Aldi's Vibrant New $5 Find Will Give Pet Parents an Easy Way to Wear Out Their Dog
A ball may be the simplest dog toy ever invented, but on a hot summer afternoon, a ball can become an entire adventure.
Whether you are playing in the backyard, on the beach, or in the park, a lightweight sports ball opens up more possibilities than basic fetch. With a versatile ball costing just $4.99, we have some ideas for fun games to try.
SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends
Crane Rainbow Sports Ball, $4.99 at Aldi
The Crane Rainbow Sports Ball is the kind of ball that makes pet parents stop in the seasonal aisle. Unique shape, colorful and a price that will make you want to buy more than one.
Built for outdoor use, the vibrant rainbow color pattern makes this ball easy to spot in grass. And unlike a classic ball, this one moves unpredictably enough to keep your dog engaged. The size is perfect for easy carrying, and it works for fetch or more games.
Related: See the Rare Moment a Golden Retriever Realizes a Big Ball Is Actually Life-Changing
Five Games to Play With Your Dog
Classic fetch is the obvious one, and remains one of the most effective games you can play. You throw the ball, the dog retrieves, and you repeat until one of you quits. Because of the irregular bounce of this ball, the unpredictability keeps your dog engaged more than a normal ball. You can vary the throw as well, mixing distance and style to keep your dog working harder.
Next one is water fetch. If you have a lake, river, or any backyard water setup, this ball becomes a perfect water activity. Most dogs will retrieve from shallow water with minimal encouragement.
Find it is a perfect game to play with a ball. Put your dog in a sit or stay position, and then hide the ball in the yard. Start with easy-to-find places, and then move to more challenging spots. Dogs love a challenge, and the effort to track a scent and locate an object is a great source of mental stimulation.
You can use the ball for a race. Why stand still when you can race your dog to the ball? See who reaches it first. Dogs love it when their favorite human becomes part of the game.
If your dog is more interested in having the ball than retrieving it, try a short tug session. Roll the ball out of reach, let your dog commit, and then roll the other way.
Note on Summer Heat
Remember, July and August present a challenge for outdoor play. The simple rule is if it is too hot for a comfortable jog, it is too hot for your dog to sprint.
Best times for play sessions are early morning and early evening. Make sure to have water available close by after playtime.
At the end of the day, the best game is the one you play together.
Related: This $7 Aldi Find Is a Total Lifesaver for Muddy Dog Paws
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 9:48 AM.