When parents hear the word parkour, they often picture teenagers jumping across rooftops — which can understandably raise safety concerns. But here’s the truth: when taught properly, parkour is not only safe for children, it’s one of the most empowering and beneficial activities they can do.

At The Parkour Academy, we specialise in fun, structured outdoor parkour classes for kids — with safety as our number one priority.

Let’s break down the common concerns and highlight how parkour can actually help your child grow stronger, more confident, and safer in their everyday movements.

What Is Parkour for Kids?

Parkour is a movement discipline that focuses on navigating obstacles using natural movements like jumping, climbing, balancing, and rolling. It builds coordination, body awareness, and confidence by teaching children how to move with control and efficiency.

Unlike the extreme stunts seen online, children’s parkour is carefully structured. Our sessions start with the basics: jumping and landing safely, improving balance, vaulting, and learning how to roll properly. It’s far more about problem-solving and creativity than danger or risk-taking.

We also do not teach flips, as they are not considered part of foundational parkour training and introduce unnecessary risk for beginners.

Common Safety Concerns — and Why You Shouldn’t Worry

We understand the concerns many parents have. Here are the most common ones we hear — and how we address them:

“Isn’t parkour dangerous?”

Parkour, when coached properly, is no more dangerous than other common sports like football or gymnastics. In fact, because parkour focuses on landing safely and understanding your limits, it can reduce the risk of injury in everyday life.

“My child isn’t very athletic — will they get hurt?”

Not at all! Parkour is highly scalable. Kids progress at their own pace in a supportive environment, where every child can feel confident and successful, regardless of starting ability.

In fact, one of the first things we teach is how to fall safely — for example, how to absorb impact by extending the arms and catching yourself correctly. These skills are incredibly useful not just for parkour, but for other sports and everyday situations as children grow.

How We Keep Children Safe at The Parkour Academy

Your child’s safety is our top priority. Here’s how we ensure every class is secure, engaging, and developmentally appropriate:

• Qualified Coaches
  Our instructors are experienced parkour practitioners with a deep understanding of movement mechanics and child development.
• Progressive Learning
  Children start with low-impact skills and gradually build up to more complex movements. We never push beyond their comfort zone.
• Safe Environments
  We train at Paddington Recreation Ground playground, which has a soft rubber floor and plenty of space. Obstacles are age-appropriate, and landings are always taught with safety drills first.
• Small Group Sizes
  Small classes allow us to give each child the individual attention and guidance they need to progress safely and confidently.

Why Parkour Is Good for Your Child

Beyond safety, parkour provides an incredible range of benefits for children:

• Improves strength, balance, and coordination
• Builds self-confidence and resilience
• Teaches risk assessment and decision-making
• Promotes outdoor physical activity
• Encourages creative thinking and problem-solving

It’s not just a sport — it’s a mindset that teaches kids how to overcome challenges physically and mentally.

What Parents Are Saying

“Jacob is an amazing parkour instructor! He has incredible patience and takes the time to teach each skill step by step, making sure the kids feel confident and safe. My child absolutely loves his classes and looks forward to them every week. Not only is it fun, but it has also helped improve my kid’s stamina and overall fitness.
If you’re looking for a great instructor who truly cares about his students, Jacob is the one! Highly recommend!”
— Thyra, Parent

Final Thoughts: Parkour Is Safe — With the Right Coaching

Yes, like any physical activity, parkour has its risks. But when taught in a supportive, structured environment by trained coaches, it’s one of the safest and most rewarding activities your child can take part in.

Book Your Child’s First Parkour Session Today

Join us at The Parkour Academy in Paddington Recreation Ground and let your child experience the thrill of movement in a safe, confidence-building environment. Whether your child is shy, active, or somewhere in between — parkour offers a space for them to grow and thrive.

Book your trial class today — and take the first leap toward confidence!

Now Offering Birthday Parties!

Looking for an exciting and active way to celebrate your child’s birthday? We now offer parkour-themed birthday parties, where kids can explore obstacles, learn new moves, and have fun together in a safe, guided setting. Contact us for availability and booking.