Club Benefits
The east coast has been plummeted with snow lately. And while snow days sound magical in theory, in reality, they're loud, messy and often filled with phrases like, "I'm bored!" on repeat.
So when a recent blizzard trapped my family of five inside, I pulled out something that ended up being the ultimate secret to my sanity: the Ball2 smart ball. Within minutes, my 11-, 8- and 5-year-old were laughing, running around the house and actually playing together — which, as any parent knows, is the real miracle.
My kids traded their screens for constant movement, healthy competition and endless laughter.
What is Ball2?
I'll be honest, when I first opened Ball2, I had no idea what it was; at first glance, Ball2 looks like a simple foam ball. But inside are motion sensors and AI-powered software that track movement and help kids invent games through the companion app.
It connects via Bluetooth and can measure throws, catches, spins and more while encouraging active play instead of screen time. In other words, it's part toy part STEM tool with a healthy does of creativity mixed in.
I went from "What does this do?" to "Which game should we play first?" upon downloading the app.
Why my kids loved it
It's hard to find a toy that is truly fun for all ages and that keeps kids entertained for more than ten minutes. Generation alpha is exposed to plenty of brain rot, so, at least for my kids, getting them interested in something new can be tricky. However, my 11-year-old soccer player and Fortnite fan loved how Ball2 lets users make their own games and create competitive challenges.
My 8-year-old is still the reigning champ of a game called Spin 21 — it's one of the games included within the app. She is proud of hitting 21 spins in under 8 seconds. I did it in an embarrasing 33 seconds.
And my 5-year-old just loved having everyone actually playing together. I loved that everyone felt included, stayed active and got creative.
Indoors or outside, it gets kids (and parents) moving
Ball2 tracks motion and encourages running, throwing and catching, making it perfect when outdoor play isn’t an option. The ball is a little harder than a Nerf ball, which I like because it feels far more sturdier, yet it isn't so hard that it hurts if accidently thrown too hard.
Everything is done within the app. The app includes ready-to-play games but also offers users the opportunity to describe a game and the AI builds rules around it. The system uses conversational AI to create custom games and store them so you can replay them later.
We made:
- ""Don't drop the lava ball”
- “Across the living room toss challenge”
- “Catch it before Mom counts to 10”
The endless ways to get creative, even mid-game are priceless. Being able to invent games in real time and play them immediately feels like an unexpected parenting win.
And once the snow melted and I had to keep my younger ones busy during my son's indoor soccer game, I pulled out the ball and my kids played next to the bleachers.
Things to know before buying
Welcome to Amanda's AI Lab, where she dives into all the new AI models and tests them out to see which features are really useful, and which are just slop.
I've tested a variety of AI toys, but this one feels different because it takes something kids naturally love (playing with a ball) and amplifies playtime by encouraging on-the-spot imagination.
Instead of staring at screens, my kids were collaborating, negotiating rules and celebrating each other’s wins. The tech stays mostly in the background, supporting creativity and movement rather than replacing it.
There are a few things to note for anyone considering purchasing Ball2. For starters, the AI game creation feature requires internet access, though saved games can be played offline. Each ball includes a limited number of AI game creation credits before additional ones can be purchased.
The app needs to be open, so a phone needs to be present. I ended up using my husband's phone when I needed my phone back.
It’s durable foam, but still an electronic device, so rough play should be mindful. And, if your kids are as competitive as mine, a few minor arguments might break out over who is the best. But, that's when, as a parent, you'll just have to step in and show them all what you've got.
Final thoughts
Ball2 is best suited for families with multiple kids, snow days and rainy afternoons, children who need movement breaks and parents hoping to cut down on screen time. It’s especially appealing for STEM-curious kids who enjoy building and interactive play.
After testing plenty of gadgets, apps and smart toys over the years, very few have managed to hold the attention of three kids across a six-year age span — this one did. It turned a snowed-in weekend into laughter, movement and just enough chaos to feel like childhood instead of cabin fever.
I’d keep it around even if the power went out. The only drawback is that it requires an app, meaning my phone needed to stay nearby, but that small tradeoff felt worth it for the energy it burned and the peace it bought.
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