{"id":37835,"date":"2023-12-31T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-31T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/?p=37835"},"modified":"2024-01-15T12:26:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T12:26:54","slug":"best-kayak-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventureinyou.com\/gear\/best-kayak-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Kayak for Kids: 10 Top Picks for 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Picking out the best kayak for kids isn\u2019t as hard as you might think, and we\u2019re here to make the process even easier by reviewing 10 of the top kiddie kayaks available on the market today.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these kayaks have one thing in common: they place the safety and well-being of your child first. Your kid may or may not stick with kayaking later on in life, but if you get one of these boats, you\u2019ll definitely be giving them a head start!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to read until the very end as there are a number of key things to consider before making your final decision.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Answer: Best Kayaks For Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Name<\/th>Weight<\/th>Length<\/th>Width<\/th>Max Capacity<\/th>Price<\/th>Reviews<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Sun Dolphin Journey Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/td>44 lbs<\/td>10'<\/td>30\"<\/td>250 lbs<\/td>$$$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle<\/a><\/td>36.5 lbs<\/td>8'<\/td>29\"<\/td>250 lbs<\/td>$$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sevylor Quikpak K1<\/a><\/td>18 lbs<\/td>8' 7\"<\/td>36\"<\/td>400 lbs<\/td>$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perception Hi Five<\/a><\/td>21 lbs<\/td>6'<\/td>24\"<\/td>120 lbs<\/td>$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/td>38 lbs<\/td>8' 5\"<\/td>29.5\"<\/td>225 lbs<\/td>$$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pelican Solo<\/a><\/td>19 lbs<\/td>6'<\/td>24\"<\/td>100 lbs<\/td>$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/td>27.2 lbs<\/td>9'<\/td>30\"<\/td>220 lbs<\/td>$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sevylor Quikpak K5<\/a><\/td>23 lbs<\/td>10'<\/td>32\"<\/td>250 lbs<\/td>$$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Explorer K2 Kayak<\/a><\/td>30.60 lbs<\/td>6' 1\"<\/td>24.6\"<\/td>350 lbs<\/td>$$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak<\/a><\/td>18 lbs<\/td>6'<\/td>24\"<\/td>130 lbs<\/td>$<\/td>View on Amazon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

10 Best Kayaks for Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To get your children started on the right foot, take a good look at the 10 best kayaks for kids you can hope to get in 2024:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Sun Dolphin Journey Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>44 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 10′ | Width:<\/strong> 30″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>250 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Open cockpit | Self-bailing | Adjustable foot braces | Portable Accessory Carrier | Fishing gear compatible<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best kayaks for kids offer the perfect blend of comfort and ease of maneuverability, and that\u2019s definitely the case for the Sun Dolphin Journey<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A child looking to learn the basics of kayaking would really get a kick out of this swanky specimen. What makes the Sun Dolphin so easy to recommend for kids is that it offers superb tracking, allowing for a lengthy paddling session that doesn\u2019t compromise on your child\u2019s safety.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything from a spacious cockpit to a comfortable chair and footrests is included here, and if you\u2019re interested in a two-for-one special, this is also the perfect kayak for your child to practice fishing, courtesy of the storage compartment and rod holders. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that said, the main thing on any parent\u2019s mind when it comes to kayaking with their kid is safety, and you can rest assured the polyethylene construction won\u2019t take on damage in relatively stable waters. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>36.5 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 8′ | Width:<\/strong> 29″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>250 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>UV-Protected polyethylene | Molded paddle cradle | Ultra stable hull | Multiple footrest positions & adjustable seat | Self-bailing scupper holes | Tankwell storage w\/ bungee cords<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last thing you want to do when teaching your child how to operate a kayak is to leave them feeling claustrophobic in an enclosed cockpit, which is where this junior kayak<\/a><\/strong> comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much like the previous entry, what guarantees this boat\u2019s longevity is the sturdy polyethylene construction. One thing we have to mention is that the kayak weighs in at around 40 pounds, so you\u2019ll probably need to help with getting it into the water. With that said, this is made all the easier by the center handle which makes it so you don\u2019t have to drag the kayak by the bow to transport it on dry land.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the abundance of legroom can\u2019t go unmentioned here. With the storage area in the back of the boat and a fully adjustable seat, your child will be free to focus on his paddling while resting his or her legs in a number of possible positions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

3. Sevylor Quikpak K1<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>18 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 8′ 7″ | Width:<\/strong> 36″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>400 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>5-minute set up | Backpack system that turns into seat | 21-gauge PVC w\/ tarpaulin bottom | Multiple air chambers | Double lock valves | Multi-position footrests<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that the Sevylor Quikpak<\/strong><\/a> is so easy to set up makes it one of the best beginner kayaks for kids by default.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting this thing to leak is next to impossible even if you tried, and the tarpaulin bottom provides some of the best protection from rocks and other annoyances you can get at this price range. The body of the kayak is no slouch either, as the PVC coating makes it suited for lakes and rivers alike. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To soothe the troubled minds of skeptical parents, the boat features multiple air chambers, so it\u2019s guaranteed to stay afloat even if you do get a puncture for whatever reason.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for portability, there\u2019s light, and then there\u2019s this kayak. The boat itself folds into an 18-pound backpack (about as heavy as the average schoolbag), meaning your child should have no problem carrying it to wherever he or she will be paddling. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

4. Perception Hi Five<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>21 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 6′ | Width:<\/strong> 24″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>120 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Paddle standing or sitting | 2 piece paddle included | Elevated seat | Large front deck & rear swim-up deck | Kid hitch & tether system<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good way of selling the idea of boating to your child is to buy one that looks interesting. On top of just aesthetics, however, the Perception Hi Five<\/strong><\/a> is one of the very best kayaks for kids available today.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of functioning as a kayak, this beauty can also act as a stand-up paddleboard, so your kids can graduate from sitting to standing on it when they get more comfortable. Another huge selling point here is the size – coming in at just over 6.5 feet, the kayak is very easy to maneuver in rivers without being unstable in the slightest.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to keep extremely close tabs on your children as they paddle, you can take full advantage of the tether system and attach the kayak to your own boat. If the kid wants to take a break, the large front deck will give them plenty of space to move around, and the rear deck is perfect for a dog or any other smaller animal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

5. Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>38 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 8′ 5″  | Width:<\/strong> 29.5″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>225 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Combination tunnel hull design | Multiple footrest positions | Molded-in swim-up deck w\/ bungee lacing | Adjustable seat back | T-handles for transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child already knows the fundamentals of kayaking, you may be tempted to go for a more conventional, \u201cadult\u201d boat. The Lifetime Hydros Angler<\/strong><\/a> can also function as a junior kayak and give your little ones a taste of what it\u2019s like to paddle in the big leagues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s a bit plain-looking at first glance, this boat features everything you could possibly want out of an intermediate-level kayak. The swim-up deck and bungee lacing storage are always a big plus, and with a length of just over 8.5 feet, your child can get a feel for what paddling a proper kayak is like while still being able to use it in a narrow body of water.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The polyethylene build makes this thing practically impervious to punctures and extremely resistant to UV sunlight. The name of the game when teaching your child something like kayaking is safety, and we can guarantee there\u2019s plenty of that to go around with the Hydros Angler.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

6. Pelican Solo<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>19 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 6′ | Width:<\/strong> 24″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>100 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Open cockpit | Twin tunnel for stability | Self-bailing | Swim-up rear deck w\/ handle | Molded footrests | Paddle park | Bottle holder | Safety flag<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment you set eyes on this thing, you can tell it\u2019s a youth kayak through and through. What might not be apparent at first glance, however, is that this is one of the best kayaks for kids you could ever get.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an opening disclaimer, the kayak can only support up to 100 pounds of weight – it\u2019s a kiddie boat if we\u2019ve ever seen one. With that said, the cockpit is a lot more comfortable than you might expect from looking at it, and the swim-up deck gives you something to grab onto in case you need to push the kayak yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The steering on this polyethylene kayak is superb, and with a weight of around 19 pounds, moving it around should be no trouble at all. On top of all that, the Pelican Solo<\/strong><\/a> comes in a variety of eye-popping colors so you never lose track of your child, and there\u2019s even a \u201csafety flag\u201d thrown in for good measure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

7. Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>27.2 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 9′ | Width:<\/strong> 30″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>220 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Removable adjustable seat | Closed deck | Cargo net storage | Grab line | Removable skeg | Carry bag, pump & paddle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though this is one of the more \u201cgrown-up\u201d kayaks on our list, its amazing mix of features makes it one of the best kayaks for kids as well. It\u2019s hard to say if this was intentional, but coming from Intex, it wouldn\u2019t surprise us in the slightest!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it has a variety of sister models, we\u2019d recommend the K1<\/strong><\/a> for children since it\u2019s by far the lightest one. What sets this thing apart from some of the other options on our list is that it\u2019s an inflatable, so it trades off some sturdiness in favor of extra buoyancy. This is a fairly understandable tradeoff given the extremely generous price, but in a way, it works to the kayak\u2019s advantage as it gives it some extra bounce in case of a collision. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as comfort goes, the inflatable seat and footrest are among the most comfortable out of all our picks. What\u2019s more, the I-beam floor was designed with beginners in mind, since you\u2019d really have to try hard to flip this thing over.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

8. Sevylor Quikpak K5<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>23 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 10′ | Width:<\/strong> 32″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>250 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>5-minute setup | Backpack system that converts to seat | 24-gauge PVC w\/ tarpaulin bottom | Multiple air chambers | Double lock valves | Spray covers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sevylor<\/strong><\/a> has put out some of the best kayaks for kids of the past few years, so we couldn\u2019t help but add another one of their boats to our list. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For all intents and purposes, you can think of this kayak as the more advanced sibling of the Quikpak K1. The K5 is slightly longer at about 10 feet, giving it a bit of extra stability in the water and a fair bit more storage space to work with. While an adult should be able to manage a kayak of this length in any body of water, we\u2019d recommend this particular model for children with a bit more experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the other specifications closely resemble those of the K1. The PVC build makes this kayak plenty sturdy (slightly sturdier than its tinier counterpart, in fact), and it can be deflated into a bag, making the transportation process extremely easy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

9. Explorer K2 Kayak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>30.60 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 10″ | Width:<\/strong> 36″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>350 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this traditionally isn’t a kayak for kids or youth, since it has an adjustable seat, it is a kayak that both adults and kids can use. The beauty of inflatable kayaks is that it is highly portable, allowing you to easily transport it around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is on the heavier side, the fact that it can be used by multiple members of the family is why we decided to include the Explorer K2 Kayak. It is made of a heavy duty puncture resistant vinyl with 3 separate air chambers, making it easier to inflate and deflate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for a kayak that can be used by all, this is your best bet!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

10. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Weight: <\/strong>18 lbs | Length:<\/strong> 6′ | Width:<\/strong> 24″ | Max Capacity: <\/strong>130 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features: <\/strong>Molded paddle cradle | Twin fin design | UV-protected | Multiple footrest positions | Swim-up deck design | Self-bailing scupper holes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth kayaks don\u2019t get much better than this, so we just had to include another Lifetime entry in our list of best kayaks for kids.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The boat<\/strong><\/a> is only around 6 feet long, which is exactly what your child needs for reasons you\u2019ll read further down. The swim-up step is a very nifty feature for any kids\u2019 boat, and the adjustable footrests give you a bit of leeway if your child is on the taller side. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If our incessant praising of polyethylene boats hasn\u2019t made this abundantly clear by now, HDPE boats are among the most impact-resistant you could ever find. The kayak itself weighs around 20 pounds and can support up to 120, and the handles on the side make it extremely portable, even by children\u2019s kayak standards. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n<\/path><\/svg><\/span>View on Amazon<\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Read More: Best Budget Kayaks: 10 Affordable Options in 2024<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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How to Choose the Best Kayak for Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Picking out the best kayak for kids is a bit more straightforward than buying one for yourself. Here are some of the main things to pay attention to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although a parent should spare no expense when it comes to the safety of their child, if you\u2019re getting charged more for a youth boat than for the average adult kayak, you\u2019re likely getting ripped off. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you decide not to get any of the kayaks on our list, their prices should serve as a good reference point for what you should be paying. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We wouldn\u2019t want to generalize by giving exact numbers, but ask yourself if you can see your child pursuing kayaking in the future. <\/span>If you\u2019re buying a boat on a whim or just aren\u2019t sure if they\u2019ll get into it, there\u2019s no need to overspend on a kayak they\u2019ll outgrow in a matter of months or years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight & Capacity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In general, you\u2019ll want to get your kid the lightest boat you can find. Chances are they won\u2019t be out paddling all by themselves, but you don\u2019t want to pin them with a 50-pound boat they wouldn\u2019t be able to transport by themselves if it ever came to that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the weight capacity of the kayak itself, you\u2019ll find that most boats intended for children can hold up to 150 pounds at most. Assuming your child won\u2019t also be fishing while out on the water, this is a perfectly reasonable number to aim for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Length<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the exact length should also depend on the body of water your children will be paddling in, you\u2019d be wise to get a shorter kayak, preferably one under 10 feet. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slipping and other mistakes are par for the course when learning how to kayak, but the lower the chances of collision, the better. Smaller kayaks are also much easier to turn, as there\u2019s a lot less \u201cdead weight\u201d around the bow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although this isn\u2019t exactly mandatory, it would be nice if your junior kayak of choice could somehow be linked to your own boat. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides this adding an important safety net, you can also think of it as a useful tool during the learning process – when you teach your children how to swim or ride a bike, you hold them and let them go through the motions before letting them go. Being able to tie the kayak to a boat you\u2019ll be controlling and letting them practice their paddling might be a great way to get them started.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The safest bet when it comes to picking out a material for a kids\u2019 boat would have to be polyethylene – these types of boats are both light and sturdy, not to mention affordable and quite resistant to the elements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know for a fact your lake or river of choice is without obstacles, you can also go for an inflatable. These tend to be a little bit more comfortable, and provided that the build is solid enough (see the Intex Challenger K1<\/strong><\/a>), even if your child does hit something, chances are the boat will bounce right off. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking Your Kid Kayaking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You know your kids best and as such, you\u2019re the only one who knows whether they\u2019re ready for kayaking or not. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when deciding whether your child is ready for kayaking:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Experience in the Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your child isn\u2019t much of a swimmer, you might not want to jump the gun and go straight to kayaking. Make sure your children can keep themselves afloat in water before tasking them with keeping a kayak afloat!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to consider is how good of a kayaker you are yourself. You\u2019ll need to give your child very specific instructions to help them learn the skill, so if you don\u2019t know the first thing about kayaking, either hold off on teaching your children or ask a more experienced kayaker to help them out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supervision<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter how safe you think a certain body of water is, there\u2019s always some room for error when it comes to kayaking, especially for children. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to keep your kids within eyesight at all times during early kayaking stints, and only start toning it down when you\u2019re absolutely sure they\u2019re ready. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety Gear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Again, this is a fairly obvious one, but you may want to get a life jacket or other floatation device for your kids before taking them out on the water. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if the kayaking part goes as planned, chances are your child will want to take a dip at some point, and your day will go from a paddling session to an afternoon of splashing around in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s everything you need to know about the best kayaks for kids! Whatever you do, remember that safety should be the number one priority in kayaking (even for adults), so if you\u2019re going to introduce your children to the wonderful world of kayaks, be sure to do it right!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking for more kayak advice? Check out these guides:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n