Get kids on a roll by stocking your toy box with balls. Appealing, age-appropriate toys and sports equipment motivate your child to play and move. Plus, right-sized balls help her master skills (like throwing and catching), which in turn builds her confidence.
Best Balls for Babies and Toddlers
Little ones can build both small and large motor skills by exploring balls of different sizes and textures. Help her try to roll them back and forth or drop them onto the floor to see if they bounce. Try:
- Soft, plush balls
- Textured rubber balls
- Inflatable beach balls (try these baby beach ball games)
- Tennis balls
- Ping-pong balls
- A ball pit (or make your own—buy 6- to 8-inch soft plastic balls, add to play yard or wading pool)
Best Balls for Preschoolers
Between ages 3 and 5, kids are beginning to master kicking, throwing and catching. Large, lightweight balls are easier for them to manipulate and will be less frustrating. Many of these can be used indoors and out:
- Inflatable beach balls
- Rubber playground balls
- Lightweight plastic baseball or softball (with "fat bat" and tee)
- Foam balls
- Mini basketball and hoop
Best Balls for Grade-Schoolers
By age 6, your child may be ready to try real sports balls (with appropriate safety gear, such as shin guards for soccer and a batting helmet for baseball). She may enjoy playing ball games with other kids. Depending on your child's interests, keep on hand:
- Playground balls
- Baseballs/softballs and mitts
- Soccer balls and a net (or improvise with traffic cones or cardboard boxes)
- Basketballs and a hoop
- Footballs
- Tennis balls
- Foam balls for indoor play (think Nerf)
Best Balls for Middle Schoolers
By this time, your child's preferences are probably clear, and you're tripping over his ball of choice. For fun family ball games (if you have the backyard space), consider:
- Badminton
- Croquet
- Blongo ball (also called ladder golf)
