Top Indoor Basketball Hoops for Kids

 

As parents, making sure that your kids are getting enough exercise in order to live a healthy, happy life is a part of the job description.

 

While there are loads of fun things they can do outside to stay active, sometimes for reasons like inclement weather, there are times when your kids can’t go out and enjoy the sunshine.

 

When rainy days occur and your kids are stuck indoors, you can make sure they are still getting proper exercise with indoor basketball hoops for kids.

 

This is especially true for kids wanting to get the fundamentals of basketball down and get some skills under their belts if they are hoping to make the team at school.

 

Much like when choosing any other product, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best hoops for kids. If you’re looking for smaller versions, then check out this post which covers the best hoops for toddlers.

 

There are many different kinds of basketball hoops geared toward children of all ages and play styles, and it could seem a bit overwhelming trying to look through them all to figure out just which one is going to be best for your child.

 

We have created a buying guide of things to consider while also having compiled a list of the top nine indoor basketball hoops to make your search a little easier.

 

What to Consider Before Purchasing Indoor Basketball Hoops for Kids

 

When you are getting ready to purchase an indoor basketball hoop, there are a few things that you should take into account beforehand, just like you might with any other purchase.

 

This is especially true, because this is a product you intend to buy for a child.

 

In order to help you work through those various features, we’ve put together a quick buying guide that should help break that down for you.

 

Materials

 

First and foremost, you should take a look at the materials of the products that you are considering buying.

 

You want something that is going to be strong and sturdy, so you won’t have to worry about it tipping over or cracking no matter how roughly kids play.

 

If you opt for a basketball hoop that is cheaper in price than some others, that also means that you are likely going to get a product that uses lesser-quality materials.

 

Weaker material has a higher probability of cracking, breaking or simply degrading over time due to frequent use and wear.

 

As your child gets older, this could pose a bigger problem, because they will get stronger and that may make them a bit too heavy-handed with the basketball hoop.

 

Therefore, when choosing the proper basketball hoop for your kids, it will be important to consider their age and how much you expect them to grow in a short time to come after purchasing it.

 

Of course, this is usually talking about the material of the actual standing basketball hoop itself.

 

Basketball hoops are more often than not fashioned out of high quality metal like steel, which is ideal as it makes it difficult for kids to break or bend it.

 

Kids who like to dunk the ball or put a good deal of weight onto the hoop will absolutely need a hoop that can withstand that and should not be skimped on.

 

In the same vein, having a strong hoop might not be enough: you should also look into a basketball hoop that has a strong backboard.

 

Pay attention to what the backboard is made of to ensure that it doesn’t shatter or crack if your kids get enthusiastic while playing.

 

Design

 

The basketball hoops for your kids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they even come with the ability to hang them on the back of a door or the option of placing them on the ground.

 

Having a hoop that can hang on the back of the door is ideal for smaller homes, as it takes up no floor space while still allowing your child to enjoy a fun game indoors.

 

A basketball hoop that rests on the floor offers a more authentic experience, but it comes at the price of potentially taking up more real estate on the floor than you’d like.

 

You can figure out which one is best for your kids depending on your spatial needs and if you’ll be able to afford the space that comes with placing them on the floor.

 

That said, the design and the outward style of the basketball hoop is often chosen by whether or not it is a standalone type of hoop or is instead one that attaches to the back of the door.

 

The hoop needs to be strong if it is going to be placed on the back of the door, as it is going to need all of the support it can get from itself since it won’t have a base or a post to stand on.

 

If you have decided to get a floor standing indoor basketball hoop, the design becomes quite important in terms of adjustability.

 

If you have a door-hanging basketball hoop, you can easily move its placement to make it higher or lower, which is important as the child grows.

 

With a standalone basketball hoop, you’ll want one that is easy to adjust at the post while your child grows.

 

Basketball hoops that are adjustable in this way are typically not as strong as others due to the weakness and instability of having the part separated into two pieces like that can bring in comparison to a fixed design that is often made from a fixed piece.

 

If you get a basketball hoop that is adjustable, you will need to pay extra attention to the material that the stand is made out of for this reason.

 

Safety

 

Naturally, since this is a toy for a little one first and foremost, their safety is something that you’ll be considering heavily.

 

It is important to think about the issues that your child might have in terms of the way they already use their other sports equipment or simply just play with their toys.

 

For instance, are they gentle with their belongings or do they tend to get enthusiastic when playing to the point of damage?

 

Are they inattentive and likely to knock right into a standing basketball court?

 

If your child plays rough like this, you might want to look into a basketball hoop that can be filled with sand or otherwise has a sturdy, heavy base to reduce the risk of them knocking it over.

 

You will also want to consider whether or not there are any harmful chemicals in the materials that might irritate their skin.

 

You might want to consider choosing a brand that is well known for this reason; typically big name brands will have more reliable and trustworthy materials that you can feel good about using when compared to cheaper brands that might skimp and use weaker, lower quality materials.

 

Higher end brands really tend to care about the final product of their materials and will often even test the result before selling it to ensure that it is up to par.

 

Weight and Height

 

When considering basic safety, you should also consider the weight and the height of the unit itself.

 

Again, a heavier basketball hoop that has the potential to fill the base with sand is going to be better for rougher players who need more stability lest it topples over.

 

However, if your child plays light, then it might be just fine for you to get a basketball hoop that is lightweight.

 

Even though it is still prone to tipping over, depending on the kids themselves, that might not be a make or break feature.

 

As mentioned above in terms of height, if your child is still rapidly growing, having an adjustable basketball court will go a long way toward making sure they have a hoop they can continue to play with for many seasons to come without fear of them outgrowing it.

 

Be sure that you match up the height of the basketball hoop with the needs of your child with as much care as you consider what the weight should be.

 

Price

 

Naturally, price is going to be something you take into account, as no one is really keen on breaking the bank buying toys for their kids.

 

This is one of those cases where it might be worth it to shell out a little extra for a quality product; not only is your child likely to be playing on this hoop for many seasons to come, adjustability should be considered.

 

A little higher price might also help give you peace of mind that you are buying a product that is durable and will outlast the years to come without cracking under pressure from frequent use.

 

Top Indoor Basketball Hoops for Kids

 

1. Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball

 

The Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball is a high quality system geared specifically toward smaller kids. It features a freestanding base that is easy to adjust so it can grow as they grow.

 

There is both a large backboard and an oversized rim that will make it easier for your kid to make their shot and encourage them to keep playing.

 

Depending on the set you choose, it even comes with as many as three kid-sized basketballs.

 

Pros of the Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball

• Ideal for kids 1.5 years to 5 years old

• Can be used by both toddlers and preschoolers

• Child-sized basketball is included

• Rubber ball cannot be bitten by kids

• Plastic parts are durable against water and spills

 

Cons of the Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball

• The sand needed to make the base sturdy is not included

---

View In Amazon

---

2. Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set

 

The Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set is designed to get more girls interested in basketball thanks to its color.

 

Regardless of your kid’s age, she can play with it comfortably between the ages of 1.5 and five, and the basketball hoop will adjust to her height needs as she continues to grow and wants to play.

 

Pros of the Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set

• Height adjustable between two and four feet

• Cute pink color makes it stand out visually

• Suitable for kids between 1.5 and five years of age

• Sand can be added for extra stability

 

Cons of the Little Tikes TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set

• The hoop is too easy to detach and can fall off if played with roughly

• Basketball does not match the pink color of the rest of the toy

---

View In Amazon

---

3. SKLZ Pro Glow in the Dark Mini Basketball Hoop

 

The SKLZ Pro Glow in the Dark Mini Basketball Hoop is a good starter basketball hoop for kids who don’t play too roughly.

 

It is designed to attach to the wall and features a glow in the dark design that makes it easy to see even at night.

 

It is designed to attach to the wall and features a glow in the dark design that makes it easy to see even at night.

 

Pros of the SKLZ Pro Glow in the Dark Mini Basketball Hoop

• Glow in the dark system makes for fun sleepover games

• Easily fits on the bedroom wall or the door

• Comes with a glow in the dark basketball

• Features foam backing that stops the board from damaging the walls

 

Cons of the SKLZ Pro Glow in the Dark Mini Basketball Hoop

• Backboard has the risk of breaking due to a lack of strength

• When it is mounted on the door, the hoop causes a lot of noise when playing.

---

View In Amazon

---

4. Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball

 

The Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball hoop is a hoop that is made to work specifically with young kids and accommodate their height while still making the game easy to play.

 

The product features a lip along the plastic rim that helps catch the ball and encourages your children to continue playing and learning, thanks to the higher likelihood of making the shot.

 

Pros of the Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball

• Set is designed specifically for use with toddlers and small children

• Four positions allow a height up to 40 inches

• Unique extended hoop features a curved lip that makes it easier for your child to land their shots

• Can hold water or sand in the base for security

 

Cons of the Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball

• Stickers on the toy might wear down with frequent play

---

View In Amazon

---

5. Little Tikes Adjust ‘N Jam Basketball Set

 

The Little Tikes Adjust ‘N Jam Basketball Set is a set that is best-suited for families with two small children who want to play with one another.

 

Ideal for toddlers around three years of age, the hoop can be adjusted to suit their heights and keep them engaged.

 

Pros of the Little Tikes Adjust ‘N Jam Basketball Set

• Can be played with by one or more kids at the same time

• The perfect height for toddlers around three years old

• Resistant to water, moisture and spills

• Easily moves across carpeting when you need to reposition it

• Can be adjusted between four and six feet to accommodate your kids

 

Cons of the Little Tikes Adjust ‘N Jam Basketball Set

• Needs sand to fill the base

• Can be too tall for toddlers who are 1.5 years old to reach

---

View In Amazon

---

6. Fisher-Price I Can Play Basketball

 

The Fisher-Price I Can Play Basketball is a versatile basketball hoop that is designed to stay with your child until their teenage years both because of the two included balls and the adjustable height. Sand or water will keep it sturdy no matter how big they get.

 

Pros of the Fisher-Price I Can Play Basketball

• Mini hoop system can be adjusted high enough to be played by teenagers

• It can adjust between three and six feet

• Sand or water can be added to make it more durable

• Comes with two basketballs: one for teenagers and one for children

 

Cons of the Fisher-Price I Can Play Basketball

• The basketball is quite low quality and is not among the most impressive available

• The ball deflates and often needs refilled

• Hoop won’t break away

• Smaller toddlers will not be able to reach the hoop

---

View In Amazon

---

7. Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Junior Basketball Set

 

The Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Junior Basketball Set is the ideal set for little ones as young as 1.5 years old who are interested in playing basketball.

 

It can be adjusted between 30 inches and 40 inches to suit their heights as they start to get older and remains sturdy through the seasons with the sand in the base.

 

Pros of the Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Junior Basketball Set

• Suitable for kids as young as 1.5 years old

• Plastic rim makes it easy for kids to aim

• Can reach heights as tall as 48 inches and as short as 30 inches

• Two cup holders are present on the base

• Comes complete with a six-inch basketball

 

Cons of the Step2 Shootin’ Hoops Junior Basketball Set

• Metal clips can come loose on the basketball hoop

• When the ball is launched quickly, it can get knocked over

• Not as strong as some other units

---

View In Amazon

---

8. Little Tikes Play Like A Pro Basketball Set

 

The Little Tikes Play Like A Pro Basketball Set is a great choice for kids who are graduating from a smaller basketball hoop but aren’t quite tall enough or otherwise ready to use a full-sized court.

 

It can adjust as high as six feet in order to grow with them as they do and are ready to move onto a full-sized option.

 

Pros of the Little Tikes Play Like A Pro Basketball Set

• Height adjustable between four and six feet

• Boasts professional appearance that excites kids

• Has a breakaway rim

• Comes with a smaller, child appropriate basketball in the package

• Ability to weigh down the base of the hoop with sand to keep it stable

 

Cons of the Little Tikes Play Like A Pro Basketball Set

• Height adjustment system won’t always keep the height that you set

---

View In Amazon

---

9. Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop

 

The Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop is tall enough for kids that want a challenge without it being too far out of their reach.

 

The five height adjustments will allow you to raise it as tall as six feet and bring it as low as four feet.

 

Pros of the Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop

• Complete with five height adjustments instead of the standard four for most hoops

• Can adjust from four to six feet

• Sand or water can be added for extra durability

• Fun breakaway rim will fall pointing in a downward direction when kids slam dunk

• Features a small basketball that is ideal for kids’ small hands

 

Cons of the Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Toy Basketball Hoop

• Net can easily detach from the hoop

• Large backboard might be more spacious than parents expect

• Rim constantly collapses down with no warning

---

View In Amazon

---

Final Thoughts

 

Whether your little one is looking forward to trying out for the basketball team next summer or you simply want to give them a fun way to spend time indoors, these types of hoops are an excellent options for your next toy purchase.

 

In this article, we’ve put together not just a buying guide on choosing quality hoops for kids, but also a selection of nine of the finest options in order to help you decide which is best for your needs.