Buying Guide to the Best Kites for Toddlers & Kids23 min read
There’s something very special about flying a kite as a family activity. Not only does it get you outdoors, doing something fun, but the need to work together to get the kite into the air can be a great bonding experience. Choose your local park or find an open space, or head to the beach to catch the ocean breeze. Experience the thrill of seeing the kite take off and soar up into the clouds. It’s magical.
At least, it should be. The trouble is that many kite kits or pre-made kites that are sold as ‘for kids’ really aren’t up to the job. They’re hard to put together, or they’re so flimsy that they break the first time they come back to earth. That’s why we’ve done the research and come up with five of the best children’s kites you can buy.
The Different Types of Kites
Although it’s uncertain where the first kite was developed, their early development is normally associated with Chinese culture. However, because kite flying has become an international activity, there are many different types & styles of kites available. While stunt kites or fighter kites might look awesome, they’re not the best choice for kids.
When it comes to kite flying with kids, you’re better off choosing an entry-level prism kite. From the archetypal diamond to the speedier delta, there’s a lot of variety and design choice, but they’re all simple enough for kids and beginners to learn on.
The diamond kite is possibly the most simple kite design and is usually the go-to option when hand-making kites. It’s a standard reliable design both for durability and flight and can be flown by just anyone with ease. So, you can’t really go wrong with this design if you’re choosing a kite for kids who have little to no kite-flying experience.
Just like the diamond design, the delta kite is another standard design and is possibly even more popular than diamond kites. These triangle shaped kites are a great option for beginner as they’re generally easy to fly and don’t require heavy wind. These kites usually have tails attached to the wingtips or centre for stability.
Then we have foil kites which are more popular among adults and experienced kite enthusiasts and not as practical for kids. Whereas the diamond and delta kites are single sheets of material that catch the wind, a parafoil kite is made up of tubes of fabric that inflate in the wind. It is the air moving through these tubes that helps keep a foil kite up in the air.
Because of their construction, foil kites look very different to the other prism kites. And while most kites are flown just for the joy of it, you’ll see parafoil kites being used for a whole range of activities. This does make parafoil kites a little harder to handle. They have two lines, so there’s more risk of them getting tangled, but they also need more strength to hold them in place. They’re more suited to older kids and teens than toddlers.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Kite
When choosing a kite, there are a few things to consider in order to ensure that you select the best kite for you and your kids. These include the price of the kite, the ease of assembly, the ease of flying, and the choice between a spool or handle.
- Price of the Kite – One of the first things to consider when choosing a kite is the price. Kites can range from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars for those really high end kites. It’s important to determine how much money you’re looking to spend when purchasing a kite for your kiddos, especially if it’s going to be one of their first kites or an upgraded kite. Also, keep in mind that higher-priced kites generally have higher quality materials and are built to last, which can make them easier to fly and more durable.
- Assembly of the Kite or Putting the Kite Together – When it comes to kite assembly, some kites are ready to fly right out of the box, while others may require you to put it together or assemble it. If you’re new to kite flying, it’s a good idea to choose a kite that is easy to assemble and comes with clear instructions. This way, you can spend more time flying the kite with your children.
- Ease of Flying the Kite – This is an important factor especially when looking for one that will be fun for your kids to fly. The kite size, the kite shape, the kite tail and wind range are all things that will determine whether or not the kite is easy or more difficult to fly. As someone with kids, I’ve watched my kids run around with a kite excited for it to go up in the air for awhile only to be disappointed that the kite barely left the ground.
- Choosing between a spool or handle for the kite – When it comes to controlling your kite, you have basically two options, using a spool or using a handle. When it comes using a spool, it’s super convenient since you can easily and quickly retrieve your kite without having to wind it back onto a handle. On the other hand, a handle allows for more control and power which makes kite flying more interesting and fun. When it comes to flying kites with kids, a spool might be the way to go first and then later as they get more experience, upgrading to a handle later.
1. Mint’s Colorful Life Large Cobra Kite
When Mr. Banks took his children out to fly a kite in the 1964 film “Mary Poppins,” they took a diamond kite with them. If you’re looking to recapture a sense of nostalgia, then there’s nothing quite like a diamond kite. They’re also the simplest type of kite to build if you want to make your own.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the diamond can’t be brought right up to date. That’s what has been done here, with the Large Cobra Kite. With a clever design, the makers have transformed the diamond into the head of a cobra and added an impressive 49 -foot-long tail to flow behind it!
What we like
The kite comes in a fun cobra design with a 49-foot-long tail that perfectly complements the design and enhances the snake illusion. A kite that resembles a snake will surely add a lot of fun to the whole kite-flying experience for kids.
It’s not just the aesthetic feature that makes this kite our top pick, this kite is also carefully designed for excellent flight to cater to kids and beginners. It does not require heavy wind to fly and will take off even with a light breeze so you won’t have any issues launching it even if you have no prior experience. It’s also fairly easy to assemble.
Pros
-Easy to assemble
-Easy to fly
-Unique design
Cons
-Some durability concerns
2. Iwa Bird Kite
If you’re someone who prioritizes sustainability when shopping, you’d love this handcrafted kite that comes with a beautiful bird design. A lot of shoppers prefer handmade products over mass–produced ones, usually out of concern for the environmental impact of their consumption, as well as the desire to support small artisan-owned businesses.
The care and passion that goes into handmade items also add to the value of the products. While this option might not be as affordable as the other kites on this list, investing a bit more on handmade items means paying extra for the special care and hard-work that went into creating the piece for you. So this kite is definitely worth the investment if budget isn’t an issue for you.
What we like
This Iwa Bird Kite comes with rainbow–colored tails that will flow beautifully in flight. You can also choose the base kite color from a set of 7 fun color options. The kite is made with durable fiberglass sticks and rip-stop nylon, which is a type of fabric specially woven using a reinforcing technique that keeps it from tearing. The kite also comes with a strong Dacron flying line that’s 500 ft long.
Pros:
-Durable materials
-Specially handcrafted
-Fun rainbow-colored tails
Cons:
-Slightly pricey
-Takes 3-5 business days to dispatch
3. StuffKidsLove Delta Kite
If you’ve seen a striking, triangular-shaped kite in the sky then chances are it’s a delta. Based on the Chinese bird kites, this simple but striking design was introduced into the USA in the late 1940’s by Wilbur (Bill) Green who went on to found the Gayla kite company.
The beauty of a Delta kite is that with the crossbar removed, you can roll the kite up for easy storage so they don’t take up too much space and are easy to transport. You can buy deltas in a range of sizes but if you’re a beginner then choosing something small is best to begin with.
These are engaging kits for toddlers, because the triangular silhouette lends itself to animal shapes. You’ll find birds and butterflies among the Delta designs, along with planes and rocket ships. They also have a single line which attaches to a keel on the underside of the kite, meaning there is less chance of lines getting tangled and more time spent just flying.
The makers of this kite say that kids just can’t break it – it will last forever! Perhaps that’s why they’ve chosen to call it the best delta kite. The vivid colors help it to stand out, and it comes partially assembled with easy instructions for completing it.
What we like:
The makers have kept kids front and center when they were designing this kite, and that includes the instructions. Kids can put this together themselves in just a few minutes.
It’s also easy to get flying, so it’s great for younger kids who don’t have a lot of patience yet.
What really makes this brand stand out is the guarantee: If you lose the kite, they’ll replace it. They call it the “Sea ‘n’ Tree no-loss guarantee.” It’s hard to beat that for customer service!
There are other nice touches too, like a spare crossbar and tail ribbon being included in the pack. Considering this kite isn’t backed by a big name, you get a lot for your money.
What could be improved:
Some users have complained that the handles degrade and break over time, causing the cords to get tangled. They recommend upgrading your line and handle, if you plan on using the kite a lot which will obviously add to the expense.
The string that comes with it is only 200 feet long, which is great for little kids but older kids and adults might want to extend the line to at least double that.
A small minority of users have found that the kite breaks if it crash-lands hard, but others have reported the opposite experience. This may mean that there are inconsistencies in the manufacturing process.
Pros:
-Simply to fly
-Vibrant design
Cons:
-Short string
-Possible quality issues
4. AGREATLIFE 2-pack Kites
If you have a couple of kids, getting just one item for them to share isn’t always a wise choice. With this 2-pack kite set, you won’t have to deal with kids fighting over whose turn it is to fly the kite. Instead of buying two kites separately, get a bang for your buck with this set that comes with two fun designs – rainbow and ice cream.
What we like:
These AGREATLIFE kites come with premium flat winders and durable 50-meter Dacron strings. They’re easy to assemble and the set even comes with an Instruction ebook for assembly and flying techniques which makes it a perfect option for beginners. The two kites have very different designs but are both unique and fun in their own way. The set is a fantastic pick for someone who wants interesting designs without compensating on quality or price.
What could be improved:
Since the set comes with two kites with very different designs, either one of them might not suit the design preference of the buyer. Some users have also experienced issues with missing parts or parts that do not fit.
Pros:
-Value for money
-Fun vibrant designs
-Easy to assemble
Cons:
-Design flaw with ice-cream kite that affects flight
-Missing parts
-Durability issues
5. Tomi Toys Huge Rainbow Kite
If you’re looking for something a little bigger in the Delta kite department, then this rainbow kite is an absolute stunner. A full 60” wide and with a 100 meter line, you’ll be able to spot your kite no matter how high it gets.
Like other deltas, this kite will fold down for storage once the crossbar is removed and the side bars are separated.
What we like:
The size of this kite is impressive, and the six rainbow colored tails make this a visually stunning kite.
The kite is made from very robust material, and will hold up to the highest winds.
What could be improved:
The instructions on this kite have caused a few users some problems; they’ve ended up having to muddle through by themselves.
There’s no carry case for this kite. It does come with a storage pouch, but it can be tricky to fold the kite back into the pouch.
Pros:
-Vibrant design
-Large size
-Robust material
Cons:
-No carrying case
-String breaks easily
6. Toynspring Large Kite
Another large delta kite option, this option from Toynspring comes with a cute cartoon octopus print that’ll certainly pique the interest of younger kids. This 120×210 cm kite comes with a 100m string on a flat winder and is one of the most budget-friendly options for this size and quality.
What we like:
This kite is made from weather-resistant rip-stop polyester and durable fiberglass stability poles. It’s easy to assemble and launches easily even with a light breeze. With its fun cartoon octopus design, durable build that can withstand multiple crashes, as well as wallet-friendly pricing, this kite is a fantastic option especially for kids. It even comes with an instruction manual and a storage bag.
What could be improved:
A small minority of users reported issues with minor details like finishing issues with the grommet on the kite fabric through which the string is attached.
Pros:
-Cost-effective
-Easy to fly
-Storage bag included
Cons:
-Possible issues with finishing
7. Henga Butterfly Kite
We chose this Hengda Butterfly Kite for two reasons. Firstly, it’s absolutely beautiful. With the pretty shape and vibrant colors, it’s sure to be a hit with butterfly lovers of all ages. Secondly, while it might not look like it shape-wise, it functions similarly to a delta kite. That means it has a single line attached to a keel so you don’t need to worry about tangling lines.
What we love about it:
The design of this kite is just gorgeous, and that’s because the manufacturer is in the kite capital of China, Weifang. It’s a big hit, especially with girls, because of the look of the thing.
It’s well made, using durable material. It’s also a real eye-catcher kite. If you want to widen your kid’s social circle, then this kite will help as you’ll get people coming over to talk to you about it.
What could be improved:
This isn’t the easiest kite to put together. It’s made up of a lot of sticks, and if any of them get misplaced, your kite just won’t fly.
Because of the shape, this isn’t the easiest of kites to fly. It does well in high winds but for less breezy days you might want to choose a different shape.
Pros:
-Stunning design
-Well made
Cons:
-Not the easiest to put together
-Needs high winds
8. HONBO Huge Fighter Plane Kite
When you think of an object you can find up in the sky, one of the first things that come to mind will definitely be some sort of airplane. What could be a more fitting design for a kite than one that resembles a machine specifically made for flight?
What makes this HONBO plane kite special is that it doesn’t look like just any plane but rather a vibrantly colored fighter plane which will be perfectly visible even when it’s flying hundreds of feet above the ground. This 147cmx107cm kite comes in a beautiful combination of every color from the rainbow and a red and blue striped tail that perfectly complements the base design.
What we like:
This kite is crafted to last with durable polyester rods and rip-stop polyester fabric. Since it’s designed for beginners, it’s easy to fly and assemble and is therefore an excellent option for kids. It’s also incredibly budget friendly especially when you consider the intricate design.
What could be improved:
Some users experienced quality issues and missing parts while some had issues launching it. An easy solution to the launching problem is to let an adult launch it first before handing it over to the kids once it has taken flight.
Pros:
-Unique and fun design
-Cost-effective
-Easy to assemble
Cons:
-Difficult to launch for kids
-Possible quality issues
9. Hengda Cobra Kite for Kids (Diamond Kite)
When Mr. Banks took his children out to fly a kite in the 1964 film “Mary Poppins,” they took a diamond kite with them. If you’re looking to recapture a sense of nostalgia, then there’s nothing quite like a diamond kite. They’re also the simplest type of kite to build if you want to make your own.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the diamond can’t be brought right up to date. That’s what has been done here, with the Large Cobra Kite. With a clever design, the makers have transformed the diamond into the head of a cobra and added an impressive 26 -foot-long tail to flow behind it!
What we like:
The kite can be put together in a few minutes and comes with high-quality kite-line on a spool/handle to reduce the risk of snapping. It’s easy to get up into the air. It will fly with a light wind, but higher winds really make it take off.
The bright, unusual design helps to engage kids in flying the kite. They also tend to draw attention wherever they’re flown so be prepared for questions about where you got your cool kite.
Pros:
-Stunning Design
-Low price
-Easy to put together
Cons:
-Some durability concerns
10. Hengda Octopus Kite
Another kite from Hengda, and another unusual shape. This Octopus kite is a real stunner and the perfect kite for flying at the beach.
The design is somewhere between the DIY plastic bag kite and a parafoil; there are no crossbars or poles to put together. As long as the Octopus’ head gets filled with air, it will start to soar.
What we like:
Not only is the design stunning, but this kite is super simple to get into the air. With no poles, it squishes down into even the smallest of spaces, so there’s no need to consider carrying large bags to the park or beach with you.
The price is great, and the kite is ready to fly. It gets up into the air with ease, so for beginners, this one really is the best choice.
What could be improved:
Some users have reported that the ‘tentacles’ aren’t well sewn on and that they have lost some as a result.
The lower price is reflected in the materials, this isn’t a kite that’s been built to last and you can expect flying to take its toll.
As it has parafoil style tubes in the design, these all have strings attached which can get tangled when the kite crashes.
Pros:
-Fun design
-No construction needed
-Squishes down for transport
Cons:
-Not great quality
-Prone to tangling
11. Mint’s Colorful Life DIY Kites
Mint has a great 3-pack of diamond kites that allows kids to decorate their own kites and to fly them afterward. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved and to get the creative juices running.
What we like:
You get 3 kites for basically the price of one. We also love the fact that these are customizable kites that adds another layer of fun to kite flying.
These are basic easy-to-fly diamond kites that any beginner can easily get started with.
What can be improved:
These kites don’t fly as well as some of the other ones and seem to have difficulty staying in the air. It’s not an issue for everyone, but something to be noted.
Pros:
-Totally customizable, blank slate
-Easy to assemble
-Great value
Cons:
-Doesn’t fly as well as some of the other kites
-These are very plain kites if no coloring/drawing is done
12. HENGDA KITE Lifelike Black Shark Kite
Another interesting option for marine life-inspired design, this Hengda Kite shark design is sure to be a hit among children. What could be more fun than seeing this 155cmx160cm kite that resembles a ferocious shark flying over you?
What we like:
This kite is ideal for kids as it is incredibly easy to fly. You can get it up in the air with ease even with light wind. It’s also made from high-quality materials and can survive multiple crashes. Additionally, the vibrant shark design makes for a fascinating spectacle in the sky.
What could be improved:
Some buyers experienced issues with missing pieces and general challenges with assembly as it does not come with an instruction manual.
Pros:
-Fun shark design
-Easy to fly
Cons:
-No instruction manual
-Possible missing part
How to Get Kids Interested in Kites
It might be that you have a really fond memory of kite-flying from your past, or you may be one of the growing number of parents who want to get their kids away from computer screens and outside doing something in the fresh air. Either way, flying a kite is a great way to spend time together as a family, and you’ll be surprised how fast the time flies when you’re all out having fun.
If your kids are reluctant to get out and play, here are some suggestions for ways to get them involved:
Start them Young
Even toddlers can have a go at flying a kite. Take a plastic carrier or trash bag and tie a string that connects the handles. Then tie a long cord to that string and let your kids loose. Even if there’s not much wind, when the child runs then the bag will fill with air and follow along behind them.
Visit a Kite Festival
Keep your eyes peeled for local kite-flying events. February 8th is National Kite Day, so that’s a good time to check if there is something going on in your area. If you go along to a festival, you’ll be able to see a whole range of different shaped kites, and watch the pros handle them. It’s amazing what someone experienced can do with a kite!
Head Out on Windy Days
There’s bound to be a local spot that all the kite flyers use in your neighborhood. When the wind gets high, head on out to it and you’ll see what other people get up to. Your kids could talk to others about their kites and make some new friends.
Buy a Great Kite
Choice of kite is really important when you’re buying for kids. We’ve already shared some of our favourite kites here, but if you really want your kids to get enthusiastic about kite flying then consider choosing one which mirrors their interests or is just plain fun. There is a wide variety of different designs to choose from, so whether your kid loves superheroes or unicorns, you’ll be able to find a kite that suits them perfectly.
Quick Tips for Kite Flying Success
Kite flying can be a lot of fun, but it’s also possible to have a completely miserable experience if you don’t think ahead. Here are our top tips for making your kite flying trip with your kids a total success.
- Plan Ahead. If you’ve just bought a new kite, then open the packet and take a look before you leave the house. Most kites need some sort of assembly, even if it’s just tying a string into place. Others have poles which need to be fitted together. The very worst place to do all this is in a beach or at a park with impatient kids and high winds.
- Take Spares. If your kite came with a spare string or poles, then take them with you. Breakages and crashing are all part of the experience, but they don’t have to be the end of your day out.
- Pick a Breezy Day. Kites don’t fly on still days, but you’ll also want to avoid very high winds when you’re taking kids. While adults might want to get out and enjoy the challenge of being pulled and buffeted, your kids are just likely to get pulled around by the high winds.
- Refresh Your Memory. Has it been a while since you flew a kite? If so then you might want to read our article on how to fly a kite in 6 steps.
- Be the Launcher. It can be tricky to get a kite up into the air, so let your kids hold the handles while you throw the kite into the wind. Better still if you’ve got two adults, so you can stay close to the kid just in case they drop the handles.
- Pack for the Duration. If the trip goes well, then you can easily while away a few hours flying a kite. Make sure that you take snacks, drinks and sunscreen so that you don’t have to leave before you’re all good and ready.
- Take the camera! There’s nothing quite like the smile on the face of a kid who has just launched their first kite. Capture those precious memories forever.
Let’s go fly a kite!
While some memories of our childhood are tinged with more nostalgia than others, flying a kite is one of those pure, fun things that really gets etched in the memory. And with modern advances in technology, kites have so much more to offer whether that’s amazing shapes or just ease of flying.
We hope that this article helps you to spend some time with your kids, away from TV and computers and out in the fresh air. So go fly a kite with your kids, and send it soaring.
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