Best Kids Kayak

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

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

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

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’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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!