If you have a young gymnast, a cheer enthusiast, or just want a safe space for your busy kids to burn off steam, a gymnastics mat is a solid investment.
The best gymnastics mats for kids offer protection during tumbles and falls while preventing slipping, helping your little athlete feel secure.
We looked for the thickest, most durable mats made from high-quality materials that are easy to use and store. Whether you need a tumble track or a soft landing spot, we found excellent options in various sizes and shapes. Delight your tumbler with one of our top ten gymnastic mat picks.
- 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
Types of Gymnastics Mats
When shopping for a gymnastics mat, the variety of shapes and materials can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of the differences to help you choose the right one.
Paneled Mats
Paneled mats, also known as folding mats, are the standard equipment you see in most gyms. They are incredibly versatile and useful for a wide array of activities beyond gymnastics, such as martial arts or general exercise.
These mats come in various sizes, and many feature hook-and-loop fasteners to connect multiple mats for a larger floor area. They are also excellent for storage because they fold up into a compact block.
Pros
- Versatile design for multiple sports.
- Broad range of sizes available.
- Connectors allow you to expand the surface area.
- Easy to fold and store in closets or corners.
Cons
- Vinyl covers can be slippery for sweaty hands or feet.
Cartwheel Mats
As the name suggests, these mats are specifically designed to teach proper cartwheel form. Many feature a beamline on the reverse side for balance training. These mats typically use a paneled or single-piece design with printed handprints and footprints to guide the child.
While they come in different colors, the physical dimensions are usually standard. They generally do not run as large as tumbling mats, so they serve a very specific training purpose.
Pros
- Visual guides help perfect cartwheels and balancing.
- Useful for general stretching and play.
- Available in fun, bright colors.
Cons
- One-piece designs can be difficult to store.
- Limited size variety restricts older users.
Flexi Roll Mats
Flexi roll mats are the go-to choice for serious gymnasts or cheerleaders in training. They provide a high-quality foam base often topped with carpet for better traction. These do not have panels; instead, they roll up like a sleeping bag for transport or storage.
These mats are generally large, giving the user an extended runway to land flips, tumbles, and jumps without running out of space.
Pros
- High-performance foam for serious athletes.
- Non-slip surfaces provide excellent traction.
- Roll-up design eliminates gaps between panels.
- Large surface area provides ample room for tumbling passes.
Cons
- Significantly pricier than standard panel mats.
Incline Mats
Incline mats are often called “cheese wedges” because of their shape, and they are fantastic for practicing tumbling mechanics. Gravity helps the child move through rolls and walkovers, making them confidence-building tools. They also double as climbers for toddlers or preschoolers.
Wedges are available in various sizes, so check dimensions carefully. The ideal length depends heavily on your child’s height and the skill they are practicing.
Pros
- Perfect for learning rolls and walkovers.
- Fun for active playtime and obstacle courses.
- Child-friendly colors are common.
- Doubles as a backrest for reading or lounging.
Cons
- Finding the correct size for your child’s height can be tricky.
Puzzle Mats
Puzzle mats should not be your first choice if you need a crash mat for high-impact landings. However, they are great for protecting floors and providing a forgiving surface for general play.
These mats come in bundles of interlocking tiles. They are a solid pick as flooring underneath fitness equipment, in playrooms, or for light stretching areas.
Pros
- Inexpensive way to soften hard floors.
- Usually sold in large bundles to cover big areas.
- Adjustable size allows you to fit custom room shapes.
Cons
- Typically too thin (under 1 inch) for safe tumbling.
- Tiles can separate during vigorous movement.
Factors to Keep in Mind
When hunting for the perfect mat, keep these four critical factors in mind to ensure safety and usability:
- Type: Each mat design serves a specific skill level. If your child is doing repetitive back handsprings, a Flexi roll or air track is best; if they are just playing, a paneled mat works well.
- Mat thickness: Impact absorption is vital. Aim for 1.5 to 2 inches for standard tumbling; anything thinner, like a yoga mat, offers zero fall protection.
- Size of the mat: Measure your available floor space before buying. You want a mat long enough for a full skill (like a cartwheel) without the child landing on the hard floor at the end.
- The price: Quality mats are an investment. While you might be tempted by cheap options, higher-priced mats usually offer better foam density and durable covers that won’t rip after a month.
Product Reviews
We tested durability, shock absorption, and ease of storage to identify the top gymnastics mats available today.
BestMassage Gymnastics Mat
Best Paneled Gymnastics Mat for Kids
This panel mat from BestMassage is a staple for home practice, earning praise from parents for its balance of quality and cost. The core features high-density EPE foam, which provides a firm landing surface that cushions impact without being too squishy.
A durable layer of PU leather encases the foam. This cover is effortless to wipe clean and has a slight texture to prevent slipping. At 2 inches thick, it offers ample protection for rolls, handstands, and bridges.
Despite its solid construction, the mat is surprisingly lightweight at 16.6 pounds. You can easily fold it up and stash it away when practice time is over.
Pros
- High-density EPE foam holds its shape well.
- Generous 2-inch thickness protects joints.
- Suitable for gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts.
- Easy to carry with sewn-in handles.
Cons
- It may release a chemical scent for the first few days.
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 cheer or competitive gymnastics, this Flexi-roll mat is the gold standard. The Dollamur mat measures 5 feet by 10 feet, providing a massive area for linking multiple skills together.
Dollamur utilizes sports-grade polyethylene foam that resists shrinking and hardening. The top layer is a non-slip carpet made from polyolefin fibers and specialized latex, which provides the grip needed for fast-paced tumbling.
This material offers superb shock absorption and resilience. It mimics the floor feel of a competition setting, making it safer for high-performance moves.
Pros
- Competition-grade feel for advanced athletes.
- Foam resists breaking down over time.
- Carpet top prevents slipping during landings.
- Cuts easily if you need to fit a specific space.
Cons
- The firm surface takes time to get used to.
Product Specs
| Best for | Gymnastics, cheerleading, yoga |
| Size | 5 feet by 10 feet |
| Thickness | 1 inch |
| Type | Flexi-roll mat |
| Padding material | Athletic-grade cross-linked polyethylene foam |
Our Ratings
We Sell Mats Gymnastics Octagon Skill Shape
Best Octagon-Shaped Mat for Kids
An octagonal mat is a valuable coaching tool if your little one needs assistance with walkovers or handsprings. This shape rotates with the child, supporting their back and helping them understand body mechanics.
It acts as a safe spotter for learning new skills independently. While available in four sizes, the small and medium options typically fit children best.
These mats are sturdy, filled with a cross-link polyethylene foam core that doesn’t sag. The cover is an anti-tear vinyl that withstands heavy use, and convenient handles make it easy to drag out of the closet.
Pros
- Excellent assistant for building tumbling skills.
- Suitable for children as young as 3 years old.
- Solid core provides reliable support.
- Vinyl cover wipes clean in seconds.
Cons
- Large shape is bulky to store.
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 essential for teaching the momentum of rolls, and this model from Matladin is a top contender. It uses gravity to help children feel the correct motion of a skill without straining their muscles.
This superb wedge includes eco-friendly EPE foam that is both durable and lightweight. Matladin wraps the core in anti-tear vinyl, which is non-toxic and provides excellent grip.
Reinforced stitching around the edges minimizes the risk of tearing or seam splits. The mat folds into a cube for storage and comes in bright, engaging colors that kids love.
Pros
- Non-toxic materials ensure safety.
- Ideal density; firm yet forgiving.
- Folds into a block for easy storage or seating.
- Bright colors make practice fun.
Cons
- Strong vinyl smell upon unboxing; requires airing out.
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 want a mat that works for your yoga sessions as well as your kid’s tumbling, this is a versatile choice. This pick from BestMassage is a large panel mat measuring 6 feet by 4 feet with a 2-inch thickness, offering plenty of space for adults and children.
The mat features a high-quality PU leather surface that resists sweat and water, making cleanup simple. It folds in four places for compact storage.
Carrying handles allow you to transport it easily, whether you are moving it to the living room or taking it to a park.
Pros
- Large surface area suits both adults and kids.
- Multiple color options available.
- High-quality foam withstands adult weight.
- Effortless to fold and transport.
Cons
- The cover fabric can feel loose on the foam.
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 households with a tumbling cheerleader, we recommend this carpet-topped mat from IncStores. It is a roll-out foam mat designed specifically to provide the traction needed for cheer shoes, making it safer for backflips and jumps.
The mat uses shock-absorbing polyethylene foam, which cushions landings to protect joints. The carpet layer adds durability and grip that smooth vinyl mats lack.
Hook-and-loop fasteners on the sides allow you to connect multiple mats, letting you create a full-sized practice floor in your basement or garage.
Pros
- Ideal surface for cheer shoes.
- Rolls up quickly for storage.
- Cushioned foam absorbs high impact.
- Velcro sides allow for easy expansion.
Cons
- Quality control varies; some units arrive missing Velcro strips.
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 Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat
Best Puzzle Mat for Kids
The BalanceFrom puzzle mat is a smart solution for covering large, irregular shaped areas. These flexible tiles lock together to cover up to 72 square feet, with the package including 18 tiles and 36 border pieces.
At 1 inch thick, these EVA foam tiles offer excellent cushioning for playrooms or light exercises, though they aren’t meant for heavy tumbling. The non-slip surface is moisture-resistant, so spilled juice or sweat wipes right off.
They are incredibly lightweight and easy to assemble, making them a parent favorite for creating safe play zones.
Pros
- Lightweight and simple to assemble.
- Covers a massive 72 square feet.
- Moisture-resistant surface handles spills.
- Includes a two-year warranty.
Cons
- Heavy equipment can leave permanent dents in the foam.
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, often called an air track, is perfect for power tumbling and protecting joints. It uses double-wall drop stitch PVC technology, creating a bouncy, firm surface similar to a rod floor.
The mat is surprisingly easy to manage. Once deflated, it folds into a small bundle that fits in the included travel bag. The set also comes with an electric pump that inflates the track in under a minute.
It is versatile enough for indoor practice, outdoor grass use, or even floating in the pool.
Pros
- Durable PVC withstands rigorous jumping.
- Adjustable pressure allows for softer or firmer bounce.
- Extremely compact when deflated.
- Includes pump and carrying bag.
Cons
- The included electric pump has a short lifespan.
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
If you have a child struggling to master the cartwheel, this mat is a game-changer. Easy Gymnastics designed it with clear hand and foot stencils that show exactly where to place limbs. One side guides left or right-handed cartwheels, while the flip side features a beam line for balance work.
Our little testers had a blast following the prints and improved their form significantly.
Beyond the instructional prints, the mat quality is solid. The foam is soft enough for landings but firm enough for stability, and the non-slip cover keeps it safely in place.
Pros
- Double-sided design maximizes utility.
- Gentle foam cushions clumsy falls.
- Available in four bright colors.
- Visual guides make coaching easy for parents.
Cons
- Too small for advanced tumbling passes.
- Handprints are sized for younger children only.
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 chose this reliable incline mat from Giantex. Its ergonomic wedge shape supports a variety of drills, from forward rolls to back handsprings, and also serves as a comfy lounger for reading.
This wedge features high-density, eco-friendly EPE foam that provides firm support without sinking. The exterior is anti-tear PVC with tight stitching and sturdy zippers, ensuring it survives rough play.
Maintenance is simple; the cover wipes clean easily, and you can unzip it to remove the foam if necessary.
Pros
- Versatile design for gym and playroom.
- Sturdy construction resists tearing.
- Easy to clean surface.
- Several color combinations available.
Cons
- Overall size runs smaller than some competitors.
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 |



















