Bumper balls, bubble balls, human hamster balls — they have many names. But they are all basically the same thing — a large air-filled ball in which a person can stand, run, and bump into others.
If your child wants to play bubble soccer or has asked for a bumper ball of their own, here’s everything you need to know.
- Handles & shoulder straps included
- Ul Greengard approved
- Inflates quickly
- Has shoulder straps & handles
- Available in 2 sizes
- Non-toxic & odorless
- Sized for smaller children
- Easier to store
- Square-ended bumper
- Takes only 90 s to inflate
- Has 2 adjustable shoulder straps
- Comfortable canvas handles
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Odorless PVC
- Can accommodate a lot of weight
- Multifarious color options
- Safe and durable materials
- More affordably priced than some bumper balls
- Bright & colorful design
- Ul Greenguard approved
- Ease of use
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite inflatable bumper balls for kids and adults.
Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball
Big Ball For Big Fun
Hurbo has a line of bumper balls in a variety of color combinations. So, if you’re buying more than one, you can choose a different color for each person or ensure you have a matching or coordinating pair.
One style of the ball has a clear half and a colored half, while the other style has clear walls all around with internal spots of color. You can choose from clear and blue or clear and red, or there is an option for a completely clear version.
Choosing one with color does not affect the user’s ability to see through the ball, so it is purely a case of which you like the look the most.
Once inflated, the balls are five feet across at their widest point and a little over four feet tall. This makes them the ideal choice for most older kids and adults.
Pros
- Handles and shoulder straps inside.
- UL Greengard approved (1).
- Inflates quickly.
Cons
- No puncture kit.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 5 feet |
| Weight Range | 110 to 200 pounds |
| Height Range | 4’9” to 6’2” |
| Age Range | 8 years and older |
| Additional Features | None |
Our Ratings
Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball
Two Size Options
The Yuebo bumper ball has the same color options as the Hurbo — half-color and half-clear, color spots, or fully clear. But this one is available in two sizes:
- Five feet wide and just over four feet, two inches high.
- Four feet wide and just over three feet, five inches high.
Both sizes have the same height and weight limits, which can be a little confusing. So we looked into this in more detail.
We found that both sizes of bumper balls will stand up to use by people of the same heights and weights, hence the limits. However, smaller people may find the smaller ball easier and more comfortable to use.
So, if one of the bumper ball users in your home is less than five foot five inches, they will find the four-foot ball more enjoyable.
Pros
- Shoulder straps and handles.
- Choice of sizes.
- It inflates fairly quickly with the use of a pump, which isn’t included.
Cons
- No puncture kit
Product Specs
| Diameter | 4-foot or 5-foot diameter options are available. Further specs in this table apply to both sizes. |
| Weight Range | 60 to 250 pounds |
| Height Range | 3’9’’ to 6’3” |
| Age Range | 8 years and older |
| Additional Features | None |
Our Ratings
Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers
Made For Kids
If you want a pair of bumper balls and your kids are too young or too small for the regular versions, we have an option for you. Banzai makes this set of bumper balls they recommend for children between 4 and 12 years old.
These are not the completely round shape of standard bumper balls, nor are you completely enclosed. This child-friendly option from Banzai is more like an inflatable, square-ended bumper with tubes of air attached to the outside. It covers the body, leaving the arms, legs, and head exposed.
Since a child using this ball has their head unprotected, it is recommended your child wears a safety helmet when playing in them. Some parents also have their kids wear their wrist guard and knee and elbow pads that they use on the skateboard.
Pros
- Sized for children.
- Easier to store than larger bumper balls.
- Highly affordable.
Cons
- Lots of chambers to inflate.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 3 feet 11 inches |
| Weight Range | Not listed |
| Height Range | Not listed |
| Age Range | 4 to 12 years |
| Additional Features | Repair patch included |
Our Ratings
Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set
Twice The Fun
The Popsport inflatable bumper ball set gives you double the fun, as long as you are not too tall. That’s not because of any weight or height restrictions — those were not listed.
Multiple user reviews and comments state that at under four feet across, these balls are best for smaller teens and adults or kids. However, for taller adults, too much of your body sticks out of the balls.
We also found that smaller users had trouble playing for extended periods as the ball itself weighs 20 pounds.
If this size is suitable for your family, these are an excellent choice. The balls have canvas handles, covered with a soft plastic sleeve for comfort. There are also two adjustable canvas shoulder straps that stop smaller people from slipping out.
Pros
- Only 90 seconds to inflate.
- The smaller diameter is good for younger users.
- Comfortable handles.
Cons
- Weighty.
- Not the best for taller users.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 3 feet 11 inches |
| Weight Range | Not listed |
| Height Range | Not listed |
| Age Range | 8 years and older |
| Additional Features | None |
Our Ratings
Baturu Bumper Ball
For Big Kids And Small Adults
At first glance the Baturu looks exactly the same as the Hurbo and Yuebo, so why does it also make it onto our list of the best inflatable bumper balls? And if it’s similar, why isn’t it further up the list? The answer is its size.
Other standard bumper balls do work for adults and children. But those people on the smaller end of the spectrum may find it tiring to play for long or have difficulty controlling the ball.
The Baturu bumper ball is the best alternative if your kids and other bumper ball users are too big for the child-specific options, but the five-feet wide bumper balls are too weighty, or just simply too big.
You could even consider one of these balls for the shorter users and one of the other brands for the taller users.
Pros
- Adjustable shoulder straps.
- Odorless PVC.
- They can accommodate a lot of weight.
Cons
- Over three minutes to inflate with an electric pump.
- Not available in a completely clear version.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 5 feet |
| Weight Range | 100 to 250 pounds |
| Height Range | 4’ 8” to 6’ 3” |
| Age Range | 8 years and older |
| Additional Features | Repair patch included |
Our Ratings
Sunshine Bubble Balls
Child And Adult Size Options
This two-pack from Sunshine gives you red bumper balls although there are several color options to choose from. These can be both used by an adult or a child.
These bumper balls are made of thick PVC than other options. As a result, the Sunshine bumper balls are less prone to punctures if the user falls against something sharp.
If you are playing on a soft surface, as is advised for all bumper balls, this should not be a problem.
However, it cannot be used by adults weighing 176.3 pounds or beyond.
Pros
- Multifarious color options.
- Safe and durable materials.
- More affordably priced than some bumper balls.
Cons
- Not as round as other balls.
- May not have the best quality.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 36 inches |
| Weight Range | Up to 176.37 pounds |
| Height Range | Not listed |
| Age Range | 6 years and older |
| Additional Features | None |
Our Ratings
Hurbo Inflatable Giant Human Hamster Ball
The Best Accessorized Bumper Balls
This bumper ball from Hurbo is a bright and colorful option, with clear panels interspersed with blue, red, or white dots.
There are four options available and can be used by children eight years and above.
In addition, it has two handles and shoulder straps to ensure safety for its users. Plus, it can easily be deflated and inflated in just a few minutes.
Pros
- UL Greenguard approved.
- Colorful.
- Easy and safe to use.
Cons
- Requires a large area.
Product Specs
| Diameter | 5 feet |
| Weight Range | 110-200 pounds |
| Height Range | 4’ 9” to 6’ 2” |
| Age Range | 8 years and older |
| Additional Features | Adjustable shoulder straps |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Diameter | Weight Range | Height Range | Age Range | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball | Big Ball For Big Fun | 5′ | 110 to 200 lbs | 4’9” to 6’2” | 8 years & older | None |
| Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball | 2 Size Options | 4-5′ | 60 to 250 lbs | 3’9’’ to 6’3” | 8 years & older | None |
| Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers | Made For Kids | 3′ 11″ | N/A | N/A | 4 to 12 years | Repair patch included |
| Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set | Twice The Fun | 3′ 11″ | N/A | N/A | 8 years & older | None |
| Baturu Bumper Ball | Big Kids & Small Adults | 5′ | 100 to 250 lbs | 4’ 8” to 6’ 3” | 8 years & older | Repair patch included |
| Sunshine Bubble Balls | Child & Adult Size | 38″ | 176.37 lbs | N/A | 6 years & older | None |
| Hurbo Bumper Ball | Accessories | 5′ | 110-200 lbs | 4’ 9” to 6’ 2” | 8 years & older | Adjustable shoulder straps |
At What Age Can Kids Use Inflatable Bumper Balls?
There are no universally accepted standards around bumper ball safety. The majority of companies that hire bumper balls or host bumper ball events set a minimum age limit of 8 years.
The majority of adult bumper balls weigh somewhere in the region of 20 pounds, so a younger child would struggle to play in one anyway. Children’s bumper balls weigh less but can still tip the scales at over ten pounds.
Are Inflatable Bumper Balls Safe?
There is the potential for injury when using bumper balls, especially with those who tend to be more boisterous and slam into each other with greater force.
If your children are going to be playing in bumper balls ensure they:
- Use the handles and harness within the ball.
- Play only on a soft surface such as grass or sand.
- Do not play near hard surfaces, walls, curbs, roadways, or anywhere else they could potentially injure their head if they fall.
- Are supervised at all times by a responsible adult who can intervene if the bumping becomes more forceful.
- Use the bumper ball exactly as advised by the manufacturer.
Remember, no matter what the activity, you don’t have to suffer an impact to the head to get a concussion (2). A concussion can happen due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head. It is possible this could happen if children become too rough when playing with bumper balls (3).
Consequently, it’s important to supervise your children and ensure things don’t get out of hand.
How to Choose
There are a few things to consider when you are shopping for bumper balls.
Size
Bumper balls come in two basic sizes — child and adult. If you’re looking for bumper balls for 8- to 10-year-olds, a child-size bumper ball will be safer and more fun than an adult one.
Weight Capacity
Bumper balls have a weight capacity range that reflects how large the ball is, how much air it can hold and the strength of the materials and construction. It’s important to check the weight range on the bumper balls you are considering.
While a bumper ball may still fit on someone who is heavier than the listed weight capacity, it may not stand up to a heavier person falling over in it. The extra weight falling onto it may cause the bumper ball to burst and may result in injury.
Durability
Most bumper balls are made from the same .03-inch thick PVC, so they are all roughly equal in their ability to stand up to punctures. The PVC is resilient to water and average summer temperatures.
Where bumper balls may differ is in the quality control of the manufacturer. The best way to ensure you are choosing a durable bumper ball is to read reviews or choose one from our list.
Usability
Check the labeling to see how the ball is inflated and deflated. Bumper balls with multiple chambers may inflate more evenly, but they may take longer to inflate and deflate.
Ergonomic Fit
Look at how high the handles in the bumper ball are. This will ensure they will be at a comfortable height for everyone who uses it.
Safety
Check labeling to ensure the product you choose has been approved for use in the U.S.
Versatility
Smaller child-size bumper balls are good for the younger members of the family, but, because they are for a limited weight range, your kids can grow out of them pretty quickly. There’s also no chance of you having the opportunity to use one when the kids have gone to bed.
Consider whether you will get more use out of a larger bumper ball, suitable for both adults and children.
Extra Accessories
Look out for bumper balls that come with pumps, storage bags, or other useful accessories. Puncture repair patches are especially useful.
Fun With Bumper Balls
As long as they are used safely and with suitable supervision, bumper balls can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.
You can choose one of the bumper balls on our list, or use our information to choose your own. Either way, we recommend picking a bumper ball you can try out yourself. After all, you deserve some fun, too.
