Top picks from Decathlon to encourage kids to get outdoors in 2024
From scooters to rollerblades to sports kit, here are the best buys for children who love to get outdoors.
By Kat Romero | Last updated Dec 28, 2023
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Whether you want to treat your DC to some sports gear to get them more active in the new year or have a little one's birthday coming up, you'll want to make sure you're giving them something they'll truly enjoy. But buying for children can be tough, especially when you feel like you’ve spent your hard earned cash on presents that are quickly forgotten about.
That’s why Decathlon has become a firm favourite with parents and our Mumsnetters. A family-run business, they believe that the best sports equipment and toys should be accessible to everyone. Not only do they provide high quality at low prices but they offer in store and virtual advice to ensure you find the product that’s perfect for you.
Very good value imo. I have stuff I've worn 3x a week for months that still looks new.
Absolutely love their sportswear, for the whole family. Running tights have a zip pocket on the thigh that my iPhone & fits easily into so this makes me very happy! Shorts, T-shirt's, swimwear, horse riding gear, it's all really good and fantastic value for money IMO.
From adjustable roller skates to archery sets and even easy to fit basketball hoops, explore the best gift ideas that Decathlon has to offer this year.
Kids' folding scooter with handlebar brake and suspension, £55
Folds down for easy storage
Available in range of colours
Adjustable size for growth
Material: Metallic structure 70% Aluminium, 10% Polyurethane, 10% Polypropylene, 10% Steel | Age range: 6-9 Years | Max Child Weight: 100kg
The ideal beginner scooter. It has adjustable heights so it can grow with your child. Plus, there is a nice range of colour options so they can pick the one that suits their taste. It also folds down for easy storage, which means it won’t clutter your hallway or garage. It’s easy handling for tiny dreamers and parents have said that the cushioning makes it so comfortable. It’s advised you provide knee pads and a helmet for use and the scooter is not designed for tricks or stunts.
Kids' Inline Fitness Skates Fit3, £40
Adjusts up to four sizes
Comfortable cushioning
Choice of colours
Materials: Polyester, polyurethane, polypropylene, thermoplastic, polycarbonate, polyamide | Size range: EU29 to 38 | Max Child Weight: 60kg
One of the biggest bugbears with buying for your children is how quickly they grow out of things. But these roller skates are a dream because they are adjustable up to four sizes, meaning they’re an investment for never ending fun. Parents have praised the cushioning in the boot for ultimate comfort and there’s a nice choice of colours for your child to choose from.
Kids' 26-inch lightweight aluminium mountain bike, £280
Bigger wheels for greater comfort
Lightweight for easy use
Front suspension fork for shock absorption
Material: Bike frame 100% Aluminium | Age range: 9-12 | Max Child Weight: 80kg
This bike has been designed with comfort in mind. From the 26" front wheels to the child-friendly cushioned saddle, parents agree that this bike is ideal for dreamy comfort with every ride. This design is also made to tackle rough terrain, so your child can unleash their inner daredevil.
Plus, Decathlon offers expert advice so you can be sure you find the right bike for your child. Moreover, once your child has outgrown their bike, Decathlon has a Buy Back initiative where you can exchange your pre-loved bike for gift cards. Meaning, one less product needs to be made and one more product is given a second lease of life.
B100 Easy Kids'/Adult Basketball Basket, £120
Tool-free installation
Adjustable height
Easy to move
Materials: Steel, polyethylene, polyamide, polyester | Dimensions: Base (cm): 107 x 45 x 15, Post (cm): 7 (diameter), Backboard (cm): 106 x 64 x 3.2, Rim diameter (cm): 45 (inside) / 49 (outside), Packaging (cm): 119 x 78 x 18 | Height Range: From 2.20m to 3.05m
The best thing about this basketball hoop is that it requires no tools for installation. In fact, it can be easily assembled with just two people in less than an hour. The base is on wheels, which makes it ideal for moving around with ease. Place it in your back or front yard and enjoy hours of fun. Plus, it has an adjustable height allowing all basketball dreamers to play.
It can adjust from 2.20m to 3.05m, so it will be perfect to use as your child grows. It’s advised that you lay the product down flat during high winds due to the large baseboard but it’s lightweight enough to make this a simple task for one adult.
Medium Moveable Football Goal, £70
Variety of colours
Easy assembly
Steel structure for all kinds of weather
Materials: Steel tubes: 1.0038, Net: 100% polyester, Net support: Steel 1.0038 | Dimensions: Inner dimensions = 180 x 120 x 90 cm, Tube diameter: 41mm | Product weight = 9.8 kg
“Very easy to assemble, very sturdy, great net, excellent quality all round for a very reasonable price.” Kieren
This goal is the ideal purchase to let your kids shoot for the stars. The solid steel frame allows it to withstand all the joys that the British weather can throw at us, including strong winds and rain. It’s so easy to assemble and stable on most surfaces, including grass and concrete. Plus, parents say the deep net is ideal for absorbing strong shots and high winds.
Archery Set Soft, £40
Soft set for the whole family to enjoy
Target also doubles as storage box for equipment
Dimensions: Assembled bow size of 1.35 m, 17.5 cm brace height, Tiller at 0 (17 cm above and below the grip), Target measures 65 cm x 65 cm | Product weight: 3.3 kg | Materials: Metallic structure, polyethylene, polyethylene, polyamide
Archery may not seem like something that can be fun for the whole family but this soft design with plastic suction arrows means that no one has to feel left out. The set offers you everything you need, including one bow, two suction cup arrows and a target. Plus, the target box doubles as storage for the accessories so you can keep everything in one safe place.
Kids' water repellent football gloves, £6
Great size range
Ideal for cold weather sports
Materials: Main fabric 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane Wristband 91% Polyester, 9% Elastane | Age range: 6 to 14 years
"These gloves are durable, warm and kind on skin. Son loves them [and] said they keep his fingers warm during football games.” Adedoyin
These gloves are perfect for beginner or intermediate players. They are available for ages six to 14 years and the design has grip zones to make catching balls easier. The thick material is fleece lined for added warmth and it’s waterproof to ensure no moisture seeps through. Customers have also praised the price point and said they work as great gloves for any winter occasion, as well as sports.
Table Tennis Set, £18
Affordable price
Easy set up
No damage to table
Materials: Polypropylene, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, talc bed base, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide/elastic | Length: Net can work on a table up to 1.7m wide
Very pleased with this set, good quality and well priced. easy to install and works well.
Table tennis is such a great game for the family and this affordable set is a real space saver as the net easily attaches to your existing table. The net rolls out and expands up to 1.7m and the attachment clips allow you to set up in just 10 seconds.
It also comes with two bats and two balls and the portable design makes it the perfect set to take on holiday.
Plastip Dartboard, £13
Soft tip darts for safety
Affordable price
Dimensions: Playing surface areas 40 cm | Materials: Outcover 100% Polycarbonate-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
"Great for kids or beginners, good value for money and sturdy enough." Zuzana
Darts may seem like an ideal game for the pub but perhaps not the home. The thought of dealing with injuries or holes in your walls is enough to fill anyone with dread. But this clever board has been designed with soft tip darts to make it safe and damage-free for the whole family. Many customers say this also works as an excellent introduction to darts for kids and could well set them up with the skills they need for a real board in the future.
Cricket Set, £20
Affordable price
Lightweight design
Durable for all weather
Materials: Main part 100% Polyethylene Carry bag 100% Polyester | Size range: Available in 3 and 5
“My 6 year old loves it. Light and easy to carry! It also is sturdy and really good quality.” Glen
This lightweight set is compact and easy to carry. It’s been designed with harsh weather conditions in mind, to ensure it holds up even when the sunshine does not. It’s a great practice set for the budding cricketer and perfect for taking on holiday or using in the garden and local park. Plus, the compact design means it won’t take up precious space in your home and is easy to store away when not in use.
About Decathlon
Founded in 1976, the family-owned company has made it their mission to create sports gear that works for everyone. Over the years, they’ve worked hard to ensure their designs remain high quality and high performance but still low cost. Plus, they pride themselves on being experts in the field and crafting designs that will celebrate your love of sport or even inspire the next generation.
About the author
Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products that are worth your purchase. Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner, soaking up the sights of London, and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.