Top-Rated Kayaks for Kids DEALS
Taking the kids out on a kayaking trip is one of the most fun experiences that parents can offer. Kayaking is a great starting point for a lifetime of outdoor exploration and enjoyment of river rapids and lake retreats. Using the kayak is also slightly easier than using a full-on canoe, making it a great initial test of a child’s aptitude for the sport.
But only certain kayaks are properly built to accommodate children. That’s why we put this guide together and collected valuable information about all the best kayaks for kids: so you can determine which will be best based on their features and advantages. Let’s dive in.
Top-Rated Kayaks for Kids
1. Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Set
Intex Explorer K2
$109.19 in stock
1 used from $143.92
Features
- Comfortable for anyone: Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest; Cockpit designed for comfort and space
- Dimensions: Inflated size 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 feet 8 inch; Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Directional stability: Removable SKEG for directional stability
- Increased visibility: In case of emergency, bright yellow color helps visibility
- Made for smaller bodies of water: Explorer k2 is made for smaller bodies of water including lakes and mild rivers
This two-person kayak comes with everything you need to enjoy mild river rafting or fishing on a pond.
Key Features:
- 2-person
- Air pump
- 400lb capacity
As a kayak for youths, this is one of the top choices thanks to its comfort and overall versatility. It features an adjustable inflatable seat plus a backrest, so it offers plenty of support for young kayak enthusiasts. The rest of the cockpit has similarly been designed to improve user comfort and stability.
You can also remove the skeg to add stability to the kayaking experience. This is perfect for beginners just learning how to maneuver these agile vehicles in the water. It features a bright yellow color to help you find your children if they go out of sight, as well. As a bonus, you get a great inflator and two oars ready to go.
Pros:
- Very comfortable for all
- Easy to inflate
- Comes with oars
- Removable skeg for stability
Cons:
- Not super durable
This kayak is a perfect choice for young adults or children who need a water vehicle that can expand and stay useful as they grow.
2. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
$122.00 in stock
Features
- Ergonomic Cockpit Design Enhances Balance and Motor Skills
- Molded finger handles on each side of the kayak
- Reverse chine for enhanced stability with swim-up step
- Lightweight 18 lb. Design - 130 lb. Weight Capacity
- Recommended for Ages 5 and Up with Adult Supervision - Paddle Included
This hardy kayak is built to withstand significant punishment, but it’s still easy enough to use that most children should find it maneuverable.
Key Features:
- 6’ long
- 130lb capacity
- 1 person
- Ages 5+
This kid’s kayak features a lightweight design: it only weighs 18 pounds and can hold up to 130 pounds in total. It features molded finger handles that can make climbing in or out of the kayak much easier than with other models, plus an ergonomically designed cockpit that can enhance the balance of the water vehicle.
Its durable design also makes it withstand significant wear and tear against rocks or the shore. All in all, it’s a phenomenal starter kayak that can handle the clumsy river rafting kids will likely put it through. A paddle ideally suited for children is included with the purchase.
Pros:
- Comes with paddle
- Has enhanced stability
- Finger handles to assist entering/exiting
- Ergonomic cockpit
Cons:
- Very light/easy to flip
This is a durable and easy to carry kayak that’s perfect for smaller kids just learning the tricks of kayaking.
3. Intex Challenger K1
Intex Challenger K1
$64.99 in stock
2 used from $61.42
Features
- Lightweight, compact and easy to assemble
This advanced youth sit-in kayak is both nimble and durable with eye-catching graphics to make it stand out from any river environment.
Key Features:
- 1 person
- 220lb capacity
- 9’ length
As a one-person craft, it’s ideally suited for more advanced river rafting or kayaking by youths or young adults. It has a wonderfully designed cockpit that can maximize space plus some inflatable floors that add additional stability to the overall kayak experience. Its rugged vinyl construction will ensure that it will remain functioning even if it’s ground against rocks or the shore.
But that’s not all. It features a decent cargo net, which is only a little too wide for our tastes, and an inflatable seat. It comes with the 84-inch oar needed to maneuver the kayak and a rugged manual hand pump. All in all, this is a great intermediate kayak for kids over the age of 10 who want to accompany their parents on more challenging adventures.
Pros:
- Has cargo net for storage
- Comes with oar
- Comfortable cockpit
- Inflatable beam floors for stability
- Good hand pump
- Durable
Cons:
- Net isn’t that dense
This kayak is durable and has everything you could want for a single person watercraft.
4. Perception Prodigy XS Kayak
Perception Prodigy XS Sit-Inside
Features
- The ultimate sit-inside kayak for kids and Petite paddlers - Made in USA
- Sets the standard for confidence-building stability, comfort, and performance
- Suitable Water Types: Flat, Slow-Moving, Calm Coastal
- High quality comfort seat with thick padding and growth spurt adjustability
- Integrated floatation in the front and rear for built-in buoyancy and added safety – a feature not found in many kid’s kayaks
Perception’s XS kayak is an exceptionally stable craft that can carry children or young adults capably.
Key Features:
- 1 person
- 10’ length
- 150lb capacity
This kayak is one of the most comfortable we found thanks to the adjustable footrests which can accommodate growing paddlers or follow your children as they age and still want to kayak. It also features leg padding and an adjustable seat.
That’s not all. It’s a kayak that is easy to turn, so any kid who uses this kayak will learn to maneuver relatively quickly once they use the included paddle that comes with the purchase. It also has an integrated floatation system to improve the kayak’s overall safety.
Pros:
- Has adjustable footrests
- Comes with paddle
- Easy to turn
- Has integrated floats
- Has gear storage elastic cords
Cons:
- A bit bouncy on waves
This kayak, although it can be a little lightweight on bouncier waves, is nonetheless a great starter kayak and an ideal choice for young adults or children learning the ropes.
5. Goplus Inflatable
Features
- 【2-seat Design with Greater Load】This 2-person inflatable kayak is with 2 seats, with a maximum weight capacity of 352lbs, ideal for you and your companion paddling together, enjoy more fun of paddling with your partner with this greater size kayak.
- 【Durable PVC Material】With 18-gauge PVC, this kayak is durable enough to get you to your favorite out-of-the-way paddling destination. Heavy-duty PVC provides durable protection from punctures, and screw safety valve is guaranteed not to leak.
- 【Quick Inflation and Deflation】This Goplus kayak can be inflated to a full size (138''×31''×20'') in less than 5 minutes with the included deluxe high flow double action hand pump. Go from garage, to trunk, to water in no time. Quick inflating or deflating is a breeze with a screw safety valve.
- 【Safety Blowhole Design】This kayak has three blowholes and are independent of each other. Even if one blowhole is damaged the other two can work as usual, reducing the risk of accidents in use. And a repair kit is provide you to do the repair work in case of leakage caused by little hole or puncture.
- 【Enjoy Superior Performance】Sporty and interesting streamlined profile and pointed nose entry (bow) delivers excellent performance in both calm and choppy waters, you can enjoy a speedy paddling, backrests offer high-back support for hours of comfortable cruising.
This is an inflatable kayak that can comfortably seat two larger young adults or children, and it has a large carrying capacity, to boot.
Key Features:
- 2 people
- 352lb capacity
- 138” length
This kayak is one of the more enduring models on the market as it’s made from a durable PVC material. It’s perfect for maneuvering the kayak through rocky rivers. It’s also built so that it won’t leak easily, and it has several backup blowholes to ensure that it doesn’t take on extra water even in turbulent environments.
As such, this is a great practice kayak for kids or young adults since it’ll ensure their safety beyond many other children’s kayaks. It’s furthermore easy to inflate and provides superior handling performance for most users. All in all, it’s one of the better kayaks you can get for intermediate kayakers or kids that are a little too old for the simpler and smaller models that we’ve provided so far.
Pros:
- Made from durable PVC
- Quick to inflate
- Doesn’t leak easily
- Has safety/backup blowholes
Cons:
- Net isn’t dense
This kayak is built with safety and functionality in mind making it one of the best for concerned parents.
6. Sundolphin Aruba SS Kayak
Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Sit-in
Features
- Great for rivers and lakes
- Adjustable padded seat back
- Light weight design easy to carry
- Storage compartment
- Recessed drink holder
This sturdy kayak fits one person and is built for turbulent aquatic environments.
Key Features:
- 8’ length
- 1 person
- 260lb capacity
This kayak is made with a thick, sturdy PVC material that can withstand significant punishment before it shows signs of stress. It’s also very well sealed to prevent water from filling the bottom and causing a capsize. Despite all of this commitment to durability, it’s not too heavy to carry, so transporting it from vehicle to waterfront is a breeze.
It also has a special storage compartment so you can take all of your gear with you, or store an extra inflatable life vest for the kid who rides within. This compartment is located in the nose of the craft but is securely positioned well within the seating area. It further features a recessed drink holder for added comfort and an adjustable padded seatback. Overall, it’s a fantastic cruising kayak that can keep pace with adult models and go just about anywhere they can.
Pros:
- 3 colors
- Adjustable seat
- Has storage compartment
- Easy to transport
- Durable
Cons:
- Not super comfortable
- Can be outgrown quickly
This is a heavier duty kids kayak that can provide safety and performance in equal measure.
7. Gymax Inflatable Kayak
Features
- 【Safety Design】The kayak has three blowholes and is independent of each other. Even if one blowhole is damaged the other two can work as usual, reducing the risk of accidents in use.
- 【Use Friendly】Using a hand pump to quickly inflate the kayak, the bow and stern are equipped with elastic safety pulling rope for quick and convenient towing, and a black baggage net belt provided with extra storage at the head of the kayak.
- 【Adjustable Seat】Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest to ensure the comfort of the cockpit and adjust the space as needed.
- 【Enjoy the Speed】Sports and interesting streamlined design plus V shape bow, it's easy to paddle and enjoy your speed with ease.
- 【Easy to Carry】1-person one weighs only 18 pounds with 176-pound load capacity, 2-person one weights only 24.5 pounds with 352-pound load capacity, as well as includes a carry bag for you to carry around easily.
This inflatable kayak is sleek, fast, and very easy to carry and adjust.
Key Features:
- 1 person
- 352lb capacity
- 9’ length
This kayak is made from a durable inflatable material that doesn’t take long to blow up to its full size. Once inflated, you’ll notice the sleek shape that provides it with better aquatic maneuvering capabilities and speed, making it a perfect choice for more advanced kids or young adults that want to test their kayaking limits.
It also features an adjustable seat and an elastic rope that allows for easy towing to and from the shore. It also features a baggage net so you or your kid can more easily store your equipment on the nose of the watercraft. While the pump isn’t the best on the market, this can easily be replaced by a separate pump and it doesn’t diminish the other positive qualities that this kayak brings to the table.
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- Has adjustable seat
- Streamlined design for speed
- Has elastic rope for towing and baggage net
Cons:
- Pump isn’t the best
- Net isn’t that dense
This is a faster and more maneuverable kayak than many other children’s models, so it’s better for young adults than kids just starting out.
8. Pelican Solo Youth Kayak
Pelican Solo Sit-on-top Youth
Features
- Designed with an open cockpit, molded carrying handle for easy carrying, this lightweight kayak provides is the perfect first watercraft for your young ones.
- The Twin Tunnel makes it easily maneuverable and provides Ultra Stability which allows quick mastering of the kayak. This Self-bailing Sit-On kayak has a maximum capacity of 100 lb. / 45, 4 kg.
- Has a Swim-up rear deck with a handle so you can easily board the kayak from the water.
- Features: Molded footrests to fit a comfortable paddling position, a paddle park to put your paddle when it's not in use, a bottle holder in front of the seat and a drain plug preventing water infiltration.
- Includes 60'' three-piece paddle and a safety flag to keep an eye on they are on the water.
This is a simplistic youth kayak that’s a great choice for very new beginners or those trying out kayaking before they decide to commit more to the hobby.
Key Features:
- 6’ length
- 1 person
- 100lb capacity
At 6 feet long, this kayak is a perfect choice for smaller children that will have adult accompaniment on river or lake. It’s fairly maneuverable and ultra-stable, which means it’s a great pick for beginners since they can get the hang of the watercraft before taking on more advanced movements. It features a swim-up rear deck handle, making it easy to board the watercraft even if you capsize and go into the water.
It also has added footrests for comfort and a three-piece paddle that is easier to store than many longer oars. You can simply take the paddle apart and then snap the pieces into position when it’s time to use it for maneuvering. Finally, there’s a safety flag to allow for easy locating of the kayak in case you get swept downriver or if you need to reach your child in a hurry. This flag is buoyant, so it won’t sink easily into the water if your child drops it.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to board with handle
- Has footrests for comfort
- 3-piece paddle for easy storage
Cons:
- Can’t carry heavier youths
- Not super comfortable
This is a practice kayak that is of the most maneuverable on the market, but it’s easy to make mistakes with this craft and, crucially, improve upon them.
9. Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Kayak
HydroForce Lite-Rapid X2
$93.99 in stock
Features
- Comfortable seating area with adjustable, inflatable seats
- Removable fin for Directional stability; grab rope with built-in grommets
- Form-fitted construction prevents water from entering seating area; integrated drain valve
- Dimensions: 126 x 35 ; suitable for 2 people; total weight capacity 350 lbs
- Includes two 86 inch
This comfortable kayak features some of the best seats on the market and a removable fin to add to its stability.
Key Features:
- 2 person
- 350lb capacity
- 5’ length
This kayak is suitable for two people, with a total weight capacity of 350 pounds, or two young adults or heavier children. It also comes with two oars, so you have everything you need to begin kayaking as soon as the package arrives after shipping. This purchase also includes a removable fin that can improve your directional stability if the kayaking youths are rather novice.
The seats are fully inflatable and adjustable to allow for optimal user comfort. It’s built with a form-fitting construction that can prevent water from entering the seating area and soaking one’s pants, plus an integrated drain valve to prevent capsizing or overflowing. An added storage compartment at the nose of the craft will let you keep your things secure and, since it’s not a net, it won’t accidentally let smaller items into the water.
Pros:
- Comes with two paddles
- Has removable fin for added stability
- Seats are comfortable and adjustable
- Has storage compartment
Cons:
- Not the most maneuverable overall
This kayak is a great leisure watercraft for kids that want to accompany adults on a lazy river cruise or lake tour.
10. Lifetime Dash 66 Youth Kayak
Lifetime Dash 66 Youth
Features
- New 6’ 6” design provides 150 lb. weight capacity
- Patented swim-up deck design with molded hand grips to assist re-entry
- Multiple Footrest positions for different size paddlers
- Ergonomic cockpit design enhances balance and motor skills
- Recommended for ages 5 and up with Adult supervision - Paddle Included
This is another exceptionally durable kayak that can hold up to 150 pounds and features several design choices to make it easy to practice with.
Key Features:
- 6’6” length
- 150lb capacity
- 1 person
The kayak is built with a durable PVC material and features a swim-up deck design, including molded handle grips. Basically, it’s easy to reenter this kayak even when swimming in the water, so it’s a perfect choice for beginner kayakers or children that are likely to capsize and need to reboard the watercraft at some point.
It also features an ergonomic cockpit design that can enhance the balance of the kayak, plus multiple footrest positions so that kids of different sizes or ages can still use the same vehicle. These footrests don’t move, but they are clearly marked so your kid will know where to place their feet based on what feels most comfortable. It comes with a paddle perfectly sized for use by children, as well.
Pros:
- Good for ages 5+
- Comes with paddle
- Hand grips for easy entry
- Footrests for comfort
Cons:
- Not very maneuverable
- Not super comfortable
It’s best to think of this kayak is a superb practice vehicle thanks to its design and special assistance features, and because it’s not the most comfortable on the market.
11. Lifetime 1-man Wave Kayak
Features
| Part Number | tnbxdlsa |
This sturdy child kayak is an excellent youth vehicle due to its stability and durability.
Key Features:
- 1 person
- 6’ length
- 130lb capacity
This kayak is made from a similar material as our last pick and is a bright blue color to make it easy to identify on any lake or river. It comes with a bonus paddle, so you’ll have everything you need to begin kayaking right out of the box. The design is very stable, allowing for plenty of rocking before threatening to capsize. This is advantageous when used by kids, who are more likely to stand up in the middle of the watercraft and accidentally rock it back and forth in an attempt to disembark.
This kayak features several handgrips to make boarding the watercraft much easier if you have fallen into the water. Kids with life vests won’t have any difficulty clambering back aboard and restarting their kayaking efforts. It also features a tow cable at the nose of the craft, so it’s easy to drag this kayak out of the water and back to whatever vehicle you have ready for transportation.
Pros:
- Very durable material
- Comes with paddle
- Handgrips for easy boarding
Cons:
- Not comfortable
- Not very maneuverable
This kayak is durable, stable, and ideal for those liable to make lots of beginner mistakes: in other words, children.
12. Tucketec Advanced Model
Features
| Part Number | TFK20GREENA |
| Warranty | THREE YEAR WARRANTY |
| Color | Green |
| Size | 10 Foot |
This kayak features a unique design that allows it to be ultrastable and a great choice for novice kayakers.
Key Features:
- 10’ length
- 350lb capacity
- 1 person
This kayak can be folded into an easy to store bag, allowing superb transformation and transportation from a vehicle to any waterfront. Once you unfolded and fully expand it, you’ll notice that it has a unique design that makes it unsinkable; there are no open seams that come into contact with water. It also features Marine-grade high-density foam for its side rails, ensuring excellent durability and consistency when riding.
It’s an extremely stable watercraft and is built with a high-density polyethylene shell. This provides it with great safety benefits, which is a chief concern for parents watching their children kayak for the first time. To make things even better, the purchase comes with a 90-day moneyback guarantee, so there’s no risk of trying out this watercraft and seeing its benefits for yourself.
Pros:
- 90-day guarantee
- Easy to carry/fold
- Very stable for beginners
- High-density polyethylene shell
Cons:
- Not super comfortable
This kayak is durable and features a uniquely collapsible format that makes it an ideal pick for those with smaller cars that they’ll take to a waterfront.
Bottom Line
Overall, the best kayak for your kid will be properly sized for their body and potentially have plenty of room to grow if you want your kid to keep using the same kayak for several years on end. Ideally, you’ll also take into account whether your kid has practiced with the kayak before or if they are totally new to the sport. Thankfully, there are kayaks both for the most basic novices and more experience or intermediate teenage kayakers.
Either way, plenty of the above choices will be fantastic watercraft for your next river or lake adventure. Good luck on your trip and thank you for reading!
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? We’ve compiled a detailed list of the best kayak brands – (click here) available. Also, don’t forget, you’ll need a seat, paddle and cover for you new purchase!
The Review
Top-Rated Kayaks for Kids
Finding the best kayak for you a child is not an easy task. We've scoured the internet and compiled the only options worth considering for the young one in your life.
Review Breakdown
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Intex Explorer K2
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Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
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Intex Challenger K1
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Perception Prodigy XS Sit-Inside
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Goplus Inflatable
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Sun Dolphin Aruba SS Sit-in
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Gymax Inflatable
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Pelican Solo Sit-on-top Youth
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HydroForce Lite-Rapid X2
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Lifetime Dash 66 Youth
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Lifetime 1-man Wave
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Tucktec Advanced
Top-Rated Kayaks for Kids DEALS
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