How Long Should Kids Yoga Sessions Be? A Guide by Age Group
- Michelle Faber
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
By Michelle Faber, Founder of Little Yogis Academy® & Busy Minds Education®
As a kids yoga educator and the founder of two national youth enrichment brands, one of the most common questions I get from teachers and licensees is: “How long should a kids yoga session be?”
The answer depends on a few key factors—most importantly, the age of the children and the type of program you're running (daycare enrichment, afterschool class, or camp workshop). Understanding developmental stages is key to delivering effective, joyful, and engaging sessions that truly meet kids where they’re at.
Below, I’ve broken it down into a practical guide by age group to help you confidently plan and deliver your sessions.
Toddlers (18 months–2.5 years)
Suggested Length: 20 minutes
Let’s be real—toddlers are always on the move! Their attention spans are short, so your yoga sessions should be, too. Think movement songs, animal sounds, music, and sensory props like scarves or stuffies.
Best for: Daycare enrichment or parent/child classes. Tip: Don’t expect stillness—embrace the wiggles!
Preschoolers (2.5–4 years)
Suggested Length: 30 minutes
Preschoolers are curious and imaginative. Short, playful sessions with storytelling and visuals work best. Keep your transitions fast and your energy high.
Best for: Daycare enrichment, short camp activities. Tip: Structure the class with repetition and predictability (e.g., “Welcome Song → Yoga Adventure → Breathing → Savasana”).
Kindergarten (4–6 years)
Suggested Length: 30 minutes
This group is learning how to follow instructions and stay engaged longer. Add more structure to your sessions while keeping things creative and fun.
Best for: Daycare enrichment, afterschool classes, and camps. Tip: Use themes like “Under the Sea” or “Feelings & Emotions” to bring your classes to life.
Grades 1–3 (6–9 years)
Suggested Length: 30–40 minutes
This age group can focus longer and are ready for more structured flows, partner poses, and mindfulness games. They still love to play—so keep yoga fun and varied.
Best for: Afterschool programs, summer camps, and school wellness workshops. Tip: Introduce breathwork, journaling, and positive affirmations.
Grades 4–6 (9–12 years)
Suggested Length: 45–60 minutes
Kids in this stage crave autonomy and deeper understanding. Use this opportunity to teach more advanced yoga sequences, meditation, and even leadership skills.
Best for: Junior leader programs, afterschool intensives, or camp workshops. Tip: Try having them lead a pose or mindfulness activity—it's empowering and builds confidence.
Final Thoughts from Me
When in doubt, start small and build from there. Kids need movement, connection, and rest—and the right session length helps deliver all three. Whether you're teaching in a daycare, running a school club, or leading a summer camp, let your sessions reflect the beautiful energy and developmental needs of each age group.
At Little Yogis Academy and Busy Minds Education®, we’ve taught thousands of classes across Canada and refined our approach to make sessions impactful and joyful. I hope this guide supports you in your journey of bringing yoga and mindfulness to kids.
If you're part of our licensee family—thank you for sharing this mission with me. 💛If you're new here—welcome! Let’s make magic happen on the mat.
📩 Want more tips like this? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our training programs at www.littleyogisacademy.com and www.busyminds.ca.
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