Looking for a kids kayak that’s safe and fun? Our 2024 guide reviews the best options, compares features, and offers tips to help you find the perfect kayak for your child’s age and skill level.
To find the perfect kayak for your child, you need to consider factors such as their skill level, the type of water they’ll be paddling in, and your budget. Here are the top kids kayaks for 2024, each excelling in specific areas to cater to different needs and preferences:
Best for Beginners: Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak
Best Inflatable Option: Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
Best Budget-Friendly: Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak
Best for Adventure: Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids Kayak
Best for Growing Paddlers: Old Town Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak
These kayaks have been carefully selected based on their design, safety features, ease of use, and overall value.
We’ll now detail each of these models, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and distinctive features.
Price: $120
Specifications:
Designed for children aged 5 and up
Maximum weight capacity of 130 lbs
Pros:
Stable paddling platform
Lightweight design
Quick adaptability for children
Cons:
Limited usability for older or larger children
Lacks advanced features
The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s designed specifically for children aged 5 and up and can hold a maximum weight of up to 130 lbs. This kayak is known for its stability and lightweight design, making it easy for kids to handle and maneuver. However, its size might limit its usability for older or larger children, and it lacks some advanced features that more experienced paddlers might want.
Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Stability: 5/5
Features: 3/5
The wide stance of the Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak provides a stable paddling platform, thereby significantly enhancing safety. This kayak also features scupper holes and multiple footrest positions, adding to its stability and comfort.
Its lightweight design makes it easy for kids to handle and maneuver, allowing them to quickly become comfortable and confident using the kayak, often within minutes.
While the Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is a fantastic option for younger kids, its size might limit its usability for older or larger children. Additionally, it lacks advanced features that more experienced young paddlers might desire. This can be a slight inconvenience for kids who quickly outgrow the kayak or seek more sophisticated functionalities.
The well-thought-out design and bright, standout color of the Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak make it not only appealing to kids but also reassuring to parents. This kayak is ideal for beginners, as it provides a stable and secure platform for learning the basics of paddling. However, its limitations in size and features mean that it might not be suitable for children as they grow older or become more experienced.
Price: $80
Specifications:
2-in-1 valves for quick and easy inflation and deflation
Cargo net for additional storage
Pros:
Highly portable
Lightweight
Quick inflation with the included hand pump
Cons:
Performance may not match high-quality inflatable kayaks
Assembly required
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is a highly recommended inflatable option for kids. It’s perfect for lakes and mild rivers, offering excellent portability and ease of use. The kayak features 2-in-1 valves for quick and easy inflation and deflation, and it comes with a cargo net to strap down gear, providing additional storage. However, its performance may not match up to high-quality inflatable kayaks, and assembly is required.
Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 3/5
Stability: 4/5
Features: 3/5
Due to its high portability and ability to fit in small cars, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is ideal for spontaneous trips. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry over short distances, and it inflates quickly using the included hand pump.
This portability and ease of use make it a great choice for families who love to swim and explore different water bodies without much hassle.
Despite its many advantages, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak’s performance may not match up to high-quality inflatable kayaks, making it less suitable for fast-flowing rivers or large lakes. Additionally, assembly is required, which might be an inconvenience for some users.
These factors could make it less appealing for those seeking a more robust and ready-to-use kayak.
The Intex Challenger K1 is best suited for leisurely paddling on calm waters. Users have mentioned that it can handle small waves but isn’t recommended for rough waters. This kayak is ideal for families looking for a portable and easy-to-use option for relaxed outings, though it may not be the best choice for more adventurous paddling experiences.
Price: $70 Specifications:
Lightweight metal shaft paddle included, hand assembled
Pros:
Simple and straightforward to use
Great investment due to fair price and inclusion of a paddle
Cons:
Lack of handles
Unsightly safety stickers
No rigging cord for paddle storage
The Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak is a budget-friendly starter boat for children. It comes with a lightweight metal shaft paddle that is easy for small kids to handle. This kayak is simple and straightforward to use, making it a great investment for parents looking for an affordable entry into the world of kayaking. However, the lack of handles, unsightly safety stickers, and absence of a rigging cord for paddle storage are notable drawbacks.
Rating:
Price: 5/5
Design: 3/5
Stability: 4/5
Features: 3/5
The simplicity and straightforwardness of the Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak make it ideal for children. The kayak is also considered a great investment due to its fair price and the inclusion of a paddle, which adds to its value. This makes it an accessible option for families looking to introduce their children to kayaking without breaking the bank.
Some users have noted the following issues with the kayak:
Lack of handles, making it slightly difficult to carry
Safety stickers that some users may find unsightly and wish to remove
No rigging cord to hold the paddle when it is not in use
These are important considerations to keep in mind before purchasing the kayak.
Lastly, the kayak may be too small for teenagers, restricting its use to little ones.
Overall, the Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak provides excellent value for money, especially given its stability and ease of use for children. The included paddle is a nice touch, making the package complete and ready for immediate use.
While it has some minor drawbacks, there’s no need to apologize for its functionality as a budget-friendly starter kayak.
Price: $230
Specifications:
Low-profile, kid-friendly seat with easy grab
Tag Along Tow System
Pros:
Kid-friendly design
‘V’ hull for better tracking
Tag Along Tow System for parental assistance
Cons:
No rear bungee in cargo area
No dry storage compartment
Easily damaged styrofoam billet
Tailored specifically for children, the Ocean Kayak Banzai features a low-profile, kid-friendly seat that allows easy movement. It includes a Tag Along Tow System, allowing parents to tow their children when they are too tired to paddle. This kayak is ideal for adventurous young paddlers, but it does have some drawbacks, such as the lack of a rear bungee in the cargo area, no dry storage compartment, and an easily damaged styrofoam billet.
Rating:
Price: 3/5
Design: 4/5
Stability: 5/5
Features: 4/5
The Ocean Kayak Banzai features:
Low-profile and kid-friendly seating for easy movement
‘V’ hull design for straight tracking and faster movement
Tag Along Tow System for parents to assist their children when they get tired
The kayak has a few drawbacks:
It does not come with a rear bungee in the cargo area, which would be useful for storage.
There is no dry storage compartment, requiring users to add their own dry-box or dry-bag.
The styrofoam billet in the front can be easily damaged by kids’ feet, which could impact its durability over time.
The Ocean Kayak Banzai is highly praised for its paddling efficiency, speed, and maneuverability. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous kids who enjoy exploring and moving quickly through the water. While it has some minor drawbacks, the overall experience it offers makes it a worthwhile investment for young adventurers.
Price: $300
Specifications:
Suitable for children transitioning between youth and adult kayaks
Handles paddlers up to 100-115 pounds
Pros:
Designed for smaller bodies
Lightweight
Comfortable seating
Multiple footrest positions
Durable construction
Cons:
More expensive compared to other youth kayaks
Acting as an intermediary vessel, the Old Town Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak offers many advantages for children transitioning from youth to adult kayaks. Some key features include:
Perfect for children up to about 100-115 pounds, making it ideal for growing paddlers
Provides a stable and comfortable ride
Easy to maneuver and control
Durable construction for long-lasting use
However, it is important to note that this kayak is more expensive compared to other youth kayaks.
Rating:
Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Stability: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Youth kayaks like the Heron Junior have the following features:
Designed with dimensions and features suitable for smaller bodies
Lighter and easier for kids to maneuver, typically ranging between 20 and 30 pounds
Contoured seat well area with an extremely comfortable seat back
Multiple footrest positions to accommodate different-sized children
The Heron Junior is also noted for its sturdiness and durability, making it suitable for children of various ages.
The Old Town Kayak Heron Junior:
Is more expensive compared to other youth kayaks
This higher price point may be a consideration for parents looking for a more budget-friendly option
However, the investment can be justified by its quality and the features it offers.
User feedback highlights its effectiveness in preventing the child from spinning in circles during outings, thanks to its good tracking capability. One reviewer noted that their child could paddle the kayak for a mile and keep up with a canoe. This kayak is highly recommended for children who enjoy kayaking frequently and view it as a hobby.
Although the kayak is durable and fun, it’s worth the investment only if used frequently.
Several important considerations are involved in choosing the right kayak for your child. These include:
The child’s age and skill level
The size and weight of the kayak
Stability and safety features
Your budget
Each of these factors plays a crucial role in ensuring that your child has a safe and enjoyable paddling experience.
The child’s age and skill level must be considered while selecting a kids kayak to ensure its appropriateness for their use. Weight capacity is another essential factor; the kayak should support the child’s weight along with any gear. Recreational kayaks designed for children are more narrow and easier for them to control compared to adult kayaks.
Tandem kayaks are great for young children, but as they grow older, most kids prefer piloting their own kayak.
For children ages 5 to 12, child-sized kayaks are ideal for short paddling trips on calm waters. The kayak’s weight capacity of 130 lbs makes it suitable for kids aged 5 and up. The length of the kayak affects its speed and tracking; shorter kayaks are easier to handle for younger kids.
A child’s kayak should be lightweight to allow easy maneuvering and transportation. The Old Town Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak, for example, is made from molded polyethylene, which makes it lightweight and durable.
For young or inexperienced paddlers, kayaks with a wider base are preferable as they offer more stability. The kayak’s molded-in seat gives it a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. Safety features like a comfortable seating area with back support and secure footrests are vital for a child’s kayak.
The Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak, for instance, is highly regarded for its superior stability and resistance to capsizing, even when kids move around on it.
Despite the temptation to opt for cheaper options, investing in a higher-quality kayak can yield better durability and safety features. Some factors to consider when choosing a kayak include:
The material of the kayak (inflatable or hardshell)
The weight capacity of the kayak
The stability and maneuverability of the kayak
The comfort and adjustability of the seating
The storage options and compartments
The included accessories (paddles, life vests, etc.)
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is one of the most affordable inflatable kayaks available. Some kayaks come with additional accessories like paddles or life vests, which can offer better value for money. However, it’s essential to consider the overall cost, including any necessary accessories, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
In summary, choosing the right kayak for your child involves considering several factors, including their age and skill level, the size and weight of the kayak, stability and safety features, and your budget. The Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak is perfect for beginners, while the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak offers an excellent inflatable option. The Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak is a budget-friendly choice, and the Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids Kayak is ideal for adventurous paddlers. For growing paddlers, the Old Town Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak is a great option.
By understanding these key factors and reviewing the top options available, you can make an informed decision that ensures your child has a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience. Remember, the right kayak can open up a world of fun and adventure for your child, fostering a love for the outdoors and a lifelong passion for paddling.
I recommend the Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak for beginners because of its stability and ease of use. It's a great option to consider.
Yes, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is a safe and highly recommended inflatable option for kids, providing them with a fun and safe way to enjoy kayaking.
I recommend the Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak for a budget-friendly option that is easy for children to handle. It's a great value for the price!
The Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids Kayak is perfect for adventurous kids due to its efficient paddling and Tag Along Tow System. It's a great choice for young adventurers!
When buying a kayak for your child, consider the kayak's size and weight, stability and safety features, and your budget. These factors will help you find the right kayak for your child.
If you’re looking for the right kids kayak for your little one, you may have already found that narrowing down to one option isn’t as simple as you thought it would be. There are so many brands and models to make this choice hard. Just face it: you're going to have to do some research. The last thing you want is to get out on the water and realize the inflatable canoe you bought won't keep your kid afloat.
This is why we created this guide with the top kids kayaks reviewed. In this article, we will cover the best kayaks for kids in 2021. We took several factors into consideration including size, weight capacity, pricing, and more.
What makes some choices better than others? We will cover everything about kids kayaks in this review guide. Let’s get started!
The very first boat that we want you to know about is the Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak. Affordable, easy to use, and reliable, you can expect great things when taking this bad boy on the water!
One of the advantages of this boat is its simplistic steering and maneuvering. It has a strong hull design and a length of 6 feet, making it difficult to tip.
This kayak comes with a paddle and a paddle holder in case your child gets tired and needs to be towed over to you. The boat itself weighs 18 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds. It’s best for children learning how to kayak who weigh under 130 lbs. As a easy-to-use sit on top boat, your child will enjoy their ability to paddle right alongside you.
Recap:
Our next choice on the best kids kayaks list is the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak. This is an inflatable kayak that offers benefits which solid boats can’t match. Because this model is inflatable, it takes up less room and can be stored anywhere. This comes in handy if your child won’t be out on the water too often and you need extra space in the garage for other gadgets. You must also consider the number of people who are likely to use this boat at one time, if you have a large family, a two man canoe, or three person kayak maybe worth some consideration,
This boat is constructed for one single paddler and comes with a high-pressure hand pump. It also comes with a deck rigger that offers extra space to store gear, lunch, and safety materials. You'll be grateful for the extra room as your children get older - they'll have more space to grow into.
The Intex Challenger has a length of 9 feet and lightweight of 24 pounds. The maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds, meaning that even you could use it if you choose to. This boat includes a paddle - and a quality one too!
Recap:
The Best Choice Products Sports 6’ Kids Kayak is an excellent option if your child is completely new to kayaking. It is a sit on top boat with a length of 6 feet. Weighing 18 pounds, this kayak holds up to 130 pounds. The Best Choice Sports is very easy to navigate and is a popular option for kids that are still in the learning process.
The seat offers extra padding, making it an extremely comfortable option. Your child won’t mind paddling out on the water on this smooth ride! Finally, there is a paddle included which is a huge plus! It is also not a bad choice if you are looking to do some fishing whilst on your kayak. A lightweight of 18 pounds, you’re little one will be able to get this boat in and out of the water in no time. This sit on top kids kayak is a great buy for beginners. They'll be comfortable and adjust in no time.
Recap:
The Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids boat is great for children who are ready for an advanced kayaking experience. With a length of 9.5 feet and weight of 36 pounds, it is the biggest boat on our list. Offering a capacity of 230 pounds, you can fit inside with ease.
This mixes the structure of a sit on top and traditional boat. It offers several features that make it stand out from other models - it molds and contours to a paddler's body, so it's super comfortable and snug.
This boat is definitely not meant for beginners. It includes a towing system because even advanced paddlers get tired every so often and need it.
The only downfall of this kayak is that it does not come with a paddle. While we wish it came with one, you can get a quality paddle online. It does have a cup holder, which is a fun feature for relaxed kayaking. We really love the comfort features the Ocean Banzai offers.
Recap:
Last but certainly not least is the Old Town Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak. This is a sit inside kayak with a length of 7.5 feet. At a weight of 26 pounds, the weight capacity of this boat is 115 pounds. Unlike the other models in this guide, this one is a sit inside boat. The extra maneuverability can’t be matched and the molded skeg offers amazing tacking and steadiness. Your child will enjoy front and rear handles, making this kids kayak easy to carry.
Designed for children, this kayak comes with a seat that molds to the user’s body. It is padded for comfort all day long. This is another kayak that does not come with a paddle. However the padding on this model is really worth it the extra expense of the paddle.
Recap:
These are our overall top picks currently trending in 2019. How did we make our decision? Well, we had to conduct quite a bit of research to weed out the not so great options. Before making a decision, we took into consideration size, weight capacity, price, among other factors. We cover all of this in detail for you down below so you know exactly what makes a great kayak different from the average purchase.
Let’s begin with the length and size of a kid’s kayak. Children kayaks are quite short when compared to the fishing adult size boat, or even a youth kayak/canoe. They are much easier for children to command and steer. They are less heavy and suitable for a child to carry on their own.
You will realize that most kayaks for kids options don’t have great length choice. This is because they’re pre-made to be the right size for most children.
As for width, keep in mind that the wider the kayak the more stable it will be. While wider kayaks take more effort to control, your top priority should be to keep your little one safe and afloat. As they grow and gain more experience, they can switch over to a narrower kayak.
With this being said, you want to focus more on weight rather than the size of the boat. Look at the manufacturers specifications when it comes down to weight capacity. We suggest you go by this to make sure your kid receives a kayak that works for them. Keep in mind that eventually they will outgrow their kid kayak and need to upgrade to an adult version.
Adult kayaks are designed for paddlers to sit within the cockpit – kid kayaks are a little different. Sit on top models are perfect for little ones because they're easy to get in and out of. They are also stable, which prevents them from flipping over and into deep water. Sit on top kayaks come with draining holes to make sure there is no water build up.
If you prefer the traditional style you may be able to find a few online, but most likely at an outdoor sports retailer. If your child is a true beginner, we suggest going with a sit on top kayak. They're really ideal for a small child's safety and ability level.
Next up in our kids kayak buyer guide are tow ropes. Be sure you go with a kayak that offers this safety system.
Imagine that your child throws a fit and decides to stop paddling. Without a tow rope you’re left with limited options. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of a body of water, trying to convince your child to keep paddling as they drift farther from your kayak.
Most of our selected models above have a towing system, so you can breathe easy when you purchase these options.
This feature gets overlooked because paddle holders aren’t necessarily a priority. But we suggest you invest in a kayak with holders if possible because they come in handy with it's time to tow your kids onto shore. Instead of hanging on the paddles, they can attach their paddle to the holder and relax. Sit on top kayaks also don’t have anywhere to store paddles, which makes paddle holders really convenient for this type of kayak.
You may have already noticed that not all kayaks come with a paddle – this is quite normal. While it’s not ideal, you’ll need to purchase the paddle separately. On the bright side, this gives you the option to buy one of your choice.
A child’s kayak does not need to break your wallet! One of the first things we suggest you do after making the decision to buy your child a boat is set a budget. Kayaks come in a variety of prices and you’ll usually find one that fits your budget.
Take into consideration what features are most important to you, and then narrow down by price. It's better to choose a safe but expensive kayak than an inexpensive kayak that's not ideal for your kid's size or skill level.
Along with a kayak, consider investing in a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for your child. Unless they are very experienced, take your kid somewhere where the water is calm and there isn’t a strong current to adjust to their kayak.
Study the area prior to placing the boat in the water. Monitor currents, tides, and boat traffic. Consider getting in touch with experienced paddlers to learn from them about kid-friendly kayaking destinations.
If you have some time before the kayaking trip, we suggest you enroll your little one in swimming and paddling lessons. This will help them feel more comfortable when the time comes to get into the boat. They will also feel much more comfortable in the water and safer if they tip.
Most kids enjoy being in charge of packing their own things. Make sure they don't forget:
As for clothing, opt for breathable wear. Bring along bags to throw wet clothing in. Also have your child bring along a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof boots or shoes, and bathroom necessities. Have you thought about going away for an extended trip lasting a few days? If so, you may want to think about what type of lightweight tent (such as an inflatable tents) you can bring along in your canoe.
This brings us to the end of our best kayak for kids guide. As you can see the best kayaks of 2019 keep safety and comfort in mind over price and fancy features. Remember to consider your little one’s age, weight, and skill level when looking for kayak. Just like pairs of shoes, it is inevitable that you’ll have to upgrade eventually - a kayak with extra room and storage space will prevent you from buying sooner than you planned.
Check out Amazon for the most current pricing on the kayaks listed above. Best of luck on your child's exciting journey - happy paddling!