5 Simple and Fun Yoga Poses for Kids

If you want your children to start a physical activity that's not only good for their body but also helps them relax and have fun, yoga is ideal. Find out the best yoga poses for kids in this article.
5 Simple and Fun Yoga Poses for Kids
Ana Couñago

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Ana Couñago.

Written by Naí Botello

Last update: 10 June, 2023

Yoga is, without a doubt, one of the most common physical practices in the world. This is because it’s an excellent exercise that helps people of all ages to achieve mental and physical balance. Here are some of the best yoga poses for kids.

Children’s yoga uses the simplest but most integral poses from the discipline. This allows them to develop their flexibility, tone their muscles, release stress, and improve their emotional well-being.

In addition, the names of positions with animals, plants and nature can make children laugh. It’s a great alternative to help them grow!

5 Yoga poses for kids

Yoga is linked to the development of physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it makes sense that the meaning of its name in Sanskrit is “union.” This practice has been recognized for decades as ideal to relax, stretch, tone muscles, and even fight diseases.

If you’re considering signing up your children for yoga classes or want to practice with them at home, we’ll show you a detailed list of the best yoga poses for kids in this article. We’ll also tell you how to do them step-by-step.

1. Mountain Pose

This position is one of the first you learn when you start doing yoga. It helps relax your body before starting the session. To begin, your child should stand with his legs and feet together and his back straight.

His arms should be at a 90-degree angle with the palms of his hands together in front of his chest. Then, the child should do several deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through his nose for three minutes.

2. Butterfly Pose

The next position is the butterfly pose. In it, your child will warm up and stretch his legs. He should sit with his legs flexed, joining the heels and soles of his feet. Then, have him rest his hands on his feet and move his legs up and down, just like how butterflies flap their wings.

This is one of the best yoga poses for kids. In fact, they tend to do this without realizing it, even outside of yoga class. We recommend holding this pose for about 2 or 3 minutes before moving on.

3. Cobra Pose

This yoga pose is great for stretching abdomen and lumbar musclesYour child should lie on her yoga mat face down. Then, place the palms of her hands on the floor at shoulder height.

Next, have her raise her body by stretching her arms and curving her back, while looking up at the ceiling. This position isn’t good for children who have spinal problems.

“Yoga has been recognized for decades as ideal to relax, stretch, tone muscles, and even fight diseases.”

4. Downward-Facing Dog

Downward-Facing Dog helps stretch leg muscles, trunk and parts of the back. It consists of keeping the soles of the feet close to the ground, being very careful not to lift the heels.

Have your child keep his hands on the yoga map, lifting his hips toward the sky at a 40-degree angle. His head should be in a resting position facing down.

At the end of this position, it’s important that your child slowly gets up to avoid getting dizzy. The estimated time to practice this position is 2 minutes.

5. Child’s Pose

In this position, your child should support her buttocks on her heels, and her forehead on the yoga mat. Then, have her stretch her arms forward. This position is great to stretch the back and neck, and relax the muscles.

As a final tip, you can also accompany the yoga lesson with instrumental and relaxing musicThis could also include sounds of nature or ocean waves.

We’re positive your little one will have a blast. In addition, it will be a great opportunity for you two to do a healthy activity together.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.