When you think of float therapy, you probably picture stressed-out adults escaping the chaos of daily life. But here’s something many parents don’t know — floating can be just as beneficial for kids. In fact, for some children, it can be life-changing.

Is Floating Safe for Kids?

Yes, floating is safe for kids when done under proper supervision. The water in a float tank is only about 10–11 inches deep and contains enough Epsom salt to make anyone — even a wiggly child — effortlessly buoyant. Our rooms are private, our tanks are cleaned and filtered after every session, and parents are welcome to remain nearby during the float.

We typically recommend floating for children ages 8 and up, as younger kids may not yet have the patience to enjoy a full session. That said, every child is different, yours may want the longer session!

Why Kids Should Float

1. Stress Relief in a Busy World
Today’s kids face more pressure than ever — school demands, sports schedules, social media, and extracurriculars. Floating gives them a rare moment of complete quiet, where there’s no phone, no noise, and no expectations. It’s a reset button for the mind.

2. Better Sleep
Many parents notice their child sleeps more deeply after a float. The calming effect on the nervous system helps regulate sleep cycles, making bedtime easier and mornings less groggy.

3. Support for Sports & Activity Recovery
For active kids, whether they’re on the soccer field, in the dance studio, or training for swim meets, floating can help muscles recover faster by reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

4. Focus & Mental Clarity
Floating can help kids who struggle with concentration or anxiety. By lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting dopamine, it encourages a calmer, more focused mind — which can carry over into schoolwork and daily activities.

5. Magnesium Boost
The Epsom salt in float tanks is rich in magnesium, which absorbs through the skin. Magnesium supports over 300 chemical reactions in the body, including muscle function, mood regulation, and energy production.

How to Introduce Kids to Floating

Start shorter – Book your child a 60 minute float to start and let them know it’s okay if they only make it half way. A lot of adults can’t even do the full 60 minutes the first time!

Make it fun – Let them explore the tank before starting the session so they feel comfortable. We have meditation music they can listen to, but you can also send us music that we can add to enhance their experience.

Stay close – Children will be most comfortable in the sky tanks, because they have the lights and the stars, and there’s just enough room to put in a stool so you can be close. There’s more space for the parents in the Escape rooms, and if your kids are comfortable solo there’s the massage chair to relax in while you wait!

Talk about it – Ask how it felt, what they noticed, and whether they’d like to try again.

Final Thought

Floating isn’t just for grown-ups with packed calendars. For kids, it can be a rare gift — a moment of peace in a noisy world, a tool for better focus, and a gentle way to support growing bodies and minds.
If you’ve been curious about how your child might benefit, let us help you introduce them to the experience. You might be surprised at how much they enjoy it… and how much calmer your household feels afterward.

Have more questions? 

Reach out to us! You can call or text us at 617-875-0725 or email Info@floatboston.com