Marble Runs, Ball Runs and Track Toys: The Ultimate Guide
Oskar's Wooden Ark | September 24, 2021
Who doesn't love a ball run? Ball runs are utterly marble-ous for promoting imaginative play, STEM learning and good old-fashioned family fun. At Oskar's Wooden Ark we stock a wonderful selection of ball runs and marble trees, as well as a variety of building sets that allow you to create different ball run combinations. If you're wondering what ball or marble run is best for you or you're looking for inspiration and ideas for ball runs you can create from scratch using open-ended toys - then you've come to the right place! In this blog post we'll be answering these questions:
1. What is a ball run?
2. What age groups are ball runs suitable for?
3. How can my child benefit from playing with a ball run?
4. Which marble run or ball run set should I buy?
5. How can I create a ball run using open-ended toys such as Grimm's Wooden Toys?
6. How can I extend my ball run fun?
What exactly is a ball run?
Let's get the ball rolling with a simple explanation of what a ball run actually is. A ball run (or marble run) can take many forms, but it is essentially a structure that has been designed to allow an appropriately sized ball or marble to run through it. Ball runs differ in size and complexity and can be bought as pre-built structures or as sets of blocks and elements that can be arranged as desired.
Grimm's Assembly Ball Run | Photo: Kelly
A ball run created with Grimm's Wooden Toys and recycled materials, by Jennifer
With a little bit of imagination, you can create your own ball runs using open-ended toys or recycled materials such as cardboard tubes and plastic piping.
Why not head outdoors and create a giant track using rocks, sticks and leaves. Take advantage of the natural dips, hills and bends found in nature OR have a go at creating a ball run at the beach using beach sand.
What AGE GROUPS are ball runs suitable for and how can my child benefit from playing with one?
Ball runs are great fun for everyone! Watching a ball or marble as it travels along a track will delight and entertain even the very youngest of children*. Some of our marble runs even incorporate sound and rhythm for a soothing sensory experience.
Toddlers will enjoy exploring a ball run, learning where to place the balls so that they roll down the track. Through these interactions they will learn the concept of cause and effect while developing hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and patience.
*Marbles are a choking hazard for children under 3. For very young ones we recommend ball runs that are compatible with large balls. As children grow, smaller balls may be used with the set.
A simple ball run spiral for all ages, using Grimm's Rainbow arches and large balls
Older children will want to have a go at creating their own ball runs, and they'll be learning so much through their play, including problem solving, creativity, cooperation, critical thinking, engineering and maths skills, planning and perseverance. What's more, while they're building their ball run structures, they'll also be building self-esteem. In no time at all, they'll be attempting more challenging structures, possibly even combining sets and incorporating other toys and materials to take their creations to the next level!
And when the kids are in bed you can bet Mum and Dad will enjoy creating some epic ball runs of their own! (You only need to spend a few minutes browsing some of the amazing creations on Instagram and our Wooden Ark Family Facebook Group to see what we mean!)
Which marble run or ball run set should I buy?
Knowing which marble run or ball run set to choose can be a challenge due to the wide range available on the market, but don't lose your marbles - we’ve chosen the very best from hundreds of brands, and we can't wait to share them with you!
Check out our entire range of Ball Runs and Marble Trees HERE or keep reading for our top picks.
Photo: Steph
KADEN
Chunky, natural wooden marble run sets, available in three sizes: S, M and XL. Each individually shaped building block is designed to connect with every other block to allow a ball to run through, turn a corner, spin around or even drop down a level. KADEN Marble Runs impress with their variety of components and their unique design. Combine them with Grimm's and Just Blocks for extended multi-level ball run creations. Learn more about KADEN >
MARBLE SOUND TREES from Grunspecht
These beautiful rainbow trees, available in three different sizes, are an attractive addition to a playroom and an absolute treat for the senses. Stained leaves expose the wonderful tactile wood surface, and offer a wonderful auditory experience as the marble plays a different tone as it hits each leaf. Children will love watching the marble gently move down the tree, bringing each leaf to life with music. Learn more about Grunspecht >
BECK
Offering numerous marble runs (some with chimes), roller cups and plate towers - Beck have created an alternative spin on the classic marble run. Beck Wooden Toys predominantly use native timber from beech, maple and oak trees grown near their workshop in the Swabian Alps in Germany. These unique heirloom toys are built to last! Learn more about Beck >
NIC
The NIC Multi-race is available in a number of different models, varying in track number, height and with or without a collecting tray. The collecting tray helps to make the Multi-race even more stable, and is great for catching and storing the accessories - particularly recommended for classroom or early kinder settings. Each model includes a different selection of accessories, and accessories can also be purchased separately. Learn more about NIC >
Photo: Kelly
GRIMM'S Assembly Ball Run
Children can build up this ball run by themselves (with a little help from mum and dad), sorting the colours at their discretion. The result is a double spiral run, perfect for marble races. Who will be the winner? View the Grimm's Assembly Ball Run or start creating your own Ball Runs with a variety of open-ended play elements from Grimm's Wooden Toys >
What ACCESSORIES are available?
Ready to roll? We have a HUGE range of balls, marbles, cars, wobblers, extensions AND support pieces available that work in conjunction with our ball and marble runs. These are detailed under each product description on our website. Discover ALL Marble Runs and Track Toys >
How can I create a ball run using my Grimm's Wooden Toys?
The beauty of open-ended toys is that they can be used to create ANYTHING - including ball runs! Why not have a go at creating a simple DIY ball run, using your Grimm's rainbow, building boards, semi-circles and blocks? Check out the video below for some inspiration.
Check out our entire range of Grimm's Wooden Toys HERE.
We want both your little one and YOU to have a ball when it comes to playing with your marble run, so let us inspire you with some simple Grimm's ball run ideas:
'The Bowling Alley' by Kelly
'Snake Run' by Ruth
Simple Stair Run using Grimm's Rainbow arches and Semi Circles
How can I extend my ball run fun?
Create more challenging structures, combining ball run sets and incorporating other open-ended toys and materials to take your ball runs to the next level! Let us inspire you!
We are constantly amazed by the EPIC marble run creations that our Wooden Ark Family come up with. Here is a small selection of ball runs created using a range of toys from Oskar's Wooden Ark:
Feeling crafty? Check out this fun tutorial from Bea on how to make a DIY BALL RUN from a cardboard box:
Let the good times ROLL!
Well, there you have it! The ball is in your court now - so go have some fun! We'd love to see your amazeballs creations - so remember to share them with The Wooden Ark Family and on Instagram. Do you have Pinterest? Why not pin some of these fun ball run ideas to your Pinterest boards to try later. Happy playing!
