Fun basketball games for kids: Slam dunk edition

by Daniel Reid
February 2025

We all love basketball. That feeling of draining a deep three or breaking ankles with a killer crossover. But let’s be honest—not everyone is built like LeBron. Most of us aren’t soaring above the rim, and some of us wouldn’t even be able to dunk if we were sitting on LeBron’s shoulders.

For the majority of us, dunking is the impossible dream. Trampoline basketball changes that.

At Flying Squirrel Chatham, the dunk hoops give you the kind of bounce that makes you feel like an NBA star—without needing the genetics of a 6'8" powerhouse.

Whether you’re a seasoned hooper or looking for fun basketball games for kids, trampoline basketball is the perfect mix of thrill and skill-building.

Here are some of the best basketball games to play at Flying Squirrel Chatham, plus a look at what else is waiting for you beyond the hoops.

 

  1. Dunk Contest

If you’ve ever watched the NBA Dunk Contest and thought, I could do that...if I was two feet taller and could actually jump, this is your moment.

How to Play:

  • Take turns showcasing your best dunk—whether it’s a 360 spin, windmill, or off-the-backboard alley-oop.
  • Have a friend record your dunk so you can analyze your technique (or share on social media).
  • The group votes for the best dunk of the round. If you want to get fancy, use a scorecard system (rank out of 10).
  • Whoever wins the most rounds is crowned the Dunk King or Queen.

 

2. Trampoline HORSE

Classic basketball meets aerial acrobatics.

How to Play:

  • The first player calls a trick shot—a backwards shot, a shot from three feet off the ground, or a dunk with a spin.
  • If they make it, the next player has to copy the move. If they miss, they get a letter (H, then O, then R… until someone spells HORSE).
  • The last player standing without spelling HORSE wins!

🔹 Pro Tip: Add a trampoline-only rule: must bounce at least twice before shooting.

This is a great basketball fun game for kids who love trick shots and want to test their creativity on the trampoline court.

 

  1. Dunk & Defend

This fast-paced one-on-one battle will test your dunking skills and your defensive instincts.

How to Play:

  • One player starts with the ball and has 10 seconds to score a dunk.
  • The other player defends the hoop (no blocking above the rim—this isn’t Game 7 of the NBA Finals).
  • If the dunker scores, they stay in. If they miss or get blocked, the defender takes over.
  • Set a timer or a score limit (e.g., first to 10 points wins).

 

4. Around the World – Trampoline Edition

Think you’ve got range? Let’s see how well you shoot when your feet never touch the ground.

How to Play:

  • Set 5-7 shooting spots around the trampoline court.
  • Players must make a shot from each spot before moving on.
  • If they miss, they get a redemption shot, but this time, they have to do a trick bounce first.
  • First player to hit every shot wins!

🔹 Pro Tip: Make the final shot a must-dunk—because if you’re playing trampoline basketball, why not end in style?

This is one of the best fun basketball shooting games for kids, helping them improve their shot in an exciting way.

 

  1. The Alley-Oop Challenge

Trampoline basketball is built for alley-oops. The airtime, the perfect bounce, the feeling of catching a pass mid-air and slamming it home—nothing beats it.

How to Play:

  • One player throws the alley-oop while the other times their jump and slams it down.
  • Rotate who passes and who dunks.
  • Style points matter—off-the-wall lobs, one-handed slams, whatever you’ve got.
  • The best alley-oop combo wins the round!

🔹 Pro Tip: Try passing off the backboard for an even flashier finish.

 

Beyond the Hoops: Even More Fun at Flying Squirrel Chatham!

Trampoline basketball might be the main event, but there’s a whole world of action waiting for you:

  • Rock Climbing – Test your grip strength on indoor climbing walls built for all skill levels. Great for a mid-hoop cooldown.
  • Adventure Soft Playground – For the younger hoopers (or just those looking to burn off energy), this multi-level play structure has slides, tunnels, and obstacles galore.
  • And More! From foam pits to the slackline, there’s something for everyone. Basketball may bring you in, but the rest will keep you coming back.

 

Ready to Jump In?

Ready to take your basketball game to the next level? Whether you're here for fun basketball games for kids, a competitive dunk contest, or just looking to burn some energy with friends, Flying Squirrel Chatham is the ultimate place to play some b-ball.

Getting started is easy—just pick your jump time and grab your tickets.

Ticket Pricing:

  • 60 Minutes – $23
  • 90 Minutes – $30
  • 120 Minutes – $40

Toddler Pricing (Ages 6 & Under):

  • 60 Minutes – $14
  • 90 Minutes – $19
  • 120 Minutes – $25

about

Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park is a Family Fun Center in Chatham Ontario with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages! We have child friendly areas, and safety is our top priority!