Hellobee Boards

@Lahela017: I would guess that a kiddie pool plus balls is just as good as an official ball pit. In terms of other gross motor play, my 3 year old has so much fun with a little tikes trampoline. She also has a wedge mat that folds into an ~30in cube that has been endless entertainment for rolling/jumping/etc. and we have a foldable kid sized gymnastics bar that’s her big Christmas present because she really wants to be able to swing on the handle on the trampoline and it’s not made for that at all. We also thought about getting one of those pod swings since they are appropriate for active play and quieter time, but ultimately think she’ll have more fun with the bar. But we also go outside in just about any weather (heavily bundled of course). Last year DH made a slide in one of the snow banks on the side of the driveway and she LOVED it.

@Lahela017: Ick… it’s way too early for temps that cold. I’m in VT near the Canadian border and we’ve had a few days of single digit windchills so far but nothing below zero yet (thankfully). This is the trampoline we have: https://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-easy-store-3-39-trampoline/-/A-53664704#lnk=sametab we got this one because friends recommended it and their 7 year old still uses hers. Plus it looks like Target has it in n sale right now.

Oh, and this! Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids Fun and Safe Pogo Stick, Durable Foam and Bungee Jumper for Ages 3 and up Toddler Toys, Supports up to 250lbs (Blue) https://a.co/d/dTfy8F6

It does make an insanely annoying squeaky noise, but worth it! DH and I occasionally jump around on it too.

I agree with @karenbme: about the trampoline and bar. We also got a rope swing thing and attached it to the ceiling of our basement during the height of the pandemic. Our 3 and 9 year olds still use it most days. Very similar to this one LAEGENDARY Tree Swing for Kids - Single Disk Outdoor Climbing Rope w/ Platforms, Carabiner & 4 Ft Tree Strap - Playground Accessories - Multicolored https://a.co/d/bOSZ7wc

We have a swing similar to what @Chuckles: posted. It's attached to our basement ceiling beams using an anchor hook intended for a TRX that holds something like 500 lbs. Every kid who comes over loves it (and my daughters are now 10, 8, and 6).

We also have the pogo thing and they all liked that; my oldest uses a regular pogo stick both indoors and out to get gross motor input, which she really needs.

If you're into setting up obstacles, these two items (stepping stones and hoops) are fun; if you want something that serves a purpose for adults as well, there are fun balance activities you can do with a Bosu ball.

Stepping Stones: https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Balance-Stepping-Stones/dp/B07H7RGM89

Hoops - for the life of me I can't find our set; I thought it was Melissa and Doug - we have six rings in two sizes, similar makeup to these: https://www.amazon.com/Worldwide-YS-AR-20-Spectrum-Hoops-Agility/dp/B00P48UG2A/ref=asc_df_B00P48UG2A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=222720245886&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17088473793497982514&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003744&hvtargid=pla-364921986635&psc=1

Nugget couches are also a huge hit - they use these combined with gymnastics mats for fort and obstacle building.

We have a ball pit. It's great for about 2 weeks at a time and then the novelty wears off and balls end up all over. We keep it out for a few weeks in a time and then put the balls in the attic for a few months, rinse and repeat. Ours is inside a pop and play and we fill it with balls, so not an official pit, but deeper than a kiddie pool.

Other ideas could be twister game or a balance board (wobble board).

Agree with the nugget couch, if it's in the budget. Or the ultimate fort builder.

We had a ball pit and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I was so tired of picking up balls. The day we finally put it in the trash I did a little dance.