Kids Yoga Vs. Adult Yoga: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever tried getting a group of kids to sit still, close their eyes, and "connect to their breath?" - Chances are, one of them is already upside down, another is pretending to be a cat, and someone in the back just yelled, “I’m a pizza!”

Welcome to kids' yoga!

If you’ve only ever heard of yoga as a calm, stretchy thing adults do in quiet studios with soft music and serious faces, you’re not alone. That version of yoga does exist, and it’s wonderful. But yoga for children? That’s a whole different world: one filled with laughter, storytelling, animal sounds, and imagination.

So what is yoga, really? At its core, yoga is a mix of movement, breathing, and mindfulness. It’s a way to feel more connected to your body and your emotions, whether you’re five or fifty-five. But how we teach it, and what it looks like in practice, depends a lot on who’s in the room.

In this article by Yogi Beans, a leader in the world of children’s yoga, we’ll explore the key differences between yoga for kids and yoga for adults. You’ll see that it’s not just a matter of using simpler poses or smaller mats. Kids yoga has its own rhythm, purpose, and personality, and it offers powerful benefits for growing minds and bodies.

Whether you’re a parent thinking of signing your child up for a class, a teacher curious about movement breaks in the classroom, or someone who’s simply wondering how yoga can be fun for kids, this guide will give you a clear, friendly overview.

Let’s dive in, and yes, it’s totally okay if you want to make a lion roar while you read!

I. Same Purpose, Different Tools

If the main purpose of yoga is to cultivate inner peace, then it’s clear that adults and children will need different tools to get there.

For adults, yoga often focuses on stress relief, physical health, emotional balance, or even spiritual growth. It’s typically a quiet, inward practice that emphasizes asana (yoga postures) with good alignment, breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness.

For kids, the journey toward that same inner peace looks very different. Children access calm through movement, play, imagination, and emotional expression. Kids yoga isn’t about perfecting poses, it’s about sparking joy, building confidence, and helping children feel safe and happy in their bodies. Through stories, games, and creativity, they explore the same principles of awareness and presence, just in a more playful and dynamic way.

II. Structure: Fluid vs. Formal

Most adult yoga classes follow a predictable structure: opening, warm-up, peak poses, cooldown, and savasana. Kids yoga is far more flexible. A class may begin with a game, morph into storytelling with poses, and end with creative relaxation or guided imagery. Teachers often adapt on the spot to meet the group’s energy.

III. Language and Themes

While adult yoga might include Sanskrit terms, anatomical cues, and philosophical teachings, kids yoga is delivered in child-friendly language. Poses might be called “lion,” “rocket,” or “sleeping butterfly” instead of their traditional names. Classes often follow playful themes like “jungle adventure,” “trip to outer space,” or “under the sea.”

IV. Attention Span and Engagement

Adults might appreciate silence and long holds. Kids? Not so much. Children need frequent engagement and redirection. A successful kids yoga class weaves together movement and stillness, silence and silliness, plus breathing games, stories, and sometimes crafts or partner work. The goal? To spark curiosity while gently introducing mindfulness tools.

An adult yoga class usually lasts 90 minutes, while a kids yoga class can last between 10 and 60 minutes, depending on their age. 

V. Developmental Benefits

While adult yoga tends to focus on stress relief, flexibility, fitness, or spirituality, kids yoga is deeply rooted in supporting age-appropriate development. It can help children improve:

• Motor coordination

• Emotional regulation

• Social skills

• Body awareness

• Confidence and self-esteem

It’s especially beneficial for children who struggle with anxiety, attention difficulties, or sensory integration.

VI. Teaching Style and Training

Teaching kids yoga requires more than just simplifying poses. It calls for an understanding of child psychology, classroom management, and creative teaching methods. Kids yoga teachers are trained to observe developmental stages and tailor their approach to each age group, from toddlers to tweens.

Yogi Beans, a leader in the world of children’s yoga, offers a comprehensive Kids Yoga Certification once a year. More than just training, this program includes personalized mentorship with Lauren, the founder, to support you every step of the way and help you launch your journey with confidence.

Looking for a shorter training to learn the basics of teaching yoga to kids? Our Kids Yoga Blueprint is the perfect fit:  simple, flexible, and budget-friendly!

So... Is It Still Yoga?

Yes! Just because it doesn’t look like the yoga you see on the screen, it doesn’t mean it’s not real. Kids yoga still includes breathing, movement, mindfulness, rest, and connection. It just looks a little more like play, because that’s how kids learn best.

In fact, some might say kids' yoga is closer to the true heart of yoga: meeting yourself exactly as you are, and being totally present in the moment. And kids are already masters at that.

Though both adult and kids yoga share common roots, breath, movement, and awareness, the way they bloom looks very different. One is quiet and introspective, the other vibrant and imaginative. Both are valuable, both are healing. But most of all, both offer a lifelong gift: the ability to come home to yourself.

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Yogi Beans is a yoga and wellness company for children. Come make the world a brighter place with us!

Teach Kids Yoga with Confidence & Joy!