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How to Make a Ball Pit

Ball pits are a great toy for toddlers. Ball pits consist of a container or enclosed area of some sort filled with plastic balls that your child can crawl around and play in. Many parents buy ball pits, and the hundreds of balls that come with them, as birthday and Christmas gifts. While ball pits can range in price from $40 and up, the do-it-yourself version can save you money. A simple ball pit using an inflatable baby pool and balls, can cost close to nothing if you use items you have on hand or buy used from a thrift shop.

Things You'll Need

Small inflatable pool
Plastic balls
Air pump

Instructions

- 1
  Search clearance aisles at your local toy store or general store and yard sales for inflatable baby pools. Thrift stores are also a great place to find used, inexpensive pools.You can find them at discounted prices at the end of the summer season. They can range from $3 and up. Make sure to take into account how much space you have available for your ball pit.
- 2
  Blow up your inflatable pool with an air pump. However, if you do not have an air pump, many children's inflatable pools can be blown up orally. Also, if your household vacuum has a hose attachement, you can use that to blow up the pool, but make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to inflate. Make sure to not over inflate your pool, as it could split at the seams. If you have access to a regular plastic kid's pool, you can use that as well.
- 3
  Fill your inflatable pool with plastic balls. These too can be found on clearance at your local general store or check yard sales or thrift stores. You can pour in as many balls as you wish, they typically come packaged by 25, 50 or 100. Use your best judgment based upon the size of the pool, and how many balls you are willing to clean up.

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