8 Best Punching Bags for Kids 2021 (Reviews)

Best Punching Bags for Kids
As a loving parent, you want your kids to be healthy. Regular physical activity is an integral part of a child’s growth and development. Experts recommend that kids get one hour or more of moderate to vigorous physical exercise every day. If you’re struggling to motivate your kids to get moving, a punching bag is an excellent investment.

Kid-friendly punching bags are safe and accessible for children. Punching bag workouts have many benefits, from building upper body and core strength to enhancing cardiovascular fitness. They also allow little ones to let off steam, alleviating stress. Finally, older kids can combine punching bag workouts with self-defense lessons.

Boxing gyms tend to target adults, and finding a kid-friendly place to do punching bag workouts in your area can be tricky. Luckily, there are at-home punching bags for kids that you can easily install in your own house. This guide provides an overview of the best punching bags for kids.

The 8 Best Punching Bags for Kids

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, you can start searching for the perfect punching bag for your little one. Here, we provide a guide to eight of our favorites. This list of the best punching bags for kids covers options for all ages.

1. Wavemaster Kid Kick

This foam-filled punching bag is perfect for kids of all ages. The Wavemaster Kid Kick is filled with foam, providing the ideal balance of toughness and softness. The freestanding bag has a diameter of 10.5″ and a height of 26″, offering a sufficiently large striking surface.

The low-profile base can be filled with sand or water. Once you’ve filled it, it will weigh approximately 170 pounds. This means you have an incredibly sturdy toy for your kids and don’t need to worry about it toppling over. The rounded base is intended for easy rolling relocation, but moving it for further distances (or to another floor) may prove a hassle.

The cylindrical shape of this foam-filled punching bag makes it great for practicing punches and kicks. On top of that, you can adjust the height, depending on what moves your child wants to train. The adjustable height also means that this punching bag can “grow” with your child as they get older. It’s thus a smart long-term investment. There are four height adjustments, from 37″ to 52″.

Pros

  • Adjustable height from 37″ to 52″
  • Foam-filled punching bag that isn’t too tough on young hands
  • The base can be filled with water or sand, depending on your preference

Cons

  • Weighs 170 pounds once the base is filled, making it tough to move

2. Inflatable Dudes Ninja

This punching bag is perfect for younger kids. It’s inflatable, meaning it’s soft to the touch. Standing 47″ high, it features a cartoon-like ninja motif, complete with dagger and ninja stars. Thanks to the weighted bottom, this punching bag has a bounce-back action. So, when kids punch the ninja, the ninja will “punch back.” This can keep kids entertained for hours.

The base of this inflatable punching bag is already pre-filled with sand. All you have to do is inflate it, and it’s ready to go. Since it’s a freestanding model, you don’t have to worry about hanging it, and you can move it all over the house, depending on where kids want to play.

The exterior of the bag is made of vinyl, allowing for fast and easy cleaning. Since kids tend to have sticky hands, this is a big boon. You can wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth and antibacterial wipes to keep it free of dirt and bacteria. The resilient material also makes this punching bag appropriate for outdoor use.

Pros

  • Fun cartoon ninja motif will attract young boxers-to-be
  • Vinyl material is easy to clean and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • The weighted bottom allows for an engaging “punch back” effect

Cons

  • Standing at 47″, the bag may be too short for larger kids

3. Ringside Boxing Youth Heavy Bag Kit

This boxing kit includes everything your child needs to start their punching bag workout. The set consists of gloves, padded headgear, and a hanging bag. Older kids will like the professional appearance, which mimics the adult bags seen at boxing gyms. This bag weighs 40 pounds and is thus better for larger kids. The manufacturer recommends it for ages 5 to 13.

Note that you will need a space to hang this bag in your home, so make sure you have the room for it. The kit provides the mounting clip you need, which also has swivel capacity to make workouts more engaging.

With this kit, kids can start seriously training in various contact sports, from muay Thai to boxing and MMA. The sizable cylindrical shape also makes it ideal for practicing kicks in addition to punches. Since the bag is pre-filled, you don’t have to worry about any tedious setup. Just hang it, and it’s ready to go.

Pros

  • Mimics the look of a “grownup” punching bag, perfect for older kids
  • Large cylinder for training punches and kicks
  • Mounting clip for hanging from the ceiling has swivel action for more engaging workouts

Cons

  • Weighs 40 pounds and thus requires adequate ceiling strength and space to hang

4. GYMAX Kids Punching Bag Set

Sometimes, neither a freestanding nor a ceiling-mounted punching bag will do. For example, if you want something more stable and permanent than a freestanding model, but your ceilings are too high to accommodate a hanging model, this is the bag for you. The GYMAX Kids Punching Bag Set is easily hung on a strong hook attached to a provided wall mount.

The bag is held up with bearing belts with multiple line sutures to prevent fraying, tears, and breaks. The durable anti-burst sandbag is covered in high-quality polyurethane (PU) to avoid slipping. An EPE foam elastic inner layer ensures sufficient bounce-back to prevent injuries. The material is also easy to clean.

The bag itself features a cool design of sleek black with a vibrant red dragon motif. It’s filled to resist deformity from punches, making for a long-lasting product. This kit also includes some nice extras, like breathable gloves made of anti-slip PU material and a jump rope. On top of it all, you get a convenient carrying bag, so you can transport this kit as needed.

Pros

  • Anti-slip PU covering on the bag and gloves
  • Easy to clean
  • Kit includes gloves, jump rope, and carry bag
  • Unique wall-mount set up

Cons

  • Wall-mounting requires tools to set up

5. Bozo Original 3-D Bop Kids Punching Bag

If you’re looking for something affordable and cute, opt for this classic. The Bozo Original 3-D Bop Kids Punching Bag has a funny clown design that has been in existence for decades. However, it should go without saying that this design is not suitable if you have someone with a clown phobia in your household!

This 46″ tall inflatable punching bag is safe for kids of all ages. What makes this product stand out is the squeaking nose, which makes a fun sound when you hit it. The sand-filled base ensures stability and allows Bozo to rebound from every punch.

Another benefit of this punching bag is that it’s easy to deflate, fold quickly, and store. Finally, the heavy-duty vinyl is easy to clean and durable, making Bozo reasonably resistant to scratches and scrapes that could otherwise deflate him.

Pros

  • Funny clown design with nose that squeaks when hit
  • Small and easy to transport and store
  • Sand-filled base for added stability

Cons

  • Some kids may find the clown motif frightening

6. Inflatable Punching Bag & Foam Sword Set

Let’s face it — some kids don’t like to exercise. Staying active is essential for their growth and health, however. These “bop bags” can help inspire kids to get moving. They feature fun knight and dragon designs and come with foam swords to further encourage imaginative and active play.

The inflatable bags come with a water-tight bottom chamber, which you can fill with water or sand. The bottom-heavy stability means the bags will pop back up when kicked, pushed, or punched. For creative kids, the battle against the knight or dragon will never end.

These punching bags stand 48″ tall. They are made with thick vinyl fabric, making them easy to clean. You can be sure you’re getting a safe and top-quality product, as the manufacturer has their products third-party tested to conform to government safety standards. According to manufacturer standards, these bop bags are for kids ages three and up.

Pros

  • Knight and dragon motifs can appeal to kids who are less inclined to exercise
  • Foam swords provide another fun outlet for physical activity
  • Third-party testing ensures a safe product

Cons

  • Air pump for inflation not included

7. RDX Kids Heavy Punching Bag

Most punching bags for kids come pre-filled (or, if they are inflatable, are easy to fill yourself with an air pump). The RDX Kids Heavy Punching Bag is an exception. While some parents may view that as a drawback, others may prefer the flexibility that comes with choosing your filler material. The zip-top design lets you change the filling easily.

This one-size-fits-all bag hangs on heavy-duty metal chains, which are included with the kit. Alternatively, use the bag’s hanging straps for greater flexibility. The bag is two feet high and has a circumference of about 11″. The heavy-duty leather construction makes this product long-lasting and you can be sure it will hold up over time. The kit also includes training gloves.

This bag is great for kids ages eight and up. The professional-looking design will make little ones feel like they’re working with an adult punching bag. Since you can adjust the filling, you can use this as a transition bag to get kids ready for a “grownup” punching bag.

Pros

  • Twin-layer tear-proof leather material
  • Zipper at the top of the bag allows for easy filling with the material of your choice
  • Kit includes hanging chains, swivel hook, and training gloves

Cons

  • This bag isn’t pre-filled. Some may view that as a pro because it means you can choose the filling, while others may not want to deal with the hassle of filling the bag themselves

8. Tech Tools Punching Bag for Kids

If your home doesn’t have the capacity for a full-sized punching bag, this punching ball is a fantastic alternative. It lets kids practice essential boxing skills anywhere and anytime. The freestanding punching bag has a durable base unit that can be folded up for easy transport. To keep it stable, the user has to fold the base down and step on it with one foot.

The total weight is a mere 4.89 pounds, making it easy to lift and move from point A to point B. The bag is filled with air, and luckily, this kit comes with an inflation pump, so you can easily keep the ball fully inflated. The set also includes a pair of boxing gloves and an adjustable spring load shaft.

Another pro is the adjustable height. It can be set from 35″ to 50″, accommodating users of different sizes. The manufacturer recommends this product for kids aged 5 to 12. It’s easy to assemble. Just take care to check that the bolts are tight enough, as they may come loose with use.

Pros

  • Adjustable height from 35″ to 50″
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Includes boxing gloves

Cons

  • Bolts may loosen with time, so adults should regularly check to make sure they’re still securely in place

What to Consider When Buying a Punching Bag for Kids

There is a vast diversity of punching bags for kids available. The great news is that you have a lot of options to choose from. The bad news? You may find yourself overwhelmed by the selection. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a punching bag for kids that will help you narrow down the choice.

Filler Material Hardness

Punching bags can be filled with different materials. They may be inflatable (filled with air), filled with foam, or filled with a mix of sand and microfiber fabrics. The filler material and its density will determine how hard the bag is to the touch. Air-filled bags will be softest, while sand-and-fabric-filled bags will be hardest. Foam will fall somewhere in between.

Select a filler material that’s suitable for your child’s age. Younger kids probably need a softer filling, while older kids will be OK with a more rigid filling. It’s also possible to find unfilled bags. While this gives you the benefit of choosing your filler, you also have the added hassle of filling the bag before it can be used.

Freestanding Versus Hanging Versus Wall-Mounted

Punching bags for children come in a variety of models. Some rely on a sturdy base for stability. These are referred to as freestanding bags. Others are designed to be hung from a ceiling. If your home lacks the ceiling height and strength to sustain a hanging punching bag, opt for a freestanding model. Finally, there are also wall-mounted models available.

Height

If you opt for a hanging bag, the height is easy enough to control. You have to get the right length of straps or chains to install the bag at your desired level. If you get a freestanding bag, however, take care to check how tall it is. Some models have adjustable height settings. This is ideal, as kids can adjust the height for kicking versus punching.

Cylindrical Versus Ball-shaped Bag

There are two main styles of punching bags for kids, larger cylindrical shapes, and smaller “punching balls.” The cylindrical form is ideal for full-body training as kids can practice not only punching but also kicking. Small punching balls are more restricted in terms of the surface area the child can practice on. That said, they take up less space in the home.

Aesthetic Design

Last but not least, you want a punching bag that your little one loves and is excited to use. The right punching bag design can help motivate kids. For example, little kids may be more drawn to models that feature a cartoon-like face or “bad guy” figure. Older kids may find this too childish and be more excited about a bag that mimics the look of a “grownup” punching bag.

Punching Bags for Kids FAQ

Before your kid starts using their punching bag, you probably have some more questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked queries when it comes to children and punching bags.

Are Punching Bags Safe for Kids?

Punching bags are safe for kids if you get a child-specific design that accommodates a young person’s smaller body and lighter weight. Kids’ punching bags are softer to the touch, shorter, and provide less resistance, making them safe.

What Should You Fill Your Kid’s Punching Bag With?

Most kid-friendly punching bags are pre-filled, and you can choose from models that are filled with air, foam, or a mix of sand, sawdust, and fabric. Air and foam are softer to the touch and better suited for smaller children.

What Is the Best Punching Bag for Beginners?

When it comes to kids’ punching bags, it’s less about experience level and more about age and size. Little kids do better with lighter bags filled with air or foam, while older kids can use more massive bags filled with sand, sawdust, and fabric.

The Final Verdict

The above list gives you a comprehensive selection of top-quality punching bags for kids. The best pick for your child will ultimately depend on diverse factors, from their age and size to your home’s capacity to house a freestanding versus hanging versus wall-mounted bag.

If you want to go with the top pick, opt for the Wavemaster Kid Kick. It’s foam-filled and the height is adjustable, making it appropriate for a range of ages. The freestanding bag also doesn’t require extensive set-up. Simply add sand or water and you have a sturdy base weighing 170 pounds. The round shape of the base means you can still roll it to move it.

When it comes to the best punching bags for kids, this is a clear winner.

Brett Gordon
 

The brains behind The Toy Report. Having clocked tons of time in toys research and online resource development, today, Brett is dedicated to making The Toy Report a trusted space in the world of toy reviews and recommendations.