Active kids are healthy kids. It’s not always easy to drag children away from their smartphones and tablets, but the more you encourage them to jump around and indulge in physical games, the better it is for them. The problem is that activities are not always the safest—unless you have a soft surface to cushion a fall. Tumbling mats are ideal for gymnastics, acrobatics and anything where a child might land heavily. They are ideal for placing at the end of garden slides or lining the playroom floor if your kids like to bounce around. You can even use them as a safety mat beneath a climbing wall. We think athletic mats for kids are a useful safety accessory, so here is our guide to nine of the best.
Our Top 9 Tumbling Mats for Kids
 | Thick Folding Panel Gymnastics Mat from Giantex Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Tumbl Trak Folding Gymnastics Mat | Check price at |
 | Incline Cheese Wedge Tumbling Mat | Check price at |
 | Z-Athletic Folding Panel Mats | Check price at |
 | 9-Piece Childrens Play and Exercise Mat | Check price at |
 | IncStores Roll Out Mats | Check price at |
 | Everlast Folding Mat | Check price at |
 | K-Roo Sports Childrens Tumbling Mat | Check price at |
 | GoPlus Octagon Tumbler Mat | Check price at |
1. Thick Folding Panel Gymnastics Mat from Giantex
The Giantex thick folding gymnastics mat is made of four panels containing EPE foam on the inside and eco-friendly PU on the outside. When opened out fully, the mat measures an impressive 4 x 10 x 2 ft. There is Velcro on two of the edges on each panel, so you can connect them end to end. The panels also have zips so the foam inserts can be removed and replaced. When the mat is folded up, it can be carried using the attached handle.
2. Tumbl Trak Folding Gymnastics Mat
The Tumbl Trak folding gymnastics mat is an impressive 4 x 8 ft., so it is ideal for floor gym sessions and outdoor games in the yard. The mat is designed as four folding panels, so it can be folded up and stored away when not in use. The panels are made from 18-ounce vinyl and are filled with cross-linked polyethylene foam, which is 100% safe for children and approved by the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Kids can use this mat for martial arts practice, cheerleading and so much more.
3. Incline Cheese Wedge Tumbling Mat
The non-folding incline cheese-shaped wedged tumbling mats from We Sell Mats are great for gymnastics and acrobatic fun indoors or outdoors. The mats come in a range of sizes and the smallest one is perfect for toddlers. The mats are made from touch high-quality vinyl. This is a commercial grade fabric, so these mats can withstand heavy use in a kindergarten or school environment, as well as being perfect for home use. The mats have carry handles, so you can move them around from room to room. They are ideal for kids to learn how to do back handsprings and back tucks.
4. Z-Athletic Folding Panel Mats
The folding panel mats from Z-Athletic are ideal for kids to practice their gymnastics, tumbling and martial arts skills. The mats are covered in commercial grade 18 oz. vinyl and filled with high-density cross-linked polyethylene foam. There is Velcro on all sides, so you can connect multiple mats side-to-side and end to end. Because of the quality of these mats, they are suitable for kids practicing advanced gymnastics and tumbling. If you need a heavy-duty mat, this is a top choice.
5. 9-Piece Children’s Play and Exercise Mat
The 9-piece play and exercise mat from Play Platoon is a non-toxic foam floor blocking mat. Each piece fits to an adjacent piece in a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each of the nine pieces is in bright primary colors to stimulate early learning skills. The pieces are perfect for physical play and can be used as a soft, safe flooring material for playrooms and nurseries. Older kids will have fun creating large shapes from the pieces and younger children can roll and bounce around in complete safety. The foam pieces are easy to clean and highly resistant to wear and tear—they also come with a lifetime guarantee!
6. IncStores Roll Out Mats
The IncStores roll out wresting and tumbling mats for kids are great if have kids into mixed martial arts (MMA). The mats roll up into a tube and can be rolled back out when you need a safe surface for gym play. Fit multiple mats together using mat tape if you need a bigger exercise surface. The roll up design makes it easy to transport and install the mats. Thanks to a thick foam filling, these roll out tumbling mats are highly shock absorbent. The vinyl surface is also wipe-clean. Use the mats for throws, rolling around on the floor and cushioning when you take a tumble.
7. Everlast Folding Mat
The Folding Mat from Everlast has a non-absorbent shell so you can wipe the surface down and keep your mats hygienically clean at all times. There is also a sewn handle so the mat can be transported between rooms or taken to a different venue. The mat folds in two, but when opened out fully, it is 2 x 6 ft. This folding mat is ideal for kids wanting to practice their gymnastics or martial arts skills. Once folded it will fit neatly under a couch or bed until you need it again.
8. K-Roo Sports Children’s Tumbling Mat
The K-Roo Sports children’s tumbling mat is 6 ft. long and is perfect for gymnastics, cheerleading and dancing. The vinyl fabric cover is mildew resistant and easy to clean whilst the foam insert is eco-friendly. The four panels fold together so you can store it away when not in use. There are also convenient carry handles.
9. GoPlus Octagon Tumbler Mat
This is a fun octagonal shaped exercise mat for kids from GoPlus. The shape is made from tough PVC and EPE pearl foam with a zipper design for easy cleaning. The octagon shape will help your kids practice their backsprings and rolls safely and in style.
These mats should provide the perfect cushioning for for exciting energetic activities, but please always supervise your children if they are practicing gymnastics and martial arts, as accidents can and do happen.
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, rebecca lopez.