5 Best Kayaks for Kids Reviews | Top Child’s Kayak in 2023
Kayaking is a great activity for kids as they not only have fun but simultaneously learn a valuable skill. If you live near lakes, then getting your kid a kayak should be a no-brainer. As a parent, you only want to opt for the best kayak for kids.
Safety, weight capacity, and ease of use are some of the things you have to pay attention to when looking for the best kayaks for kids. There are many options online with some having a few extra features than others.
Even a basic one should do fine and allow the kid to build their physical strength and have fun in the water. But if you are willing to spend more, a few extra features would not hurt.
It can be a rewarding experience to kayak with your children on the lake. Here are top 5 kayaks for children:
Our Selection of the Best Kids Kayaks – Top 5 for 2023
| Image | Product | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  | Lifetime Youth Wave |  |
| 2. |  | Intex Challenger K1 | |
| 3. |  | Old Town Heron Junior Kids | |
| 4. |  | Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot | |
| 5. |  | Emotion Sparky Youth | |
Kayaks for Kids Reviews
1. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle
The Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak is the best kayak for kids aged 5 years or above. It comes in a lot of different vibrant colors including green, lime green, blue, orange, yellow, and pink. The kayak is 6 ft. long and weighs about 18 pounds.
This one is designed to make kayaking easy for your kid. It is sloped towards the end and has a step too so that it is easy to enter kayak from the water. There are different footrest positions to provide comfort for kids of different ages.
The paddle is included with the kayak and the sides have molded finger handles to provide the necessary support. The entire thing is made of high-quality and high-density polyethylene. The self-bailing scupper holes drain the water from the cockpit area. This product is backed by a 5-year warranty that makes it safe and long-lasting purchase.
2. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
The Intex Challenger K1 inflatable kayak may be for kids but it is packed with a whole lot of features that even adults would want it. First of all, it is made from durable material but with necessary nimbleness. The cockpit is rich in space and has inflatable I-beam floors.
This kayak itself weighs 27.2 pounds and can stand weight up to 220 pounds so any kid can use it. You also get an 84 inches long high-quality aluminum oar, a repair patch, as well as a hand pump. There is a cargo net in the cockpit that can harbor gear.
If you are looking for something that takes safety as the first priority then this is the best kids kayak. There is two separate air chamber and the Boston valves allow quick inflation. Your child can easily do it by themselves. The seat is quite comfortable too making it not just safe but also easy for kayaking.
3. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Kids Kayak
The Old Town Kayak has two super cool prints on the kayak: the clouds and the sunrise. Any kid would love to have some color and prints going on in the kayak. But it is not just pretty; it is functional, comfortable and lightweight. It weighs 26 pounds but has a capacity of 100-115 pounds.
There is also an option to toe it which can work great if you want to kayak with your kid. It is designed to provide ease to the kids for paddling. They will quickly learn how to maneuver it. The internal foam billet in this kayak does not allow it to sink even when tipped over.
The seat is also comfy so kids can stay on the water for as long as they like. It does not come with paddles and you will have those separately.
4. Sun Dolphin Bali 6-Foot Sit-on-top Kids Kayak
The Sun Dolphin sit-on-top kayak is a simple but cute blue colored kayak for kids. It is lightweight and portable so you can easily keep it in your car or minivan and take it up to lakes. The cockpit is open so it is easy to enter. It comes with a paddle and there is a paddle holder too.
This is undoubtedly one of the best kayaks for kids as it is made from a strong UV-stabilized Fortiflex Polyethylene. The seating area on this kayak is quite spacious so the kid would sit comfortably. That does not mean that it is not safe or stable. It is 6 ft. long and has a weight capacity of 140 pounds.
It is perfect for kids who are learning how to kayak or kids who already do. With a simple design, there are not many accessories or extra features but it is high-quality with rugged construction.
5. Emotion Sparky Youth Kayak
The Emotion Sparky Youth Kayak is a 6 ft. long fun yet functional kayak for kids aged 5 or above. It has a very bright and conspicuous yellow color that any kid would be attracted to. It weighs just 22 pounds but has a weight capacity of 140 pounds. There are self-bailing scupper holes that drain out water instantly.
The shallow V Hull design makes it quite maneuverable for little kids. It is a high-end, expensive, and quality made kayak which is why it is one of the best kids kayak. The side handles and the front handle makes it easy to transport it. Also, the tank-well offers space for storage of little things.
Final Thoughts about the Best Kayak for Kids.
The best kayak for kids would ensure that your kid safely learns how to paddle and move the kayak. Plus it will ensure that the kid is safe at all time.
Nevertheless, it is important to also buy the best child life jacket when getting a kayak.
Some recreational kayaks have paddled with them but some do not, in which case you will have to find those separately. Even if you choose the one without oars, it should not cost a lot to get the oars.
With kids operating the kayak, there is a big chance you will have to replace oars regardless. Essentially all of them are durable and should last until your kid is too grown up for a small boat.