Yoga poses for kids offer more than physical movement—they teach balance, body awareness, and emotional regulation in a joyful, non-competitive way. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or yoga instructor, this guide introduces you to 25 fun and easy yoga poses that kids will love.
Why Are Yoga Poses for Kids Important?
Children today face high levels of screen time, distraction, and stress. Practicing yoga poses for kids helps improve flexibility, focus, sleep, mood, and self-confidence. The best part? Yoga can be done anywhere, anytime, and without any fancy equipment.
25 Yoga Poses for Kids
1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Mountain Pose is one of the best starting yoga poses for kids. Children can imagine themselves standing like a giant, strong mountain—tall, still, and peaceful. This pose is all about feeling grounded and steady. It helps kids center themselves before moving into other poses. Practicing stillness can be just as powerful as movement, and this pose helps them feel strong from the inside out.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to stand up tall with their feet together or slightly apart. Arms should rest gently at the sides. The body should be straight and relaxed, with shoulders rolled back and chin slightly lifted. Encourage the child to take deep breaths in and out through the nose while imagining their feet rooted into the ground. Eyes can stay open and calm, focusing on one point.
Benefits for Children
Mountain Pose improves posture, body awareness, and balance. It also teaches children how to be still and calm, which is an essential part of mindfulness. As one of the simplest yoga poses for kids, it introduces them to breathing, grounding, and paying attention to their bodies. This pose builds a quiet strength that helps with focus and emotional control.
2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Yoga poses for kids
Imagination and Introduction
In Tree Pose, children become tall, leafy trees, swaying gently in the wind but always rooted to the earth. They can imagine growing strong branches that reach up toward the sky. This visualization adds fun to the balancing challenge and keeps kids engaged. Like a real tree, they must stay grounded but flexible. Among all yoga poses for kids, Tree Pose is a wonderful way to build confidence and focus.
How to Do the Pose
Start by standing tall. Then slowly lift one foot and place it on the inside of the other leg—either on the calf or thigh, but never the knee. Hands can stay pressed together at the chest or reach up like tree branches. The child should keep their eyes on one spot in front of them to help balance. Remind them that it’s okay to wobble or even fall—it’s all part of learning.
Benefits for Children
Tree Pose strengthens leg muscles, improves balance, and builds concentration. It also teaches patience and resilience, as kids practice standing still and steady. Like other yoga poses for kids, it encourages self-discipline in a playful way. Practicing Tree Pose regularly can help children feel more focused, grounded, and proud of their growing strength.
3. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Butterfly Pose invites children to become gentle butterflies resting in a sunny garden. They can imagine flapping their knees like colorful wings, flying low to the ground. This pose brings a sense of calm, joy, and creativity. It’s gentle on the body and perfect for quiet moments during a yoga session. As one of the most peaceful yoga poses for kids, it’s often a favorite in classroom or bedtime routines.
How to Do the Pose
The child should sit down on the mat and bring the soles of the feet together, letting the knees fall out to the sides. They can hold their feet with their hands and gently flap the knees up and down. Make sure they sit tall with a straight spine. Encourage slow, deep breathing while they imagine flying. They can rest in this pose for several breaths or add gentle movement with the knees.
Benefits for Children
Butterfly Pose helps open the hips and relax tight leg muscles. It improves posture, encourages stillness, and reduces restlessness. As part of calming yoga poses for kids, it supports emotional regulation and body awareness. The slow, rhythmic movement also helps soothe anxiety and prepares the mind for quieter activities like reading or sleep.
4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Yoga poses for Kids
Imagination and Introduction
Cobra Pose lets children pretend they are long, strong snakes stretching in the sun. It’s a gentle backbend that encourages kids to rise up and open their hearts. They can hiss like a cobra or slither forward on their bellies to add a fun twist. This pose brings a sense of pride and playfulness, which is why it’s a common favorite in yoga poses for kids routines.
How to Do the Pose
Have the child lie flat on their belly with legs extended and hands placed under their shoulders. They should press into their hands, slowly lifting their chest off the ground while keeping elbows slightly bent. Encourage them to look upward, stretch gently, and keep their shoulders relaxed. Breathing in while rising and out while lowering adds rhythm and focus.
Benefits for Children
Cobra Pose strengthens the back muscles, stretches the chest, and opens the shoulders. It also helps children build self-esteem and courage as they lift their hearts forward. Among the most empowering yoga poses for kids, this one teaches how to stand tall—both physically and emotionally—without strain or pressure.
5. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Child’s Pose is like curling up into a cozy ball or resting like a sleeping puppy. Kids often call it the “tiny turtle” pose, where they feel safe and quiet inside their little shell. It’s the perfect pause in any yoga routine, letting children rest and reset. In both play and practice, Child’s Pose brings stillness to the heart and mind.
Benefits for Children
Child’s Pose calms the nervous system and soothes feelings of anxiety. It gently stretches the back, hips, and shoulders. As one of the most restorative yoga poses for kids, it teaches them the power of rest and reflection. It’s an excellent pose to use between more active ones or as a quiet closing to the session.
Benefits for Children
Child’s Pose calms the nervous system and soothes feelings of anxiety. It gently stretches the back, hips, and shoulders. As one of the most restorative yoga poses for kids, it teaches them the power of rest and reflection. It’s an excellent pose to use between more active ones or as a quiet closing to the session.
6. Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Downward Dog is playful and powerful, like a happy puppy stretching after a nap. Kids can wag their tails, bark softly, or just enjoy the upside-down view. It brings energy into the body while giving a fun challenge. This pose adds an element of surprise and excitement to any sequence of yoga poses for kids.
How to Do the Pose
Start on hands and knees. Spread fingers wide and tuck the toes under. Slowly lift the hips toward the sky, straightening the legs into an upside-down “V” shape. Encourage the child to press heels gently toward the mat and look between the legs or at the feet. Breathing deeply while holding the pose helps them stay steady.
Benefits for Children
Downward Dog stretches the entire body—especially the spine, hamstrings, and shoulders. It builds strength in the arms and improves blood flow to the brain, increasing alertness. This energizing choice in yoga poses for kids boosts confidence and physical awareness while supporting coordination and balance.
7. Star Pose
Imagination and Introduction
In Star Pose, children imagine themselves as big, bright stars shining in the sky. They stretch wide and feel their energy expand outward. This pose is simple, yet powerful—making kids feel open, tall, and connected. Star Pose brings joy and freedom, lighting up any yoga session with positivity.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to stand with feet wide apart and arms stretched out to the sides. The body should form an “X” shape. They can look forward or lift their gaze upward. Encourage them to reach through their fingertips and feel their energy radiating in all directions. Let them hold the pose for a few slow breaths.
Benefits for Children
Star Pose strengthens the legs, improves posture, and increases body awareness. It also boosts feelings of openness and confidence. As one of the most empowering and expressive yoga poses for kids, it encourages bold movement and joyful self-expression.
8. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana), Yoga Poses for Kids
Imagination and Introduction
Happy Baby Pose takes kids back to their earliest memories—curled up, laughing, and completely relaxed. They can wiggle their toes, rock side to side, and feel playful like a baby discovering its feet. This pose always sparks giggles and calm energy, making it one of the most loved yoga poses for kids.
How to Do the Pose
The child lies on their back and bends their knees toward their chest. They then grab the soles of their feet with their hands, keeping the arms inside the legs. Encourage gentle rocking, deep breathing, and soft smiling. Let them move as much or as little as they like while relaxing into the stretch.
Benefits for Children
Happy Baby Pose opens the hips, stretches the spine, and releases tension from the lower back. It calms the nervous system while promoting body awareness. Within the world of yoga poses for kids, this one helps children feel relaxed, grounded, and connected to themselves.
9. Frog Pose
Imagination and Introduction
Frog Pose invites kids to become playful little frogs preparing to leap from a lily pad. They can imagine sitting by a pond, croaking softly, or hopping in place. This pose adds laughter, animal play, and a little bit of bounce to yoga routines. Among the more energetic yoga poses for kids, Frog Pose is a great way to release excess energy in a fun and focused way.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to squat down with their feet turned slightly outward and their knees spread apart. Their hands should rest on the floor between their legs, and they can lift their heels off the ground or keep them flat if they’re flexible. Encourage them to press their elbows gently against their knees and lift their chest. To make it fun, they can add a soft “ribbit” sound or even bounce gently like a frog ready to jump.
Benefits for Children
Frog Pose stretches the hips, inner thighs, and groin while strengthening the lower body. It also helps with balance and coordination. As one of the most dynamic yoga poses for kids, it encourages movement and flexibility in a way that feels natural and joyful. Frog Pose is especially helpful for improving posture and opening up tight muscles caused by too much sitting.
10. Snake Pose (Bhujangasana Variation)
Imagination and Introduction
Snake Pose is a creative twist on Cobra Pose, letting kids slither and sway like real snakes in the grass. It turns a simple backbend into an adventure. Children can imagine they are long, shiny snakes warming in the sun, moving their heads gently side to side. These types of yoga poses for kids allow space for play and make stretching feel like storytelling.
How to Do the Pose
Begin with the child lying flat on their stomach, hands under shoulders. Instead of lifting straight up like in Cobra Pose, have them slither by pressing their hands down gently while slowly moving the head side to side in a snake-like motion. Encourage them to keep their legs relaxed and their shoulders down. Let them “hiss” gently while stretching their neck and upper spine.
Benefits for Children
This variation strengthens the back and neck muscles while encouraging spinal flexibility. It also engages the imagination, helping kids explore movement in a playful way. Snake Pose is one of those yoga poses for kids that blends physical activity with creativity, making it ideal for reluctant movers or imaginative children.
11. Lion Pose (Simhasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Lion Pose turns children into fierce, powerful lions ready to roar across the savannah. They can growl, stretch, and make silly faces, letting out all their stress and noise. It’s a wonderful emotional release and encourages full-body expression. Of all the yoga poses for kids, this one helps shy children open up and louder children release their energy in a safe and healthy way.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to kneel on the floor with their hands resting on their knees. Then, have them take a deep breath in, open their mouth wide, stick out their tongue, and exhale with a big “roar.” Their eyes should open wide and their hands can press down like claws. Repeat this a few times to let them fully express their inner lion.
Benefits for Children
Lion Pose helps release tension from the face, neck, and jaw. It encourages children to express emotions and let go of stress in a healthy way. This is one of the most emotionally freeing yoga poses for kids, especially for those who need help managing frustration or anxiety. It also improves vocal strength and confidence.
12. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Cat-Cow Pose is a playful back-and-forth movement where kids become a stretching cat and a gentle cow. They can meow, moo, or simply move with their breath. This pose brings rhythm and flow to the practice. It’s great as a warm-up and helps children connect their breath with their movement—an essential part of learning yoga.
How to Do the Pose
Start with the child on all fours, with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. As they inhale, have them arch their back, lift their head, and let their belly drop (Cow). On the exhale, they round their back, tuck their chin, and press into the floor (Cat). Repeat this flow slowly, encouraging kids to make animal sounds and feel the movement in their spine.
Benefits for Children
Cat-Cow Pose increases flexibility in the spine and strengthens the core muscles. It also improves coordination and brings calmness through mindful breathing. As one of the most beneficial yoga poses for kids, it promotes a healthy spine and helps children relax after sitting for long periods. It’s also a favorite in both classroom and home routines.
13. Volcano Pose (Dynamic Mountain)
Imagination and Introduction
Volcano Pose turns kids into bubbling mountains ready to erupt with joy and movement. They can imagine lava building up inside their core, then exploding through their fingertips into the sky. It’s an exciting way to start a yoga session and add some dynamic energy to their practice. These interactive yoga poses for kids are especially helpful in group settings or warm-up games.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to begin in Mountain Pose—standing tall with feet together and arms at their sides. Then, have them bring their hands together at their chest and slowly raise them high above their head while pretending to build up “lava energy.” When they’re ready, they can shout “Boom!” and throw their arms out wide to erupt. Repeat a few times with different energy levels.
Benefits for Children
Volcano Pose teaches self-expression, builds strength in the arms and legs, and improves coordination. It also gets the heart pumping in a light, fun way. Among the more energetic yoga poses for kids, it helps release built-up excitement and promotes focus before moving into calmer stretches.
14. Giraffe Stretch (Standing Side Bend Variation)
Imagination and Introduction
The Giraffe Stretch turns children into tall, graceful giraffes reaching for the leaves at the top of the tallest trees. Kids love imagining their long necks stretching high above the jungle. This pose invites them to connect with nature while learning to move their bodies in gentle, mindful ways. In yoga poses for kids that promote length and grace, the Giraffe Stretch stands tall—literally!
How to Do the Pose
Have the child stand tall with their feet hip-width apart. Ask them to raise both arms overhead and stretch up high like a giraffe reaching for food. Then guide them to slowly bend sideways at the waist—first to the right, then to the left—while keeping their arms long and their chest open. Remind them to take deep breaths and feel the stretch from their hips up to their fingertips.
Benefits for Children
This pose lengthens the sides of the body, improves posture, and gently strengthens the core. It helps children develop body awareness and flexibility in a calming way. As part of nature-themed yoga poses for kids, the Giraffe Stretch also supports creativity and encourages visual thinking through movement.
15. Airplane Pose (Warrior III Variation)
Imagination and Introduction
In Airplane Pose, kids can pretend they are soaring across the sky, wings out wide, navigating clouds and winds. This adventurous pose challenges their balance while making movement fun and imaginative. Kids often love yoga poses for kids that make them feel like they’re flying—and Airplane Pose does exactly that.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to stand on one foot and slowly tilt forward from the hips, lifting the opposite leg behind them. Their arms should stretch out to the sides like airplane wings. They should look forward or slightly down and try to keep their body as straight as possible. Encourage them to take slow breaths and switch legs after a few seconds of balancing.
Benefits for Children
Airplane Pose improves balance, builds core strength, and increases concentration. It also strengthens the legs and promotes stability. Among yoga poses for kids that focus on physical control, this one helps develop coordination while inviting imaginative play.
16. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Imagination and Introduction
Bridge Pose turns kids into tiny bridges arching over rivers and valleys. They can imagine a train or a car traveling across their back as they rise into the air. This pose is fun, safe, and strengthening, making it one of the most useful floor-based yoga poses for kids.
How to Do the Pose
The child lies on their back, bends their knees, and places their feet flat on the floor close to the hips. Arms rest at the sides, palms facing down. Ask them to press into their feet and slowly lift their hips off the mat, creating a bridge shape. They can hold this position while breathing deeply and gently lower down after a few breaths.
Benefits for Children
Bridge Pose strengthens the legs, back, and glutes while opening the chest and shoulders. It improves spinal alignment and helps release stress stored in the body. As part of yoga poses for kids routines, it can support both energy and relaxation depending on when it’s practiced.
17. Crab Pose (Reverse Tabletop)
Imagination and Introduction
Crab Pose lets kids walk around like sideways crabs on the beach. It’s a fun and silly position that encourages movement and laughter. This pose is a great way to break up quiet stretches with some energetic crawling. It’s one of the more active yoga poses for kids and works well in group games.
How to Do the Pose
Have the child sit on the floor with their feet flat and hands behind them, fingers pointing toward the feet. Then they lift their hips off the ground, forming a tabletop with their body. Encourage them to walk forward, backward, or sideways like a crab. Remind them to keep their belly lifted and move slowly and carefully.
Benefits for Children
Crab Pose strengthens the arms, shoulders, and core. It improves coordination and body control while offering a dose of silly fun. Among yoga poses for kids that build strength while engaging the imagination, Crab Pose stands out as both challenging and entertaining.
18. Partner Boat Pose (Navasana for Two)
Imagination and Introduction
Partner Boat Pose transforms two kids into a floating sailboat on a peaceful lake. Working together to balance and lift their legs, they learn to communicate, connect, and trust each other. This pose turns solo yoga into a shared journey—and it’s one of the best yoga poses for kids to build friendship and cooperation.
How to Do the Pose
Two children sit facing each other with knees bent and toes touching. They hold hands and begin to lift one foot at a time, pressing the soles of their feet together. As they balance, they extend both legs upward, forming a V-shape with their bodies like a boat. Encourage steady breathing and big smiles as they work together to stay balanced.
Benefits for Children
Partner Boat Pose strengthens the core, improves balance, and encourages teamwork. It teaches trust, communication, and patience—all through playful interaction. As part of yoga poses for kids 2 people activities, this one is both fun and rewarding.
19. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Imagination and Introduction
In Seated Forward Bend, children become explorers reaching for treasure hidden near their toes. It’s a quiet, inward pose that invites them to stretch and breathe deeply. This pose is a gentle way to bring focus and stillness, especially after more active movements. Among calming yoga poses for kids, it helps slow things down and soothe the mind.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to sit with legs stretched straight in front of them. With arms reaching upward, have them slowly fold forward from the hips, aiming to touch their toes or shins. They should keep their back long and relax their head. Let them rest in the stretch while taking deep breaths, encouraging them to reach a little farther with each exhale.
Benefits for Children
Seated Forward Bend stretches the hamstrings, spine, and lower back. It calms the nervous system and improves flexibility. As one of the more restful yoga poses for kids, it helps reduce anxiety, supports digestion, and encourages body awareness and patience.
20. Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
Imagination and Introduction
Puppy Pose is a sweet combination of a playful stretch and a cozy cuddle. Kids can imagine they are friendly puppies stretching after a nap, tails wagging happily. This pose is gentle and comforting—perfect for winding down. It’s a bridge between movement and stillness in many yoga poses for kids routines.
How to Do the Pose
Start on all fours. The child walks their hands forward while keeping their hips above their knees, lowering their chest and forehead toward the ground. Arms stretch forward like a long puppy stretch. Encourage deep, soft breathing while they relax their belly and shoulders.
Benefits for Children
Puppy Pose gently stretches the spine, shoulders, and arms. It soothes the heart and calms racing thoughts. In yoga poses for kids that encourage stillness with comfort, Puppy Pose is especially helpful for bedtime or mindfulness sessions.
21. Table Pose
Imagination and Introduction
In Table Pose, kids become strong, steady tables—ready to hold up birthday cakes, books, or even imaginary tea parties! It’s a simple pose that builds the base for many others. This foundational position teaches kids about body alignment and posture in a fun, practical way.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to go on hands and knees. Their hands should be under their shoulders and knees under their hips. The back should be flat like a tabletop. They can look forward or down while pressing evenly through their hands and knees. Have them hold the pose while breathing slowly and steadily.
Benefits for Children
Table Pose builds stability, strengthens the arms and core, and improves coordination. It’s often used as a starting point for other yoga poses for kids and is great for introducing balance and body control. This pose is also excellent for transitions between active and calming sequences.
22. Starfish Pose (Relaxation Pose)
Imagination and Introduction
Starfish Pose turns children into calm sea stars floating gently at the bottom of the ocean. This deeply restful pose invites silence, stillness, and peace. After a session of active yoga poses for kids, Starfish Pose brings everything to a quiet and comforting close.
How to Do the Pose
Have the child lie on their back with legs spread slightly apart and arms resting out to the sides. Eyes can stay closed while they breathe slowly, imagining ocean waves gently rocking them. Encourage them to let go of all tension and enjoy a moment of quiet stillness.
Benefits for Children
This pose promotes full-body relaxation and supports emotional calm. It reduces stress, helps regulate breathing, and allows the body to absorb the benefits of previous poses. Starfish Pose is essential in any sequence of yoga poses for kids that ends with rest or meditation.
23. Cow Face Arms (Gomukhasana – Arm Variation)
Imagination and Introduction
Cow Face Arms might sound silly, but it helps kids imagine bringing their arms together like the horns of a gentle cow. This pose is all about shoulder movement and trying something new with their arms and hands. It’s one of the more focused yoga poses for kids that encourages persistence and flexibility.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to sit cross-legged. Have them stretch one arm straight up and bend it behind their back. The other arm reaches behind and down from the waist to try and clasp hands. If their hands don’t touch, they can use a strap or towel to connect them. Switch sides after a few breaths.
Benefits for Children
Cow Face Arms stretches the shoulders, chest, and upper back. It improves mobility and focus while gently encouraging perseverance. As a mindful challenge, it shows kids how effort and practice help them grow. It’s an excellent addition to upper-body-focused yoga poses for kids.
24. Rainbow Pose (Standing Side Stretch)
Imagination and Introduction
Rainbow Pose brings color and creativity to the practice as children stretch like glowing rainbows across the sky. Kids can imagine they’re bending into the air after a soft rain, connecting sunshine and droplets into magical arches. Yoga poses for kids like this one add visual storytelling and graceful movement that feels playful and grounding.
How to Do the Pose
Ask the child to stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Raise both arms overhead and clasp the hands or keep them shoulder-width apart. Gently bend to one side while keeping the arms long and the legs strong. Come back to center and repeat on the other side. Encourage them to breathe in as they reach and exhale as they bend.
Benefits for Children
Rainbow Pose stretches the sides of the body, strengthens the legs, and improves posture. It supports breathing and body awareness while inviting imagination into every stretch. This pose is excellent in nature-themed yoga poses for kids routines and works beautifully in a flowing sequence.
25. Tree Partner Pose
Imagination and Introduction
Tree Partner Pose encourages kids to become a pair of sturdy trees growing side by side. Their branches join together while their trunks stay strong. It’s a pose rooted in connection and balance, making it one of the best partner yoga poses for kids to explore trust and teamwork.
How to Do the Pose
Ask two children to stand side by side with their inner arms around each other’s waist for support. Each child then lifts their outer foot and places it on the inside of their own standing leg, like Tree Pose. They raise their free outer hands together overhead to form an arch. Help them stay balanced while they breathe and hold the pose.
Benefits for Children
Tree Partner Pose builds balance, cooperation, and communication. It strengthens the legs and core while also nurturing emotional connection. As part of yoga poses for kids 2 people with pictures routines, this partner pose brings joy, trust, and shared mindfulness to the mat.
Final Thoughts: Helping Kids Grow Through Yoga
Practicing yoga poses for kids offers more than exercise—it fosters confidence, creativity, focus, and emotional well-being. Whether your child is stretching like a cat, flying like an airplane, or shining like a star, each pose brings an opportunity to move joyfully and grow mindfully.
To support your child’s practice further, explore our extended guides and free printables:
- ➤ Easy Yoga Poses for Kids – Perfect for beginners just starting out
- ➤ Yoga Poses for Kids Animals – Includes fun animal-themed movement ideas
- ➤ Yoga Poses for Kids 2 People with Pictures – Great for friends or siblings
- ➤ Nature Themed Yoga Poses for Kids Cards Free – Download and print for home or class
- ➤ Yoga Routine Free Print Yoga Poses Pictures for Kids – Build your own daily flow
- ➤ Basic Yoga Poses for Kids – Essential foundation poses with detailed steps
Bookmark this guide, share it with parents and teachers, and return often as your child’s yoga journey grows.
Namaste 🌼
