Play Mats for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Best Choices

[UPDATED in 2025]

Play mats are an essential part of creating a safe space for children to have fun. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor play, you need the right environment that gives parents peace of mind and allows children to run around safely.

Indoor Vs Outdoor Play Mats
How Thick Should Play Mats be for children?
3 Best Play Mats for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Indoor vs Outdoor Play Mats

The best play mats for children depend on the space you have available and whether it’s for indoors or outdoors. When you take play outside, you need to consider if play mats are waterproof and have UV protection. If you put unsuitable play mats outside, they won’t drain properly and could end up with pooling water or slippy surfaces which could increase the risk of accidents occuring. Similarly, inadequate mats could become easily damaged outdoors which would mean early replacement and more cost. That's why one of the first things to consider when choosing a play mat is where it will be used.

When it comes to children’s play matting, safety is paramount. As children run, jump, and play, it’s easy for them to fall over. By creating a space with non-slip flooring and cushioning, it helps to reduce the risk of falling. Although non-slip flooring with plenty of traction helps to lower the chances of slips and falls, children still find a way to fall over. The right play mats will create cushioning so that if a fall does occur, it’s less likely to result in serious injury.

How Thick Should Plays Mats Be for Children?

The answer to this question depends on how you plan on using the space and the height of any climbing equipment. For example, an indoor play area for young children and toddlers will likely not include any climbing frames. Whereas, an outdoor play area may have a tall climbing frame for older children. These two play areas have very different needs.

For outdoor play areas with climbing frames, children’s flooring will have a fall height rating. The fall height is the highest point a child could fall from. For example, if your flooring has a fall height rating of four feet, this means that a child could fall from four feet without serious injury. The flooring should be suitably approved and tested (CFH) for shock absorption to minimise serious injury. In general, the fall height and shock absorbency is determined by the thickness of the play mats.

3 Best Play Mats for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Depending on your play area, equipment, and environment, the best play mats for you may vary. By figuring out where you want your play area, who will be using it, and what equipment you plan on installing, you can make an informed choice and create the safest space possible for play.

1. Play Turf

For outdoor areas, Play Turf is a fantastic option. The artificial grass solution uses high-quality, short fibre grass that imitates the look and feel of natural grass. It’s suitable for creating a soft play area outside as well as use on patios and over decking and existing lawns. This is ideal for ball games and outside play areas, but not overly tall climbing frames.

Applications

Under play equipment
Nursery schools and children's playgrounds
Softplay
Back garden play areas

2. Safety Playground Mats

When it comes to kids playground flooring, Safety Playground Mats are a must-have. These mats are a great choice if you plan on installing serious climbing and play equipment. Ideal for garden play areas (see our garden rubber tiles), schools, and community playgrounds, the tiles come in both 20mm and 40mm and meet the majority of critical fall height criteria. The anti-slip play mats use premium rubber with UV particles to withstand all weather conditions. With maximum shock-absorbency and anti-fatigue properties, the playground mats create a comfortable and safe environment for children.

Features

Anti-slip and UV-resistant surface for all weather use
Simple assembly
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Ultra durable

3. Foam Tiles

For indoor, soft play areas, these Dual Colour Reversible Foam Tiles are a great solution. The foam tiles are light, easy to install and double up as a good base for your home gym. The tiles come in either an interlocking puzzle edge or straight edge and can be laid loose or with adhesive. This means that you can easily move the mats depending on where your child is playing.

Final Thoughts

You have many choices to consider when it comes to finding the best play mats for children. From indoor soft play areas to outdoor climbing equipment, you need the right flooring to protect children and reduce the risk of serious injury. By choosing the best play mats for your needs, you can put your mind at ease and build a safe playing environment.

You may also be interested in:-

What Are My Choices for Play Matting?

The Best Floor Options for Home Play & Gaming Spaces

How to Create a Safe & Engaging Play Space