Kids spend hours playing on floors, whether they’re building with blocks, doing puzzles, or just rolling around. Hard floors like wood, tile, or concrete can be uncomfortable and cold for little ones.
A floor mat designed for kids creates a soft, warm surface that makes floor time more enjoyable and safer. Floor mats for kids come in many styles, from simple foam tiles to colorful play mats with letters and numbers.
They give children a dedicated space to play while protecting them from hard surfaces. These mats can also help define play areas and make cleanup easier since toys stay in one spot.
The most important things to consider when buying a floor mat for kids are safety, material, and size. Look for mats made from non-toxic materials that won’t harm children if they put pieces in their mouths.
The mat should be thick enough to provide cushioning but not so thick that it creates a tripping hazard. Size matters too—the mat should fit your space and give kids enough room to play comfortably.
Best Floor Mats For Kids
I tested dozens of floor mats to find the best options for children. My top picks offer great safety, comfort, and durability for play areas and bedrooms.
Kids Mandi Hopscotch Jumbo Play Mat
This jumbo hopscotch mat delivers excellent value for families wanting a large, durable floor game that works both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Massive 40″ x 108″ size gives plenty of room for multiple kids to play
- Sturdy cloth material wipes clean easily and resists stains well
- Bright colors stay vibrant even after regular use and cleaning
Cons
- Takes up significant floor space when laid out completely
- May be too large for smaller rooms or apartments
- Younger toddlers under 3 might find the game challenging
I was impressed by how much space this mat covers when I first unrolled it. Kids can spread out and play without bumping into each other.
The material feels solid and well-made. I’ve wiped it down several times after messy play sessions, and it cleans up without any issues.
The colors haven’t faded despite being used both inside and on our patio. Setting up takes just seconds since there’s no assembly required.
The numbered squares are clearly marked, making it easy for children to follow the game rules. Storage can be tricky because of the large size.
I roll it up and store it in a closet, but it does take up more room than compact toys. The benefits of the extra playing space outweigh this minor inconvenience for our family.
Toysbuddy Large Activity Mat
This waterproof play mat delivers excellent value for parents seeking a reliable surface for their children’s creative activities.
Pros
- Waterproof surface handles spills and messes without damaging floors underneath
- Large size accommodates multiple children playing together comfortably
- Wipes clean easily with just a damp cloth after messy art sessions
Cons
- Material feels somewhat thin despite adequate cushioning for most activities
- Folding creases remain visible even after extended use
- Limited color options may not match all playroom decor styles
I found this mat incredibly practical during my daughter’s painting sessions. The waterproof feature worked perfectly when she accidentally knocked over her water cup.
Cleanup took just minutes with a wet cloth. The generous size impressed me most.
Two kids can spread out their art supplies without crowding each other. My toddler loves the colorful design on both sides of the mat.
Storage is simple since the mat folds compactly. I keep it in our closet and bring it out whenever craft time begins.
The lightweight design makes moving it between rooms effortless. While the material thickness could be better, it provides adequate protection for our hardwood floors.
The cushioning works well for sitting and kneeling during longer creative projects.
Tarkan Extra Large Reversible Baby Play Mat
This mat works well for babies who need a safe play space, though the foam may not hold up as long as you’d hope.
Pros
- Large size gives babies plenty of room to crawl and play freely
- Reversible design lets me switch between two different patterns easily
- Waterproof surface wipes clean with just a damp cloth
Cons
- Foam starts peeling at the edges after just a few weeks of use
- Mat feels thinner than expected and could use more cushioning
- Some mats arrive with damage requiring returns and exchanges
I tested this mat with my baby for several weeks. The 6.5 by 5 foot size impressed me right away.
My little one had tons of space to roll around and practice crawling without hitting the edges. The reversible feature became one of my favorite parts.
One side shows a colorful city scene while the other has a forest pattern. I flipped it whenever I wanted to change the look of the play area.
Cleaning proved incredibly easy. When my baby had messy accidents, I simply wiped the surface with a wet cloth.
The waterproof coating kept liquids from soaking through to the foam underneath. The folding design made storage simple.
I could fold it up and tuck it away when company came over. It also worked well for taking to grandma’s house or other places where my baby needed a clean play surface.
My biggest concern came after two weeks of daily use. The foam edges started peeling and separating in several spots.
The cushioning felt adequate but not exceptional. My baby seemed comfortable lying on it, though I noticed it was firmer than I expected.
The foam provided enough padding to protect against the hard floor but didn’t feel as plush as some other mats I’ve tried.
Tarkan Extra Large Reversible Baby Play Mat
This mat offers solid value for parents who need a large, safe play space that’s easy to clean and store.
Pros
- Generous 6.5×5 foot size gives babies plenty of room to crawl and play
- Waterproof surface wipes clean quickly after spills and accidents
- Folds down small for easy storage and travel
Cons
- Thickness could be better for cushioning on hard floors
- Material feels less premium than higher-end options
- Takes up significant space when fully unfolded
I’ve been using this play mat for my baby, and the size really stands out. The 6.5×5 foot area gives her tons of room to move around without me worrying about her rolling off the edge.
The reversible design works well in practice. One side has letters and numbers with giraffes, while the other side offers a different pattern.
I flip it over when I want to change up the look or focus on different learning elements. Cleaning this mat is straightforward.
When my baby had a messy diaper accident on it, I just wiped it down with a damp cloth and some soap. The waterproof surface handled the mess without any staining or odor absorption.
The folding feature makes storage much easier than I expected. I can fold it up and tuck it behind furniture or in a closet when we need the floor space for other activities.
It’s also light enough to carry to grandma’s house or outside for playtime.
LuvLap Number Zoo Play Mat
This large waterproof play mat offers excellent thickness and durability, making it a solid choice for active toddlers despite some design inconsistencies.
Pros
- Thick 0.8cm padding provides excellent cushioning for crawling and playing
- Completely waterproof surface makes cleanup simple with just a damp cloth
- Extra large size gives plenty of room for multiple children to play together
Cons
- Quality control issues result in identical designs on both sides instead of reversible patterns
- Mat develops creases and wear marks after regular use
- Heavy weight makes it challenging to move around frequently
I was impressed by how thick this mat feels underfoot. The 0.8cm padding creates a comfortable surface that protects my toddler’s knees during crawling time.
The zoo animals and numbers printed on the surface immediately caught my child’s attention. Cleaning this mat is incredibly easy.
I simply wipe it down with a wet cloth after messy snack time or art projects. The waterproof coating works exactly as promised, preventing any liquids from seeping through to the floor below.
The size is generous enough for my toddler to spread out toys and books comfortably. At over 6 feet long, there’s plenty of space for playdates with friends.
However, I noticed the mat can be quite heavy when folding it up for storage. My main frustration came from receiving identical patterns on both sides rather than the reversible design shown in photos.
This seems to be a common issue based on my experience. The mat also shows creases where it gets folded repeatedly, though this doesn’t affect its functionality.
LuvLap Jungle Time Play Mat
This extra-large play mat delivers solid value with its thick cushioning and waterproof design, though you might receive duplicate patterns on both sides.
Pros
- Thick 0.8cm padding protects babies from hard floors effectively
- Completely waterproof surface wipes clean in seconds
- Folds compactly for easy storage and transport
Cons
- Both sides sometimes show identical designs instead of different patterns
- Takes up significant floor space when fully unfolded
- Jungle theme may not appeal to all children’s preferences
I tested this mat with my toddler and immediately noticed how well the thick padding cushioned falls during play. The surface felt soft but sturdy enough to handle constant crawling and rolling around.
Cleaning became effortless after snack time spills. I simply wiped away juice and crumbs with a damp cloth, and the mat looked brand new again.
The waterproof coating works perfectly and doesn’t crack or peel with regular cleaning. The folding feature impressed me most.
Despite its large size when open, the mat folds down to fit in a closet or under a bed. I can easily carry it to different rooms or pack it for trips to grandparents’ houses.
My biggest disappointment came when I unfolded the mat and found the same jungle scene on both sides. The product shows different designs, but mine had identical patterns.
This limits the visual variety for extended play sessions. The educational graphics kept my child engaged for longer periods than expected.
The bright colors and animal designs sparked conversations about different creatures and their habitats during playtime.
Play Nation Premium Double Sided Play Mat
This mat works well for babies who need a safe play space. The thin material feels more like plastic than a premium product.
Pros
- Double-sided design gives kids two different learning themes to explore
- Waterproof surface makes cleanup quick when spills happen
- Large 6×4 feet size provides plenty of room for crawling and playing
Cons
- Material feels lightweight and plasticky despite the premium name
- Some mats arrive damaged during shipping
- Thickness could be better for cushioning falls
I tested this mat with my toddler and found it serves its basic purpose well. The educational designs kept my child engaged for longer periods than I expected.
Numbers and letters are on one side, and colorful patterns on the other side. The waterproof feature really works.
I wiped away juice spills and snack crumbs without any staining. However, the material feels thin for the price point.
It reminds me more of a shower curtain than a cushioned play surface. Setting up takes seconds since it unfolds easily.
I can fold it back up and store it behind a door when not needed. The size gives my child room to move around without bumping into furniture.
My main concern is durability. The lightweight material might not hold up to daily use from active toddlers.
SKYLOFTS Double-Sided Playmat
This playmat works well for basic play needs but has some durability issues.
Pros
- Two different designs keep babies engaged longer
- Lightweight and folds flat for easy travel
- Waterproof surface cleans up spills quickly
Cons
- Thin material tears easily with rough handling
- Colors look duller than advertised
- Takes a long time to dry after washing
I found this mat perfect for daily tummy time sessions with my baby. The soft foam cushioning made floor time comfortable.
My little one stayed engaged switching between the railway and jungle sides. The portability impressed me most during our recent camping trip.
It folded down small enough to fit in our bag. Setting it up took seconds, and cleanup was simple with just a damp cloth.
I noticed the material quality feels cheaper than expected. Small tears appeared after a few weeks of regular use.
The colors also seemed washed out compared to the bright pictures online. Drying time became an issue during rainy days.
The foam soaks up water during cleaning, so I had to wait hours before my baby could use it again.
Buying Guide
When I shop for kids’ floor mats, I look at several key features. The right mat depends on your child’s age and how you plan to use it.
Safety Features
Safety comes first when choosing any kids’ product. I check that mats have non-slip backing to prevent sliding on smooth floors.
Look for mats made from non-toxic materials. Many are labeled as BPA-free or phthalate-free.
Size and Thickness
I measure the space where the mat will go before buying. Mats come in many sizes from small play areas to large room coverage.
Thicker mats provide more cushioning. I recommend at least 0.5 inches thick for hard floors.
Material Types
| Material | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Soft, lightweight | Toddlers, indoor play |
| Rubber | Durable, easy to clean | Active play, outdoor use |
| Fabric | Comfortable, washable | Reading, quiet activities |
Easy Cleaning
Kids make messes, so I choose mats that clean easily. Waterproof surfaces wipe down quickly with soap and water.
Some fabric mats go in the washing machine. Check the care label before buying.
Age-Appropriate Features
For babies, I look for mats with bright colors and simple patterns.
Toddlers enjoy mats with letters, numbers, or puzzle pieces.
Older kids might prefer plain mats or ones with their favorite activities printed on them.
