Best Kites for Kids

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best kite for Kids is, I’d recommend the Best Delta Kite.

Kite-flying origins can be traced back to at least 200 B.C. in China, as part of a military maneuver.  

Over the last 2000 years, kite-flying has spread far and wide and taken on many different iterations. 

Kites have been used in scientific experiments (who can forget Ben Franklin’s electric discovery?), played a part in the Wright brothers’ airplane invention, and led to the development of hang-gliders and sports parachutes. 

Whether they are used for artistic expression, celebration, science, or decoration, kites are found in almost every culture. 

Before you take up this favorite past-time, there are a few things you should know about what type of kite to buy, and how to fly one.

Here are the kites for kids I will be reviewing:

• Best Delta Kite
• HENGDA KITE Software Octopus Flyer Kite
• IMPRESA Large Rainbow Delta Kite
• IMAGE 3D Large Blue Dolphin Kite
• AGREATLIFE Ice Cream Kite
• AGREATLIFE Diamond Kite
• Traditional Box Kite
• Toysmith Get Outside GO! Parafoil Kite
• In The Breeze Coloring Sled Kite
• emma kites Diamond Mr. Fox Kite
• Tresbro Sailing Ship 3D Kite
• Brainstorm Dragon WindnSun 3D Nylon Kite
• HONBO Huge Fighter Plane Kite
• Prism Synapse Dual Line Parafoil Kite
• Hengda 3D Lotus Flower Kite
  

Things to Consider When Buying a Kite

When you’re planning an activity with your kid, you want to be able to have the greatest chance of success. For kite-flying, that means you need to buy the right kite! So what should you look for? 

Stability

You want a kite that is going to be easy for a child to keep in the air. Kids can get frustrated easily if their kite falls down a lot. Help stem this by choosing a kite that is structured to be stable in the wind. 

Easy to Learn

With so many different kinds of kites, it’s no surprise that some are more difficult to master than others. Choose a single line kite to fly with the kiddos so they can get it up in the air and feel like an expert on the first outing. 

Wind

The wind in your potential flying area is probably the first thing you should take into account.

If you live in a high wind area, pick out a smaller sized kite for more comfortable flying. If you (or your child) really wants a large one, try to find a vented version, to allow for better airflow and control. 

For lower wind areas, larger sized kites fare better. Just make sure that their size doesn’t make them too heavy! Ultra-light kites work best for those lower wind speeds. 

Cost

Like everything else, kites run the gamut when it comes to pricing. You can purchase one for as little as five dollars at your local grocery store, while expensive ones range upward to hundreds of dollars.

If you’re planning on keeping a kite for a while and flying it regularly, I suggest skipping the cheapest models and upgrading to one in the $20+ range. For the higher price, the materials will be more durable, and more expensive kites tend to not only last longer but also be simpler to fly. 

Pull

Kite pull is the tugging sensation you get while flying a kite. Pull varies by kite, and you can determine it by the line recommendation on each kite. 

Anything over 50 lbs of pull is too much for a child, so keep your search to kites with less than 50 lbs of force.

Single Line Kites

The best kites for beginners (i.e. children) tend to be single line kites. However, that still leaves you with a wide range of options. 

Diamond Kites 

Diamond kites are what most people consider to be your classic kite. The diamond shape is simple and easy to use. 

Diamond kites do need a tail in order to fly well. Most diamond kites come with a tail, but you can always make your own to change it or add to a tail to add a little more creativity and flair. 

Delta Kites

Delta kites get the runner-up spot for the easiest kites to fly. These are triangle-shaped and come in a large range of sizes. For kids, you want to go with the smaller variations in the four to six-foot window. 

Delta kites do not NEED tails, but they look better with a tail. Tails also increase a delta kite’s stability. 

Easy Flyer Kites

This variation of a delta kite comes with a permanently attached tail and is genuinely an ideal kite for kids. 

These are so stable that you are almost guaranteed kite flight in all but the most unfavorable conditions. 

Box Kites

Box kites are not nearly as stable as the first three types on this list, but they definitely look the most interesting. They need a good wind to fly and take a little more work to launch. 

While some box kites come pre-assembled, most do not. Set-up for box kites tends to be more complicated and lengthy. If you’re going this route with your kids, I would recommend letting them know you’ll have to put it together first. It can be a fun activity for you to do with older kids, as long as everyone knows it’s coming! 

Parafoils and Sleds

Unlike the other single-line kites with rods and struts, parafoils and sleds rely on the wind to inflate them. Sleds have small, flexible spars built-in, while parafoils are all soft. 

These do not look like your typical kite when they’re not flying, but because of their lack of rigid structure, they pack up small and light. If you want a kite you can take on a trip, or keep in the car, look for one of these. 

Be warned, like box kites, these are not quite as stable. 

How to Fly a Kite

There’s nothing worse than having your kids all excited to go kite-flying, only to be let down again and again when you can’t get the kite in the air. 

Get your kite flying high in no time, following these steps:

Read the Instructions

This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to assume you can figure it out and miss out on something important. When you open your kite, make sure to read the instructions and check that you have all the parts. 

Assembly

Follow those carefully read instructions to put together your kite. If the kite is small enough to be transported in your car or carried to your preferred flying spot, try to put it together before you leave home. 

When you tie on the line, make sure to tie it tight. You wouldn’t want to lose your kite on its first outing!

Find an Open Space

Kites need open spaces to fly. Structures, such as buildings, interrupt wind flow, and can make it harder for a kite to fly. 

You should also make sure to pick a spot without trees or power lines nearby in order to avoid your kite getting tangled in a dangerous situation. 

Wind

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a lot of wind to fly a kite. In fact, too much wind can cause problems! If the wind can blow off your hat, it’s too strong to fly a kite. 

Most kites can fly in 5-12 mph winds. In reality, you need a steady wind more than you need a powerful one for ideal kite weather. 

Do Not Run

This advice goes against everything you’ve ever seen, but the experts say you don’t need to run to launch your kite! In fact, running to get a kite started can actually make its flight more unstable and harder to sustain. 

In a steady breeze, most kites will launch from your hand. Just let it go and slowly let out more line as the kite rises. Make sure to keep some pull on the line because the kite won’t fly without it!

If the wind is very light, don’t despair. Have someone hold the kite about 50 ft downwind from whoever holds the spool. Pull the line tight and signal for the holder to let go. At the same time, have the kite flyer step backward and pull on the line. Alternating release and pull on the line will encourage the kite to climb higher. 

Of course, if your kids are dying to run, go for it. Even if the kite doesn’t take off as you want, at least they’ll get some of that excess energy out! 

All Done

When your flyers are tired of their kiting adventure, make sure to teach them to carefully wind the line back onto the spool to avoid tangles. 

When you pack the kite away, ensure you keep all the pieces together so that you don’t lose any parts!

My Children’s Kite Reviews

With so many options, it’s hard to choose just one, but we’ve reviewed some favorites to help you pick the best kite for your family’s flying adventures.

Best Delta Kite

The name says it all. The Best Delta Kite is precisely as described. While not the diamond-shaped classic you may be used to, this delta style kite gives off a classic feel with a colorful geometric design and dual tails.

Part of what makes it the best is the hi-tech materials used in construction. The struts are strong, but light and flexible, and the entire thing is both rust and mold-proof (a real selling point when you’re looking for longevity).

If you despair of complicated kite assembly, don’t worry. The kite comes partially pre-assembled, leaving you to take the final steps guided by clear and straightforward instructions. The tail and line clips help to prevent tangling, even when dealing with young beginner flyers. 

The price of this kite sets it apart. It’s most expensive than most of the others, even though it’s significantly smaller in size. While it’s large, it’s not as impressive in the air as others on the list. 

However, you do get a bonus with the extra bucks: a “no loss” guarantee. If you lose your kite in a sea or a tree, they will send you a free replacement. My boys are big adventurers, so this sort of promise is a perk for me, knowing that they’re likely to lose it eventually, no matter how much I admonish them to be responsible.

HENGDA KITE Software Octopus Flyer Kite

The HENGDA KITE Octopus kite is bright and colorful, with lots of little leg tails that flutter in the wind. The legs look cute, but they also serve a purpose by adding stability to the kite so that it will stay in the air with minimal intervention needed.

It comes mostly assembled right out of the package, but it’s not quite a pop-the-top-and-go situation. Thanks to the multiple tails, it may take a while to get everything untangled and ready to fly. However, once it is all out, you just attach the string (spool and line are included!), and you’re off!

Let me warn you; this kite is enormous! In all its tentacled glory, the kite measures 157 inches long and 31 inches wide. Its size makes it a good kite for lower wind areas, but don’t be afraid to take the octopus to the beach. Because this kite is all software, it’s very smooshable and easy to bring along when you’re going on a trip. 

Our red octopus friend is easy to launch and keep in the air. This works great for younger kids who want that immediate gratification. However, if your main kite flyers are a bit older, they may get bored relatively quickly. There isn’t much skill needed to keep it in the air, so there’s not much to do once it’s up and running.

IMPRESA Large Rainbow Delta Kite

Color, size, and intrigue, this kite has it all! The IMPRESA Rainbow Delta Kite comes complete with everything you need to enjoy a day of flying kites with your family.

The kite is built to last. Made of premium materials such as weather-resistant ripstop nylon fabric and fiberglass rods with extra reinforcements, the rainbow kite is likely to outlive some of the cheaper versions out there. Best of all, the price is still reasonable! 

While not quite as humongous as our octopus friend, this kite is still pretty big. It measures 43” wide by 80” long with a 31” tail on either side to make an impressive sight when it is high-flying. 

Some assembly is required, but the instructions are easy to follow (you just have to read them!), and you’ll be able to set it up and get flying quickly. 

When you’re done, use the clear nylon bag the kite came in to store it between uses. This way, you don’t have any parts that disappear, and you’re always ready to go.  

A big bonus for this kite is the extra-long string they include. Thanks to the added length, you’ll be able to soar above other kites in the sky. Honestly, the sky is the limit when it comes to this high-flyer.

Unlike the stable and easy to fly octopus, this kite works well in mild winds but doesn’t handle gusts as well. While you may not be able to free it and forget it, this will keep older flyers more engaged and interested during active flying.

IMAGE 3D Large Blue Dolphin Kite

Another sea-themed kite makes the list with the IMAGE 3D dolphin kite. Like the octopus, this parafoil kite is frameless and soft. It comes in a convenient bag that is small enough to take with you wherever you may go.

Thanks to its lightweight, this kite is easy to launch and fly. Once you take it out of the bag in a windy setting, it will immediately go crazy! Unfortunately, this can also lead to some drawbacks. Since it responds quickly to the wind, it’s hard to get it out of the bag and cleared for take-off before it starts dancing. This can lead to tangled lines and frustrated kids (and parents.) 

While it is a good flyer in 5-16 mph winds, you need a steady breeze that doesn’t dip to keep it going. On the other side, if the wind is strong, it will be tough for small children to control, so make sure there is plenty of parental supervision (and help) on those extra breezy days. 

Extra-long lines make for high-flying kites and happy kids, but be warned; this line seems to be a little more prone to breaking. Snapped lines are dangerous for the flyer, especially for children. In this case, it might be a good idea to invest in your own kite string instead of using the one included with the kite.

AGREATLIFE Ice Cream Kite

The AGREATLIFE Ice Cream Kite lets you bring delightful dessert outside to play. While this is a variation on a delta kite, the vibrant colors and dynamic design really set it apart. It stands out amongst others while flying high.

Assembly is required for this kite, but luckily, the instructions are easy to read and follow. The company designed the kite for kids to be able to use without much adult intervention. The handle is specifically designed for kids under the age of 10 to be able to hold comfortably, and the pull is designated as less than 50 lbs. 

As long as there is a decent wind, the kite will launch quickly and easily, climbing without much effort on the part of the flyer. If you have older elementary kids (I would say eight and up), then they are likely to be able to fly this kite with your help. You can just sit back and snap cute pictures of the smiles!

The kite’s construction holds up to children’s play and is unlikely to break or rip, even when it’s getting dragged across the ground. However, the weight is also a little heavier because of the heavy-duty construction, making it more difficult to launch in light winds. 

Another thing to know about this kite is that you may need to adjust the tow-point (where the string attaches to the kite) in order to prevent it from spinning or diving. Keep an eye on the kite flies, and if it seems to be engaging in extra acrobatic feats, try moving the string toward the front for a steadier flight.

AGREATLIFE Diamond Kite

Diamond-shaped? Check. Primary colors? Check. Two tails? Check. If you’re looking for a classic kite, then AGREATLIFE Diamond Kite might just be the one for you. The diamond (ahem, rhombus) shape is iconic, and kids love that it looks like the pictures of kites they see in books or draw in school.

Like many others on the list, the kite is easy to assemble. I love the addition of a quick-start ebook to make sure you have all the instructions at your fingertips even if the paper originals were pressed into service as a paper airplane or accidentally got tossed out with the packing paper. 

There does seem to be some inconsistency when it comes to a few key quality control points. Items might be missing from your package, or your kite might not hold up as initially expected. However, the customer service department is exceptional and happy to send out replacements or missing parts.

I know how kids react when something doesn’t work out as planned, so it might be a good idea to unbox this one on your own and make sure you’re good to go before presenting it to the kiddos as a fun activity for the day. 

While that’s a con, a big pro is the heavyweight kite string. Several other kites have lower-quality lines and are prone to snap, making it necessary to buy your own. The included line here will withstand what your kids put it through and is unlikely to break, even with a big gust of wind, making it safe for your little flyer.

Traditional Box Kite

The first box kite on our list is a traditional rectangular prism and beautiful. For kids (and parents!) who are looking for something a little different to fly, try departing from the standard delta and diamond kites and give a box kite a whirl.

Unlike the flat kites, this 3D version takes a little more effort and attention to detail when it comes to assembly. However, it’s still not very complicated and can be completed relatively quickly so you can get out the door to fly. 

The design geometry is impressive and an excellent opportunity to talk about physics with older kids. Looking at it, it’s hard to believe that this is something that will fly, but fly it will, with a little bit of extra work. 

This kite performs best when you’re in an open area with lots of room to roam, so a smaller park might not be your best bet. Try an open field or beach location, and one with a reasonably strong and steady wind. The wind range starts at seven mph, a little higher than your standard five, but it goes all the way up to 20, made for higher wind areas.

Like most box kites, this one doesn’t need a tail. Of course, tails add stability, so it will take a little more work and effort to keep this kite in the air after you get it launched. If you have small flyers, they may love to watch this kite, but the pull is too strong for younger kids to handle. It’s really more of a big-kid activity.

Toysmith Get Outside GO! Parafoil Kite

Another parafoil kite makes the list with the Toysmith Get Outside GO! Kite. Once again, bright colors rule the day in the kite world and for this kite, it’s not just the main body that is colorful. The extra-long tail (14 feet!) is made of lightweight fabric, instead of your standard streamers, making it high quality.

There’s something about kite tails that kids absolutely love, and this one gives them something to chase and try to catch. However, the extra length can also affect the stability of the kite. If your kite keeps spiral diving to the ground, try doubling up the tail length in order to adjust the balance. 

Parafoil balance is critical, so you might also need to look at the tow-point location and tethers, to make sure you have a good flyer on your hands. While the kite doesn’t technically need assembly to get moving, it might take a few adjustments to reach optimal flying potential. 

A big selling point of all parafoils, and especially this smaller one, is how easy they are to pack. This one can fit into a large pocket to take along on a hike or trip to the park. I love the ability to stop and have a flying adventure if the opportunity presents itself, without having to really plan ahead or carry along an extra bag. 

While the size helps for convenience, it’s good to note that this kite is smaller than most of the others on the list, so if you’re looking for something that’s more “large and in charge,” I would try one of the other parafoils instead.

In The Breeze Coloring Sled Kite

The first sled kite of our list is the In the Breeze Coloring Sled Kite. Similar to a parafoil, sled kites are frameless and don’t have any assembly or extra parts to snap into place, you can just tie on the string and be ready to go.

This kite is unique in that it comes without the usual, brightly colored design. Instead, the kite comes with all white fabric and crayons so that kids can create their own kite before taking it outside to fly. 

The teacher in me absolutely loves this, and the parent part rejoices in the idea of a two-fold activity that may capture my kids’ interest for more than a few moments. With a low price, you can buy one for each of your children or purchase the party pack for a birthday party or school class event. 

While there are crayons included, you can actually use almost anything to decorate, from markers to paints. Just beware that too much paint (or too many stickers) will affect the kite’s weight and balance, so keep an eye on any overzealous artists. 

After decorating the kite, kids will be excited to get outside and make their art fly, but the kite can be a little hard to get up. The wind range is more significant than most, with a 5-20 mph window, but you need a bit more oomph than just five mph to get it into the air without difficulty. 

Once launched, the kite flies reasonably well, but needs a little help with pull and release work, so it’s better suited for kids who are six and up instead of preschool age youngsters.

emma kites Diamond Mr. Fox Kite

For my three Fantastic Mr. Fox fans, this kite is a no brainer. (If you haven’t read the story by Roald Dahl to your kids, I highly recommend it!) This kite feels like it brings the clever and mischievous main character to life, even though it’s not technically a character kite.

The flat diamond style does require assembly, but it’s not too difficult thanks to the easy to follow instruction manual that emma kites includes. The resin kite rods are lightweight but sturdy, with just enough flexibility to ensure that they don’t break easily. The interlock snap for the rods highlights a higher level of construction and that’s a pleasant surprise at the budget-friendly price.

The included line is extra long with 300 feet of fun to encourage high altitude flying, but unfortunately, it seems a bit light on the quality side. This is one of those kites where it might be wise to invest in your own line separately, in order to make sure your younger flyers stay protected from any sudden snaps. 

The diamond design works well and launches, even in light wind, and the attached tails add stability so that it stays in the air. There won’t be a lot of sudden loops and dives with this kite, so it’s ideal for little ones to fly without the need for help from adults.

Tresbro Sailing Ship 3D Kite

Take to the sky and sail away with the Tresbro Sailing Ship 3D kite. Similar in construction to a box kite, this 3D option inspires imagination and creativity just by looking at it! Once assembled, that is.

Obviously, putting the kite together is going to take a little more effort for a 3D kite than a flat option. The manufacturers include an instruction manual that’s difficult to follow. But there is a YouTube video that helps significantly with the set-up so you can get your ship ready for adventures as quickly as possible.

Even with the larger size, the kite is fairly lightweight. It does need a steady wind, around ten mph, in order to get it launched without a lot of effort. Once in the air, the kite isn’t super stable. There is no tail included in the packaging, but if you make one and attach it, it will help keep your kite up and climbing for a more extended period of time. 

Because of the more intricate design, crashes can be a little more catastrophic. The materials are reasonably durable, but it’s easier to break a 3D structure than a flat one. Kids can still fly this kite (and they’ll really love to watch it fly!), but adult intervention may be needed to avoid any big crashes.

Brainstorm Dragon WindnSun 3D Nylon Kite

Another 3D kite makes the list with the Brainstorm Dragon WindnSun 3D Nylon Kite. While it doesn’t breathe fire, it looks spectacular once it’s put together and flying high in the sky. The measurements seem enormous, but they include the tail’s length, so while the kite is decent-sized, it’s not as big as you may be picturing.

The dragon kite is excellently made with superb craftsmanship and takes some extra time to get it together. You really have to manhandle some of the rods into place because the fit is so snug, but the instructions are helpful and easy to follow. 

The line they include with the kite is okay, but the quality is a little low when compared to the rest of the kite. With the extra height and pull, it’s better to have a thicker line and a metal hook for swiveling instead of plastic. This will add to the overall cost, but increase the longevity and enjoyment of your flights.

HONBO Huge Fighter Plane Kite

If you have airplane lovers, like me, then the HONBO Huge Fighter Plane Kite is a winner. Kids can fly this kite well before they’re big enough to fly a plane, making them feel like a pilot while staying firmly on the ground.

The kite is on the larger side, so even with the lightweight materials, it needs a decent wind to get going. However, once it’s up, it stays put as long as your little one wants to keep it up. The tail is not only long but has a decent width, increasing the kite’s stability and making it easier to enjoy long flights. 

The kite is close to an easy flyer with its mostly delta shape and attached tail, but because of the airplane design, there are a few extra rods to click into place when you’re putting it together. It’s not too tricky to figure out, but the instructions aren’t helpful, and you might need a little Google or just some trial and error to get it going. 

This one has just the right amount of pull for younger flyers.

Prism Synapse Dual Line Parafoil Kite

Typically, single line kites work great for beginners and your average kite flying experience. However, as kids get older, they may need something a little more intriguing to capture their interest. Enter dual line kites.

The Prism Synapse Dual Line Parafoil is ideal for dual-line novices. The parafoil style is frameless and easy to launch in steady winds, flying right out of your hand with little to no effort. Remember, because the light winds will lift it immediately, make sure to clear the lines out of the way to avoid any tangles at the start. 

Dual-line kites take a little more skill to keep in the air, but they also allow for more exciting flights. This kite makes it easy to learn and practice beginner stunts such as figure eights, spins, and dives.

Even when you’re not stunting, the way the wind pulls this kite will take some extra strength and coordination to handle. This places it firmly in the older kid range, maybe nine and up, and is likely to require some parental supervision, especially at first, to avoid knots and tangles.

Hengda 3D Lotus Flower Kite

I wanted to round out our list with another box kite option. We’ve seen other Hengda kites on this list, and the trusted brand doesn’t fail when it comes to this 3D Lotus Flower kite. The kite is stunning and sure to impress anyone who might see it while climbing high.

While it looks complicated and assembly is required, it isn’t hard to put together. Tweens can figure it out on their own using the instructions, and younger kids would be great helpers when it comes to handing you the parts and helping to secure everything. It’s less complicated to construct than the dragon or pirate ship, but can’t compete with the ease of parafoil or sled options. 

The prism shape captures steady winds well but struggles to launch in lighter breezes. So pick your day or locale when you’re ready to give this kite a whirl. Don’t worry, once launched it is easy to control, and the pull is low enough for younger kids to take their turn as primary flyers.

If you’re on the beach or in an open field where lots of kites are flying, this eye-catching kite will be easy for kids to watch and track.

Final Thoughts

The best kite for kids is the Best Delta Kite. It’s actually an easy flyer kite because of the attached tail, and it wins in all the categories from assembly to durability. 

If you prefer a kite with no assembly required, then the best kite is the Hengda Dolphin Kite. The parafoil style is frameless and doesn’t have any extra parts, you just attach the string at the tow-point, and you’re ready to rock. 

No matter your final kite choice, your family is likely to enjoy the adventure and wonder of kite-flying.