The 10 Best Playground Ball Sets

Nothing ruins play time like a child who got hit too hard during dodgeball running inside to tell on his or her friends. The sting-free texture of the GoSports Elephant Skin (appx. $73) should cut down on those incidents, and won't hurt as much when the kids turn on you, either.

Fully stocking a playground with all the things kids need to stay occupied and out of trouble during recess can be expensive. Fortunately, the S&S Worldwide Spectrum Koogle (appx. $16) are affordable, and they're lightweight, making them easy for even the smallest kids to play with.

If you always ask kids to put their balls back in the bin when finished, but they normally just let them sit out in the sun for days on end, the Eduball Indoor/Outdoor (appx. $30) might be what you need. They are made from UV-resistant materials, so their colors won't fade over time.

With their superior bounce, the Franklin Sports Classics (around $25) are great for many indoor gym games as well as outdoor play, from foursquare to kickball. They feature a cross-hatch pattern for improved grip and are available in several vivid colors.

If you plan on putting your equipment through a lot of aggressive indoor or outdoor games, then the pump included with the GoSports PB (around $35) will come in handy when they lose air. The set also has a carrying bag to keep everything organized.

Kids aren't exactly known for their long attention spans, but the bright AppleRound Set (about $15) may help them keep their eyes on the ball -- literally -- a bit better. Their vivid colors make them a festive choice for a birthday party or other celebratory event.

The Mac-T Easy Grip (around $26) are on the smaller side, at just six inches in diameter, and have a surface that makes then easy to hang onto, so they are a smart choice for kids who need to build up their dodgeball and catching skills.

If you can't afford to keep replacing toys and need to find some that children will not destroy easily, then rhino skin options, like the Champion Sports RSPGSET (around $25) are a smart choice. They can stand up to just about anything and are designed for indoor or outdoor use.

The ToysOpoly Set (appx. $20) includes a hand pump and needles for inflation as well as a mesh carrying bag. And you can order a set of 6, 12, or 24, making it convenient for schools, camps, churches, and other groups to get the right number for their needs.

Not only do the Crown Sporting Goods SBAL-001 (appx. $25) come with a hand pump that has an ergonomic handle, but they also include six needles, so if your careless kids misplace one, you'll have backups. Unfortunately, the material can crack if they are thrown too hard.