The Best Gymnastics Bars for Kids
If your child is interested in gymnastics, you'll find them practicing on every surface they can climb, tumble, or flip off of. We've realized that at some point, if they keep up with their practice, it might be time to invest in some high-quality gymnastics equipment. One of the most valuable home gymnastics investment is a gymnastic bar. Of course, not all gymnastics bars are of the same quality, so it's important to do your research. The good news? We've done the work for you and found the best ones on the market today. Check out our picks and find the right gymnastics bar for your at-home acrobat.
Tepemccu Expandable Gymnastics Bars
The most important aspect of a gymnastics bar is, of course, safety. Made with an ultra-sturdy triangular base, this gymnastics bar from Tepemccu is ideal for the at-home gymnast. Made with steel poles that can hold up to 140 pounds, your youngster will enjoy hours of hanging, flipping, and otherwise practicing their newfound gymnastics skills. Keeping the bars in place are some seriously strong anti-slip rubber rings. The actual bar itself is designed to grow with your child, with five adjustable height settings. This gymnastics bar is also designed specifically with a smaller space in mind, with the ability to fold away easily and compactly.
Pros:
- Safe, sturdy base
- Small size, but strong enough to hold up to 140 pounds
- Designed for children 3-8 years old
Cons:
- The bar is thinner than a standard gymnastics bar
Ravs Gymnastics Bar for Kids with Swing Seat Set
Swing and a Hit
We know young kids can be a bit hesitant when it comes to trying new gross motor skills, but they’re naturally drawn to swinging. This bar from Ravs Gymnastics keeps the scale small enough for a 3-year-old to feel comfortable on the bars but adjusts to fit kids up to 8 years old. This bar is sturdy enough to hold 170 pounds, and it won’t wobble, tip, or feel unsafe for even the most hesitant gymnast. Perhaps the best part? This bar comes with a swing. At the very least, you’ll have a happy kiddo for that reason alone.
Pros:
- Strong, sturdy rope for swing included
- Sturdy T-base design with silicone rubber cover
- Folds for easy, compact storage
Cons:
- The included swing and ropes sit a bit low to the ground
DOYCE Expandable Gymnastics Bar
Compact and Foldable
Don’t have the space to keep your gymnastics bar out 24/7? This one’s for you. With only five main parts, this compact gymnastics bar folds easily for small spaces. And when it’s fully assembled, it’s still compact enough for indoor training. The triangular base is strong and sturdy, holding up to 150 pounds. The adjustable bars easily shift from 35″ to 52″, ensuring that this expandable bar will grow with your kiddos. It’s a versatile piece of equipment both you and your family will love.
Pros:
- Appropriate for indoor or outdoor use
- Holds up to 150 pounds
- Rubber floor rings keep bar stable
Cons:
- The bars are a bit thin, but they’re still strong enough to hold up to 150 pounds
Gymmatsdirect Gymnastics Bar for Kids
If you have a little gymnast who is serious about their practice, you’re going to want a very durable, pro-level at-home bar system. That’s what you get with the Gymmatsdirect Gymnastics Bar for Kids. Made with thick fiberglass and steel bars, this is one seriously heavy-duty system. In fact, the kip bar can hold up to 340 pounds. Worried about the stability? The kip bar is held by triple-locking screen knobs that keep the bar completely in place. The bars themselves are thick, adjustable, and durable. With all of these details, this is the perfect gymnastics bar for your budding gymnast’s at-home practice.
Pros:
- High quality, professional design
- Adjustable height
- Incredibly stable, strong construction
Cons:
- Assembly is time-consuming, so it’s not very portable
Z Athletic Kip Bar and Gym Mat
This basic gymnastics bar set comes with a quality steel and fiberglass bar system and a gym-quality mat. The bar system is made from steel and fiberglass, meaning this bar can withstand weight and movement up to gymnastics level 4. And because it’s adjustable, it’ll keep meeting your child’s needs as they grow in their practice. This gymnastics-quality mat measures 4 feet wide, 6 feet long, and 2 inches thick, and is constructed with industry-standard materials. Overall, it’s an excellent set-up for getting in some serious practice time.
Pros:
- Multiple vibrant color options
- Thick, sturdy construction of bars
- High-quality mat
Cons:
- The included instructions could be clearer
Frequently Asked Questions
What other equipment do you need with a gymnastics bar?
While it depends on your gymnast’s level and practice needs, at the very least, a gymnastics bar set-up would benefit from a high-quality floor mat as well. If you want to upgrade your home system, consider adding in tumbling mats and other floor mats, as well as a balance beam.
What is an appropriate age for a gymnastics bar?
Gymnastics helps to encourage body awareness, boost self-confidence, and develop muscle strength and coordination. Introducing gymnastics to children as young as 2 years old is encouraged. And while it might seem a bit scary to you as the parent, it’s entirely appropriate to introduce the gymnastics bar to a 2-year-old as well. Typically, a gymnastics bar is ideal for children starting in the 2-5 year age range. Because most gymnastics bars are adjustable, find a high-quality one that’ll last them through years of practice and growth and they’ll benefit for years to come.
