Dunk hoops and other fun basketball games for kids in Whitby

There’s something about basketball that kids just love. It doesn’t matter if it’s a regulation court or an impromptu setup involving a garbage bin and a crumpled piece of paper—it’s universally irresistible. It might have something to do with basketball’s innate simplicity: we all aim, shoot and hope for that sweet, satisfying swish.

Kids seem to gravitate toward basketball before they even know it exists. An empty bucket and a rock innately becomes a shooting and scoring game for preschoolers. Clean up time at home is more fun for toddlers when they get to aim and throw a stuffed animal into its bin instead of placing it there gently. Older kids only know one way to get their laundry in the hamper: and that is by throwing it there from a distance (ideally from the top of the stairs).

Need some creative and fun basketball games to play with your basketball-loving child? These twists on traditional basketball can be played solo, with a pair or in a group (and most importantly, not inside your house!)

 

Dunk hoops on a trampoline

One of the major advantages professional basketball players have is their height—something most young kids do not. Enter: trampolines. Is there a more fun way to play basketball than by jumping on a trampoline, achieving sufficient air time and then slam dunking the ball like an NBA player? I think not. That’s why Flying Squirrel in Whitby is my go-to spot when I want to mix up my usual basketball games. It has everything my kids want and more:

• Separated lanes so multiple people can enjoy the dunk hoops at the same time.
• Adjustable hoop height to ensure slam dunking is a challenge, but most likely not impossible for bigger kids.
• Bouncy floors to ensure kids can get air with a ball in hand. (Pretty comparable to the feeling of scaling a rock climbing wall.)

 

A fun basketball game: Do a silly shot challenge

In this game, you try to make as many shots as possible from different spots on the court. You get points if you make the shot, but lose points if you miss. The team with the most points wins.

Here’s how to play: Split into teams of two. Each team takes turns shooting, starting from the free throw line. Players take turns picking different spots on the court to shoot from.

Can you make even the silliest of shots?

 

Best basketball game for kids learning dribbling: Dribble knockout

Handling a basketball and protecting it are important skills for beginner basketball players to learn.

Here’s how to play: Everyone starts at one end of the court with a ball and has to dribble it to the other side of the court—while also attempting to capture or “knock out” other people’s balls. If your ball is knocked out or captured, you’re out. Any player who reaches the other side goes to the next round, and so on, until there’s only one winner left.

 

Best basketball game for more experienced players: Basketball relay challenge
Split players into teams, creating a race that’s part sprint, part skill test. Each player dribbles a basketball through a pre-set course, weaving around cones, executing quick crossovers, or navigating sharp turns. Want to up the stakes? Throw in challenges like dribbling behind the back or switching hands mid-course. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and excellent for sharpening coordination and endurance.

 

Easiest to play: Around the world shooting game
Position players around the hoop at designated spots, forming a semi-circle. Each player shoots from their current spot; a successful basket lets them advance to the next spot. Miss, and your turn ends. The first player to complete the circuit, sinking shots from every position, claims victory.

 

Schoolyard meets basketball court: Freeze tag with a basketball twist
Designate one or two players as “it” and they get to chase the others in a dribbling frenzy. Tagged players freeze, legs apart, basketball held high above their heads. Teammates can rescue them by passing a ball through their legs. This game blends quick thinking with teamwork.

 

Fun basketball games for kids

As much as I love an aim-and-shoot scenario, mixing up the usual basketball games by adding a new element or trying a fun basketball-style game can really help motivate kids to participate and renew their love for the sport. 

 

Basketball and other games kids will love

If your kid loves the challenge of basketball, they might also love the obstacles in Flying Squirrel’s inflatables playground (it has plenty) which also involves lots of hand-eye coordination and balance. And any competitive kid is also naturally drawn to the arcade. If basketball is their number one love, come for the dunk hoops—stay for everything else.