Remember the pure joy of a colorful parachute billowing in the air, surrounded by laughing children? Parachute play is a timeless outdoor activity that promotes teamwork, coordination, and endless imaginative fun. It gets kids moving, teaches them to cooperate, and creates unforgettable memories in the backyard, at the park, or during a classroom gym session.
Choosing the right parachute involves considering size, durability, and features like handle count and material. From massive group events to smaller family gatherings, there’s a perfect parachute for every play scenario. Our roundup highlights nine excellent options to help you find the ideal one for your young adventurers.
Our Top Picks for Kids’ Play Parachutes
- Champion Sports Multi-Colored Parachute, 30-Foot
- Little Dynamo Parachute Toys with 8 Handles 12ft
- Sonyabecca Parachute Kids Play 12 Feet with 12 Handles
- VOMLINE Play Parachute for Kids 12ft with 16 Handles
- Rettebovon Parachute for Kids with 12 Handles
- Fun and Function – Peanut Ball for Kids
- S&S Worldwide 12′ Institutional Play Parachute
- 12ft Kids Team Game Rainbow Parachute
- Gymnic Classic 12-Foot Play Parachute for Kids
Champion Sports Multi-Colored Parachute, 30-Foot
For large groups, schools, or camps, the Champion Sports 30-foot parachute is an outstanding choice. Its impressive diameter can accommodate many children, making it perfect for community events and physical education classes. The scale of this parachute creates spectacular waves and domes that are sure to amaze everyone involved.
Built for heavy use, it is constructed from heavy-duty rip-stop nylon, a material known for its resistance to tearing. The 24 handles are double-stitched for extra security, ensuring they can withstand enthusiastic pulling from many hands. This parachute is designed to be a durable, long-lasting investment for active play.
Little Dynamo Parachute Toys with 8 Handles 12ft
The Little Dynamo parachute focuses on superior construction and thoughtful extras. It features a reinforced mesh center and strong 210T polyester taffeta fabric, specifically engineered to prevent rips during vigorous play. The company emphasizes its robust stitching, making it a reliable option for energetic kids.
This set is also designed with convenience and longevity in mind. The fabric is waterproof and colorfast, so it won’t fade in the sun or deteriorate quickly. As a helpful bonus, it comes with a carry bag for simple storage and transport, and even includes balls to add another dimension to parachute games.
Sonyabecca Parachute Kids Play 12 Feet with 12 Handles
The Sonyabecca 12-foot parachute is a well-rounded option for family or small group play. With 12 handles spaced evenly around the edge, it encourages turn-taking and cooperation among children. This design helps build social skills alongside physical development.
It promotes active movement that can help develop upper-body strength as kids lift and lower the fabric. The reinforced mesh center is a practical feature that allows air to flow through easily, making it simpler to billow and control. Suitable for children aged three and up, it’s a great introduction to cooperative parachute games.
VOMLINE Play Parachute for Kids 12ft with 16 Handles
VOMLINE’s parachute stands out with its high handle count, offering 16 grips on its 12-foot diameter. This abundance of handles means more children can participate comfortably, reducing wait times and increasing engagement. The handles are strategically placed along the seams, which adds to their overall strength.
This product is designed with social development in mind. Using it helps children practice important abilities like sharing, following instructions, and working as a team. The vibrant range of colors is visually stimulating and helps maintain children’s interest during play.
Rettebovon Parachute for Kids with 12 Handles
The Rettebovon 12-foot parachute is noted for being a multi-purpose tool. While perfect for classic group games, its waterproof construction makes it suitable for other uses as well. You can confidently use it as a picnic mat or a quick furniture cover, adding value beyond playtime.
It features 12 sturdy handles for cooperative play. The waterproof material is easy to wipe clean, a practical benefit for outdoor use on damp grass or after messy activities. This versatility makes it a smart choice for families looking for a product that serves multiple functions.
Fun and Function – Peanut Ball for Kids
While not a traditional parachute, the Fun and Function Peanut Ball is included for its excellent role in active, developmental play. Its unique peanut shape offers more stability than a round ball, making it a safer option for younger children or those working on balance.
This therapy ball is an effective tool for improving core stability, coordination, and body awareness. Children can bounce, sit sideways like a saddle, or use it for active seating to help manage excess energy. It’s a fantastic resource for focused physical development and sensory input.
S&S Worldwide 12′ Institutional Play Parachute
The S&S Worldwide parachute is built with institutional use in mind, meaning it’s designed to handle the demands of classrooms, daycares, and recreational programs. Its 12-foot size is manageable for a teacher or leader to coordinate with a standard-sized group of children.
It encourages group interaction and is a simple, effective tool for team-building exercises. The bright colors can be used for educational activities, such as color identification games, in addition to physical play. This parachute is a straightforward, dependable choice for structured settings.
12ft Kids Team Game Rainbow Parachute
This 12-foot Rainbow Parachute is constructed with thick, durable 210T polyester taffeta, promising resilience during active play. The stitching is noted for being secure and well-finished, which contributes to the product’s overall lifespan. It is designed to be a reliable piece of play equipment.
It features four different vivid colors arranged in a classic rainbow pattern that naturally attracts children’s attention. With 16 securely attached handles, it allows many kids to join in the fun. This parachute is presented as a source of hours of entertainment for family gatherings or parties.
Gymnic Classic 12-Foot Play Parachute for Kids
Gymnic is a recognized brand in physical play equipment, and their classic 12-foot parachute carries that reputation for quality. While specific features for this model are not listed in detail, Gymnic products are generally known for their durability and suitability for both home and educational environments.
This parachute is likely designed to encourage cooperative games and active play for a group of children. As a standard 12-foot size, it offers a versatile option for many play scenarios. Consumers often trust established brands like Gymnic for consistent performance in children’s activity gear.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kids’ Parachute for Outdoor Play
So, you’re thinking about getting a kids’ parachute for outdoor play. Great choice! I’ve seen firsthand how these simple pieces of fabric can spark hours of cooperative fun. But not all play parachutes are created equal. Picking the right one means looking at a few key things to make sure it’s safe, durable, and actually fun for the age group you’re buying for.
First up, size and number of handles. This is a big one. A small 6-foot parachute is perfect for a few toddlers in a playroom, while a massive 20-foot one is meant for a whole preschool class or a big family reunion. More handles usually mean more kids can join in. For little ones, look for handles that are easy to grip and maybe even made of a softer material. The handles should be securely double-stitched or reinforced—flimsy handles are the first thing to break.
Next, consider the material. Most are made from ripstop nylon or polyester. Ripstop is fantastic because it’s lightweight and, as the name suggests, resists tearing. It’s my go-to recommendation for general use. Some are made from a heavier, coated nylon which is very durable but can be hotter to sit under. For really young kids, you might find parachutes made from a silky, parachute-like fabric that’s great for running with but might not hold up to rougher games. Always check that the material is non-toxic and safe.
Don’t forget about the features! Many of the best kids’ parachutes for outdoor play come with cool extras. Multi-colored panels are not just pretty; they’re perfect for learning colors and playing games like “run under the red section!” Some have a hole in the center, which is great for games like “mushroom” where the parachute billows up and creates a dome. Others might have different shapes, like an octagon versus a circle. A carrying bag is a feature I always look for—it makes storage and transport a breeze.
Finally, think about the age and intended use. Is this for a daycare with daily, vigorous activity? You’ll need a commercial-grade, ultra-durable option. Is it for occasional backyard fun with your own kids? A mid-range model will likely be perfect. Always supervise play, especially with the “popping” games, and teach kids to hold the handles, not the fabric itself, to prevent tears. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to pick a parachute that will provide laughter and active play for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are kids’ play parachutes best for?
I find they are incredibly versatile. Toddlers as young as 2 or 3 can enjoy simpler activities like sitting underneath for a color tent, or gently waving the fabric. Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids (roughly 4 to 10) get the most out of the cooperative games like making waves, popping balls, or running underneath. Even older kids and adults can join in the fun during family gatherings. The key is matching the game’s complexity to the children’s age and motor skills.
Are play parachutes safe for children?
Yes, when used with proper supervision. Always set ground rules: no climbing on the parachute, hold the handles (not the fabric), and be aware of others when running underneath. The most common issues are minor bumps if kids collide, so clear a good space. Also, ensure the parachute is used on grass or another soft surface, not near roads or hard pavement. Checking for secure, reinforced handles and non-toxic materials also adds to the safety.
How many kids can play with one parachute?
This depends entirely on the parachute’s size. A small 6-foot diameter parachute might comfortably fit 4-6 children. A large 20-foot or 24-foot parachute can accommodate a whole class of 20+ kids. The product description usually gives a recommended number of players. It’s often more fun to have a slightly bigger parachute so everyone has room to participate without being too crowded.
Can I use a play parachute indoors?
Absolutely! In fact, they’re a classic piece of indoor physical education equipment. Just make sure you have enough clear floor space, free from furniture with sharp corners. A gymnasium, cleared-out basement, or large playroom is ideal. Indoor use is often gentler on the parachute fabric as well. The smaller sizes (6ft to 12ft) are most practical for typical indoor spaces.
What are some fun games to play with a kids’ parachute?
There are so many! The classic is “Mushroom” or “Igloo,” where everyone lifts the parachute up high and then steps in, pulling it down behind them to sit on the edges. “Popcorn” is a favorite—place soft balls on top and shake the parachute to make them pop. You can play “Cat and Mouse” where one child (the mouse) runs under the parachute while others make waves, and another (the cat) tries to follow. For younger kids, simply calling out colors for them to run and touch is a hit. A quick search online will give you dozens more ideas to try.
How do I clean and store my play parachute?
Most are pretty low-maintenance. For general cleaning, I shake it out outside and spot-clean any dirt with a damp cloth and mild soap. Many are also machine washable on a gentle cycle—just check the label first. Always air dry it completely; never put it in a dryer. For storage, the best method is to fold it loosely or roll it up and place it in the provided carry bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. With good care, a quality parachute lasts for many seasons of outdoor play.