Top 10 Best Kayak For Kids In 2022 [Reviews And Buying Guide]

Kayaking has becoming the dominant favorite watersports among varieties of people, including children. Your youngster has just developed a newfound love for paddling, and you need to buy a kayak? There are a plethora of options on the market, but the best kayak for kids is one which is secure and stable.

This guide gets you started by recommending 10 of the best available on the market. We are focused on helping you decide on features that are the most important when buying a kayak for your child. Then we will answer some questions which often bothers first-time buyers.

However, for those who wants to jump straight to our final verdict, here are our top picks.

Why Do You Need a Kid's Kayak?

The mere fact that you’re reading this indicates that you are considering to introduce your child to the popular water-sport – kayaking. For this to be successful, you need one of the best kids kayaks.

Kayaking offers several benefits to children. It enables them to learn how to solve problems creatively, even under pressure. The water-sport also builds a spirit of persistence in the child and teaches him/her about rewards and risks. 

If you are a parent who enjoys paddling, you can create good memories with your kids when kayaking with them.

Top 10 Kids Kayak [Table of Comparison]

We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance. 

10 Best Kayak for Kids Reviewed

1. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak

If you are in search of a recreational kayak for kids, specifically around the age of five and above, weighing up to 130 lbs., then the Lifetime Youth 6 ft. Wave Kayak with paddle is a good buy.

The safety of your child on the kayak is of top priority. That’s why this kayak features a steady paddling platform with scupper holes (self-draining) to ensure that your child doesn’t topple over from the kayak and the kayak doesn’t fill up with water while your child is on it.

2. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior

Specially made for kids, the Old Town Heron Junior iconic recreational kayak is one of the best ultralight kayak options for your kid. If your kid has the energy and enjoys paddling and splashing around water with the rest of the family, the Heron Junior Kayak is the perfect kayak at 7.5 ft. long and weighing just 26 lbs.

3. Intex Challenger K1

4. Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-on-Top Recreational Kayak

The Ocean Frenzy Kayak is a compact, versatile and high-class recreational kayak for children, for river kayaking or ocean adventurers. This one-person kayak is stable and responsive, behaving correctly on the surf and flat water. If you prefer a compact recreational kayak that offers a whole lot of fun, you should check out this kayak.

Besides, this Frenzy kayak includes comfortable padded seats for extra support and cushioning. You can easily transport the kayak as it provides carriage handles for the bow and stern and molded integrated side handles.

5. Best Choice Products Kids Kayak (6ft)

If you have been longing for a kayak that will fast become the love of your child, then this kayak with Backrest and Paddle is an ideal option. Fully designed for kids, this kayak is easy to handle, and it serves as a good training tool for your kid.

Nothing is worse in kayaking than getting butt sore after only a few minutes, especially on long trips. This feeling is multiplied in kids, and that’s why the comfy padded seats of this is a great add-on. Apart from its amazing seats, this kayak includes a “swim-up step” feature that allows a kid to climb in from the water quickly.

6. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-In Kayak - Best Youth Sit In Kayak

Kids who are little older, between the ages of 8 and 12, and who weigh more will enjoy a kayak like this Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8. Kids can feel secure on the water while on an 8 ft. kids kayak supporting 260 lbs. With a traditional-covered sit-inside deck, this Aruba kayak is an excellent option for youngsters who do not enjoy getting wet. You can also include a spray skirt for enhanced protection from the elements. This lightweight and versatile kayak paddles easily and offers thorough stability.

7. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 6-Foot Sit-on-Top Kayak 

Are you looking for a comfortable kayak which you can transport anywhere effortlessly? Then, this Sun Dolphin Kayak might be the best answer to your search.

This Bali kayak is rugged and simple, featuring a stable width. This kayak is also a perfect option for beginner kids as it trains them on kayaking, particularly balance. Do you want your kid to comfortably participate in the family’s day out on the water? Get this Bali kayak. It is lightweight, versatile and it tracks and paddles well in water. Moreover, energy-filled kids enjoy the open cockpit on this kayak, which allows them to get in and out with ease.

8. Ocean Kayak Banzai Kids’ Kayak  

The Ocean Kayak brand is well-recognized for their outstanding kayaks, particularly their kayaks for kids. The Ocean Kayak Banzai does not fall below this exceptional standard. The Banzai Kayak is somewhere in between a traditional kayak and a sit on top.

This lightweight kayak is smoothly and attractively lined in a way that makes it easy for kids to enjoy paddling and maneuvering through the water.

9. Emotion Spitfire Sit-on-Top Kayak (8ft)

Are you on the hunt for a high-quality and performance kayak for your kid(s)? Then, the Emotion 90245 Spitfire Sit-On-Top 8 Ft. Kayak is a great choice.

This unit is made of a high-density Polyethylene, which enhances its durability and strength. You can be sure that this boat won't puncture easily. It is specifically designed to meet the stability, performance, and affordability requirement of paddlers. 

10. Emotion Sparky Youth Kayak 

When you’re a parent of five-year-old, space is the number one factor you’ll be on the lookout for. The Emotion Sparky Youth Kayak is a unique 6 ft. kayak with an integrated cup holder and rear storage. This is enough space for anything a young paddler wants to bring along with him.

Kids Kayak Buying Guides

Who makes the best kayak for kids? This is a critical, must-ask question before you purchase a kayak for your kid. Even if you are familiar with adult kayaks, those for children are different. They come in various lengths and weights. Also, there are some integrated features you need to be on the watch-out when looking for the best kayaks for kids on the market.

However, before browsing through these kayaks, there are some essential questions you need to answer, which will guide your search.

Your Child's Age

The answer to this question is a fundamental checklist before buying kayak for your child. The age of the child will determine if they’ll be able to paddle on their own or you’ll need to tandem with them.

For children of below ten years, you can get a kayak that allows you to ride tandem with them. At this age, children exhaust their energy quickly. So, it is recommended that you purchase a children's kayak with a tag towing system. Thus, when the child gets tired while paddling in the middle of a waterbody, you can hook the kayak to another one. 

Children, between the ages of 10-13 with essential paddling experience, can manage a small-sized kayak to guarantee a better experience. Then, children between the ages of 14 upward can ride medium and large-sized kayaks as they have some basic knowledge. Make sure to get the right paddle size for them as well.

The Skill Level

As above-mentioned, the experience of the child plays a vital role in purchasing a kayak. Does the child have enough swimming experience? Does the child have paddling arms?

All these are questions you need to answer as they’ll guide you in choosing the best kayak for your child. After all, there is no fun in purchasing a kayak that your child won’t be able to ride.

However, even after getting answers to these questions, a web search will show you the numerous amount of the best kayaks for kids that are available on the market that may fit your criteria. To ensure that you do not go on a desperate search, find a suitable kid's kayak from this article as we have already narrowed down the search list for you.

Types of Kayaks

Once you start your search, you'll undoubtedly encounter the phrase "sit-on-top" or "sit-in". What exactly do they mean? The difference between both is the kayak’s cockpit. The sit-in kayaks are the conventional kayaks where the cockpit is enclosed, and it is sometimes combined with a spray skirt to prevent water in the kayak. This type of kayak is best for those who paddle in cold water climates.

On the other hand, the sit-on-top kayaks are modern variations which feature an open cockpit and a fully enclosed hull. These kayaks are ideal for recreational purposes as they are compatible with many water activities.

Most consumers prefer sit-on-top kayaks for their kids because they are stable and safer. However, the kids sit-in kayaks are faster and more comfortable. If you are looking for other types of kayak for recreation purposes, make sure to check out our article on the best kayak models out there.

Factors That Affect the Water Performance of the Kayak

Additional Factors