14 Things to Do with Ball Pit Balls Outside the Pit
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Quick answer: Ball pit balls work well outside the pit for throwing games, tube and ramp runs, a tray of balls for water play, bowling, sorting into muffin tins, and simple crafts such as printing circles with paint. Use a separate set of balls for messy and craft play, dry any wet balls fully before they go back, and keep the balls 6cm or larger for under-3s.
Ball pit balls don't have to stay in the pit. They're light, soft enough to throw indoors and the right size for small hands, which makes them handy for all sorts of play around the house and garden. At Soft Play Market we've collected the ideas that parents and nursery staff have found most useful. For games inside the pit itself, see ball pit games for toddlers.
Throwing and target games
1. Laundry basket targets (2 years+)
Line up two or three baskets at different distances and give each a points value. Children throw from a line on the floor.
2. Ball bowling (2½ years+)
Set up empty plastic bottles as skittles and roll a ball to knock them down. Two or three balls rolled together make it easier for younger ones.
3. Ball toss in the garden (3 years+)
Throw balls high and try to catch them in a bucket. Light balls drift in the wind, which makes catching interesting. Bring them in afterwards, as balls left outside fade and get dirty.
4. Hit the line (3 years+)
Mark a masking tape line on the floor. Children roll balls and try to stop them closest to the line.
Tube, ramp and run activities
5. Cardboard tube run (18 months+)
Tape wide cardboard tubes to a wall or a door at an angle so a 7cm ball rolls from one into the next and drops into a bucket. Test the tube width first.
6. Foam ramp races (2 years+)
Prop a foam wedge or slide at an angle and race two balls down. Change the slope and see what happens. A Mini Slide Bouclé (about £94) doubles as a ramp.
7. Gutter run (3 years+)
A length of clean plastic guttering or a halved pool noodle makes a long track in the garden or hallway.
Water play with balls
8. Floating balls tray (12 months+, supervised)
- Put a few centimetres of water in a shallow tray or the bath.
- Add a handful of balls with scoops, ladles and sieves.
- Children scoop, pour and chase the floating balls.
Never leave a child alone near water, however shallow. Afterwards, dry the balls on a towel and let them air-dry fully before they go back into the pit. Damp balls in a closed pit can go musty.
9. Fishing game (2 years+)
Float balls in a washing-up bowl and fish them out with a small sieve. Call out colours to catch.
Sorting and fine motor activities
10. Muffin tin sorting (18 months+)
Children place one ball in each cup of a large muffin tin. Once that's easy, sort by colour.
11. Tong transfer (3 years+)
Move balls from one bowl to another using large kitchen tongs. This is harder than it looks and good for hand strength.
12. Posting box (12 months+)
Cut a hole slightly bigger than a ball in the lid of a shoebox. Babies love posting balls through and tipping them out.
Craft activities
13. Circle printing (2½ years+)
Dip a ball in washable paint and press it onto paper to print circles, or roll it across to make tracks. Keep a few dedicated "craft balls" for this and don't return them to the pit.
14. Ball faces (3 years+)
Draw faces on masking tape and stick it to balls to make characters for pretend play. Remove tape before younger children play with them.
Which activity suits which age?
| Age | Activities |
|---|---|
| 12 months+ | Posting box, floating balls tray |
| 18 months+ | Cardboard tube run, muffin tin sorting |
| 2–3 years | Basket targets, bowling, foam ramp races, fishing, circle printing |
| 3 years+ | Garden toss, hit the line, gutter run, tong transfer, ball faces |
How do you clean balls after messy play?
Wash them in warm water with a little mild washing-up liquid, using mesh bags or the bath, rinse, then spread them out to air-dry fully. Don't use the washing machine, bleach or very hot water, which can dent or weaken the balls. Our guide to washing ball pit balls has the full method.
Where can you get more balls?
If you want a separate set for outdoor and craft play, our 7cm balls come in boxes of 750 in one colour (£142.50) or an 800 mixed-colour pack (£178.80). They're made in the EU, free from PVC, BPA and phthalates, and EN 71 tested. See all colours on the bulk ball pit balls page, or browse ball pits if you're starting from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
Can ball pit balls go in the paddling pool?
Yes, with an adult watching, but dry them fully before they go back in the pit, and bring them in afterwards so they don't fade in the sun.
Are these activities OK for nursery groups?
Yes. Muffin tin sorting and basket targets are easy to run with small groups. See also our ball pit learning activities.