Carpet playmats are ideal because they are easy to vacuum up, prevent toys from scratching the floors, and are a soft landing space for kiddos full of energy. Whether you want a pop of bright color or something a little more muted, there are options for everyone. After lots of research, we recommend the IVI Mini City 3D Kids Playmat as the best kids carpet playmat of 2022.
| Top 6 Best Kids Carpet Playmats | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| IVI Store Mini City 3D Kids Playmat | Enjoy a soft carpet and tightly woven streets. The city scene includes an airport, bay and city elements. Unique because of it's 3D feel! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| RGM Creations Fun Carpet City Map | Bright vivid images of an interactive city landscape. 60"x32" provides a nice runner size playmat. | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| PartyKindom Kids Playmat | Great educational playmat. Letters, seasons, months, shapes and opposites! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| FADFAY Outer Space Kids Rug | If your child loves outer space, this play mat is for them! Planets, stars, an astronaut and more! | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Melissa&Doug Hop and Count Hopscotch Rug | A great playmat for giving your kids some appropriate movement. 2 bean bags are included for instant access to a classic game of hopscotch. | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| KC Cubs Playtime Collection Oval Area Rug | This educational playmat comes in 3 different sizes. Perfect for learning letters and animals. | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
Our Top 11 Choices for the Best Kids Playmat
IVI Mini City 3D Kids Playmat
The IVI Mini City 3D Kids Playmat is our number one choice for best kids carpet playmat. It takes your classic car mat up a notch with 3D elements, textures, and special patterns.
This is an easy-to-clean 71″ x 53″ sized playmat. You will find a combination of soft carpet and smooth roads. The 3D quality brings an element to this playmat that we haven’t found elsewhere. From parking spaces to roundabouts and streets your children will have fun zooming their cars around. Take out other transportation vehicles such as airplanes for the airport or boats for the bay for continued engaging play.
Because of the thicker carpet, this playmat provides a comfortable and cushy space for your child to play. The smoother streets are similar to an outdoor carpet feel and provide a great place to push cars around. You won’t have to worry about cars getting stuck in the higher pile of the soft carpet parts when they have their own roads designed specifically for wheels.
The hypo-allergenic, anti-static, and stain-resistant fibers make this an ideal carpet playmat for kids’ spaces. You will find it easy to clean and maintain allowing it to stay in great shape for many years. This is a great foundation for imaginative play!
Pros
- 3D elements with clearly defined roads of different texture
- Thick carpet providing a comfortable and soft space for children to play
Cons
- No rubber matting or anti-slip layer on the back
Carpet City Map for Hot Wheels Track Racing and Toys
The Carpet City Map for Hot Wheels Track Racing and Toys is perfect for fans of hot wheels. The bright and vivid images have an almost 3D look. Travel around town visiting the fire station, hospital, restaurants, or the local park. Kids who love cars will enjoy zooming about the various roads and parking lots.
This playmat is 60″ x 32″, more like a runner. It has a non-skid, anti-slip latex backing so you don’t have to worry about it slipping around while kids play. Or if your kids come barreling into a room as mine do, the rug won’t send them flying. Made from extra-thick plush nylon, this rug is sturdy and will clean up well. You can keep it in a busy playroom or high traffic area and know that it will remain in good condition for a long time.
Thin like typical playmats, this would work well on a hard surface or over carpeting. The versatility allows you to choose where it would work best in your home. It rolls up easily so you can keep it out permanently, or take it out when your child needs a fun activity to participate in.
Pros
- Anti-slip non-skid backing and reinforced borders
- Interactive city setting including roads, traffic lights, hospitals, houses, shops, a school, a restaurant, a fire station, a police station, parks, and more!
Cons
- So many landmarks on the rug, the roads are pretty narrow
Partykindom Kids Playmat
The Partykindom Kids Playmat is a fun and educational playmat for kids of all ages. Learning opportunities included colorful pictures of the Alphabet with corresponding animals and patterns, the seasons and months with corresponding images or holidays, various shapes and colors as well as 10 examples of opposites. Images of opposites make this a unique playmat and would be great for the younger kids.
This playmat comes in an extra-large size, 78″ x 59″ making it perfect for a focal point in a playroom or kids bedroom. There is a non-slip backing and fine edge sewing so you don’t have to worry about fraying happening with everyday wear and tear. The carpet itself is made from high-quality sponge material with a low pile covering, which will keep it soft and comfortable while vacuuming or spot cleaning well.
When not in use, this rug can be easily rolled up and stored in the provided bag. This would work well in a permanent space or as something you take out when it’s time to play or learn. Whether in a playroom, bedroom, or classroom, this playmat is great for learning and creating a soft environment for floor play. For families participating in remote learning or homeschooling, this would be an ideal playmat for a home classroom.
Pros
- Bright beautiful images of animals, letters, seasons, months, shapes, and opposites
Cons
- Easy to roll and store, but may wrinkle once unfolded
- Decent sized rug, some customers feel it is smaller than they expected
FADFAY Outer Space Kids Rug
This FadFay Outer Space Kids Rug is the right choice for an outer space loving child. The solar system is depicted with an astronaut for those who are interested in discovering space.
This is a thin rug coming in at 39″ x 51″. It would make an ideal play space, without taking up the whole room. Made from high-quality nylon fabric, this rug is lightweight and easily moveable if necessary. It does have a natural latex backing to prevent it from slipping and sliding. This rug is unique because it is machine washable, making it ideal for a child’s play space.
Because this is machine washable, you can expect it to be very thin. Layer on top of foam squares or another carpeted area for a softer play space. Or keep it on firm ground for a contained play space. Having boundaries of a playmat can help teach kids to keep their toys in one generalized area. It can also be cleared off as kids use their imagination and soar off to explore outer space.
Pros
- Anti-slip non-skid backing
- Machine washable
Cons
- Comes folded, may leave creases once opened
- Because it’s machine washable this is a very thin playmat
Melissa and Doug Hop and Count Hopscotch Rug
This Melissa and Doug Hop and Count Hopscotch Rug is the perfect playmat for getting some wiggles out. If the weather prevents getting outside, or your child just needs a quick movement break, this is a great way to get some appropriate indoor exercise in.
The classic hopscotch design is printed on a 78″ x 26″ rug. A rainbow of colors makes this a bright addition to any room. Made from durable, yet machine washable fabric, skid-proof backing makes this a great playmat. The two included beanbags mean your kids will be ready to get jumping in no time. Reinforce number understanding, turn-taking, and gross motor skills with a classic game of hopscotch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take this carpet playmat outside. Because it is machine washable you can just toss it into the laundry when you’re finished. Just be prepared for quicker wear and tear if you choose to use it outside. This is not weatherproof, so we recommend rolling up or bringing it back inside after each use. For the best long-term use, indoor play is recommended.
Pros
- Comes with 2 bean bags for instant access to a classic game of hopscotch
- Machine Washable
- Reinforced border binding for limited fraying and long-lasting use
Cons
- Included bean bags are small
- Best for young children 3-5 years, small for older kids who can jump further
Funfair Pink City Roads Floor Mat
This Funfair Pink City Roads Floor Mat is a traditional car and road playmat, but with a pink twist to it. Whether you’re looking to match the decor or have a girly girl, sometimes things are better in pink.
This playmat comes in two different sizes, the largest coming in at just over 3 x 4 feet. It is thin and lightweight and easy to fold and store if you’re looking for something less permanent. Comes with your typical non-slip backing and reinforced edges. The low pile makes this easy to vacuum and keep clean.
The town and city scenes are a great foundation for imaginative play. City houses, coffee shops, bakeries, fruit stands, parks, and more adorn the streets with colorful attractions. The roads are narrow and don’t travel far, but your children will enjoy driving the roundabouts and zooming about visiting areas of the city. This would be an adorable addition to a little girl’s play space.
Pros
- Anti-slip non-skid backing and reinforced borders
- Girly take on your traditional playmat
- Comes in 2 different sizes, space for 2+ children to play
Cons
- Smaller rectangle size than your traditional “runner”, less length to drive cars
KC Cubs Playtime Collection Oval Area Rug
The KC Cubs Playtime Collection Oval Area Rug is a great playmat for kids if you’re looking for an educational playmat in a different shape. It comes in three different sizes depending on where you want to place it, which gives you some nice options. Designed to keep kids engaged in play, this playmat would work well in a playroom or classroom.
This is a great educational playmat. It has the alphabet with colorful images and Old MacDonald’s Farmhouse Animals. The low pile synthetic material is soft to children while remaining stain and fade resistant. This would make a great addition to a high-traffic area or space that multiple children play in. It will stand up to play for many years while providing plenty of space for more than one kid to spread out while playing.
If your children are younger, this would be a great tool for reinforcing and teaching letters and animals. Take turns matching cards to the letters, identifying animals and making sounds, or singing Old MacDonald. As your child gets older and is learning pre-writing skills, they can use their finger to trace the letters for additional practice. There are a lot of great options for using this playmat for learnings as well as playing.
Pros
- Anti-slip non-skid backing
- Stain and fade resistant
- Comes in 3 different sizes
Cons
- Designed for classrooms, would still work well in a home
Loartee Kids Carpet Playmat Rug
The Loartee Kids Carpet Playmat Rug is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a more subtle design and thick soft surface for little kids. This playmat is made from flannel and high-density memory foam, so super soft and cushiony. An anti-skid drop cloth is on the bottom, making this a sturdy mat that will not slip and slide.
You can choose from three different styles: city life, village life, or town life. All of which are 59″ x 79″. Beautiful colors that will engage children, but will blend in well to common areas or living spaces without being too bold and gaudy.
This playmat is breathable and comfortable. It has the most cushion of all the mats we found, making it an ideal choice for young toddlers who are just learning to walk or still crawling around. It can easily be vacuumed and dusted or even placed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Thick and comfortable memory foam design particularly for young kids
- Beautiful colors that are more muted and less bold, will go well with regular house decor
- Easy to clean, vacuum or machine wash
- Comes in 3 different styles
Cons
- Only comes in one size
HUAHOO Cartoon Castle Play Rug
This HUAHOO Cartoon Castle Play Rug is perfect for kiddos who love fantasy and fairytales. The castle and surrounding paths make a lovely scene for kids who like to play out fairytales.
This rug is made from nylon low pile fabric and is machine washable. You can choose from 3 different sizes to fit your space perfectly. Non-slip backing is included, and the edges are carefully bound to prevent fraying.
Whip out all the toy figurines and animals for a day full of imaginative play. This would make a fun addition to a playroom or bedroom, especially for a little princess who loves all things pink. Roll it up for the next day or keep it down as a small area rug for everyday use.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Comes in 3 different sizes
Cons
- Very thin design, no padding
- The largest size is still fairly small
Amy & Delle Playmat City Life
The Amy & Delle Playmat City Life is another great option for a cityscape. Coming in at the same size as the RGM creation mat, but this one has wider streets. The 32″ x 60″ size is similar to a runner, providing plenty of space for 2-3 kids to comfortably play.
With ponds, runways, parking, houses, roundabouts, and trees there is something for everyone. The streets are nice and wide and perfect for small cars to travel around on. The colors are a little bit more muted, which doesn’t make this feel like the focal point of a room. You can provide a nice play area without kids becoming too overstimulated.
The low pile is perfect for driving cars over, as well as vacuuming and keeping nice and clean. This is a very thin playmat, if you’re looking for a softer area for young children consider placing it on top of carpeting or foam floor mats. Add in some toy people and your kids will be entertained for hours.
Pros
- Anti-slip non-skid backing
- Nice wide streets that will support a variety of vehicles
Cons
- The pattern just repeats its self, not much variety to the roads
- Long and narrow like a runner
Vaukki Round Educational Learning Carpet
The Vaukki Round Educational Learning Carpet is a great choice if you are looking for a round shape carpet playmat. Approximately 3 feet in diameter, this engaging solar system playmat is great for small spaces.
Made from high-quality soft nylon loop piles, this playmat is soft, durable, and even fire-resistant. The beautiful colors will not fade, and the low pile is easy to keep clean. As a bonus, this carpet is even machine washable, so you can keep it looking fresh for a long time. Reinforced edging increases durability and a non-slip TPR backing keeps it in place and skid-proof.
This playmat can easily be rolled or folded up for storage or portability. If your child is interested in our Solar System or learning about planets, this is a great visual tool. The colorful and clear patterns highlight planets, the sun, stars, meteors, and the paths that they travel.
Pros
- Round shape, more unique to other options
- Machine washable
- Sturdy TPR backing and reinforced edges
Cons
- Only comes in one size, 3.3 feet in diameter
Buying Criteria for Kids Carpet Playmats
Material
It was important for us to find playmats with sturdy material that will hold up to consistent use by kids and their toys. Non-slip backing is also a key feature that playmats should have so that they will not slip or slide as kids are playing. Low pile rugs are best for kids’ rooms because they are soft and easy to vacuum. The fibers are also tighter and lower to the ground, allowing cars or other toys to work well on the mat.
Size and Shape
Depending on the space you will be utilizing this playmat in, take size into consideration. Because it is a playmat and not just a rug, you want to make sure that your kids have plenty of space to spread out and play. If you plan to utilize with multiple children larger playmats in a square, rectangle, or oval shape work best.
FAQs about Kids Carpet Playmats
Are carpet playmats designed to be stored away when not in use?
This is entirely up to you. Most playmats are lightweight and easy to store if you want to take them out and put them away in between each use. Particularly if you are setting up a play spot in a common area, it may not go with your decor and you might decide to tuck it away when not in use. The thinner playmats might work best on top of a thicker carpet if you need a soft area for young children to play. However, any of these playmats can be left out all the time as a nice addition to a play space. They are designed to withstand a lot of traffic and play. The synthetic fabric will not pill and the playmats with reinforced border binding will not fray or all apart.
Are carpet playmats easy to clean?
Depending on the carpet, some are designed to be machine washable. All of the carpet playmats we found are designed to be durable and can be spot cleaned or vacuumed without showing wear. Typically with kids carpets, you will find synthetic material that holds up to consistent use and can be treated for spills and stains. Kids and messes go hand in hand, if your carpet playmat is not machine washable, it likely can be hand-washed or spot treated just fine.
Final Word
Carpet playmats are a great way to create a play space for kids that offer a soft spot to land. They can be used as educational tools for reinforcing letters, colors, animals, and more. Or they can just enhance kids’ independent creative play.
When searching for the best kids carpet playmat we settled on the IVI Mini City 3D Kids Playmat because of its unique 3D elements. We love that this is more than just a car mat, the streets are smooth tightly woven fibers, while the rest of the mat is a softer cushy carpet. The textures, vibrant colors, and various city aspects make this a wonderful addition to a child’s play space.
