Cool Kiddy Stuff Cool stuff for kids and parents! 
As parents, we are constantly trying to find ways to ensure our children stay healthy and active. There are many ways to accomplish this, but simply providing them with fun and engaging activities is the best option.
One activity you can encourage your kids to try is basketball. It’s a game that children of all ages love to play and it has some “extra” benefits, too. Basketball helps build gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, confidence, self-esteem and important other important social skills.
As my pick for kids who are 2 or older, the larger model of the Fisher Price Grow to Pro will provide many years of fun as it can grow with them up to the age of 6.
For toddlers under 3 my pick is the Fisher Price Grow to Pro Junior Basketball. The Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Set is a similar size for young kids and a good alternative, but there’s a trick to getting the rim to snap into place securely which I’ve outlined below.
Our Pick
Fisher Price Grow to Pro Basketball (large)
- Ages 2-6 years
- 3 - 6 feet tall
- 4 height positions
- Water/sand filled base
- 20.4 lbs (empty base)
Best for Under 3
Fisher Price Grow to Pro Junior Basketball
- Ages 18 months - 3 years
- 24" - 40" tall
- 4 height positions
- Non-fillable base
- 9.9 lbs
Under 3 Runner Up
Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Set
- Ages 18 months - 5 years
- 2 - 4 feet tall
- 6 height positions
- Sand filled base
- 7 lbs (empty base)
Choosing a Toddler’s Basketball Hoop
With all of those great benefits it’s easy to see why basketball is a fabulous option to get your kids active. Before starting your search for the best basketball hoop to buy for them there are a few things to look out for. These include:
- Age and Skill Level: A set that is too small or too big for your child will only discourage them from using it.
- Adjustability: An adjustable basketball hoop will last your child much longer since it is capable of “growing” with them.
- Stability: For maximum safety, choose a basketball hoop set that can be weighed down so it doesn’t topple over when used. The larger options on the list below have the ability to be stabilized with either sand or water.
- Build quality: Be sure that the rim is well attached and doesn’t come off easily.
Choosing the right basketball hoop for your kids might seem like a hard task, but it doesn’t need to be. Below you can find the two most popular models in both small & large sizes.
Fisher-Price — Grow to Pro Basketball (large)
A great option for children aged 2 – 6 years is the large Grow to Pro Basketball hoop set. It features four height settings that start at 3 feet and go all the way up to 6 feet high. That means this basketball hoop is sure to last you for many years to come.
Since the hoop is quite tall in it’s highest setting, the base can be filled with sand or water to improve the stability.
This basketball hoop set is available in a pleasing unisex color scheme of lime green, gray and light blue. It also comes with a pre-inflated child-sized basketball that can be stored on either side of the base. That definitely makes it easier to keep track of the ball when it isn’t being used.
It should be noted that some customer reviews mentioned that the assembly for this hoop can be a little challenging. However, lubricating the pole that goes into the base with some liquid soap reportedly makes the pieces slide together much easier.
Fisher-Price — Grow to Pro Junior Basketball
The Fisher Price Gro to Pro Junior Basketball hoop set is perfectly designed for children aged 18 months to 3 years old. It features four height settings that start at 24 inches and go up to 40 inches high.
This toddler basketball hoop is available in a primary color scheme of blue, yellow and red with white and gray accents. It also comes with a removable “sure score” rim and a toddler-sized basketball. Both of these features ensure your little one makes the shot which aids in building their confidence and self-esteem.
When not in use the sure score rim stores neatly behind the backboard so it doesn’t get in the way.
Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Set
The Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Set has a slightly larger range of adjustment than the small Grow to Pro set. It adjusts from 2-4 feet with 6 height settings which makes it suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years.
This toddler basketball hoop includes a sand fillable base which is a great idea to aid the stability. Note that there are 2 purchasing options where you can select 1 ball or 3 with the basketball set.
It seems to have a lot going for it, but there are a number of negative reviews saying the rim falls off easily. However, there is a trick to resolve this. The problem is that the rim is difficult to securely snap into place.
The recommendation from Little Tykes is to lay the set down without the base attached so the rim is pointing up, then step on the inside of the rim to push it hard into the backboard. There should be an obvious click as the rim fully seats into position.
I Can Play Basketball vs. Grow to Pro
In your search for toddler basketball hoops you’ll probably see the Grow to Pro sets as well as the I Can Play Basketball sets from Fisher Price and wonder what the difference is. Let’s start with the similarities:
- Each model is durable enough to be used inside or outside
- Both models are available in small (up to 40 inches high) and large sizes (up to 6 feet high)
- All options have multiple height settings
- Both of the large hoops listed can be stabilized by adding sand or water to the base
- The small version of both models includes a “sure shot” rim to assist toddlers with their accuracy
- And the large version of both models includes storage spots on either side of the base for the basketball.
There are only a few differences between the two models:
- Different color schemes
- The large I Can Play Basketball model includes a ball return scoop while the Grow to Pro model does not.
These are the most popular options to choose from when looking for the best basketball hoop for your children. Whether you’re buying one for a toddler or for an older child, you’re sure to find something they’ll love.
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