The 5 Very Best Kids Yoga Mats

As a kids’ yoga teacher, I know the magic of a special, just-for-children yoga mat. Not only does it provide a non-slip surface for balancing and a cushy texture for the inevitable fall, it makes a vivid visual marker of personal space so small practitioners learn the power of  autonomy, boundaries, and a space all to themselves as they understand where their bodies can go in their practice. Think of it as a personal world all their own.

When I first started teaching, there weren’t many yoga mats for kids out there, so I found myself cutting adult mats to make them more size-appropriate for little bodies. I also pulled 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 kids yoga mats designed specifically for smaller students, and just like pint-size practitioners, they’re each unique! On these mats, yoga can mean poses, breathwork, even games. On these mats, all are welcome. Consider it a platform for one of the most significant gifts of all: an understanding of how to move and breathe with awareness. The following options are PVC-free and made with non-toxic materials.

Best Kids Yoga Mats: At a Glance

• Most Adorable: Mindful & Co Printed Kids Yoga Mat ($75)
• Best Budget: Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat ($22)
• Best for Older Kids: Yoga Design Lab Celestial Kids Combo Mat ($59)
• Most Educational: Plyopic Animal Kids Yoga Mat ($40)
• Most Colorful: Yoga Direct Fun Yoga Mat for Kids ($34)

Most Adorable

Mindful & Co Printed Kids Yoga Mat

$75 at Maisonette

$75 at Bloomingdale’s

Measurements: 56 x 24 x 1/8 inch
Material: PVC high-density foam (no phthalates)

Pros and Cons

+ Charming illustrations
+ Grippy yet soft
– Slightly heavy for small bodies

What kid wouldn’t want to practice on a yoga mat alongside Bert and Ernie or among unicorns, cupcakes, and rocket ships? These whimsical and sturdy mats are great for kids. Choose from themes including Sesame Street, nature, or enchanting illustrations by artist Chloe Jasmine. The mats are machine washable (yay!) and comfy with a microfiber top and rubber bottom.

Some smaller bodies might find them a bit heavy to carry once rolled, but given how cute they are, perhaps little yogis will keep them out on the floor for reading and other playtime fun.

Best Budget Option

Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat

$22 at Amazon

$20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

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

Pros and Cons

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

Tap into kids’ imaginations and readiness for play with these super fun and bold illustrations from Gaiam. Kids can step bare feet on a shark’s teeth without the bite, pretend they’re riding a seahorse, or make friends with an owl or unicorn. The illustrations fill the entire mat for a real-life vibe and would set the mood for themed classes, such as an ocean theme. Other designs include a ballerina or rocket ship, which means you—or your child—can pick the world they want to explore.

With a pebbled texture, these kids yoga mats are non-slip and easy to clean. Some yogis might find the mats rather thin, but you’re probably not seeking the same durability or longevity as you would an adult mat. At this price point, these make sense and are worth it.

Best for Older Kids

Yoga Design Lab Celestial Kids Combo Yoga Mat

$59 at Yoga Design Lab

$59 at Macy’s

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

Pros and Cons

+ Grippy
+ Water-based inks
– Slightly heavy

Aside from its smaller shape, this kids yoga mat might trick you into thinking it’s for adults! Featuring an ombre dark blue surface with a white star-like pattern, the look is calming and magical. The sophisticated cosmic pattern doesn’t feel too childish and is great for the young yogi who wants to feel like a grown-up yogi when they go to class or practice at home. With an extra inch of wiggle room, this mat is good for older kids and tweens versus toddlers. The sturdy materials mean you won’t have to replace it often, so the yoga mat will be there as the kid grows.

The surface is made from a felt-like micro-fiber and feels super soft on feet, while the backing consists of a grippy rubber that ensures the mat won’t slide. The subtle dot design along the center of the mat help kid yogis understand where to line up their body in poses, and the circles made of stars at the top and back of the mat offer great visual markers for where to stand in Mountain or where to rest one’s head in Savasana.

Some smaller bodies, say under age six, might find this mat a bit heavy for transporting. But those seven and up will love the spatial and visual world this creates. It also comes with a carrying strap to keep things tidy when not in use.

Most Educational

Plyopic Animal Kids Yoga Mat

$40 at Amazon

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

Pros and Cons

+ Visuals that teach
+ Great size
– Slightly slippery

This kids yoga mat comes decorated with animal and nature shapes that mirror yoga poses, drawing on kids’ instinctual interests in the world around them. Having watched kids walk themselves through yoga practices using visual picture books, I know this mat will keep little ones busy and engaged on their own by moving through the shapes they see beneath their feet.

In addition to the inviting images, the mat is super soft and squishy, offering a cloud-like world to practice on. The size of the mat is just right for little yoga bodies. And it comes in fun, bright colors of Barbie pink and bubblegum blue.

This mat has two sides: one for ages 3-11 and one for 7 and up. Each option leads yogis through a visual sequence via a number, an illustration of the animal or nature image, and the pose. The cushiony feel of this thicker-than-usual mat will also make for lovely nap times (aka Savasana).

Some might find this mat a bit too slick on the surface. Plus, I know from experience that kids can be little germ factories (I say this with love!), so the absorbent surface might be an issue as it could be more challenging to clean than firmer mats, so it’s essential to wipe the mat’s surface on the regular. Luckily, learning to clean mats can give kids another yoga lesson, that of saucha or cleanliness. Caring for our props means caring for ourselves.

Most Colorful

Yoga Direct Fun Yoga Mat for Kids

$34 at Walmart

Measurements: 60 x 24 x 1/4 inches
Material: PVC high-density foam (no phthalates)

Pros and Cons

+ Grippy
+ Lightweight
– A bit…basic

This kids yoga mat is vibrant, fun, and inviting! Its pebbled texture keeps kids from slipping around too much while practicing, plus it rolls up well and isn’t too bulky or big for little arms to carry.

Available in color and design combos such as sea blue with a green turtle or lavender with green butterflies, the mat will fit right in with playrooms and kid classes. Vibrant patterns and colors set the mood for play and joy—two big things that are emphasized in kids yoga. (The orange mat with little sun illustrations splashed all over is especially fun and cheerful when viewed from Downward-Facing Dog.) Plus, with its lightweight build and design that’s easy to roll or fold, you can fold and stash it in the family suitcase when you hit the road for the holidays or other adventures.

The material is on the thinner side so it’s perhaps best not to have expectations for its longevity.