16 Exciting And Fun Ball Games For Kids

Throw it, toss it, or roll it – every fun ball game you can think of here in this list.

Reviewed by Justin Cahill, Physical Educator Justin Cahill Justin CahillPhysical Educator MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Physical EducationExperience: 27 years
Written by , B.Com, PG Dip Harshita Makvana B.Com, PG Dip Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Child Education, Storytelling, Activities and LearningExperience: 7 years
Edited by , MA (English) Deepa Thomas MA (English) Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Child Education, Development, Activities And FunExperience: 3 years
Fact-checked by , B.Tech Nisha Bharatan B.Tech Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years
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Children Playing Ball Games In A Field

Image: MomJunction Design Team

6Ball games are a great way to keep your kids physically active and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

If your child is a couch potato and seldom goes outdoors and plays, introduce them to fun ball games for kids, and they will never get bored again. These games not only keep your kids engaged but also contribute to physical fitness, social interaction, and mental development. By participating in various ball games, children learn essential skills such as teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking. We have combined several ball games in this post that can be played solo or in groups. These games are exciting and help your kid have a great time with their friends.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Introduce your child to fun ball games to get them off their screens and stay active.
  • Try creating a complex yet fun ball maze to enhance their cognitive skills.
  • Beachside ball sports are great physical activities for children.
  • Ball in a spoon, break the pyramid, and more games for you as you scroll down.

16 Fun Ball Games For Kids

They can be played indoors or outdoors in a playground, depending on the weather and your child’s interest.

Indoor Ball Games For Kids

You may try these games when it’s raining outside or Mr. Sun is shining very bright.

1. Tossing a ball into the box

Tossing a ball into the box fun game for kids

Image: Shutterstock

A challenging one for sure! To play this game, you will require a tennis ball, four baskets/cardboard boxes, rope, and a timer.

How to play:

  1. Place the four baskets at a distance. If you are using cardboard boxes, keep one side open.
  2. Using the rope, mark a start line maintaining at least 5ft distance from the baskets.
  3. The player has to stand at the start line and target the baskets.
  4. Set a time limit on the timer; if the player tosses the ball into every basket within the prescribed time, they win.
  5. If there is more than one player, you can have a mini competition of who throws the maximum number of balls in the set time.

Benefits:

The child will learn about distance, and improves focus and motor skills.

Ball toss games have many variations, and you can modify the game to your liking. An anonymous blogger shares their experience of ball toss. They say, “One of our favorite games is ball toss. We grab the bin of balls from the toy shelf and three baskets or buckets. We use a variety of balls for several reasons… We didn’t have any rules or method. We just threw the balls into the baskets. Once the ball bin was empty we collected all the balls and started again (i).” That’s how they enjoyed the game!

2. Segregate the balls

Segregate the balls fun game for kids

Image: Shutterstock

This game offers cooperative play and suits little children who are just learning about colors. Lots of colorful balls and a big tub are all you need to enjoy this entertaining game.

How to play:

  1. Fill up the tub with all the colorful balls.
  2. The players have to segregate the balls into each distinct color and place them separately.

Benefits:

Teaches them about colors.

3. Run the ball through a maze

Run the ball through a maze, fun game for kids

Image: IStock

Make your child try running a ball through the maze within a time limit.

How to play:

  1. You can either buy a board which has a maze or build one using objects lying around the house. When you are creating the maze, make it tricky to solve.
  2. Place the ball at the beginning of the maze and run it through the entire maze until it reaches the other end.

Benefits:

This game will improve the cognitive abilitiesiThe mental abilities that enable us to think, learn, and comprehend our surroundings of the player as it is mentally challenging and requires a lot of attention.

protip_icon Quick tip
Consider the age of the child before setting up a game. If It is too complicated, a younger child might lose interest halfway through the game.

4. Bowling

Bowling fun ball game for kids

Image: IStock

Bowling is a competitive sport. A suitable sport for kids, it sure brings happiness to the child when pins are stricken off.

How to play:

  1. Older kids can play bowling under the guidance and supervision of parents at the nearest bowling game zone. It is essential to wear bowling shoes while playing this game.
  2. The player has to stand at the beginning of the bowling ramp.
  3. Pick a ball and roll it towards the pins.
  4. The goal is to strike as many pins as they can in one throw.

Benefits:

Bowling boosts self-confidence in children every time they hit the target.

5. Break the pyramid

Break the pyramid fun ball game for kids

Image: Shutterstock

This amusing game can be played at parties, family gatherings or just any time your child is in the mood to play a creative game.

How to play:

  1. Stack the glasses in a pyramid shape on the one end of a table.
  2. The player has to stand on the opposite end and try to hit all the paper glasses.
  3. If all the glasses do not fall at once, players have to arrange the glasses and attempt the target once again.
  4. To make it challenging, having a timer set in would be great.

Benefits:

This ball game is fun and challenging at the same time, thus improving cognitive abilities.

Outdoor Ball Games For Kids

When the child wants to bask in the sun or head to the beach with friends and family, these outdoor ball games will add to the beauty.

6. Basic tennis

Basic tennis fun ball game for kids

Image: IStock

Introduce this engaging game to young kids. To make it interesting, keep a score of the hits and misses.

How to play:

  1. Fix the net in your garden or the yard.
  2. Start with lighter strokes to play beginner level tennis.
  3. One player has to start the serving with the racket, bounce the ball to the opposite side, and the other player hits it back. This way the ball keeps moving back and forth.
  4. When the ball touches the net, the player loses a point.

Benefits:

Kids improve their attention span. While jumping and running around to hit the ball, their muscles are exercised too.

7. Football

Football fun game for kids

Image: Shutterstock

Are your kids soccer or football fans? Then this sport is definitely for them. Get a lightweight ball and teach them the basics of football.

How to play:

  1. One player has to be the goalkeeper.
  2. The other player(s) must dribble the ball and aim to hit the goal.
  3. The goalkeeper has to stop the ball from entering the goalpost.

Benefits:

Football games for children help strengthen the calf muscles. They are also a fantastic physical exercise.

8. Beach cricket

Beach cricket fun ball game for kids

Image: IStock

On a bright sunny day, head to the beach and play this refreshing game with the kids.

How to play:

  1. One player has to bat, and the other(s) has to ball and field. You can mutually decide who wants to bat first or toss a coin for the same.
  2. Stick the wickets in the beach sand.
  3. The bowler has to target the wickets while bowling whereas the batsman defends the wickets to stay in the game.
  4. When the batsman hits the ball, the fielders and bowler have to catch the ball or field it around the pitch.
  5. While they are fielding, the batsman has to run between wickets and score as many runs as possible.
  6. If the bowler hits the wickets while the batsman is away, the latter is out of the game.

Benefits:

Playing cricket engages the entire body; therefore it is a great physical activity for kids.

9. Beach ball

Beach ball fun game for kids

Image: IStock

A beach ball is all you need to play this simple but fascinating game. Throw it in the air, and let the winds decide where it goes. Another seaside favorite that you might consider playing is volleyball.

How to play:

  1. The players stand on opposite sides.
  2. One throws the ball and the other one has to catch it without missing.
  3. The player throws back the ball to the opposite player.

Benefits:

Sharpens the mind of young children as it engages the eyes and the mind.

10. Baseball

Baseball fun game for kids

Image: IStock

This is a beginners’ baseball game for children to play when they are outdoors.

How to play:

  1. Assign the task of pitching the baseball to one player, and batting to another. Make sure the players are wearing protective gear like gloves, right shoes, and a helmet.
  2. The pitcher has to pitch the ball to the hitter.
  3. When the ball strikes the baseball bat, he/she has to swing the bat and hit it hard.
  4. Once the hitter hits the ball, the fielders have to retrieve the ball, while the hitter runs to score a point.

Benefits:Kids baseball game helps in building strong arms and legs.

It improves focus and levels of concentration.

protip_icon Did you know?
Baseball is considered the national sport of many countries, including the United States, Taiwan, Venezuela, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

11. Pool ball race

Pool ball race fun game for kids

Image: IStock

Active children will love this ball race in water as it requires tonnes of energy.

How to play:

  1. Once the players are dressed in their swim gear, they are assigned one ball each.
  2. They begin the race from one end of the pool and swim to the other end while pushing the ball along.
  3. The ball cannot be thrown in the air.
  4. The player that reaches first wins the race.

Benefits:

This game will improve the fine motor skillsiThe ability to control small-muscle actions like buttoning, writing, and utilizing scissors , and increase their stamina and hand-eye coordinationiThe capacity to carry out an action that calls for coordinated use of the hands and eyes, such as catching or throwing a ball .

12. Ball in the spoon

Ball in the spoon fun game for kids

Image: IStock

This one can keep your children entertained for hours. All that you need is some spoons and small balls.

How to play:

  1. Players have to place the ball in the spoon and hold the spoon in their mouth.
  2. They should reach the end line of the race while making sure that the ball does not fall from the spoon.
  3. The players cannot use their hands to hold the ball in place.
  4. If the ball falls before reaching the finish line, they must restart from the start line.
  5. Whoever reaches the finish line first, with the spoon and ball in their mouth, wins the race.

Benefits:

This game helps children balance their pace and improve their concentration.

13. Pass and retain the ball

Pass and retain the ball fun game for kids

Image: IStock

Perfect for kids to learn interactive skillsiThe ability to interact and communicate with others in an effective manner with their peers.

How to play:

  1. Divide the players into two teams of equal number.
  2. Set the time limit for the game.
  3. The first player throws the ball in the air and the other players have to grab it and pass to their respective team members only. Every player attempts to retain the ball.
  4. The players can pass the ball between each other, but not to the immediate player standing next to them.
  5. When the timer buzzes, the team which has the ball in their hands wins the game.

Benefits:

Such outdoor games and activities for kids help with team-building skills. It also motivates children to build strong connections with their team members.

14. Flipping the balls

Flipping the balls fun game for kids

Image: IStock

This ball game is sure to get the kids jumping in joy.

How to play:

  1. Divide the players into two teams and make them stand in a circle in a way that no two players from the same team are standing next to each other.
  2. Each player has to hold one end of the bed sheet and place all the balls in it.
  3. One team should try to retain the balls inside the bed sheet, and the other side should try to throw away the balls by flipping the bed sheet.
  4. Set the timer.
  5. The team that retains/ throws away the maximum number of balls wins.

Benefits:

This game teaches kids to play in a team and support one another.

15. Juggling

Juggling fun ball game for kids

Image: IStock

Three matching balls, lots of energy and there you have a rollicking game ready.

How to play:

  1. Hold two balls in one hand, and one ball in the other.
  2. Release the first ball from the dominant hand, juggle it in the air, and quickly catch it with the other hand while releasing another ball.
  3. It is not easy but a lot of fun if you practice it well.

Benefits: Juggling helps children to focus and increase the movement of hands, wrist, and eyes. It also exercises the brain by improving focus and is a great stress reliever.

16. Spud

Spud

Image: Shutterstock

One playground ball, ample space to run, and agile reflexes are all you need to play this fun running game for kids.

How to play:

  1. Each player is given a number to remember.
  2. One selected player holds the ball while others stand close to them. They throw the ball in the air and shout a number.
  3. The one whose number was called catches the ball and shouts “SPUD” immediately. Others need to run away and freeze once they hear “SPUD.”
  4. The one with the ball takes four steps toward the other player and throws the ball toward that player (aiming to hit below the waist).
  5. The frozen player may try to catch or evade the ball while not moving their feet. If the ball misses them, they get the letter “S,” and if they are hit then the thrower gets an “S.”
  6. A player who gets a letter becomes the next thrower.
  7. If a player gets all the letters of “SPUD”, they are out.
  8. If a non-existent number is called, then all players should touch the ball and the last one gets a letter.
  9. The last player standing is the winner.

Benefits:

It may help children develop verbal communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are ball games good for children?

Ball games, such as basketball, dodgeball, and kickball promote hand-eye coordination, muscle development, and overall fitness. They also help develop essential social skills in competitiveness in your child (1).

2. How do I teach my child ball skills?

When your child is ready to play, encourage them to catch the ball by wrapping their arms around it and cradling it to their chest. As his skills improve, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your child.

3. What do children learn from kicking a ball?

Kicking a ball requires significant muscle movement and improves a child’s agility, balance, foot-eye, and hand-eye coordination. These ball skills let children cherish feelings of strength and freedom (2).

4. How can parents ensure safety for their children while playing ball games?

Parents can ensure their children’s safety while playing ball games by actively supervising playtime, providing proper equipment, and selecting safe environments for games. Choosing areas free from obstacles and using age-appropriate balls and gear can help prevent accidents. Teaching kids the rules of the game and emphasizing the importance of following guidelines, like no roughhousing or pushing, helps children understand safe behavior and enjoy the game responsibly. These steps ensure a fun and secure environment, reducing the likelihood of injuries and allowing children to play confidently.

Ball games are an excellent form of physical activity for kids that they will not even complain of and do in willingly. You can include any of the above indoor and outdoor ball games for kids in their weekly exercise routine, segregate the balls or run the ball through a maze, ball in the spoon, or juggle. Encourage them to participate in games during the weekend to spend some quality time together so you can deepen your bonding. You can also create a friendly competition by keeping scores to help your child stay engaged and motivated.

Infographic: Fun Ball Games For Kids

These are not just any ball games but fun games that help children achieve all-round development. From outdoor excitement to indoor fun, this list has games for sunny and rainy days. So dive in and let your children learn while playing these interesting games with friends..

indoor and outdoor ball games (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Fun Ball Games For Kids

Fun Ball Games For Kids_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Watch this video to know the different ways you can play with different-sized balls. Enjoy the fun!

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Ball toss.
http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/01/ball-toss.html?m=1

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Dag et al.(2021); Children’s only profession: Playing with toys
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8430366/
  2. Playing with balls
    https://www.education.sa.gov.au/parents-and-families/curriculum-and-learning/early-years/learning-with-your-child-greatstart/being-active/playing-balls

 

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Justin Cahill
Justin CahillPhysical Educator
Justin Cahill has been a physical education teacher for over 27 years and currently works at Trinity School, Atlanta. He is also the founder of keepingkidsinmotion.com, a website full of videos, ideas, lessons, and thoughts on how to keep kids active in a device-driven world.

Read full bio of Justin Cahill
Harshita Makvana
Harshita MakvanaB.Com, PG Dip
Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.

Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
Deepa Thomas
Deepa ThomasMA (English)
Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for young children at an NGO that focuses on helping children develop their language and soft skills.

Read full bio of Deepa Thomas
Nisha Bharatan
Nisha BharatanB.Tech
Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

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