Here's a little item I found at Ace Hardware store: a wire apple-shaped bird feeder. As soon as I saw it, it screamed "MINI BALL PIT" lol and much to my husband's bemusement, I dragged it home with me.
Since kids' activity areas and indoor toys are a big deal in the UAE (because of the hot weather), I'm going to build a mini play area in one of the mall boxes. The ball pit will probably be suspended from the ceiling for more fun action and I'll put a little rope ladder on it.
Here is my little DH girl modelling the scale (and my RL little girl Shannon is holding the chain for me). I filled the ball pit with little round balls I got from a cheap baby rattle toy at Daiso, and some extra beads from the neverending supply that is mysteriously multiplying in the art & craft drawers!