New York City Yoga for Kids: 5 Fun Poses and Book Recommendations
The Big Apple!
The city that never sleeps!
The largest city in the Northern Hemisphere!
Can you guess which city we’re talking about? That’s right—New York City!
Did you know that September 21st is National New York Day?!
What better way to explore this vibrant city than through yoga poses inspired by all the sights, sounds, and experiences NYC has to offer!
Earlier this year, I took my daughter and her friend to New York City for the first time. We stayed near Times Square, saw the Broadway show Six, strolled through Central Park, and walked along Fifth Avenue. There’s so much to take in—from historic buildings and green parks to iconic libraries and train stations.
These New York City-themed yoga postures below were inspired by some of our favorite moments from the trip. Whether you’re teaching a class or stretching at home, this yoga adventure is a fun and active way to “travel” to NYC through movement and imagination.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our New York City Yoga Cards for Kids with 20 poses and 20 matching keywords.
5 NEW YORK CITY POSES FOR KIDS
Create a quiet space for your pretend adventure to NYC. Practice barefoot on a non-slip surface, if possible, and remember—just have fun with movement. These yoga poses are designed to flow naturally from one to the next.
1-Pretend to be Times Square
How to practice Star Pose: Stand tall with your legs spread wide and arms extended to the sides, forming a star shape. Breathe deeply and feel your body stretch outward in all directions. Imagine the bright lights and energy of Times Square sparkling all around you.
2-Pretend to be Empire State Building
How to practice Triangle Pose: From standing, step one foot back slightly, and turn it out to the side. Extend your arms out wide. Reach your front arm forward and tilt at the waist, bringing your hand to your shin or the floor, and the other arm reaching to the sky. Pretend your tall body is stretching up like the Empire State Building.
3-Pretend to be Central Park
How to practice Tree Pose: Stand tall, then bend one knee and place the sole of your foot on the opposite inner leg (ankle, calf, or thigh—wherever is comfortable). Press your palms together at your heart or reach up high. Sway like the trees of Central Park in the breeze.
4-Pretend to be Grand Central Station
How to practice Extended Cat Pose: Come to hands and knees. Extend your right arm forward and your left leg back, keeping your spine straight. Focus on balance and stretch. Then switch sides. Imagine that you are the trains going through Grand Central Station.
5-Pretend to be New York Public Library
How to practice Cobbler’s Pose: Sit tall with the soles of your feet together and knees out to the sides. Hold your feet with your hands. Sit like a wise owl reading in the quiet, beautiful library.
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6 NEW YORK CITY BOOKS FOR KIDS
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Out of a bunch of books that I took out of the library about New York, here are my favorites:
This is New York
by Miroslav Sasek
This classic book was first published in 1960, but its illustrations and description of New York City are timeless. This new edition includes an update of what New York City is like today at the back of the book. The simple text and engaging images make this a great choice in adding it to your kids yoga session.
My First Book of New York
by Ingela P. Arrhenius
This beautifully designed book is broken down into the different boroughs of New York City and has images with simply the descriptive words. This book would work great with a kids yoga class even though it’s not a story, but a book full of images that could be mimicked through yoga poses. This author also has similar books for Paris and London.
Journey Around New York from A to Z
by Martha and Heather Zschock
This book would be suitable for older children as the text describes more of the history and features of New York City. Children could make their own version of A to Z of New York City, as well. Younger children could still enjoy the illustrations, and you could make up a kids yoga class from the images.
A Walk in New York
by Salvatore Rubbino
This is an exciting story about a boy and his dad who take a walk through New York City. There’s a lot to look at in the illustrations and besides the storyline, there is tiny text with further information about each of the famous features of New York. This would be a great story to read together before a kids yoga class.
Larry Gets Lost in New York City
by John Skewes and Michael Mullin
In this delightful story, a boy and his dog, Larry, take a trip to New York City. Larry gets lost and goes on his own adventures around this beautiful city until his owner eventually finds him. The combination of rhyming text story, with tidbits of history information, and labeled landmarks on the illustrations make this is a versatile picture book for young children. In this series, Larry also visits Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.
Hide and Seek: New York
by Erin Guendelsberger and Mattia Cerato
This beautifully illustrated hide-and-seek book is great for before or after your kids yoga session, to give children an opportunity to find hidden items. Each page delightfully illustrates the famous locations across New York City.
Have you visited New York City with your children or students? What were your favorite sights, stories, or surprises? Feel free to email us—we’d love to hear your Big Apple adventure!
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