The 5 very best children’s yoga mats

As a children’s yoga teacher, I know the magic of a special yoga mat especially for children. Not only do they provide a non-slip surface for balance and a soft texture for the inevitable fall, just like adult mats, but they provide a vivid visual marker of personal space. Through this, little practitioners learn the power of having autonomy, boundaries, and a space for themselves, while coming to understand where their bodies can go in their practice. It indicates a very own personal world.

When I first started teaching, there weren’t many yoga mats for children, so I often found myself cutting adult mats to make them more suitable for small bodies. I took out Sharpies and marked where young students could sit on the mat or stand in Mountain Pose. Sometimes we decorated our mats.

Fortunately, there are now children’s yoga mats specially designed for smaller students. All of the following options are PVC-free and non-toxic. Moreover, just like little practitioners, they are all unique! On these mats, sharing yoga with children can mean poses, breathing exercises and games. Everyone is welcome on these mats, and you provide a platform for one of the most important gifts of all: understanding how to move and breathe consciously.

Best children’s yoga mats: at a glance

What child wouldn’t want to practice on a yoga mat next to Bert and Ernie or among cute unicorns, cupcakes and rocket ships? These playful and sturdy mats are great for children. Choose from themes like Sesame Street, nature or enchanted with all the charming illustrations drawn by artist Chloe Jasmine. The mats are machine washable (yay!) and comfortable, with a microfiber top and rubber bottom.

Some smaller bodies might find them a little heavy once they’re curled up, but given how cute they are, little yogis might like to keep them on the floor for reading and other play.

Best budget option

Gaiam children’s yoga mat

Dimensions: 60 x 24 x less than 1/8 inch
Material: PVC (no phthalates)

Pros and cons

+ Bold, fun illustrations
+ Non-slip pebble texture
– Thin

Tap into children’s imagination and willingness to play with super fun and eye-catching illustrations. Kids can step on a shark’s teeth with their bare feet without getting bitten, pretend to ride a seahorse or befriend an owl or unicorn. The illustrations fill the entire mat for a lifelike atmosphere and work well for themed lessons. (I can imagine an ocean-themed classroom depending on these mats to set the mood.) Other designs include a ballerina or a rocket, so you (or your child) can choose the world they want to explore.

These children’s yoga mats have a pebble texture, are non-slip and easy to clean. Some yogis may find the mats flimsy, but at this price it makes sense and is worth it.

Best for older children

Yoga Design Lab Celestial Kids Combo Yoga Mat

Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 1/8 inches
Material: Natural rubber base with recycled PET

Pros and cons

+ Flu
+ Water-based inks
– Something heavy

Aside from its smaller shape, this kids’ yoga mat might fool you into thinking it’s for adults! Featuring an ombre dark blue surface with a white star-like pattern, the look is soothing and magical. The sophisticated cosmic pattern doesn’t feel too childish and is great for the young yogi who wants to feel like an adult yogi when she goes to class or practices at home. With an extra inch of wiggle room, this mat is good for older kids and teens versus toddlers. Thanks to the sturdy materials, you do not have to replace it often, so the yoga mat lasts as the child grows.

The surface is made of a felt-like microfiber and feels super soft on the feet, while the back is made of grippy rubber that prevents the mat from sliding. The subtle dot design in the center of the mat can help young yogis understand where to align their body in shapes, and the circles made of stars on the top and back of the mat can provide great visual cues for where to stand in Mountain or where to rest their head in Savasana.

Some smaller bodies, such as those under six years of age, may find this mat a bit heavy to transport. But those seven and older will love the spatial and visual world this creates. A carrying strap is also included to keep everything neatly stored away when not in use.

Most educational

Plyopic animal yoga mat for kids

Dimensions: 59 x 24 x 1/4 inches
Material: TPE foam

Pros and cons

+ Images that teach
+ Large size
– Somewhat slippery

This vibrant children’s yoga mat is decorated with animal and nature shapes and yoga poses that reflect these shapes, based on children’s natural interests in the world around them. Super soft and gentle, this mat provides a cloud-like world to practice on. Children can move through the shapes they see under their feet as they guide themselves through a mini exercise.

In addition to the inviting images, the size of the mat is just right for small yoga bodies. Having seen children walk through yoga practices firsthand using visual picture books, I know this mat will keep little ones independently engaged.

This mat has two sides: one for children aged 3-11 years and one for 7 years and older. Each option guides yogis through a visual sequence via a number, an illustration of the animal or nature image, and the pose. The soft feel of this thicker than usual mat makes for wonderful naps (also called Savasanas). And it comes in fun, bright colors like Barbie pink and bubble gum blue.

Some may find this mat a bit too slippery on the surface as it lacks texture. Additionally, I know from teaching that children can be little germ factories (I say this with love!), so the soft, absorbent surface can be a problem as it can be trickier to clean than harder mats, so it is essential to wipe the surface of the mat regularly. Fortunately, learning to clean mats can give kids another yoga lesson: sausa or cleanliness. Taking care of our props means taking care of ourselves.

Most colorful

Yoga Direct Fun Yoga mat for children

Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 1/4 inches
Material: High density PVC foam (no phthalates)

Pros and cons

+ Flu
+ Lightweight
– A bit…basic

This children’s yoga mat is colorful, fun and inviting! The pebble texture keeps kids from slipping too much while practicing, plus it rolls up well and isn’t too bulky or big for small arms to carry.

Available in color and design combinations such as sea blue with a green turtle or lavender with green butterflies, this mat will suit playrooms and children’s classrooms. The orange mat with small sun illustrations everywhere is fun and cheerful when viewed from Downward Dog. Vibrant patterns and colors create an atmosphere of play and joy – two important things that children’s yoga emphasizes. Plus, its lightweight construction and design that’s easy to roll or fold makes it ideal for travel. You can even fold it up and store it in the family suitcase when you go on vacation or other adventures.

The material is on the thin side, so it might be best not to have any expectations about longevity.