A hula hoop is a simple toy, but one that’s really versatile! Teach your kids how to play these hula hoop games.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more.
Readers love our ideas for jump rope games and pogo stick games. The hula hoop is another classic toy that will get your kids moving. We’ve collected the best games with hula hoops that can be played with one, 2, or several people. Most can be played at home, while the big group ones are most fun as PE games.
While some of these games are played with a single hula hoop, a lot of them require more. We’ve listed how many you need with each game.
How to choose a hula hoop
In general, picking out a hula hoop is easier than a jump rope or pogo stick. Most hula hoops for play are about the same size. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so even if you just grab one from the dollar store and it wears out, you can replace it easily.
For adults, the hula hoop should be about belly-button height when against the ground. For kids, the hula hoop will probably be taller. In general, 30 to 36 inches is appropriate.
Adult hula hoops are usually weighted. For kids just learning, lighter is better.
Become a Happy Camper!
Sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter
and get a free printable 30 Day Reading Calendar!
Hula hoop games for one
Move the hoop
After learning how to spin the hoop around your waist, practice moving it around without drooping it. Move it up and down your torso. Move it up to your neck or down to your leg without using your hands.
Jump hoop
Hold the hula hoop with both hands. Twirl it over your head and jump through the center, like a jump rope.
Skip hoop
Put the hula hoop around one ankle and twirl it. Hop up and down on both feet, jumping in and out of the hoop with the other foot.
Hula walk
Get the hula hoop started around your waist. Then keep it going while you walk around. Time yourself to see how long you can keep going.
Spin and sing
Pick your favorite song or a simple rhyme to sing while hula hooping. It’s harder to do than you might think. Keep the hoop going through the whole song.
Hula hoop games for 2
Copy cat
Each player needs a hula hoop. Player one does a trick and player 2 must copy it. If they succeed, player 2 does a trick for player one to copy. If they can’t do it, player one gets a point and does a new trick. Keep doing tricks and copying each other until one player has 10 points.
Giant ring toss
You’ll need at least one hula hoop and a small object, like a traffic cone, that can be the target. Place the target on the ground and choose a distance to stand. Toss the hula hoop toward the target. If you make it, you get one point and take a step backyard. Now the second player stands and throws. Take turns tossing the hoop and adding up points. The game is over when you’re both too far to reach the target.
Double hula hoop
This activity requires 2 hula hoops. You might be able to add even more with practice. One person starts hula hooping. The second person tosses the second hula hoop to them to add. Try to keep both hoops going. Then switch and let the second player give it a try.
Hula hoop games for 3 or more
Pass the hoop
You only need one hula hoop, but you can add hoops to make it a bigger challenge. Have everyone stand in a line holding hands. Slide the hula hoop over the arm of the first person on the end and have them step through, passing it to the next person. Continue passing the hula hoop down the line without letting go of anyone’s hand.
Musical hoops
For this game, you need one fewer hula hoops than there are players. You’ll also need someone to control the music. Line the hoops up in a circle in the middle of the room. Like musical chairs, players dance around the hoops while music plays. When the music stops, everyone jumps into a hoop. Whoever isn’t in a hoop is out. Remove a hoop each time until only 2 players are dancing around the last one.
Simon says
Play classic Simon Says, but with the addition of hula hoops. One person will be Simon and everyone else needs a hula hoop. Simon can give instructions like spin the hoop around your leg, hula hoop while singing the ABCs, or roll the hoop on the ground.
Rock, paper, scissors, hula hoop
You’ll need 10 or more hula hoops. Start by layout out the hula hoops in a line on the ground. If you have enough hula hoops, make an X or a larger obstacle course shape. To play, have players start at opposite ends and hop toward each other. When they meet, they must play rock-paper-scissors. The winner gets to keep hopping. The other person has to get back in line. The busier your obstacle course, the more places kids may meet.
Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner!
Our step-by-step guide will help you organize a day, a week, or a whole summer of fun activities for your kids.
