Best Kayaks for Kids 2023 – Best Kids Kayak Review

Last Updated on June 20, 2023 by Afsar

Finding the best kayaks for your kids can be challenging, time-consuming, and frustrating. If you are looking for a kayak for your kid, then this article will help you to do that. We have researched and found some of the best kayaks for kids. Kayaking at an early age can help a person to start to love the outdoors. Unlike professional kayakers, the little members of your family need extra protection depending on the age. Thus, it is very important to choose the proper kayak for them. Getting a kayak that will fit every kid is impossible. This is why you need to read and follow the instructions clearly to land the best kayak for your kids.

Top-rated kayak for kids: Kayakbase recommends the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak for kids. The kayak has been designed specifically for kids from age 5 to up. The weight capacity is 130lb, and it features a ton of features to make it one of the best top best kayaks for kids. What’s more, this kayak is very reasonably priced. Buy the pink

The Kids Kayak Review

Old Town Canoes and Kayak: Heron Junior Kids Kayak

Old Town Canoes and Kayaks are very famous for their superb quality. If you are a fan of them and looking for a kayak for your kids, their Heron Junior should be an excellent choice for you. Heron Junior kid kayak comes in two different vibrant colors for kids. Heron Junior kid kayak comes with a tag-along tow system to easily tow your child. It comes very handy when you are concerned about security and safety. Just tie it up and pull when you need to. Old Time Heron junior kayak is pretty lightweight at 26 pounds. The maximum weight capacity is 100 to 115 pounds. This is very crucial as it’s very easy to move. It is designed with a comfortable and contoured seat to fit smaller bodies.

• Lightweight: weighs only 26 pounds
• Very easy to carry
• Comfortable and comes with a contoured seat
• Tag along tow system to easily pull or hook up with another kayak
• Maximum weight capacity is 100 to 115 pounds
• Easy paddling and maneuvers
• Internal foam billet used. So the kayak can’t go down to the bottom when tripped
• Available in two vibrant color

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Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Sit-On-Top Kayak

Ocean Kayak’s Malibu 9.5 is a great sit-on-top kayak that can be used by both your little one and you. Ocean Kayak uses AirGo molded-in seat with a seat pad and adjustable AirComfort backrest in this kayak that provides excellent comfort to any paddler. This 9 ft 6 inches long kayak weighs 50 pounds and has a weight capacity of 325 pounds. You will find molded-on footwells that offer comfortable legroom. The splash-resistant QuickStash dry hatch has been placed between your legs allowing easy access to gears. The YakLock locking bar at the stern and brightly colored tank well with bungee add more storage for you. There are a few other cool features like three molded-in cup holders to hole beverages, paddle rests, and handle grips for easy transportation. It is a great step for your kid to transition from a small kayak to a big kayak.

• AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad plus adjustable AirComfort backrest
• Yaklock locking bat at the stern offers secure storage
• Stackable design
• Hull designed for stability in the surf
• Splash-resistant QuickStash dry hatch placed between your legs
• Bungees with vivid colors
• Molded-in cup holders
• Grip handles

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Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak [With Paddle]

Lifetime is youth is one of the best kayaks for kids. If your kids are above 5, you can completely rely on this kayak to paddle on the water. This kayak is specifically designed for kids aged 5 or above. Despite being lightweight, it can handle up to 130lb. Lifetime youth is a 6 feet kayak that weighs only 18LB.

Due to the low weight, it is very easy to move this kid’s kayak. It even comes with molded finger handles on each side to help you move. This is a sit-on-top kayak with a wide-open cockpit. So entering this kayak is very easy even if you fell down. Your kid can take advantage of an open area for stability.

Most kid needs great stability at the beginning of kayaking, and Lifetime Youth wave kayak provides that smoothly.

Even if your kid trips the kayak and tries to re-enter the kayak, s/he can do it easily. That’s the beauty of sit-on-top kayaks. In a nutshell, this is a great recreational kayak for kids. What’s more, it comes with a double-sided paddle.

KayakBase Recommends 

Notable Features

• Specifically designed for kids, 5 years and above would be benefitted from this kayak
• Very lightweight 18 lb, kids can easily carry this
• Wide-open cockpit with sloped at the end for easy re-entering
• Available in two vibrant color
• High-quality High-density Polyethylene used
• Highly durable
• Good stability

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Perception Hi Five | Sit on Top Kids Kayak

Perception’s Hi Five is a kayak aimed to serve young paddlers. This colorful kid kayak comes with one of the smartest designs that I have ever seen in a kayak. Hi Five kayak’s design has been inspired by the Award-Winning Hi-Life. Young paddlers can have all the fun of kayaking while having the option to use it as a stand-up paddle. Also, if your kid wants, he or she can paddle standing or sitting. Perception Kayaks used an elevated seat design that makes it very easy for the young paddlers to see around and paddle. 

On the front, there is a large front deck area that is great for kids to stand up and paddle. It also has a rear swim-up deck that makes climbing on the board super easy and is great for dogs and gear storage. You can even take advantage of the kid hitch and tether system to attach the kid’s kayak to yours. It ensures safety, and if your kid gets tired, you can just tow their kayak.

Perception Kid Kayak is 6′ long, 24″ wide, and has a height of 8″. Another cool thing about this kayak is its lightweight design. It weighs only 21 lbs but has a weight capacity of 120lbs. The vibrant color of the kayak and paddle make it easy to spot them on the water. It is also equipped with tons of other cool features like the included kid-sized paddle, molded-in paddle storage, rear handles, and more.

• The unique design ensures the fun of kayaking and stand-up paddling
• Available in three different vibrant colors
• Comes with a colorful paddle
• Elevated seat for easier paddling
• Kid hitch & tether system allows the parent to attach their kayak with the kids
• The large front deck area is great for kids to stand up and paddle
• Molded-in paddle rest
• Molded-in rear handles for lockable storage
• Molded footrests
• Solo mount accessory
• Great for lakes, ponds, and calm waters

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Coleman Quikpak K1

Sevylor Quikpak K1 is an inflatable kayak for kids or young paddlers. Setting up the Sevylor Quikpak K1 takes only mere five to six minutes. It comes with an easy-to-carry backpack system that will turn into the seat. As a result, carrying this inflatable kid kayak is super easy. 21-gauge PVC construction of the kayak is rugged enough for lake use.

The tarpaulin bottom is durable to prevent punctures. Just in case there is even a puncture, the multiple air chambers will allow the kayak to float. The airtight system ensures that there is no leak. Double lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation and deflation. The multi-position foot allows you to rest in a different position. The backrest will enable you to lean back and enjoy the scenario. The storage system with bungee can be used to keep some of your belongings. 

It may not be the best kid kayak you are looking for, but considering the price, it is worthy of a try.

Read: Coleman QuikPak K1 Full Review

Notable Features

• 21-gauge PVC construction
• Quickly inflates in 5 minutes
• Tarpaulin bottom to prevent puncture
• Airtight system prevents puncture
• Double lock valves two locking points provide easy inflation/deflation
• Three-chamber air design
• Low price

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Lifetime Aqua Hydros 8″ Kayak With Paddle

Lifetime is an industry leader when it comes to making kayaks for young paddlers. Lifetime Aqua hydros is an eight feet long kayak that comes with a paddle. It provides a front T-handle for easy transport. Lifetime uses a durable high-density polyethylene construction in this kayak. As you probably already know, Polyethylene is one of the most used materials for hardshell kayaks. It has been UV protected to prevent fade, crack, or split. 

There are two bungee storage options available in this kayak: one in the front and another in the back. The seating arrangement might not look comfortable, but it is good for a couple of hours. As you can see in the picture, the combination tunnel hull design ensures great stability and tracking. The kayak itself weighs 35 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 225 lbs. It comes with multiple footrest positions to cater to different size paddlers.

• Front T-handles for easy transport
• Paddle included
• Durable high-density polyethylene construction
• UV-protected and impact resistant
• Lightweight design: weighs only 35 pounds
• Shock cord straps
• Multiple footrest positions
• Weight capacity: 225lb
• The combination tunnel hull design ensures great stability with tracking

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Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Challenger K1 from Intex is a cheap inflatable kayak for kids and beginners. Despite the reasonable price tag, Challenger K1 comes with a lot of useful features. Its eye-catching design ensures that the kayak is highly visible on the water. It has a cockpit design that provides high comfort while offering the right amount of space. The inflatable I-beam floors add extra security. You will find a cargo net on the front where you can store a lot of extra gear. The seat of the kayak comes with a backrest. Considering the price of the kayak, this is a good seat. This package comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar, repair patch, and hi-output manual hand pump. It is 108 inches long, weighs 28 lbs, and has a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds.

• Low price
• Rugged vinyl construction
• Inflatable I-beam floors offer stability
• Cargo net to store gears
• Eye-catching graphics
• Includes 84-inch aluminum gear
• Comfortable seat

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Perception Prodigy XS Kayak

Perception Prodigy XS is a kayak specially made for beginners, kids, and small-sized paddlers. If you are thinking about starting kayaking with your kid, this could be the one. Perception not only included the necessary features, but went beyond it, and included some cool new features which can be very beneficial for the kids. Prodigy XS is a 10 feet long kayak 28 inches in width. The kayak itself weighs only 27 lbs, making it easier to carry. Despite its low weight, it has a maximum capacity of 150 lbs.

Perception Prodigy XS comes with a bending branches splash kids paddle. The paddle has an aluminum shaft with nylon blades and weighs only 32 oz. You will also find a zone EXP backband, zone seat pad, and Zone knee pads. The deck has been lowered for better visibility than most kayaks. The compact size hull makes it easier for the paddler to move freely. As you may buy this kid kayak for your children, you are better off with a free NRS Vista Youth PFD from this package. Additionally, the package also included the SEAL Deck Kayak spray skirt to protect you from the water splasher.

In this price range, this kid kayak is an excellent deal.

• Zone EXP backband
• Zone seat pad
• Zone knee pads
• Comes with NRS Vista Youth PFD
• Comes with Bending branches splash kid paddle
• Bungee paddle leash
• Kayak spray skirt
• Lowered deck for improved visibility
• 10 feet long 28 inches wide
• Available in several colors
• Weighs only 27 lbs, maximum capacity 150 lbs

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Lifetime Lotus

Lifetime Lotus is a sit-on-top kayak for kids and beginners. Lifetime uses a great hull design in this kayak which offers ultra stability with great tracking. This eight ft long kayak weighs 38 lbs and has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. There are multiple footrest positions provided in the kayak for different size paddlers. If you look at the picture of the kayak, you will notice that there is a hard adjustable backrest for the comfort of the users.

Open cockpit design ensures that the user can get into the kayak easily and comfortably. There are scupper holes in the kayak which can drain the cockpit area. In order to keep the paddle, the molded paddle cradle can come very handy. The tank well storage with the bungee cord lacing can be used to secure loose items. Lifetime used hughly durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction which won’t fade or crack. In a nutshell, this is a great kids kayak to have for the coming summer.

• High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) construction
• UV-protected – won’t fade, crack, or peel
• Tank well storage with bungee lacing
• Kayak paddle included
• Front and rear T-handles can be used for easy transport
• Multiple footrest positions
• Hull design provides excellent stability with great tracking

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Ocean Kayak Frenzy

Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a sit-on-top recreational kayak that can suit your kid’s water sports demands. This fabulous kayak comes in three different colors: Sunrise, Envy, and Yellow. This responsive yet stable kayak is capable of tackling the surf and flat water. Ocean Kayak introduced its renowned Tri-form hull which combines primary and secondary stability. In addition, the long center keel keeps the paddler going straight with ease.

It is 9 feet long and weighs only 43 lbs. The maximum capacity of the kayak is 275-325 lbs. If you look closely, you will notice the durable and four-way adjustable comfort plus seats that support all-day-long paddling for all body types. You can store different gears, food, or other items by using the tank wall with the removable bungees and deck bungee. Ocean kayak provided molded-on side handles, bow, and stern carrying handle for easy transportation.

• Excellent kayak for kids
• The open cockpit for easy entry
• Stable and responsive
• Can be used in flat water, surfing, moderate ocean swells
• Available in three different colors
• Ample storage option provided
• Molded-in side carry handles
• Durable and 4-way adjustable comfort plus seat allows all-day paddling
• 9 Feet long, weighs 43 pounds, has a maximum capacity of 275-325 pounds

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Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot Sit-on-top kayak

Sun Dolphin is a popular name in the kayaking world. Sun Dolphin Bali 6-foot is a sit-on-top kayak for kids. Since most kids love to use things with bright colors, this kids’ kayak comes in three different vivid colors. As the name suggests, this kayak has a length of 6-foot.

Sun Dolphin Bali 6-foot is very lightweight to carry easily. It comes with a carrying handle to make it move easily and quickly. This kayak features a sit-in-top design with an open cockpit. The open cockpit design allows the users to get in very quickly without any hassle. This is another plus point for kids, as they may find it hard to get in if they trip the kayak.

If you are planning to take your kid fishing, it can be very helpful. It has been designed to make kayak fishing trips. There are two flush-mounted rod holders with a swiveling holder. So you can keep the kayak fishing rods in the molded rod holders.

Notable Features:

• Lightweight
• Carrying handle for easy carrying
• Available in three different vivid color
• Great for beginners and kids
• Designed for fishing trips
• Two flush-mounted rod holders with one swiveling holder
• Padded seat back for comfort
• Storage compartment
• Large open cockpit for easy entry
• Hard to tip the kayak

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Emotion Sparky Youth Kayak: 6 Feet

This bright yellow color kayak is our new favorite kayak for kids. It has been designed for kids aged 5 and up. The kayak itself weighs only 22 lbs, and the maximum weight capacity is 140lbs. This kayak is blow-molded from high-density polyethylene. Thus, you can be assured that the kayak has superior strength and high durability. This six feet long sit on top kayak is made for your kids to have some fun on the water.

There is a front toggle handle with molded-in-side handles available for easy transportation. You will also find self-bailing scupper holes in the kayak. This kayak features a hull design that offers incredible stability with excellent tracking. The semi-flat shallow v hull design offers high maneuverability while keeping good stability.  What’s more, emotion sparky comes with a paddle.

Notable Features:

• Made of high-quality high density polyethylene
• Superior strength
• Molded carry handles for easy transportation
• Molded-in freedom foot-well provides comfort
• Tankwell storage to keep water sports toy like a water gun
• Paddle included
• Highly visible color

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Best Choice Products Sports 6′ Kids Kayak (paddle included)

If you are looking to buy a kayak for your kid with a limited budget, nothing can beat this 6-foot-long kids kayak from Best Choice Products. This is a sit-on-top kid kayak with an open cockpit for easier entry. High-Density Polyethylene has been used as the primary material to make this kayak. It weighs only 21 lbs and has a maximum capacity of 121 lbs. There are side handles to make carrying much easier for your kid.

This lightweight kayak has a hull design that improves stability and allows your kids to treat the water comfortably. A padded backrest is also provided which can be folded down for easy storing. The molded-in footwells also make it more secure for your kids. This UV-resistant kayak has a cup and bottle holder with ample storage in the rear. They can also use the front storage area with a bungee cord.

Overall, this is one of the best kids kayaks on the market, and the manufacturer recommends kids above five years.

• The open cockpit for easy entry
• Cup and bottle holder
• UV-resistant
• Two-fin paddle included
• Hull design provides great stability
• Low price
• Molded-in footwells
• Weighs only 21 lbs, maximum capacity 121 lbs
• Side carry handles for easy carrying
• Rear cargo storage compartment, front storage with bungee cord

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Emotion Spitfire Sit On Top Kayak – 8 Feet

Emotion Spitfire is one of my favorite beginner kayaks. The length of this kayak is only 8 feet. That’s why it is possible to have a balance of tracking and maneuvering. Emotion Spitfire is constructed of high-density polyethylene for incredible durability. Emotion Spitfire weighs has a maximum weight capacity of 240 lbs. This kayak is available in two different highly visible colors: green and red. This kayak comes with handles on the front, back, and rear sides for easy transport. The molded freedom footwells provide better comfort while seating.

The open cockpit comes very handy when re-entering the kayak. The ST Performance Hull offers high stability and tracking. In a nutshell, this is a good kayak for kids and beginners.

Notable Features

• Made of high-quality high density polyethylene
• High durability
• Carry handles on the front, rear, and sides
• Rear tank well cargo net lacing gives storage
• Molded-in freedom footwell provides comfort
• ST performance hull for superb stability with steady tracking

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How To Choose the Best kayak for kids?

The idea of your child gliding through water, surrounded by nature and the peaceful sounds of the wild, can be incredibly enticing for both you and your child. Kayaking can be an amazing hobby, a way to connect with nature, and a great form of exercise. However, finding the best kayak for your child is crucial to their enjoyment, comfort, and safety.

Understanding Kayaking

Before diving into the specifics of choosing the perfect kayak for your kid, it’s important to have a general understanding of what kayaking entails. Kayaking can range from calm and serene, like paddling around a quiet lake or pond, to high-intensity, such as traversing whitewater rapids or sea kayaking. Knowing where and how your child will use their kayak can help guide your purchasing decision.

Age and Size

When choosing a kayak for a child, their age and size are two primary factors to consider. The kayak should be manageable for their size and weight. It should be light enough for them to carry or drag to the water’s edge, yet robust enough to hold their weight without tipping over.

Younger kids, generally under 10, will likely need a smaller, lighter kayak. As they grow, they will need larger and more stable kayaks. A typical child’s kayak can range from 6 to 10 feet long.

Stability and Safety

Stability is a vital factor when choosing a kayak for a child. Wider kayaks tend to be more stable and are less likely to tip over. You also might want to consider a kayak with a relatively low center of gravity to further enhance stability.

Regarding safety, always ensure that the kayak has a suitable buoyancy aid. Some kayaks are designed with a high level of built-in buoyancy, and some others have additional float bags that can be added.

Always ensure your child wears a well-fitting life jacket while kayaking, regardless of how good a swimmer they are.

Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-In

You will encounter two main types of kayaks when shopping: sit-on-top and sit-in. Sit-on-top kayaks are usually more user-friendly, especially for beginners. They are stable and easy to get on and off, even in the water. Plus, they usually have scupper holes to allow water to drain off.

Sit-in kayaks have a cockpit where the child can sit inside the kayak. These are good for older kids or those with a bit more experience as they offer more control and are typically faster.

Material

Kayaks for kids are usually made from polyethylene, a type of plastic, due to its durability and lightweight properties. It’s tough enough to withstand bumps and knocks without cracking, which is ideal when kids are involved.

Additional Features

Consider the other features available in a kayak. Some kayaks come with paddle holders, foot braces for extra control, carry handles for easy transport, and even storage compartments for snacks or gear.

Remember, though, that while these features can enhance the kayaking experience, they also tend to add to the kayak’s weight and price. Therefore, make sure to prioritize what’s important based on your child’s needs.

Kayak Paddles

Don’t forget about the paddles! Children need lightweight paddles that they can handle easily. The size of the paddle should be suitable for their height and the width of the kayak.

Conclusion

Choosing the right kayak for your child may seem daunting, but when you take the time to consider your child’s age and size, where they will be kayaking, and the safety measures in place, you’ll be on the right path. Take your child along when purchasing the kayak, allowing them to test