With a younger sister and more little cousins than I can count, I wanted to find a way they could stay in shape and also have fun. I researched and purchased numerous jump ropes with the goal of finding the best jump rope for kids. Here’s what I found.
The best jump rope for kids is the Beaded Playground Jump Rope by BuyJumpRopes. The thick handle makes it easy to control, the weight of the beads help kids keep track of the rope as it rotates their body, and the beads are shatterproof making it extremely durable.
Best Jump Rope for Kids
Beaded Playground Jump Rope
The beaded playground jump rope is one of the best jump ropes for kids, and the easiest to learn with. The sound of the beads hitting the cement will help your jumper with their timing (when to jump) and their rhythm. And, the slight weight of the beads helps them keep track of the rope as it rotates their body. It’s also incredibly cheap!
The Highlights:
- Durable (plastic handles & nylon braided cord)
- Shatterproof beads
- Inexpensive
Color Options:
- Blue & White, Green & White, Rainbow, Pink & Purple
Jumping or skipping rope offers children a wide array of benefits most of us never knew about. I cover these benefits later in this article, as well as some tips for getting started, and a few of the other best jump ropes for kids.
If you or your child need additional instruction, here is a link to our step-by-step guide for learning how to jump rope. That said, nothing can help you or your child learn quicker than picking up a jump rope and giving it a shot.
How to Jump Rope – Step by Step Guide Made Simple
First, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for when buying a jump rope for your child. I’ve outlined the things to look out for below.
What to Look for When Buying Your Child a Jump Rope
There are several types of jump ropes for kids. They range in price depending on the type and on the purpose of the rope. To purchase the best jump rope, you’ll want to consider three things. The use for the jump rope, your child’s skill level, and your child’s height.
What is your child using the jump rope for?
First, you’ll want to identify what your child will be using the jump rope for. Are they learning how to jump rope? Playing Double Dutch with their friends? Or, maybe you’re looking for something to encourage them to be more active. Whatever the reason is, you’ll want to figure that out first.
How much experience does your child have jumping rope?
The second thing you’ll want to consider is your child’s skill level. If it’s their first-time jumping rope you’ll want to stick to a basic, probably beaded, jump rope. If they’re a little more advanced, and looking to take it to the next level, you’ll want to go with a speed rope, or something with a lighter cable. This is an important one though, if the rope doesn’t align with their skill level they’re likely to lose interest pretty quick.
How tall is your child?
Lastly, it’s important to take your child’s height into consideration. If they’re using a rope that’s either too long, or too short, they’re likely to be unsuccessful.
As a general rule of thumb, for kids under 5 feet, you’ll want to go with a 7-foot rope. An 8-foot rope for kids 5 to 6 feet tall, and a 10-foot rope for kids who are 6 feet and taller.
For more detailed instructions on the proper length and how to size a jump rope, take a look at Jump Rope Length: What’s the Perfect Size (Illustrated How-To Guide).
Other Great Jump Ropes for Kids
Synergee’s Speed Rope
Synergee’s Speed Rope is one of the best jump ropes for kids, especially those who are a little more experienced. The best thing about this rope is its versatility. In addition to your basic jumps, this rope will greatly increase their coordination, their footwork, and allow them to do tricks! What kid doesn’t like doing tricks? This rope is also sold for a great price.
The Highlights:
- Comfortable contoured handles
- Comes with two 10-foot cables
- Inexpensive
Color Options:
- Electric Green, Power Pink, Rouge Red, Jet Black
Beaded Double Dutch Jump Rope
My guess is everyone reading this knows what Double Dutch is. For those of you who don’t, Double Dutch is a game played when two long ropes, swung in opposite directions, are jumped by one or more jumpers. It’s a great game to help kids with their coordination, get them outside, and get them to exercise.
What I like about this rope is it’s made with heavy duty beads making it extremely durable. Additionally, this jump rope has a variety of different colors to choose.
The Highlights:
- Durable (plastic handles & nylon braided cord)
- Shatterproof beads
- Inexpensive
Color Options:
- Black & White, Blue & White, Blue & Yellow, Red & White, Silver & Black, Green & White, Frozen, Pink & Purple, Rainbow
GoxRunx Tangle-Free Jump Rope
The tangle-free jump rope, by GoxRunx, is a great purchase. The biggest selling point for me is how comfortable they made the handles. It’s easily one of the best designs I’ve seen.
Additionally, they decided to use a braided steel wire coated with PVC for the rope. This makes it one of the more durable jump ropes on this list. The rope also uses ball bearings which makes for extremely smooth rotations.
Lastly, they sell these in pairs. You get two ropes, essentially for the price of one. Great for any of you parents that want to join your child while they jump.
The Highlights:
- Tangle-free via ball bearings
- Durable, comfy handles
- PVC coated, braided wire rope
Color Options:
- Blue, Green, Black, Red
Great Gift Idea: Light Up LED Jump Rope
If you are looking for a great gift idea for your kids, the Light Up LED Jump Rope is definitely a great choice! It has a variety of color settings and is made from a safe, durable material.
It’s a great incentive to get them outside and exercise!
The Highlights:
- Light up handles
- Different lighting modes
- Includes batteries
Color Options:
- LED
The Benefits of Kids Jumping Rope
For many of us, when we think about our childhood we think about being outside, playing kick the can, riding our bikes etc.. Now, it’s a struggle just to get our kids off the couch. With all the benefits associated with kids jumping rope, it’s a no-brainer whether you should get them started. And, started early!
Jumping Rope Improves Cognitive Function
Jumping rope improves children’s brain activity and improves overall cognitive function. With regularity, it teaches the brain new motor patterns which will improve the brain’s overall ability to communicate between the brain, arms, legs, and nervous system.
Jumping Rope Reduces Injury
Jumping rope reduces the likelihood of common athletic injuries of the feet and ankles. By improving the strength of the muscles around the foot and ankles, it reduces breaks, sprains, and other minor injuries from occurring. Jumping rope also improves overall coordination in the connection between your eyes, feet, and hands.
Jumping Rope Improves Speed, Agility, Flexibility
Jumping rope improves kid’s speed, agility, flexibility, and the ability to start and stop on a dime. Regular jumping helps in almost every major sport like football, basketball, boxing, baseball, volleyball, etc., etc. It’s incredible how effective it is!
Jumping Rope Strengthens Muscles
Jumping rope strengthens kid’s major muscles like the heart through good cardio. You can improve your child’s stamina dramatically by simply having them jump for 5-10 minutes a day. Jumping rope is a full body activity and works both the upper and lower body burning calories faster and improving overall health.
Jumping Rope Can Help at School
Based on studies from the “Physical Activity Across the Curriculum trial (PAAC)” it was found that academic structures which include physical activities can significantly improve academic achievement scores, especially in the areas of math and spelling.
Jumping Rope Tips for Kids
1. Start with shoes –
There are a lot of benefits from jumping rope barefoot. However, for kids, especially beginners, a good pair of trainers is suggested.
2. Be careful when jumping on direct concrete –
A jump rope mat is a great way to help absorb the impact, especially when performing long sets.
3. Keep your knees slightly bent –
Bend your knees slightly with each jump to keep from injuring your knees.
4. Jump with your shoulders back –
Proper posture helps improve your jump and keeps you safe while you jump.
5. Keep elbows tight to body –
Keeping your elbows tight to your body gives you a better swing and prevents you from overcompensating with your arms and shoulders.
6. Forearms facing outward –
This keeps the jump rope from getting tangled when you rotate your arms and gives you an obstacle free rotation.
7. Practice makes perfect! –
Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away, keep trying! Practice makes perfect.
Encourage Your Kids to Exercise
In this high-tech world we live in, it’s often hard to convince our kids to get outside. By making exercise a priority at home we’re giving our kids the tools to stay fit and healthy throughout their entire lives! With the right strategy and convincing, you’d be surprised how much they enjoy it too.
When it comes to getting your little jumper started, remember: patience, patience, patience. It will likely take them a few times to get the hang of it, and you want to make sure they are having fun in the process.
Make sure to reinforce proper form in the beginning, to set them up for success. Review the list of tips before getting started, and never allow them to jump flat footed as this can cause injury to their feet, shins, and knees.
Jumping rope can do so much for your children! From improving their health and coordination, to improving their brain function, it’s a no-brainer whether you should get them started. Help them learn a skill they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
Good luck, family!