Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by ellen
If you’re looking for a small toy that can get kids off the couch and moving, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
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A ball doesn’t need batteries, Wi-Fi, or a screen to be entertaining. And the Waboba Moon Ball takes the classic bouncy ball and turns the bounce factor way up.
The Moon Ball is designed with a cratered surface that gives it a high, unpredictable bounce and a distinctive popping sound when it hits the ground. Waboba recommends the Moon Ball for ages 3 and up and says it is designed for hand-eye coordination, reaction skills, and active play.
That makes it a fun option for backyard play, park trips, playdates, and those afternoons when the kids announce that they’re bored approximately five minutes after you’ve suggested something to do.
And you don’t have to play with it the same way every time.
Here are 25 fun Waboba Moon Ball games and activities for kids to try.
Table of Contents
What Is a Waboba Moon Ball?
The Waboba Moon Ball is a small, lightweight hyper-bouncy ball measuring about 2.48 inches across. Its cratered design gives it a different bounce than a typical rubber ball, and the craters create a popping sound when the ball hits a surface.
It’s intended for ages 3+, and Waboba describes it as lightweight, grippy, and durable enough for repeated impact.
The unusual bounce is really what makes it interesting for games. Instead of simply throwing a ball back and forth, kids can use the bounce to create challenges involving catching, aiming, reaction time, and coordination.
25 Waboba Moon Ball Games for Kids
1. Moon Ball Catch
Start with the simplest game: toss the Moon Ball back and forth.
For younger children, stand close together and make easy throws. As their skills improve, move farther apart.
2. How Many Catches?
How many times can you catch the Moon Ball without dropping it?
Have kids count their catches and see if they can beat their own record.
This is an easy game to play alone with a wall or with a partner.
3. Wall Bounce Challenge
Find a suitable open wall and bounce the Moon Ball against it.
The challenge is to catch it when it comes back.
Want to make it harder? Take a step farther away from the wall after every successful catch.
4. One-Hand Catch
Can you catch it with one hand?
Try ten throws and count how many you successfully catch. Then switch hands.
5. Target Bounce
Set up a safe target on the ground or against an appropriate wall.
Players have to bounce the Moon Ball and try to hit the target.
You could use a bucket, hula hoop, chalk circle, or other suitable target.
6. Bounce Into the Bucket
Place a bucket or container a few feet away.
Instead of throwing the ball directly into it, players have to bounce the Moon Ball into the bucket.
Move the bucket farther away to increase the challenge.
7. Moon Ball Bowling
Set up lightweight plastic cups or empty bottles as bowling pins.
Players bounce or roll the Moon Ball toward the pins and see how many they can knock down.
8. Don’t Let It Touch the Ground
This one is great for two or more kids.
Players work together to keep the Moon Ball from touching the ground.
Every time it hits the ground, start the count over.
How many catches can your team make?
9. Moon Ball Reaction Challenge
Have one player bounce the Moon Ball unexpectedly while another player tries to catch it.
The goal isn’t necessarily to throw it far. It’s to see how quickly the other person can react.
10. High-Bounce Catch
How high can you bounce the Moon Ball and still catch it?
Start low and gradually increase the height.
This can become a surprisingly competitive challenge between siblings.
11. Bounce and Move
Bounce the Moon Ball, catch it, and then take one step backward.
Repeat.
How far can you get before you miss?
This works especially well when you have a large open outdoor area.
12. Moon Ball Relay
Divide kids into teams.
Players carry or bounce the Moon Ball to a designated point and return before passing it to the next person.
For younger kids, keep the course short and simple.
13. Backyard Obstacle Course
Create a simple obstacle course with cones, chairs, pool noodles, or other safe objects.
Kids have to move through the course while keeping track of their Moon Ball.
You can have them carry it, bounce it, or stop at designated spots for a catch.
14. Moon Ball Treasure Hunt
Hide a few objects around the backyard.
Give kids a Moon Ball and have them complete a bounce or catch challenge before they can search for the next item.
It’s a fun way to combine active play with a scavenger hunt.
15. Bounce Around the World
Pick several locations around the yard.
Kids must travel from one location to the next while completing a different Moon Ball challenge at each stop.
For example:
- Station 1: Five catches
- Station 2: Three wall bounces
- Station 3: One-handed catch
- Station 4: Target bounce
- Station 5: Ten-second keep-up
16. Sibling Bounce Challenge
Have two kids compete to see who can complete a specific challenge first.
Try:
- Most catches
- Highest successful bounce
- Most target hits
- Longest streak
- Fastest obstacle course
Keep the challenges age-appropriate so everyone has a chance to win.
17. Moon Ball Trick Shots
Give kids a few minutes to invent their own trick shots.
Can they bounce it off a wall and catch it behind their back?
Can they bounce it into a bucket?
Can they make it bounce over an obstacle and catch it?
Have everyone demonstrate their favorite trick.
18. Number Challenge
Write numbers on paper and place them around the play area.
Call out a number.
The child has to run to that number and complete a Moon Ball challenge.
This adds a little learning to active play and can easily be adapted for younger children.
19. Color Hunt
Place several colorful objects around the yard.
Call out a color and have kids run to that object before completing a Moon Ball catch.
For younger children, this is a simple way to practice color recognition while getting some movement in.
20. Moon Ball Freeze Game
Kids bounce or toss the Moon Ball while moving around.
When the leader says “freeze,” everyone has to stop.
Add different commands to make it more challenging:
- Freeze
- Catch
- Bounce
- Switch hands
- Sit
- Turn around
21. Moon Ball Team Challenge
With two Moon Balls, you can make this even more interesting.
Divide the kids into two teams and give each team a ball.
Set a goal, such as completing 20 successful catches as a team.
The first team to reach the goal wins.
22. Two-Ball Catch
This one is best for older kids or kids who already have good ball skills.
With two Moon Balls, two players toss one ball back and forth while attempting to keep another ball moving.
It’s definitely more challenging than regular catch!
23. Moon Ball Fitness Game
Turn the Moon Ball into part of a simple movement circuit.
For example:
5 catches → 5 jumping jacks → 5 catches → 5 squats → 5 catches
Repeat the sequence several times.
This is a fun option when you want kids to move but don’t want to organize a complicated game.
24. Make Your Own Moon Ball Game
Sometimes kids come up with better games than adults do.
Give them a Moon Ball and challenge them to invent a brand-new game.
They need to come up with:
- A name
- Rules
- How to score
- How many players can participate
- How someone wins
Then let everyone play the new game.
25. Moon Ball Tournament
Turn several of the activities above into a mini tournament.
Create a scorecard and award points for different challenges.
For example:
Catch Challenge: 1 point
Target Bounce: 2 points
Wall Challenge: 3 points
Trick Shot: 5 points
At the end, add up the scores.
You could even make this a regular weekend activity and have kids try to beat their previous scores.
Why Moon Balls Make a Good Screen-Free Toy
One of my favorite things about simple active toys is that they don’t necessarily come with a complicated set of instructions.
A ball can become a game of catch, a competition, an obstacle course, a target game, or something completely different depending on the child playing with it.
The Moon Ball’s unusual bounce gives kids another element to work with. Waboba specifically highlights its high bounce, cratered surface, popping sound, and hand-eye coordination benefits.
And because it’s small and lightweight, it’s easy to take along for backyard play, a trip to the park, or a family outing.
Is the Waboba Moon Ball a Good Gift for Kids?
I think the Moon Ball makes sense when you’re looking for a small, inexpensive gift that encourages active play.
It’s currently listed at $10.99 on Waboba’s site, although prices and availability can change.
That puts it in the range of gifts that can work for:
- Birthday party gifts
- Stocking stuffers
- Easter baskets
- Summer gifts
- Back-to-school surprises
- Classroom or team prizes
- Small rewards
- Travel activity bags
- “Just because” gifts
It’s also easy to pair with other outdoor toys if you’re putting together a larger gift basket.
What Age Is the Waboba Moon Ball For?
Waboba recommends the Moon Ball for ages 3 and up. The company says the lightweight feel and easy-to-grip texture make it popular with younger kids while older kids and adults can enjoy the high bounce as well.
As always, choose activities based on the child’s age and abilities and supervise younger children during play.
Can You Play With a Waboba Moon Ball Indoors?
You can, but choose your location carefully.
Waboba says Moon Balls can be used indoors, including in gymnasium settings, but recommends being mindful of your surroundings.
For home play, an open area with plenty of space is a much better choice than a crowded room filled with breakable objects.
If you don’t have an appropriate indoor space, save the Moon Ball activities for the backyard, driveway, playground, or another suitable outdoor area.
More Fun Ways to Play With Kids
If your kids are constantly saying they’re bored, you don’t necessarily need another complicated activity kit.
Sometimes a simple toy and a list of ideas are enough to get things started.
Save this list for the next time you’re looking for:
And once the kids invent their own Moon Ball games, you may find yourself with an entirely new list of activities to add!
Final Thoughts
The Waboba Moon Ball is a great example of a simple toy that can become whatever kind of game your kids want to create.
Use it for catch, challenges, target games, obstacle courses, competitions, or completely made-up games. With its high bounce and unusual movement, even a basic game of catch can feel a little different.
And if you’re looking for an easy way to encourage kids to put down the screens and get moving, 25 games are a pretty good place to start.
Pin This for Later!
Save this post so you have a list of 25 Waboba Moon Ball games for kids ready the next time you’re looking for an easy screen-free activity.
Waboba Moon Ball FAQ
What is a Waboba Moon Ball?
A Waboba Moon Ball is a lightweight, high-bouncing ball with a cratered surface designed to create a lively bounce and distinctive popping sound. It is recommended for ages 3 and up.
How big is a Waboba Moon Ball?
The regular Moon Ball is approximately 2.48 inches (63 mm) in diameter.
Does the Waboba Moon Ball bounce high?
Yes. The Moon Ball is specifically designed for a very high, energetic bounce. Its cratered design and specialized material contribute to its distinctive bounce.
What can kids do with a Waboba Moon Ball?
Kids can play catch, wall ball, target games, bowling, relay races, obstacle courses, trick-shot challenges, and many other active games with a Moon Ball.
Are Waboba Moon Balls good for outdoor play?
Yes. They’re particularly well suited to outdoor play on appropriate hard surfaces where kids have room to move and the ball can bounce.
What age is a Waboba Moon Ball for?
Waboba recommends the Moon Ball for children ages 3 and up.
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