What parachute size for your group?
One question decides it: how many kids hold the parachute at once. Match the canopy to your group and everyone gets a handle.
A play parachute only works when every child can reach a handle and still have room to lift. Too small and kids get crowded out; too big and a small group can't make the canopy fly. Use the rule of thumb below: roughly one foot of diameter per child, then round up to the next size if you ever combine groups.
Match the size to your group
| Size | Best for | Why this size | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | Toddlers, small home groups, therapy 1-to-1 | Light and easy for the smallest hands to grip and lift. Great for sensory play and parent-child sessions. | Shop 6 ft |
| 12 ft | Preschool, small classes, 8-12 kids | The everyday size for early-years and small groups. Big enough for circle games, still easy to store and carry. | Shop 12 ft |
| 16 ft | Standard classroom, 12-16 kids | Comfortable room for a full small class to spread out without crowding the handles. | Shop 16 ft |
| 20 ftMost popular | Full PE class, 16-20 kids | The PE-teacher favorite. Fits a typical class with everyone on a handle and big lift for the canopy games. | Shop 20 ft |
| 24 ft | Large class, 20-24 kids | Extra space for bigger classes or when you want adults joining in alongside the kids. | Shop 24 ft |
| 30 ft | Multi-class sessions & events, 24-30 kids | Built for combined groups and indoor gym events where you need a big, dramatic canopy. | Shop 30 ft |
| 35 ft | Field days & assemblies, 30+ kids | The showpiece size for whole-grade activities, fundraisers and field days. Needs open space and a few adult helpers. | Shop 35 ft |
Coach tip: when in doubt, size up
If your group size sits between two options, choose the larger parachute. A slightly big canopy still plays well with fewer kids, but a small one caps how many can join. The 20 ft is our most popular all-rounder for a single PE class.
Keep reading
Activities
Parachute games for PE class
Ready-to-run canopy games that work for any group size.
Guide
Full play parachute size guide
The deep-dive article with diameters, handle counts and storage tips.
Shop
All play parachutes
Browse every size from 6 ft to 35 ft.
Buying for a school or program?
We offer volume pricing and accept school purchase orders. Tell us your group sizes and we'll recommend the right mix and send a quote within 24 hours.
Request a bulk quote