Updated August 31, 2023
Kids these days tend to spend a lot of time indoors looking at screens, playing video games, or texting friends rather than being outside in the great outdoors enjoying nature’s bounty and getting a little exercise.
I guess that if they have any affinity for the water at all, it wouldn’t take much to get them interested in kayaking. There are plenty of models out there suitable for kids from age 5 or that can be ridden in tandem with an adult to get them started.
With that in mind, a number of models are introduced below suitable for a range of ages along with appropriate tandem models. To give you a comparative reference for key features and pricing there is a table followed by reviews with specifications, photos, and videos, and finally a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other related information on kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags Electric Pumps for Inflatables
Best Kayaks for Kids
- Lifetime Youth 6′ Wave
- Pelican Solo Sit-On-Top 6′ Youth Kayak
- Sevylor Quikpak K1 8’7″ Kayak
- Rave Sports Sea Rebel 8’6″ Kayak
- Intex Challenger K1 9′ Kayak
- Perception Prodigy XS 10′ Kids & Petite Paddler Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Aruba 10′ Kayak
- Intex Explorer K2 10′ Tandem Kayak
- Lifetime Manta 10′ Tandem Kayak
Best Kayaks for Kids Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Weight | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Lifetime Youth 6' Wave | Solid | 18 lbs | 130 lbs | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Pelican Solo Sit-On-Top 6' Youth Kayak | Solid | 23 lbs | 100 lbs | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Sevylor Quikpak K1 8'7" Kayak | Inflatable | 18 lbs | 400 lbs | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Rave Sports Sea Rebel 8'6" Kayak | Inflatable | 22 lbs | 200 lbs | 4.1 | $$ |
  | Intex Challenger K1 9' Kayak | Inflatable | 27 lbs | 220 lbs | 4.2 | $ |
  | Perception Prodigy XS 10' Kids & Petite Paddler Kayak | Solid | 26 lbs | 150 lbs | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Sun Dolphin Aruba 10' Kayak | Solid | 40 lbs | 249 pounds | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Intex Explorer K2 10' Tandem Kayak | Inflatable | 31 lbs | 400 lbs | 4.2 | $$ |
  | Lifetime Manta 10' Tandem Kayak | Solid | 60 lbs | 500 lbs | 4.6 | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Weight | Capacity | Rating | Price |
The Lifetime Youth Wave 6’ Kayak is a great model set-up especially for young paddlers starting at age 5 and weighing up to 130 pounds.
Constructed from durable polyethylene it has a wide, flat stable bottom with a front grab handle and side molded finger handles that make it easy for a kid to carry its 18 pounds and launch on his own.
With a swim-up step, climbing back on board after a swim is easy and self-draining scupper holes let any excess water automatically exit the cockpit.
It comes in bright orange and green for visibility in low light or at a distance, with a child-size paddle, a very affordable price, and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Type: solid
- 1 Paddler: aged 5 and up
- Length: 6 feet
- Width: 24 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 130 pounds
- High-density polyethylene construction
- Flat bottom, reverse chine, and twin fins for stability
- Child-sized paddle included
- Molded paddle cradle
- Several footrest positions for different-sized paddlers
- Front grab handle and molded finger handles on each side
- Self-draining scupper holes for the cockpit
- Swim-up step for easy re-entry from the water
- Currently available in orange and green
- 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Pelican Solo Sit-On-Top 6′ Youth Kayak
The Pelican Solo Youth Kayak is another 6-footer very similar to the Lifetime Youth Wave above with a few variations.
It provides a stable platform with a twin-tunnel hull great for paddlers starting at age 5 with a weight of no more than 100 pounds.
Made of proprietary RAM-XS materials it is self-bailing and has a swim-up rear deck with a molded grab handle and two side molded handles.
It also has a molded bottle holder, backrest, 3-piece aluminum paddle, and safety flag for easy visibility from a distance.
With these accessories, it is still low-priced and comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Type: solid
- 1 Paddler: aged 5 and up
- Length: 6 feet
- Width: 24 inches
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
- RAM-XS impact-resistant materials
- Stable twin-tunnel hull design
- Includes child-sized 60-inch, 3-piece, aluminum paddle, backrest, and safety flag
- Molded bottle holder
- Safety plug
- Self-bailing design with a scupper hole
- Several footrest positions for different-sized paddlers
- Front grab handle and two molded side handles
- Swim-up rear deck with molded handles for easy re-entry from the water
- Available in red with backrest, paddle, and flag
- Available in yellow and blue with fewer complete accessories (and a lower price)
- 2-year warranty
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 inflatable is lightweight at 18 pounds and conveniently unpacks and sets up in 5 minutes or less.
It is suitable for beginners starting in their early teens and has a comfortable backrest and multiple footrest positions to suit a range of body sizes.
With a capacity of 400 pounds, it will handle larger teens and a substantial amount of baggage which can be stored in the front bungee webbing and behind the seat.
Constructed of durable 21 gauge PVC with a tarpaulin bottom, it is durable, but should there be a leak or puncture, multiple air chambers are allowing for the time to return to shore.
Back onshore, the high-pressure pump, breakdown paddle, and kayak all pack away in an easily portable backpack.
- Type: inflatable
- 1 paddler: early teens on up
- Length: 8 feet, 7 inches
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Durable 21 gauge PVC bladder with a tarpaulin bottom
- Multiple air chambers for safety
- Double lock valves
- Seat with backrest
- Front and rear grab handles
- Multiple footrest positions
- Bungee storage, cup holders
- Includes a break-down paddle, high-pressure pump, and easy-carry backpack that turns into a seat
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Rave Sports Sea Rebel 8’6″ Kayak
The Rave Sports Sea Rebel has a simple, stable, durable design suitable for youths, teens, and adults under 200 pounds primarily for flatwater paddling.
Lightweight at 22 pounds it’s easy to carry in its handbag and inflates in minutes with the high-pressure hand pump that comes in the package.
It is constructed from durable materials with a single 24 gauge PVC bladder, nylon cover, and tarpaulin bottom.
There are 3 fins for tracking, a padded removable seatback with a waterproof zip bag for your cell phone and other essentials, and substantial bungee webbing in the back for additional storage.
Available in yellow a break-down paddle is included along with a limited 1-year warranty.
- Type: inflatable
- 1 paddler: youth, teen, or adult
- Length: 8 feet, 7 inches
- Width: 35 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Durable 24 gauge PVC bladder, 420D nylon cover, 500D tarpaulin bottom
- Open deck
- 3 bottom fins for tracking
- High-quality one-way valve
- Padded sling seat with removable seatback, a waterproof zip bag for essentials, and a bottle holder
- Back bungee webbing for storage
- 4 foam-filled nylon grab handles
- Includes a break-down paddle, high-pressure pump, and carry bag with handles
- 1-year limited warranty
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.1
- Price: $$
The Intex Challenger KI is a great choice for young paddlers and beginners for a day on calm water with excellent durability and a super-low price.
It’s Coast Guard-approved with 2 puncture-resistant vinyl bladders and double-welded seams.
Inflating in minutes, it has a comfortable, adjustable, inflatable seat and I-beam floor, a mesh net for ample storage, and a 220-pound capacity to handle big kids and adults.
A removable skeg aids in tracking and the package includes an aluminum paddle, high-output pump, and repair patch kit in the unlikely chance you should need it.
- Type: inflatable
- 1 paddler: youth, teen, or adult
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 27.2 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
- UV and puncture-resistant vinyl with double-welded seams
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Inflatable adjustable seat with a backrest
- Grab line on each end
- Front mesh net for storage
- Boston valve for easy inflation
- Package includes an 84-inch aluminum paddle, high-output pump, and repair patch kit
- Removable skeg for tracking
- Budget pricing
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
Perception Prodigy XS 10′ Kids & Petite Paddler Kayak
The Perception Prodigy XS 10’ Kayak is suitable for kids and small adults of less than 150 pounds.
This sit-in solid-body model is buoyant with flotation front and rear and has sturdy high-density rotomolded polyethylene construction.
It’s comfortable for different-sized paddlers with padded adjustable seating, footrests, and cockpit ring, and has a bit of bungee webbing in the front for storage.
Stability is a key feature for beginners and young paddlers and this model has plenty of it for them on flat, calm waters where they can develop skills.
Pricing is a little higher than most models reviewed here and you will need to purchase your paddle separately.
- Type: solid
- 1 Paddler: kids and adults under 150 pounds
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 23 inches
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- High-density UV-resistant rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Integrated flotation front and rear
- Adjustable footrests for different-sized paddlers
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- Leg padding on the cockpit ring for comfort
- Padded adjustable seat
- Front and rear carry handles
- Matches with the Perception Universal Paddle are sold separately
- Available in sunset, salsa, and déjà vu color schemes
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10’ Kayak has a roomy comfortable cockpit suitable for beginners, both kids, and adults, to 249 pounds in lakes and mild streams.
The adjustable foot braces and high-back seating accommodate a range of sizes and the spray deflector helps keep you dry.
There is significant storage possible inside the rear storage hatch and with deck rigging, and the Aruba also sports paddle and bottle holders to keep everything stowed when necessary. Sun Dolphin uses sturdy UV-resistant high-density polyethylene that will last kids into adulthood.
- Type: solid
- 1 Paddler: kids and adults
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 249 pounds
- High-density UV-resistant polyethylene construction
- Adjustable seat with high back support
- Adjustable foot braces
- Carry handles
- Spray-deflector collar
- Paddle holder
- Bottle holder
- Rear storage hatch
- Shock cord deck rigging
- Paddle not included
- Currently comes in a choice of blue, or tangerine
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Intex Explorer K2 10′ Tandem Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 is great for one or two paddlers and makes a great choice for an adult to accompany a child for up close and personal supervision.
Lightweight and easy to carry and store, it pumps up in minutes with the provided high-pressure pump using quality Boston valves.
The durable vinyl construction has 3 air chambers for safety and comfortable seating with adjustable seats and backrests, though legroom is a little limited for two paddlers.
It has a stable, low-profile, wide-body and removable skeg for tracking that performs well in lakes and gentle streams.
Accessories include two aluminum paddles, a repair patch kit, and a carry bag.
The bright yellow color is easy to see in low light and the pricing is at a budget level.
- Type: inflatable
- 2 Paddlers: kids and adults
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Rugged vinyl construction
- 3 air chambers for safety if there is a leak or puncture
- Inflatable I-beam floor
- Quick inflation/deflation using Boston valves on each side
- Removable skeg for tracking
- 2 adjustable inflatable seats with backrests
- Grab-line and handles at each end
- 6 mesh pockets for storage
- Includes two aluminum oars, high-output pump, repair patch kit, and carry bag
- Bright yellow color for visibility
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$
Lifetime Manta 10′ Tandem Kayak
The Lifetime 10’ Tandem is a durable, stable sit-on-top style kayak that has the design and a high enough capacity to support one, two, or even a third paddler.
The seating is high and dry with two padded backrests and multiple footrest positions that work well for an experienced paddler accompanying a less experienced child.
The tunnel hull design tracks well and the wide body is extra stable.
The cockpit stays dry with self-bailing drainage holes and there is a bit of storage with a cargo area in the front, ditty trays, and shock cord straps.
Two paddles are included in the package and it comes in bright green for visibility.
- Type: solid
- 2-3 Paddlers: kids and adults
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- UV-protected high-density polyethylene rotomolded construction
- Tunnel hull design
- 2 padded backrests for 3 adjustable seating positions
- Multiple footrest positions
- Molded rear and front carry handles
- Ditty trays, shock cord straps, and a cargo area in the front for storage
- Self-bailing cockpit drainage holes
- 2 paddles included
- Currently available in green
- 5-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
Kayaks for Kids Buying Guide
Length
Kayaks for kids tend to be short, from 6-10 feet. They are lighter and easier to handle, more balanced, and maneuverable than longer models, and easier to carry and move around. Kids, like beginners, will spend most of their time on flat water or slow, gentle rivers and won’t need a lot of specialized features or capabilities that come with longer models.
Weight Capacity
Kayaks are rated for the maximum load weight they can handle. You need to make sure the kayak selected can handle the weight of the child and any baggage that might also be loaded. When the child outgrows the capacity you’ll need to look for a new kayak. If you are going the route of using a tandem kayak for an adult and child together, the same rule applies.
Width
Children and beginners will be more secure and safe on wider models due to the stability provided. Wide kayaks aren’t as efficient as narrower models but will be less prone to turning over.
Stability
Aside from the width, several features increase stability.
- Hull Shape – Flat or pontoon-shaped hulls are more stable than V-shaped or rounded hulls
- Reverse Chines – The chines are where the bottom of a kayak meets the side area. There are several different configurations of chines that a boat or kayak might have but when they essentially turn out sort of like fins they are known as reverse chines. This type aids greatly in stability and tracking.
- Fin or Skeg – This is the piece that juts down from the rear of the hull and aids in tracking and traveling in a straight line, especially in wind or current.
Style
There are kayaks like the classically styled models you sit inside and others you sit on top of. Each has its strong points and performance capabilities. Kayaks are also available with solid bodies and in inflatable versions. Inflatables are easier to store and transport generally. There are models of each possibility reviewed above for your consideration.
For other related information on kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags Electric Pumps for Inflatables
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