How to pick the best pogo stick for kids

Growing up, I remember the kid with a pogo stick being the envy of the neighborhood. All of the other kids would be so jealous and would line up to take a turn. When that turn finally came, I would be astonished how tiring it was to bounce on! Pogo sticks are outrageously good exercise for kids – you utilize muscles that are not often used when jumping from the ground. That type of repetitive exercise is great for cardiovascular health and overall endurance. It is also phenomenal for balance and coordination skills.

In an age where children are spending more and more time in front of screens (television, videogames, and now even remote learning!), it is more important than ever to encourage good exercise habits. Interestingly, enough, pogo sticks are becoming something of an underground fad as of late. According to Brian Spencer, one of the owners of the pogo-stick company Vurtego, sales continue to increase year over year. We agree that pogo sticks are a great way to get kids exercising and laughing!

Here are some of our recommendations for the best pogo stick for kids:

Best pogo sticks for kids

Image	Brand	Product	Recommended Age	Max weight	Length	Features	Learn more
	Flybar	My First Foam Pogo Stick	3+	Up to 250 lbs		Extremely durable foam and bungee	Check price
	Kidoozie	Foam Pogo Jumper	4+	Up to 250 lbs		The foam base is safe to use indoors, even on hardwood floors, without worrying about damage or scuffing. There is an optional squeaker that makes a noise every time they bounce.	Check price
	Flybar	Foam Maverick Pogo Stick	5+	40-80 lbs	37"	Wide rubber tip for balance, non-slip footpads, foam-covered textured grips, and pinch-free inner spring.	Check price
	Flybar	iPogo Jr. Interactive	5+	40-80 lbs		Interactive pogo stick that lights up, counts your jumps for you, offers encouragement, and tracks your high scores	Check price
	ThinkGizmos	Aero Advantage	5+	40-90 lbs	37"	Rubber tip & anti-slip foot pads	Check price
	Geospace	Jumparoo Boing	5+	50-90 lbs	36"	Thicker foam handlebars and non-slip footrests	Check price
	Razor	Foldable Gogo Pogo Stick	6+	Up to 143 lbs	43.5"	Lightweight due to aluminum construction, but still sturdy enough and with a strong enough spring for use with older children. It also folds down for transport.	Check price
	Geospace	Foam Master Pogo Stick	8+	60-100 lbs	44"	The y-shaped handle design allows additional hand positions that traditional pogo sticks don't offer, permitting greater control and ease of use.	Check price
	Flybar	Foam Master Pogo Stick	9+	80-160 lbs	41.5"	Wide footholds, and pinch-free inner spring.	Check price
	ThinkGizmos	Aero Advantage Large	9+	80-160 lbs	41"	Equipped with non-slip pedals and a safety foam handle.	Check price
	Flybar	Foam Maverick Pogo Stick	14+	90-200 lbs		Aircraft-grade heavy duty aluminum frame makes this a perfect pogo stick for teens.	Check price

Pogo stick size chart Affiliate links are included in this table, meaning we will make a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Your price does not change, so thank you for supporting this free resource!

How do I know when my child is ready to use a pogo stick?

First, be sure that your child is ready to use a pogo stick safely. Generally speaking, kids can start to learn to use a pogo stick at around the age of 3. However, there is a potential for serious injury on a pogo stick, so pay attention to the manufacturer’s minimum recommended age. But also take your child’s individual skill level into account – all children develop at different paces, and you know your child best.

In order to be sure that a pogo stick will be fun and safe for your child, pay attention to the:

• Distance from the footrest to the handles
• Maximum weight capacity
• Recommended age range
• The tension of the spring (how high it can bounce)

What is the appropriate age for a pogo stick?

Your child may be ready to use a pogo stick when he or she:

• Can run and jump consistently without tumbling
• Can stand on one leg and jump several times while maintaining balance
• Is getting comfortable with a two-wheeled bike with training wheels slightly off the ground

Pogo stick activities for kids

Here are some ideas for activities that kids can do with their pogo sticks. These are great ways to encourage exercise, while also promoting interactive social play. Mix it up to help keep them engaged for longer!

Pogo stick race

Make a chalk line on a sidewalk or street (only if it’s a low-traffic area with adult supervision), and another chalk line 50 feet away. Have two or more kids line up on their pogo sticks and see who can reach the end of the track first. As their endurance and speed build, gradually increase the length of the track.

Pogo stick hopscotch

Draw a standard hopscotch course on the driveway or sidewalk with chalk. Follow the classic hopscotch rules, but while bouncing on your pogo stick. If you need a refresher, here are the traditional hopscotch rules from Parents.com.

Pogo stick obstacle course

Note: it is important that the obstacles are NOT something that will snag or trip the child who is using the pogo stick. Instead, try drawing an obstacle course with chalk with different steps that the kids must follow. Or, make it as simple as “down the sidewalk, around the tree, then back!” Depending on the skill level, soccer cones may work as long as they are far enough apart to not pose a hazard. We don’t advise using a jump rope for pogo sticking!

Musical pogo sticks

Everyone starts bouncing on their pogo sticks when the music begins playing. As soon as the music stops, the kids hop off their pogo stick and switch with another child.

Pogo stick high jump

Kids alternating turns trying to jump as high as they can to set a new record. Don’t actually have them jump over anything, as this could be unsafe. Instead, dangle a tape measure next to where they are jumping. They have 5 bounces to prepare, then measure the 6th jump. See who can jump the highest out of ten rounds!

Pogo stick to the beat

All participants try to bounce along to the rhythm of a song. Start with a slow song, then speed up.

Pogo stick simon says or pogo stick copy cat

Some great multi-person pogo stick games involving imitation.

Pogo stick long jump

Put two chalk lines 10 feet apart. Kids start at the first line, pick up some speed, then try to jump as far past the second line as they can. This game is designed for kids who are more experienced on the pogo stick and can do this confidently and safely.

Frequently asked questions about pogo sticks for kids:

Here are some questions we hear often when people are in the market for a pogo stick for their kids:

Are pogo sticks safe?

Pogo sticks are considered quite safe. As with any activity that involves jumping, there is a risk of falling. This can lead to head injury or breaking bones depending on how you land. That said, you are not really jumping extraordinary high with a pogo stick in most cases, so the risk is relatively low. They are much safer, for example than a trampoline (which can launch a kid very high, when they are already off of the ground to begin with). Furthermore, most of today’s aluminum models only weigh between 3 and 10 pounds.

Are pogo sticks dangerous?

There are high-power pogo sticks available for extreme sports enthusiasts and stunt performers. But, most pogo sticks designed for kids only feature relatively low-power springs, which means that they are not all that dangerous. Of course, it is always advisable to stop using a pogo stick immediately when:

• • Your pogo stick starts to show any sign of wear, especially loose bolts, rust on the body or spring, hairline cracks in the metal, and so on.
  • The ground is slippery with ice or water.
  • You do not have access to a safe space where kids can bounce without worrying about traffic, other kids playing, bicycles, etc.
  • You do not have access to ground that is both stable and firm, so that it can handle the repeated pressure of a pogo stick without sinking in. If the tip gets stuck in the mud or dirt unexpectedly, the child could fall unexpectedly and hurt themselves.
  • You do not have adequate safety gear.

Are pogo sticks good exercise?

Pogo sticks are a phenomenal exercise. The rebound and jump motion is what is known as a polymetric exercise (a fast and powerful combination of reactive exercises and explosive movements). You would be hard-pressed to find another activity that is as intense and yet still low-impact, Pogo sticks have numerous health benefits, and it’s not just the legs. While both the lower body and your arm muscles get a killer anaerobic workout, it’s a full-body workout for your core, back, and more.

What muscles do pogo sticks work?

• • • Core back muscles
    • Quadriceps and calves
    • Rhomboids (rhombus-shaped muscles consisting of the Rhomboid major muscle and Rhomboid minor muscle, found under the trapezius muscle in the upper back and help to move the scapula, or shoulder bone)
    • Deltoids (more commonly referred to as the common shoulder muscle)
    • Latissimus dorsi (the largest muscle in the upper body, which spans from the mid to lower back. They are commonly called the “lats” and are important for the lumbar spine)
    • Trapezius (triangular muscles which arch over the back of the neck and shoulders, and are responsible for moving the head and shoulder blade)
    • Gluteal Muscles (glutes)

Can you lose weight using a pogo stick?

Yes, you can lose weight by pogo-sticking. Bouncing is a great cardiovascular exercise. It really gets your heart pumping, while simultaneously honing your coordination! Consistent small jumps of 6 to 8” can burn up to 600 calories an hour (even if you take a long break in between jumps!)

Is pogo-sticking a sport?

Extreme Pogo or Xpogo is considered a sport. Participants ride, perform tricks, and complete pogo obstacle courses constructed from plywood and involving boxes, ramps, steps, and more. Pogopalooza is one multi-city international touring championship for Xpogo, involving competition, exhibition, and world-record-setting. It occurred most recently in Pennsylvania, New York City, Helsingborg, Sweden, and Montpellier, France. Read “Pogo Makes a resurgence as an extreme sport (ESPN).

How long is a pogo stick?

Pogo sticks are available in various lengths for riders of different heights. Some models have adjustable heights. This usually takes the form of adjustable footrests, so that the actual length of the pogo stick does not change, but then the distance between the handles and feet can match the height of the rider. Generally speaking, a longer slide shaft will permit the rider to bounce higher with less effort. Pogo sticks that are designed for kids (below 5’5” in height) are typically less than 47” tall. Pogo sticks designed for adults (6’ or taller) are up to 59” tall.

What is the longest pogo stick ever?

The Vurtego V4 Pro (described by Vurtego as a “Pogo Stick on Steroids”) is 57 inches tall. It is designed for adults taller than 6’, 75 lbs or heavier, and with an inseam of at least 33”. It’s designed for confident riders who will be doing big air tricks.

How much weight can a pogo stick hold?

The V4Pro that we described above has no upper weight limit due to an air piston that can withstand almost 1,000 psi. The world-record 11-foot jump logged by Biff Hutchison only reached about 450psi… so there is some headroom.

What is the longest time on a pogo stick? / What is the most pogo stick jumps in a row?

The Guinness World record for “most bounces in a pogo stick marathon belongs to James Roumeliotis, who bounced 206,864 times at Pogopalooza 8 in Costa Mesa, California, USA (July 29th, 2011). It took 20 hours and 13 minutes.See the record.

What is the highest pogo stick jump record?

How high can you jump on a pogo stick? Probably not as high as Dmitry Arsenyev, who jumped 3.40 meters (that’s 11.1549 feet!) on November 20th, 2018. Dmitry achieved this feat on the set of ‘La Notte dei Record’, in Rome, Italy; beating his own previous record of 3.37 meters (11.05643). Specialized Xpogo sticks for tricks and stunts are able to jump over 10 feet high (measured from the ground to the bottom of the tip). See the record .

What is the world record for pogo-sticking with no hands?

The world record for most consecutive pogo stick jumps without hands belongs to Lachlan McIntyre of Australia, who bounced 14,000 times on November 1st, 2020. Lachlan beat his own previous record of 6,100 bounces, and Ashrita Furman, who bounced 5,093 times. See the record.

How fast can you go on a pogo stick?

Drew McQuiston achieved the fastest mile time while jumping on a pogo stick. He pogo sticked the entire mile in 7 min 40 sec, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, on June 24th, 2017. See the record.

How do you bounce on a pogo stick?

All you need to do is set one leg up on one of the footrests, with both hands on the handlebars. Take a small jump/step to get your second leg onto the other footrest, and use the momentum to push down with both feet. Then jump normally. On the second jump, you will go a little higher than a normal jump. On the third jump, you should notice the pogo stick bringing you progressively higher. If you want to know more about how that works, read on:

How does a pogo stick work?

Pogo sticks work using the conversion of the elastic potential energy of a spring to gravitational potential energy. The motion of the child jumping down on the pogo stick leads to the compression of the internal spring, which stores the generated kinetic energy. After the first jump, a part of this energy remains within the spring (as opposed to just getting dissipated into the ground when you jump normally). This allows the jumper to add a little bit of height to the following jump. The jumps get progressively higher (to a point).

Why is it called a pogo stick?

Many believe that the name “pogo stick” comes from each of the first syllables of Max Pohlig and Ernst Gottschalk, two significant contributors to the modern design of the product. Pohlig and Gottschalk did not invent the pogo stick, but they did file a patent application on an improved “spring-action hopping stilt” with a double foot-rest, instead of a single platform. This theory is supported by the fact that it is a common practice in Germany to use first syllables to form an acronym, rather than just the first letters. Some people also claim that the term “pogo stick” is derived from the German word for frog (“pogge”). Either way, the Pogo Company of New York City ultimately filed the trademark for the word POGO, for use in marketing “jumping sticks” in June of 1921.

How old is the pogo stick?

Ger Hansburg, a Russian immigrant, first invented and patented the pogo stick in 1918 (although some sources claim that the fad had already started earlier elsewhere in Europe, or that a rudimentary designed first appeared in the 1880s in Wichita, Kansas.)
Read more about the history of “hopping stilts”.

Where did the pogo stick originate? Who invented the pogo stick?

Ger Hansburg (anglicized as George Hansburg) formed Flybar, Inc. to bring his invention to market. The company went on to grow to be the world’s largest pogo stick manufacturer and retains that title to this day. They have sold over 25 million pogo sticks in the last 100+ years, and now also offer innovative foam hoppers, pogo balls & trick boards, animal hoppers and bouncer balls, toy vehicles, skateboards, scooters, sleds, infant & pre-school toys, and more.

Is a pogo stick considered a vehicle?

Yes. Believe it or not, a pogo stick is considered a vehicle per the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition (“a means of carrying or transporting something” or “an agent of transmission”). A vehicle does not need to have wheels. That said, a pogo stick is probably not legally considered a vehicle in most jurisdictions, as far as any traffic law or other rule is concerned.

Which pogo stick is best?

We hope that we’ve answered that question for you! Check out our comparison table for a sizing matrix and other criteria. Please always remember to verify information with the manufacturer before you buy, specs are subject to change without notice. We hope that your kids stay safe and have fun with their new pogo stick!

Affiliate links are included in this article, meaning we will make a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Your price does not change, so thank you for supporting this free resource!