Living an active lifestyle has become a widespread habit in the last few years. From Instagram to Pinterest, fitness is all around us. When it comes to children, it’s always important to stay safe when pursuing fitness, whether they’re aspiring cheerleaders or into martial arts.
One essential piece of safety equipment is a gymnastics mat. It will protect during falls while also preventing gliding or slipping, helping the user to feel secure.
We’ve gathered a comprehensive list of the best gymnastics mats for kids to help make your search go a little smoother.
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold
- Shock-absorbent
- Competition-grade material
- Non-slip carpet
- Skill-building assistant
- Sturdy and solid
- Easy to clean
- Non-toxic material
- Great density
- Easy to pack
- High-quality material
- Water-resistant
- Effortless fold
- Great for cheerleading
- Easy to fold
- Cushioned non-slip foam
- Lightweight & easy assembly
- Large area coverage
- Moisture-resistant surface
- Thick & durable material
- Easy storage & transport
- Includes pump
- Anti-slip foam
- Available in four colors
- Easy to read writing
- Versatile
- Sturdy material
- Easy to clean
The Best Gymnastics Mats for Kids of 2023
Here are the top ten gymnastics mats for kids.
BestMassage Gymnastics Mat
Best Paneled Gymnastics Mat for Kids
This panel mat from BestMassage has received outstanding reviews from parents and users for its quality and size. For the mat material, the manufacturer used high-density EPE, which provides a comfortable feel and proper protection during impact.
Covering the EPE is a layer of PU leather, which is effortless to wipe clean and acts as a non-slip surface. The mat measures 2 inches in thickness, which is ample for gymnastics.
Despite the material and thickness, the mat is relatively lightweight. It checks in at 16.6 pounds.
Pros
- Fantastic EPE material and PU leather covering.
- Good 2-inch thickness.
- Suitable for various activities.
- Easy to fold and carry.
Cons
- It has a distinct smell.
Product Specs
| Best for | Any sport |
| Size | 4 feet by 10 feet |
| Thickness | 2 inches |
| Type | Paneled mat |
| Padding material | High-density EPE |
Our Ratings
Dollamur Flexi-Roll Carpeted Cheer/Gymnastics Mat
Best Flexi-Roll Gymnastics Mat
If your child is serious about gymnastics, a Flexi-roll mat is a good choice for you. The Dollamur carpeted cheer and gymnastics mat measures 5 feet by 10 feet, giving the user plenty of wiggle room.
When producing the mat, Dollamur utilized a sports-grade polyethylene foam. This prevents it from shrinking or hardening over time. They covered it with a non-slip carpet surface made from polyolefin fibers and specialized latex, ensuring a snug fit.
The materials offer superb shock-absorption and resilience, suited for high-performance sports.
Pros
- Excellent for serious gymnastics and cheerleaders.
- Competition-grade material.
- Soft top carpet that’s non-slip.
- Suitable for other uses, too.
Cons
- It’s not an overly soft mat — children may need time to get accustomed.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, yoga |
| Size | 5 feet by 10 feet |
| Thickness | 1 inch |
| Type | Flexi-roll mat |
| Padding material | Athletic-grade crosslinked polyethylene foam |
Our Ratings
We Sell Mats Gymnastics Octagon Skill Shape
Best Octagon-Shaped Mat for Kids
If your little one needs assistance practicing tumbles and flips, an octagonal mat is a valuable tool. This mat is suitable for young children and up.
It will help the user learn new skills by acting as a safe and secure assistant. It’s available in four sizes, but the small and medium are best suited for children.
It’s sturdy and solid, filled with a cross-link polyethylene foam core. Covering that is an anti-tear vinyl, non-slip surface. On the sides are carrying handles to pull it out of storage easily.
Pros
- Fantastic skill-building assistant.
- Suitable for children down to 3 years of age.
- Sturdy and solid.
- Covered in anti-tear vinyl, which is also easy to keep clean.
Cons
- Sizes are large, so for inexperienced or unsure users, choose a smaller size.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading |
| Size | Depends on the chosen size |
| Thickness | Depends on the chosen size |
| Type | Octagonal mat |
| Padding material | Cross-linked polyethylene foam |
Our Ratings
Matladin Cheese Wedge Incline Gymnastics Mat
Best Incline Gymnastics Mat for Kids
Incline mats are amazing for practicing tumbles, and this one from Matladin has stellar reviews backing it.
This superb incline mat includes eco-friendly EPE foam that’s both durable and lightweight. For the surface, Matladin used anti-tear vinyl, which is non-toxic and non-slip.
Around the mat, you have reinforced stitching to minimize the chances of tearing and cracks further. The mat is easy to fold for storage and sports various bright colors for a child-friendly look.
Pros
- Superb, non-toxic material.
- Great density, not too hard for small users.
- Easy to pack together for storage.
- Fun colors.
Cons
- It has a strong smell, but users state that it dissipates after a week or so.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, general fitness |
| Size | 58 inches by 29 inches |
| Thickness | 14 inches |
| Type | Incline mat |
| Padding material | EPE foam |
Our Ratings
BestMassage Gymnastics Mats Exercise Mat
Best Gymnastics Mat for Child and Parent Use
If you’re searching for a mat you can borrow for yoga or pilates, check out this one. This pick from BestMassage is a versatile panel mat, suitable for any activity. It measures 6 feet by 4 feet and is 2 inches thick — other sizes and colors are available.
The mat includes a high-quality PU leather surface that’s water-resistant and effortless to clean. It’s easy to store and folds in four places. Once folded, you can carry it using the handle.
Pros
- Color and size options are available.
- The mat is useable for children and adults.
- High-quality material both for interior and exterior.
- Effortless to fold and transport.
Cons
- The outer fabric doesn’t sit as snug as hoped.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, yoga, pilates, general fitness |
| Size | 6 feet by 4 feet |
| Thickness | 2 inches |
| Type | Paneled mat |
| Padding material | EPE foam |
Our Ratings
IncStores Home Cheer Carpet Top Mats
Best Roll-Out Gymnastics Mat for Cheerleading
For those with a tumbling cheerleader, we recommend this cheer carpet from IncStores. It’s an at-home, foldable gymnastics mat, suitable for backflip and tumbles training.
The mat is a large segmented foam cushion, covered with carpet material to create a safe training area. It uses shock-absorbing polyethylene foam, which provides a soft landing for the user.
On the sides are hook and loop fasteners so you can connect with other mats for more floor coverage.
Pros
- Great for cheerleading practice.
- Easy to fold.
- Cushioned foam and non-slip surface.
- Hook and loop fasteners on the sides to connect with other mats.
Cons
- Quality control issues — some mats arrive without hook and loop fasteners, but the seller is quick to respond, according to reviews.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading |
| Size | 5 feet by 10 feet |
| Thickness | 1.375 inches |
| Type | Roll-out mat |
| Padding material | Polyethylene foam |
Our Ratings
BalanceFrom 1
Best Puzzle Mat for Kids
The BalanceFrom puzzle mat is superb — it’s flexible, and when fully laid out, it measures 72 square feet. The package includes 18 tiles with a total of 36 end borders. Each tile is 24 inches by 24 inches in size.
The foam tiles have a thickness of 1 inch and offer excellent cushioning from falls. To provide protection for the user, BalanceFrom used EVA material with a non-slip surface, which is moisture-resistant for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to assemble.
- Large area coverage.
- Moisture-resistant surface that’s easy to clean.
- Two-year warranty included.
Cons
- Not suitable for placing heavy fitness equipment on top of — this may create dents.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, general fitness, play area |
| Size | Total 72 square feet |
| Thickness | 1 inch |
| Type | Puzzle mat |
| Padding material | EPA foam |
Our Ratings
FBSPORT Inflatable Air Gymnastics Training Mats
Best Inflatable Gymnastics Mat
This inflatable gymnastics mat is a good pick for those with less storage space or who travel often. It utilizes first-class technology with double-wall drop stitch PVC laminated material, suitable for tumbles, martial arts, and even good old kiddie fun.
The mat is easy to handle — once it’s deflated, it folds into a compact size, ready for the included travel bag. Also in the bundle is an electric pump for quick one-minute inflation.
Pros
- Thick and durable PVC material.
- A thickness of either 4 or 8 inches that’s good for tumbling.
- Easy to store and transport.
- Pump and travel bag included.
Cons
- Others received a set with incomplete accessories.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, general fitness, play |
| Size | 9.83 feet by 3.25 feet |
| Thickness | 4 inches |
| Type | Inflatable mat |
| Padding material | Air |
Our Ratings
Easy Gymnastics Cartwheel Practice Mat
Best Cartwheel Mat for Kids
As someone who’s never been able to do a cartwheel, this would’ve been good in kindergarten. Easy Gymnastics has created a wonderful mat, stenciled with hand designs indicating how to do cartwheels. One side is for right or left-handed cartwheels and the flip side is for balancing.
Besides the good-to-have prints, the mat isn’t half bad. The material inside is soft with non-slip features. Moreover, it can easily be stored and can be used in multifarious ways.
Pros
- Two sides with prints for cartwheels.
- Gentle foam for a soft fall.
- Comes in four bright hues.
- Easy to read writing.
Cons
- It doesn’t fold.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading |
| Size | Not specified |
| Thickness | Not specified |
| Type | Cartwheel mat |
| Padding material | Foam |
Our Ratings
Giantex Incline Gymnastics Mat
Honorable Mention
For our honorable mention, we have the incline mat from Giantex. This ergonomically designed mat allows for a variety of uses. It’s excellent for exercising and gymnastics, but will also work wonderfully in the playroom.
The wedges come with high-density, eco-friendly EPE foam that gives firm support during tumbles. The exterior is anti-tear PVC with a close-stitch design and sturdy zippers.
It’s effortless to clean — you can even remove the cover or change the foam inside if needed.
Pros
- Versatile incline mat.
- Sturdy material for inside and out.
- Easy to clean.
- Several color options.
Cons
- Sizes are smaller than expected.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, play area |
| Size | 47 inches by 23.5 inches |
| Thickness | 14 inches |
| Type | Incline mat |
| Padding material | EPE foam |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Size | Thickness | Type | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BestMassage Gymnastics Mat | Paneled Mat | 4 ft x 10 ft | 2″ | Paneled | High-density EPE |
| Dollamur Flexi-Roll Mat | Flexi-Roll | 5 ft x 10 ft | 1″ | Flexi-roll | Athletic-grade polyethylene foam |
| We Sell Mats Gymnastics | Octagon-Shaped Mat | N/A | N/A | Octagonal | Cross-linked polyethylene foam |
| Matladin Cheese Wedge | Incline Mat | 58″ x 29″ | 14″ | Incline | EPE foam |
| BestMassage Exercise Mat | Child & Parent Use | 6 ft x 4 ft | 2″ | Paneled | EPE foam |
| IncStores Home Cheer Mats | Cheerleading | 5 ft x 10 ft | 1.375″ | Roll-out | Polyethylene foam |
| BalanceFrom 1 | Puzzle Mat | 72 sq ft | 1″ | Puzzle | EPA foam |
| FBSPORT Inflatable | Inflatable Mat | 9.83 ft x 3.25 ft | 4″ | Inflatable | Air |
| Easy Gymnastics | Cartwheel Mat | N/A | N/A | Cartwheel | Foam |
| Giantex Incline Mat | Honorable Mention | 47″ x 23.5″ | 14″ | Incline | EPE foam |
Types of Gymnastics Mats
Paneled Mats
Panel mats, sometimes called folded mats, are a standard piece of equipment. They’re versatile, useful for an array of activities besides gymnastics.
Paneled mats come in all sizes, and many include hook and loop fasteners to connect several together. They’re also excellent for storing due to the ease with which they fold.
Pros
- Versatile.
- A broad range of sizes available.
- Many include hook and loop for connecting with others.
- Easy to fold and store.
Cons
- Not ideal for serious gymnasts since they can slip.
Cartwheel Mats
As the name suggests, the purpose of these mats is for practicing cartwheels. Many of them also have a beamline on the flip side for balance training. The mats are usually either paneled or one-piece, with hand and footprints on each side.
They come in different colors, but the sizes are generally the same. They normally don’t run as large as other mats.
Pros
- Fantastic for cartwheels and balancing.
- They can be used for other activities, too.
- Lots of colors available.
Cons
- Many are one-piece mats that are difficult to store.
- Not a large variety in sizes.
Flexi Roll Mats
Flexi roll mats are for serious gymnasts or cheerleaders in training. They provide a high-quality foam base with non-slip surfaces. These don’t have panels, and instead, roll up for transport or storage.
Flexi roll mats are generally large — giving the user an extended surface to land flips, tumbles, and jumps.
Pros
- High-quality mats for serious users.
- Non-slip surfaces.
- Roll-up design.
- They’re large, providing ample room.
Cons
- Pricey.
Incline Mats
Incline mats are also called cheese wedges, and despite the name, they’re fantastic for practicing tumbling. These mats are child-friendly, especially the brightly colored ones — they could easily work as a climber for toddlers or preschoolers.
Wedges are available in various sizes, and it’s an important aspect to consider before purchasing. The ideal length depends on your child’s age.
Pros
- Perfect for practicing tumbles.
- Fun for playtime.
- Child-friendly colors are available.
- Can be used for other activities.
Cons
- It can be challenging to find the right size.
Puzzle Mats
Puzzle mats shouldn’t be your first choice if you want a thick mat for cushioning. However, if you need to make a surface more forgiving to falls and slips, then they’re great.
Puzzle mats come in bundles of several tiles that you click together. They’re a good pick as the flooring underneath fitness equipment, in playrooms, or outdoor spaces.
Pros
- Good for making the floor softer.
- Usually available in big bundles with several tiles.
- The overall size is adjustable by taking out or adding tiles.
Cons
- They’re not thick — typically less than an inch.
- Not ideal for tumbling or backflips.
How to Choose the Best Gymnastics Mat
When choosing the best gymnastics mats for kids, there are four main points to consider. These are:
- Type: Each type of mat suits different levels and activities. Consider what your child will do — if they’re serious about gymnastics or just want to have fun.
- Mat thickness: The thickness is essential — aim for around 1 to 2 inches. You don’t want a mat that’s too thick as it will become challenging to tumble. Also, a thin yoga mat won’t provide any protection.
- Size of the mat: Mats come in all sizes and shapes. Look at the space you have available and choose accordingly. For children who want to do cartwheels and tumbles, go bigger to ensure there’s room.
- The price: Gymnastics mats aren’t the cheapest investment. The price highly depends on the size and quality. Evaluate your needs and budget before making a decision — perhaps pick one you can use too.
FAQs
Why Are Gymnastics Mats so Expensive?
The price of a good gymnastics mat can shock many parents. Such mats are so pricey, however, because of the materials.
Both the foam and covers are expensive because of their durability. They need to withstand high-impacts and protect the people using them. Shipping is generally a pricey matter, too, though sometimes you’re lucky to find a good deal.
And while you may pay more than you’d like, your child can get a lot of health benefits from gymnastics, such as flexibility and strength (1).
What Is a Gymnastics Mat Made Of?
Materials differ depending on the manufacturers. These are the common materials to see:
- Vinyl covers.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) for covers.
- EVA foam.
- Polyethylene foam.
- EPE closed-cell or open-cell foam.
How Long Is a Tumbling Mat?
Tumbling mats come in different sizes — they’re long, but some are quite narrow. A standard size is 2 feet by 4 feet. However, some are much longer and can reach up to 7 feet wide, by 39 feet long.
The Takeaway
Finding the best gymnastics mats for kids can be a tiring task — and some can cost a fortune. Still, they’re a fantastic investment if your little ones are active, aspiring gymnasts or cheerleaders. Adults can use them, too.
When you’re searching, consider what type will suit your needs best and what will fit your available space. For serious tumblers, we recommend Flexi roll or incline mats. Look for a thickness of around 1-2 inches.
Make sure to encourage and support your child as they try to learn new skills. Maybe you can even impress them by busting out a cartwheel of your own.
