Must be bought. I thought it would be too small for my tall 5 year old but it isn't, all my kids are finding a way to fit in and enjoy it. And he became an organizer for stuffed animals. The kids are crazy about him. You're out of sight :) I mostly keep the tent inside and the ball pit and tunnel outside. I thought there were a few balls all over the house. But even my 1 year old realized how much fun it is to clean up and put balls in there.