching one number to one object comes next, and understanding that the last number said is "how many" comes later still. Many children recite numbers long before they can count objects accurately, and that's normal. The games below follow that order.
Counting games for babies (6 to 18 months)
1. One, two, three, in
Hold a ball above the pit and say "one, two, three, in" before dropping it. Babies learn the rhythm and start to anticipate the drop. No counting skill needed; it's about hearing numbers in order.
2. One for you, one for me
Hand balls back and forth, saying "one for you, one for me". It's an early version of matching one item to one person.
Counting games for 18 months to 3 years
3. Bucket count
- Give your child a bucket.
- Count out loud together as each ball goes in, up to 3 at first, then 5.
- Tip them out and count again. Touching each ball as you say the number is the key part.
4. Count and jump
Say a number up to 5 and your child jumps or bounces that many times on their bottom in the pit. Counting with the whole body helps it stick.
5. More or fewer
Make two small piles, say 2 balls and 5 balls. Ask "Which has more?" Most children get this by looking well before they can count to 5.
Counting games for 3 to 5 years
6. Number hunt
- Write numbers 1 to 10 on masking tape and stick each one to a ball.
- Hide them in the pit.
- Your child finds them and lines them up in order on the floor.
Remove the tape before younger siblings use the balls.
7. Fetch the number
Call a number and your child brings you exactly that many balls. Check together by counting them back into the pit.
8. How many hidden?
- Put 5 balls in a row on the floor.
- Your child closes their eyes while you hide some under a tea towel.
- They work out how many are hidden from what's left.
This is early subtraction without any written sums.
9. Adding race
"You have 2 balls. I'll give you 3 more. How many now?" Let them count to check. Make it harder only when they're getting it right most of the time.
10. Counting in twos
For confident 4 and 5 year olds, throw balls into a bucket in pairs and count "two, four, six".
Which counting game suits which age?
| Age | Skill | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 6–18 months | Hearing numbers in order | One, two, three, in; one for you, one for me |
| 18 months–3 years | Counting objects up to 5 | Bucket count, count and jump, more or fewer |
| 3–4 years | Numerals 1–10, counting out a set | Number hunt, fetch the number |
| 4–5 years | Adding and taking away | How many hidden, adding race, counting in twos |
Tips that make counting games work
- Use real objects first. Balls are ideal because they're all the same, so the only thing that changes is how many.
- Keep sessions short. Five minutes of counting inside a longer play session is plenty.
- Let them correct you. Miscount on purpose and let your child spot it.
- Use the same words. If your child's nursery says "one more" and "one less", use those too.
What do you need?
A ball pit or a box of balls, a bucket and some masking tape. Most of our ball pits come with 150 to 300 balls, which is plenty for counting games. If you'd like particular colours for number games, balls come in single-colour boxes of 750 (£142.50) via our bulk balls page. A Soft Jersey Ball Pit with 200 balls is about £127. Use 7cm balls for young children, never smaller than 6cm for under-3s, and stay with them while they play.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child count to 10?
It varies widely. Many children can say numbers to 10 by around 3, but counting 10 objects accurately often comes later. Follow your child's pace.
Can I use these games at nursery?
Yes. Bucket count and number hunt work well in small groups.
What other games can we play in the pit?
Plenty. Our list of ball pit games for toddlers has more than ten.