Best kids hula hoops for a fun way to get them moving

Wholesome, well-rounded fun for your little hulagans

t's the timeless playground toy that's just as enjoyable to do today as it was when you were a kid. Hula hooping is, in equal parts, a test of balance, endurance, and perseverance.

It's also really, really fun.

In fact, hula hooping is so good that you won't even realise you’re exercising; music to the ears of fitness-phobes (hello friends).

You can pick it up at any age, whether it's just for fun, for fitness or for plain old glory in trying to break the Guiness World Record for the most hoops spun simultaneously (it was 200 by LA's Marawa Ibrahim back in 2015, since you ask).

If you’re a parent or caregiver who is both exasperated and concerned by the level of your little one's screen time, we’ll let you in on a little secret: the call of a hula hoop is hard to resist.

Getting your kids into the activity gives them a chance to play relatively quietly outdoors, either by themselves or going head-to-head with their friends or siblings in a contest. It's unlikely to lead to quarrels or a football through next door's conservatory.

They can perfect the art of a hula, get some much needed fresh air and exercise on a space as small as a balcony if you don't happen to have a garden. It's also an excellent birthday party activity that won't break the bank - or your precious garden gnomes. If you’ve got pets too, a hula hoop can prove to be an excellent and inexpensive training tool.

There are plenty of hula hoops for children on the market; we’ve done the legwork and brought you an edit of the best

Shop the best hula hoops for kids below

There's no misplacing this bright pink and purple hula hoop; you’ll be able to spot it a mile off, even if their room is a mess. This design is perfect for travel and short trips as it breaks down into six small components, easily fitting into a travel bag or car boot. The hoop weighs 0.67kg with a span of 90cm, so it's more suited for older children, teens and adults to use. Fun for (almost) all the family!

Measuring 50cms in diameter, this bright green design has been made with young hula hoopers aged 2 -5 years old in mind. It's easy to grip, and the PVC plastic construction makes it long-lasting and durable, able to withstand the worst of the British weather if it happens to be abandoned outside for lengthy periods. It's best stored indoors and to keep its colour, away from sunlight - a corner of the shed or the playroom will do nicely. Available in a variety of playful colours.

Suitable for children aged 6 and up, this hula hoop proves that the fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down. The design flashes through 10 colours in various modes to bring new heights to their hula session; they’ll be transfixed for hours. The easy-to-use On/Off switch means you won't zap the battery in daylight hours either.

Available in Small (50-55cm), Medium (55-60cm), Large (60-65 cm), X-Large (70-95cm) sizes, this purchase is for a set of two high gloss glitter hula hoops. As fun as they are supportive, the lightweight tube has been welded, rather than stapled, together to heightened durability no matter how hard or long you twirl. As a bonus, this option comes with a free skipping rope too - hop to it!

Swing it, shake it - hula hoop it! There are few things more fun than mastering tricks on a hula hoop. If you’re after screen-free fun, it's up there with a scavenger hunt and good old fashioned game of tag.

This brightly coloured set can be dismantled and taken away on trips and it's hollow, so you can fill it with sand or grains to make it heavier, and in turn, easier to twirl.