If you're looking for the best kids kayak, then you've come to the right place!
We know that finding a good kids kayak can be tough! You want something that is kids-safe, comfortable, and fun... but what brands can you trust for your kids? Don't worry, we're here to help.
In this article, we'll introduce you to seven of the best kayaks for your kids that can be found on the market today. And trust us, your kids will absolutely love them!
So without further ado, let's get started!
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the kids kayaks below! Each one was carefully selected by our editors and a few may have been sent as samples for us to evaluate, but all opinions in this article are our own. GroundedReviews may collect a share of the sales or compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (at no additional cost to you). Our reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next favorite thing!
How We Selected These Kids Kayaks
You're looking for the best kids kayak on the market, but you're overwhelmed by all the different products and don't want to waste your time or money on the wrong product.
We know how important it is to find the right kids kayak for your needs, but with so many products on the market it can be hard to know where to start.
That's why we've done all the hard work for you. Our expert reviewers have spent time reviewing the best kids kayaks on the market, so you can rest assured that you're making a sound investment. Read our article to learn more!
Why It's a Great Choice:
If you're looking for a kayak that will make your kids feel like they're one with the water, look no further than the Lifetime 90479 Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak. Its sloped back end and swim-up step make it easy for kids to re-enter the kayak from the water, while its durable construction ensures hours of fun on the waves.
Top Things to Know:
The Lifetime Youth Wave is a great kids kayak, it's made with molded finger handles on each side for easy transport, and it only weighs 18 lbs., making it easy for your kids to move around. The multiple footrest positions make it great for different-size riders so your kids can get years of use out of it, and the reverse chine hull design enhances stability, making it perfect for beginners.
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for a kayak that will make your kids feel like pros? Look no further than the Goplus 6FT Youth Kayak! This bad boy has everything your kids need to have a great time out on the water, including a folding backrest with ergonomic design and 4-level footrest design that fits kids of different heights. The hull design ensures stability and safety, while the rear self-bailing scupper hole keeps things dry. Let your kids hit the open waters in style with the Goplus 6FT Youth Kayak!
Top Things to Know:
When it comes to kids kayaks, there are a lot of different options on the market. With so many choices, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your child. The Goplus 6FT Youth Kayak is a great option for kids who want to get out on the water and have some fun. This kayak is equipped with a front carrying handle and 2 rear casters, making it easy for kids to move around. It also includes a double-head paddle that will help train balance by tracking and surfing.
There is storage space in the front and rear so your kids can keep all their necessities close at hand. The bungee cord lacing and mesh will secure loose items, so kids can focus on having fun. This sit-on-top kayak is suitable for domestic pools, rivers, lakes, and calm seas. When it is used on open water, the kayak’s conspicuous color will make it easier for adults to keep an eye on their little ones.
So if you’re looking for the best kids kayak that will provide hours of enjoyment, the premium Goplus 6FT Youth Kayak is definitely worth considering.
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for a kayak that the kids can have just as much fun in as you? Look no further than the Perception Hi Five! This versatile hybrid kayak can be paddled standing or sitting down, making it perfect for all kinds of adventurers. It also comes with a bright yellow paddle that is perfectly sized for small hands. So get your little ones out on the water and let the good times roll!
Top Things to Know:
If you are looking for a kids kayak that will make the paddling experience easier for your child, then the Perception Hi Five is a great option to consider. This kayak has a slightly elevated seat, which makes it comfortable for kids to sit on and paddle. Additionally, the large front deck area provides plenty of space for kids to stand up and paddle. The rear swim-up deck makes getting on board from the water easy, and it's also a great spot for dogs or gear storage.
Plus, the kid hitch & tether option with the front solo mount provides a quick tethering point so you can attach the kayak to mom and dad for towing.
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for a fun kayak that your kids can enjoy without you having to worry about them? Look no further than the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak! This kayak is designed with kids in mind, and can hold up to 100 lb. The twin tunnel hull design offers excellent stability, making it easy for kids to get in and out of the kayak. If any water does get in, the scupper holes will help drain it out. Plus, this kayak also includes a safety flag for better visibility.
Top Things to Know:
If you're looking for a kids kayak that is both durable and comfortable, the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak may be perfect for you. Weighing only 20 pounds, it's perfectly scaled down in size to suit smaller paddlers, and includes a junior aluminum paddle with an ergoform padded backrest for comfort and support. So whether your child is just starting out or is a more experienced kayaker, the Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Kayak is sure to provide hours of fun on the water.
Why It's a Great Choice:
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is perfect for kids who are looking for a nimble, durable kayak that can handle a bit of excitement on the lake or slow-moving rivers. The welded material and eye-catching graphics make this inflatable kayak stand out from the rest, while the inflatable I-beam floor provides additional stability. And if your little one ever gets lost in the moment, don't worry - the cockpit is designed for comfort and maximized space. Plus, the removable skeg provides exceptional directional movement so they'll never be stuck in one spot. So bring on the fun with the Intex Challenger kayak!
Top Things to Know:
If you're looking for a kids kayak that's not only affordable but also durable, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is a great option. Weighing just 27.2 pounds, this kayak can hold up to 220 pounds and comes with a cargo net to store extra gear. It even has grab lines on both ends of the kayak so kids can easily get back in if they fall out. And with an inflatable seat and backrest, kids will be comfortable on even the longest rides.
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for a kayak that's perfect for kids? Look no further than the Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak! This solo kayak is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It's also built to last, so your kids can enjoy hours of fun on the water. And thanks to its dryness and secure paddle, even beginners will feel comfortable and safe while out on the water. So what are you waiting for? Get your kids started on their kayaking journey today with the Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak!
Top Things to Know:
The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak is the perfect choice for kids who want to get into kayaking. Weighing in at just 21 lbs, it's easy to transport and even easier to set up. With a capacity of 250 lbs, it can accommodate even the biggest kids (or most adults, for that matter). The 9-foot long kayak is also 35 inches wide, making it stable and comfortable on the water. And with quick release fin, drain plug, Boston valve and zip open dry compartments, this kayak is packed with features that make it easy to use and fun to paddle. So if you're looking for a great kids kayak that will provide hours of enjoyment on the water, look no further than the Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak.
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for a fun, sporty kayak that you and your kids can enjoy together? Look no further than the Intex Challenger K2 Kayak! This kayak is highly visible in the water and has a streamlined design for easy paddling. Plus, it’s large enough so you can all have a blast on it! What more could you ask for in a kids kayak?
Top Things to Know:
The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is a great option for kids who want to get out on the water and have some fun together. This tandem kayak is made of rugged vinyl that's puncture and UV-damage-resistant, so it can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It also includes two 86-inch aluminum paddles and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation. When fully inflated this kayak measures 30 inches wide by 15 inches high by 138 inches long, and when it's not in use the kayak folds up neatly into a storage bag.
So if you're looking for durable inflatable kayaks that your kids can have hours of fun in, the Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is definitely worth checking out!
Best Kids Kayak FAQ:
It can be hard to know which kids kayak is right for your child. You want them to have a good time and stay safe while they're out on the water, but there are so many different options to choose from!
Not only do you have to worry about finding the right kids kayak, but you also have to make sure it's safe for your child. I'm sure you still have a lot of important questions about Kids Kayak, maybe even more questions than when you started?
We've got you covered, we’ve created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions for you about Kids Kayak so that you can make your next purchase with total and complete confidence!
What are the best kids kayaks on the market?
Kayaking is a great summer activity, and kids love it too! But before you go out and buy your child their first kayak, there are a few things you should know. There are a lot of different kayaks on the market, and not all of them are created equal. So how do you know which one is right for your child? Here are a few tips:
First, make sure to get a dedicated kids kayak. These kayaks are designed specifically for kids, with smaller paddles, and they're narrower and shorter than adult kayaks, making them easier to control.
Second, make sure to get a stable kayak. Kids tend to be less experienced than adults, so you'll want to avoid any kayaks that are prone to tipping over. Luckily most youth kayaks have hulls designed for increased stability rather than speed.
Finally, make sure to get a durable kayak. Kids can be a lot harder on equipment than adults, so you'll want to find a kayak that can stand up to some abuse.
How do kids kayaks work?
Most kids kayaks are designed with a small cockpit and a low profile so kids can easily get in and out of the boat. They're also lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around.
Kids kayaks usually have a molded plastic or composite construction, which makes them very durable. Some models even come with a watertight storage compartment that can be used to store snacks or sunscreen. Kids kayaks are also great for learning how to paddle since they're designed to be ultra-stable and easy to control.
Are kids kayaks safe?
Yes, kids kayaks are safe! In fact, they're a great way for kids to get out and enjoy the water. Most kids kayaks are designed with safety in mind, and they're usually pretty stable.
That said, it's important to always use caution when kids are kayaking. Make sure they wear a life jacket and stay close to them so you can keep an eye on them. And never let them go out on the water without an adult present.
Do kids need to know how to swim in order to kayak?
That depends - are you planning on kayaking in the ocean or a lake? Because if you're kayaking in the ocean, kids definitely need to know how to swim. But if you're sticking to kayaking in a calm lake, then swimming skills aren't as necessary, provided they wear a life jacket!
Still, it's always a good idea for kids to know how to swim just in case something goes wrong while they're out on the water. And even if they're just kayaking in a calm lake, it's still important for kids to have some basic safety skills - like knowing how to wear a life jacket properly and what to do if they fall out of their kayak. So whether your kids are experienced swimmers or not, it's always a good idea to teach them the basics before hitting the water.
How old do kids need to be to kayak?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as kids kayaking can be a pretty personal experience. Some kids as young as 3 or 4 might be able to paddle around a calm lake with little trouble, while others might not be comfortable in a kayak until they reach middle school age. Ultimately, it depends on the child's strength, balance, and ability to follow directions. That being said, there are some great kayaks made specifically for kids that can make the experience easier and more enjoyable for younger paddlers.
Most child kayaks suggest ages 5 and above.
What should kids bring with them when kayaking?
Kayaking is a great summer activity for kids, but there are a few things they should bring with them to make the most of their experience. Sunscreen, hats, water and snacks are all essential, and kids will be excited to have their own junior kayak!
There are many great kayaks for kids available on the market, and it's important to find one that is the right size and fit for your child. With the right equipment, kids can have a great time kayaking with their friends or family this summer.
Where can kids kayak?
There's no need to worry – kids kayaking can be a blast whether you're on a lake, river or the ocean. Lakes and rivers give kids a great opportunity to practice paddling in calmer waters with family or friends, while the ocean is a thrilling way to explore the world of sea kayaking. Although, I would suggest not letting your kids try whitewater kayaking until they are very experienced! No matter where kids choose to paddle, they'll need the right equipment – luckily there are some fantastic kids kayaks on the market.
We've rounded up six of the best kids kayaks that are sure to make an impression on even the pickiest of young paddlers. From budget-friendly options that offer plenty of durability, to top-of-the-line models designed for more experienced kids to hone their paddling skills, these boats will kickstart your kids' kayaking adventures!
Final Thoughts About Kids Kayaks
So, there you have it! Seven of the best kids beginner kayaks on the market. We hope that this article has helped you in your search for the perfect vessel to take your little ones out onto the open water. Remember, safety is always paramount when kids are involved, so be sure to read all of the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations before hitting the waves. And most importantly, have fun!
Kayaking can be a wonderful family activity if done safely and responsibly. Who knows? You might just instil a lifelong love of paddling in your kids!
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