Riding with kids: from balance bike to first bike park

Where can kids learn to ride without parents constantly watching out for cars? And where can you rent a bike if theirs doesn't fit yet? The answer depends mostly on age. Here's our overview – from the first balance bike to the first day at a bike park.

Balance bike (approx. 2–5 years): pump tracks

For the youngest, pump tracks are ideal: asphalt, gentle rollers, no cars. Some have their own areas or mini tracks for little ones:

Pumptrack Mettingen in the Münsterland is one of the longest in Germany at over 250 m and has a practice section explicitly meant for balance bikes too. In Schemmerhofen near Biberach even toddlers can ride on balance bikes. Pumptrack Emmendingen is a mini track built mainly for primary school kids. In Sindelfingen a separate kids' pump track was added next to the big one in 2025, and in Amsterdam Pumptrack Tagorepark has a mini track for kids.

When the weather turns: the AREA 47 Indoor Bikepark at the entrance to the Ötztal has its own kids' pump track in the hall next to the big asphalt one; bikes and protective gear can be rented on site, and there are guided kids' sessions. In Sweden, the Bredstorp MTB Arena in Tranås was built explicitly for everyone – from three-year-olds on balance bikes to experienced enduro riders; its asphalt pump track suits kids and adults alike.

Tip: some BMX clubs now run balance bike races for the youngest, for example in Kornwestheim or at BMX Union Stuttgart – often alongside their regular races.

Kids' bike (approx. 5–10 years): practice areas, pump tracks and BMX

Once kids ride confidently, they can take the next step. Many trail parks have beginner areas where kids practise corners, rollers and small obstacles:

Bikepark Schmausenbuck in Nuremberg has its own "Learn to Ride" beginner course – free. Bike Park Boy Konen in Luxembourg has a course for kids and beginners, and Trailpark Heumöderntal in Treuchtlingen a practice course and pump track at the valley station. At Bikepark Hochberg in Heidenheim every jump on the Biker-X track can also be rolled slowly.

BMX racing is possible from around age 5. The best part for families: some clubs provide a BMX bike, full-face helmet and gloves for taster sessions – so your child can try it out before you buy anything. A full-face helmet is mandatory on the BMX track; a regular bike helmet isn't enough.

From about 10: the first bike park with a rental bike

For older kids with some experience, a bike park with a beginner line and on-site rental is worth it. At Wurbauerkogel in Windischgarsten, the bike centre right at the valley station rents mountain bikes, and the blue line plus the practice area make a good start. Ask about kids' sizes beforehand. At Bikepark Osternohe near Nuremberg, the Blue Line is the easy run, and on the Pohorje near Maribor there's a dedicated Family Line.

What to keep in mind

Always wear a helmet – at bike parks and on BMX tracks ideally one with a chin bar. Pump tracks are often busy on weekend afternoons, so mornings give little ones more space. And check opening hours and conditions on Lemoyn before you go, especially on natural surfaces after rain.

Find every pump track on the pump track overview and everything near you on the map.