Little fingers stretch above little heads. Adorable faces take turns peeking between legs and giggling. It's workout time in my house, and my two toddlers love playing around on my yoga mat! It's all fun and games (and perfect photo ops) until, you know, I actually need to exercise. Then my mini yoga buddies tend to either throw a fit or — more effectively — politely ask if they can use my mat so they can "Work out too, mama?"
I don't want to discourage them from exercising (something healthy they actually want to do!), so I started researching. I needed good, interesting yoga mats [1] for kids, STAT! Luckily, there are many out there. From blue robots to colourful rainbow unicorns, you are sure to find something that interests your kid, is the right size for them, and encourages them to do yoga, exercise, or simply have a dance party on softer ground [2]. Now I can exercise in peace, and they can have a blast playing on their very own yoga mats. Ahead, you'll find a few of my favourite options out there!
Gaiam Kids Owl Yoga Mat
What's bright pink and makes your kids want to do yoga right now? This adorable Gaiam Kids Owl Yoga Mat [3] ($18)! It is child-sized and designed for kids ages 5-8, with a fun purple owl on top. It's also made of 6P-free PVC, which is safe for latex-sensitive kids.
Merrithew Kids Yoga and Exercise Mat
Beep, boop! The Merrithew Kids Yoga and Exercise Mat [4] ($29) is here to help kids work out! This fun blue mat features a large print of a neon yellow robot that is fun to look at while doing Downward Dog (note: speaking in a robot voice while using it is unavoidable).
Khataland Folding Kids’ Yoga Mat
This cherry-red yoga mat folds up easily into a light carrying case, so kids can bring it with them anywhere! The Khataland Folding Kids' Yoga Mat [5] ($31) is red with blue pictures of a ship's wheel, adding a little nautical-themed fun to your kid's workout.
The Little Yoga Mat
The youngest yogis (four and under) will enjoy the Little Yoga Mat [6] ($35) designed for playtime, yoga time, and nap time. It is purple with pretty flower patterns, and will roll easily into your backpack so you can bring to daycare. Or, set up in the living room and let your baby play with it!
Gaiam Kids Dino Zone Yoga Mat
The only thing better than dinosaurs is neon-coloured dinosaurs — which cover this Gaiam Kids Dino Zone Yoga Mat [7] ($18). Roll this kid-sized yoga mat out for your miniature dino-lovers to exercise on.
Be Kind Rainbow Yoga Mat
For your kid's next daily mediation session, he or she can reflect on the timeless words of this yoga mat: "be kind." The Be Kind Rainbow Yoga Mat [8] ($33, was $39) has a simple design of a rainbow and the beautiful message in different coloured letters beneath it.
Gaiam Kids Animal Surprise Yoga Mat
Teal yoga mats are already super cute, but the Gaiam Kids Animal Surprise Yoga Mat [9] ($18) is even more fun, as it features adorable animals, like a unicorn, lion, llama. It is also made with a no-slip sticky surface, so it will stay in place as your little one stretches and plays on it.
Mindfulness + Yoga Mat for Kids
Did you know yoga mats can be round? The Mindfulness + Yoga Mat for Kids [10] ($64) is perfect for tiny bodies to stretch, roll, and play on. It is made with a soft, microfibre suede and sustainable tree rubber in a round design with symbols to encourage mindfulness. It also makes for a great décor piece in your playroom!
Sunshine Yoga Kid’s Yoga Mats
Do you have multiple kids who all like having the exact same thing? Or, maybe you just like stocking up in case something happens to your kid's favourite toy. If so, buy a two- or four-pack of the Sunshine Yoga Kid's Yoga Mats [11] ($26 for two). This comes with bright pink mats that are textured and exactly the same (extra is always a good idea!).
Mermaid & Unicorn Yoga Mat
Working out isn't always rainbows and glitter, but it feels like it with this pretty Mermaid & Unicorn Yoga Mat [12] ($33, was $39). The mermaid and unicorn are sitting on a fluffy pink cloud, with colourful stars all around them.
Cotton Kids Yoga Mat
Yellow with elephants, pink with aeroplanes, blue with watermelons — there are so many amazing choices of the Cotton Kids Yoga Mat [13] ($60)! They are all handmade with organic cotton that are sweat-absorbent and easy to wash.
YogaDirect Fun Yoga Mat for Kids
Big pictures and bright colours mix on the YogaDirect Fun Yoga Mat for Kids [14] ($22). Choose from pink with green-and-yellow butterflies, blue with green turtles, or orange with a yellow sun.
Baby Chakra Kids Yoga Mat
Baby Chakra Kids Yoga Mat [15] ($23) was handcrafted by traditional weavers with 100% cotton. The woven mat is blue, green, yellow, and orange, with one end rubberized to help it hold in place while your little yogi poses.
The Chi Yoga Mat and Game
Help kids learn yoga with The Chi Yoga Mat and Game [16] ($35). This kid-sized mat is pink with different coloured symbols. It comes with a poster and access to free videos that teach kids how to do the exercises designed for increasing strength, flexibility, and wellbeing.
Kids Yoga Mat
Designed to make yoga easier for kids to understand, the Kids Yoga Mat [17] ($35) features popular moves and symbols for them. For example, you can see a kid doing a tree pose next to a tree and a kid doing the cat stretch next to a cat. You can even order the mat personalized with your child's name and mantra!