Toys & Gifts Kids & Teens The Best Balls for Kids to Play With in the House or on the Field Have a ball developing motor skills, learning a new sport, and more By Maya Polton and Katrina Cossey Updated on October 31, 2023 Medically reviewed by Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA Fact checked by Latifah Miles Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Amelia Manley Big, small, bouncy, squishy—balls are beneficial toys for kids. They can use them for open-ended play or directed games and sports, alone, with a buddy, or on a team. According to Heather Shafi, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in New Jersey, playing with balls is good for hand-eye coordination, muscle development, and social skills. Moreover, kids will be working on fine motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and balance, too. We found the best toy balls for a wide range of uses, ages, and categories by studying the design and features of more than 30 balls on the market. We also surveyed 875 parents about the toys their children play with, how they play with them, and why they love them. To further our research, we reviewed guidance from Nemours Children’s Health on toys for every age and how children of all ages play differently, along with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to buy safe toys. Moreover, we reviewed a study on the efficiency of exploratory play for infants and its relation to longer-term cognitive development. Lastly, a licensed clinical social worker on our Review Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the benefits of playing with balls and what to look for in toy balls for kids. Whether your kiddo wants to play according to the rules or make up their own game, balls are good to have in your toy arsenal. You'll want them to be durable, age-appropriate, and above all, fun—and that's the criteria we used when selecting products. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bright Starts Oball Classic Ball at Amazon ($5) Jump to Review Best Multipurpose: Biggest Little B is for Ball at Biggestlittlebk.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Set: Little Tikes Punt, Pass, and Shoot at Walmart ($23) Jump to Review Best for Infants: Haba Rainbow Fabric Ball at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Ball Pit Balls: Click N' Play Ball Pit Balls at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Bouncy Ball: Melissa & Doug Froggy Kickball at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Ball for Toddlers: Melissa and Doug 2-in-1 Talking Ball Learning Toy at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review Best for Indoor: Koosh Original Ball at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Soccer Ball: Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Football: Franklin Sports Youth Football at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected and Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Bright Starts Oball Classic Ball Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon $5 View On Walmart $14 View On Farmandfleet.com $4 Pros Easy to clean 32 finger holes to grasp Use from newborn and up Cons Limited color options Why We Recommend It We love the Oball Classic Ball as our best overall because kids can use this colorful toy from birth and up. Its 4-inch diameter size is just right for small hands, and the ball features 32 finger holes to make grasping the toy easier. Parents appreciate the BPA-free material that wipes clean seamlessly every time. Moreover, the smooth, rounded edges make for a safer playtime and allow littles to roll it effortlessly. Key Specs: Age Range: Newborn and upMaterials: Not listed Best Multipurpose Biggest Little B is for Ball Biggest Little View On Biggestlittlebk.com Pros Double as teether, bath toys, stacking toys, and more Easy to clean (dishwasher-safe) Cons Can't purchase additional balls separately Why We Recommend It If you’re looking for a toy ball that kids can do more than kick, toss, or bounce with, we recommend the B is for Ball. This ball set includes two food-grade silicone balls that double as teethers, bath toys, stacking toys, and more. The balls open to fill with water, so little kids can use them as a squirt toy in the bath. Moreover, the opening, dishwasher-safe design makes it easy for parents and caregivers to clean and help prevent mold and mildew from forming. One of our favorite features about the B is for Ball set is its packaging, which helps with hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, and fine motor skills. The L-shaped packaging features a pop-out hole on top for littles to drop the balls inside and pull them out from the built-in drawer. Key Specs: Age Range: 6 months and upMaterials: Food-grade silicone Best Set Little Tikes Punt, Pass, and Shoot Walmart View On Walmart $23 Pros Includes four balls from different sports Small size is great for little kids Cons No pump Why We Recommend It The Little Tikes Punt, Pass, and Shoot set packs four sports into one package: Basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. Parents we surveyed recommend this ball set for kids because it keeps kids active, whether kicking the soccer ball or throwing the football. We love the soft, easy-to-grip vinyl material, so kids ages 3 to 6 can work on grasping and other important skills. Plus, the material is a breeze to clean (just wash it off with some water or wipe clean). Key Specs: Age Range: 3 to 6 yearsMaterials: Vinyl Best for Infants Haba Rainbow Fabric Ball Haba View On Amazon $20 View On Habausa.com Pros Soft and colorful Machine washable Cons Must be laundered if it gets dirty Why We Recommend It Young babies will have so much fun exploring this 6-inch ball. Made with eight distinct sections, the ball is easy to grab and super soft. Infants will enjoy engaging with each section since they feature contrasting textures, different sounds, and colors. “When babies are able to sit up without support, they can start rolling balls back and forth with caregivers," Dr. Shafi says. "They usually start being able to throw [at] around 1.” Since this ball is soft, it’s safe to roll, toss, and use as a tummy time or crawling motivator. Key Specs: Age Range: 6 to 24 monthsMaterials: Polyester The 30 Best Infant Toys of 2024 to Help Babies Discover the World Around Them Best Ball Pit Balls Click N' Play Ball Pit Balls Amazon View On Amazon $40 Pros Mesh bag included Versatile toy Cons Ball pit not included Why We Recommend It Whether you use these balls to restock a ball pit, fill up a kiddie pool, or toss around in the backyard, you’ll quickly see that the possibilities are endless. Lightweight and portable, 200 balls (more or less, depending on your selection) come in a multi-color pack, making them great for open-ended play, sorting, and counting. Parents will appreciate that the balls come with a mesh bag for easy clean-up and storage. Key Specs: Age Range: 2 years and upMaterials: Plastic The Best Kiddie Pools to Splash, Cool Down, and Relax In Best Bouncy Ball Melissa & Doug Froggy Kickball Courtesy of Melissa & Doug View On Amazon $19 View On Kohls.com $15 View On Melissaanddoug.com Pros Versatile Cute patterns Cons Requires a needle pump to inflate Why We Recommend It Bring this multi-purpose ball for games or fun to a playground, park, or backyard playdate, and your kid will have a blast. This bouncy ball—which comes in adorable ladybug, froggy face, or pink butterfly designs—is big enough for rolling, kicking, and tossing. “Kicking happens shortly after around 15 months old,” Dr. Shafi says of a typical developmental timeline. "[Their] decreased hand-eye coordination makes catching and throwing or kicking proper distances more difficult until 3 to 4 years old." An important note: The ball is shipped deflated and requires a needle pump that’s not included. Key Specs: Age Range: 2 years and upMaterials: Rubber Best Ball for Toddlers Melissa and Doug 2-in-1 Talking Ball Learning Toy Melissa and Doug View On Amazon $21 View On Walmart $31 View On Target Pros Soft fabric Learning tool Cons Soundbox needs to be removed to wash Why We Recommend It The Melissa & Doug Talking Ball checks so many boxes, making it a top choice for young toddlers. We love that it’s oversized and soft, making it safe for indoor play and great for those who don't quite have that hand-eye coordination down. The ball will say the alphabet or count when tossed in the air. In addition to providing auditory learning, it has reversible fabric panels with both letters and numbers, so you can swap out the look and lesson of the ball. Key Specs: Age Range: 6 months and upMaterials: Not listed The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers to Combine Fun and Learning Best for Indoor Koosh Original Ball Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $12 View On Fatbraintoys.com Pros Soft rubber Doubles as a stress reliever toy Cons Collects dirt, dust, and other debris easily Why We Recommend It The last thing parents want is a ball bouncing around the house or a hard ball getting tossed near windows, lamps, or televisions. The beauty of the Koosh ball is it’s soft, satisfying for anyone 3 years old and up (adults included), and so versatile. Made of squeezable rubber strands, the Koosh is easy to grab and toss and just a blast to play with. Thanks to the string design, the ball isn’t overly bouncy and lands softly. It’s also a great stress reliever and works as a fidget toy. Parents may be fighting their kids for a chance to play with this classic twist on a ball. Key Specs: Age Range: 3 years and upMaterials: Natural rubber Best Soccer Ball Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball Wilson View On Amazon $24 Pros Three sizes Three color options Cons Pump not included Why We Recommend It A great, classic soccer ball, the Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball is available in three sizes, and you can use the brand’s chart to find the right one for your kiddo. Since it comes deflated, you will need to pump it up. While some kids may like the traditional black and white colors, others may prefer the shiny blue and black pattern. Key Specs: Age Range: 8 years and under (size 3), 8 to 12 years (size 4), and 13+ years (size 5)Materials: Rubber and faux leather Best Football Franklin Sports Youth Football Franklin Sports View On Amazon $18 View On Dick's $15 Pros Pump included Includes plays drawn on the ball Cons Kids will outgrow the mini size Why We Recommend It This football handles like a full-sized ball but is crafted to be easier for younger kids and smaller hands. Although it is lightweight, this youth football can still go quite far. Kids will appreciate that the rubber cover makes the ball easy to grip, and the Spacelace grip helps guide hands to the right positioning, enabling them to throw a tight spiral. Pint-sized football fans will have a blast with the playbook feature on the ball. There are long and short plays diagrammed right on the side of the football. Key Specs: Age Range: 9 years and upMaterials: Foam cushion, rubber cover Best Tennis Wilson Starter Red Tennis Balls Wilson View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Color differentiates from standard balls Affordable Cons Rackets sold separately Why We Recommend It These starter tennis balls are made just for kids. They're on the larger side and bounce lower than regular tennis balls, so it’s easier for younger players to develop their tennis game and improve their strokes. We like how these junior balls are red and yellow, making it easy to distinguish them from standard balls. The three-pack is a perfect starter set, but if your kiddo is serious about tennis, you’ll probably need to invest in more. If you’re not playing tennis, these balls are also fun for a game of catch. Key Specs: Age Range: 5 to 8 yearsMaterials: Felt surface Best Sensory Edushape Sensory Ball Pack Edushape View On Amazon Pros Easy to clean Come inflated Open-ended fun Cons No storage provided Why We Recommend It Recommended for kids from 6 months old and up, sensory balls are wonderful for open-ended play. Each ball comes in a different color and has a distinct feel. The nubby surface of each ball encourages tactile play, and they are easy to bounce, toss, roll, or throw alone or with a friend. We appreciate that the plastic material is easy to clean whether kids play with them indoors or outdoors. Key Specs: Age Range: 6 months and upMaterials: Plastic The Best Fidget Toys to Keep Hands Busy and Minds at Ease How We Selected and Tested Balls for Kids To select the best balls for kids, we reviewed guidance from Nemours Children’s Health on toys for every age and how children of all ages play differently, along with guidance from the AAP on how to buy safe toys. Moreover, we reviewed a study on the efficiency of exploratory play for infants and its relation to longer-term cognitive development. We also spoke with Heather Shafi, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in New Jersey, about what to look for in balls for kids and the benefits of ball play for children. We also surveyed 875 parents to learn more about what brands their families love to buy and why. Additionally, we wanted to know their kids' favorite toys, how they play with them, and why they love them. After reviewing guidance from Nemours Children’s Health, the AAP, and a study, and speaking with Dr. Shafi and parents in our survey, we studied the design and features of more than 30 toys on the market. Moreover, we researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on toy balls for kids. When reviewing products, we considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, design, size, features, and value. What to Look for When Buying Balls for Kids Material: Choose a material that works for the child's age and stage. Dr. Shafi says soft, stuffed balls and light, large rubber balls are great for infants and young toddlers. With younger children, like infants and toddlers, think “large” (toys bigger than your child’s mouth) to help prevent choking, and ensure all stuffed toys have secure edges and no loose ribbons or strings that can cause strangulation. For the older kids, typical multipurpose and sports-related balls are better.Accessories: When buying balls, especially sports-related ones, some need accessories like a soccer goal, baseball mitt, or tennis racket (or a pump to inflate the balls themselves). Keep your budget and needs in mind. Tennis balls on their own won’t result in a tennis game unless you have two rackets to play. Many balls made for kids come in bundles that include all that you’ll need to get started, so if you are budget-conscious, that could be an ideal option.Age Level: Many balls come in a variety of age-appropriate levels. Soccer balls are made in sizes 1 through 5, tennis balls come in two strength levels, and other balls are made in varying sizes and weights. The right-sized ball will be safer, more accessible, and more fun for kids. Check the manufacturer's age recommendation to ensure it's the best fit for your kiddo. Frequently Asked Questions What age do kids play with balls? Dr. Shafi says children can start playing with balls as early as infancy, but only if the balls are not of a choking (small) size. Look for the manufacturer’s age recommendation and ensure any ball an infant or toddler will play with is of a safe size should (or when) they decide to put it in their mouth. Why are balls good for children? Playing with balls has so many benefits for children. They learn coordination, interactive people skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. They can also gain an understanding of team and social dynamics. Additionally, they are often inexpensive, portable, and fun without any other additional gear. What are safety concerns to think about when playing with balls? While playing with balls can be super fun, it’s important to be safe and choose the right ball for your kiddo and their needs. According to Dr. Shafi, choking is the biggest concern. She doesn’t recommend any ball that’s small enough for a child to fit in their mouth because they’re choking hazards. Moreover, “be careful with using hard balls with young children that may not be able to catch well, or likewise, may not be able to regulate their own strength or distance when playing ball,” she advises. Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. Maya’s kids are all super, super active, and her house, yard, garage, and even minivan trunk have a huge variety of balls. Since her kids are older, she makes all ball playing take place outdoors to keep her windows and TV safe. She loves keeping a ball in the car trunk. If she ends up at a park or open area, she can always give her kids a ball and know they will create some kind of fun game. Additional reporting by: Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina's family loves to play soccer together, so she recommends the Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball for older kids and the Little Tikes Punt, Pass, and Shoot set for little kids. 3 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Muentener P, Herrig E, Schulz L. The Efficiency of Infants' Exploratory Play Is Related to Longer-Term Cognitive Development. Front Psychol. 2018;9:635. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00635 Smart toys for every age (For parents) - nemours kidshealth. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to buy safe toys. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit