(For an in-depth discussion about each type of kids kayak, please read my post KAYAK OPTIONS FOR KIDS)

What kind of Kayak should I buy?  ...a brief overview

Inflatable Kayaks for kids $

Inflatable kayaks are easy to travel with and very affordable.  Though they are made of a very tough material, they are of course not indestructible.  I know many people who love inflatable kayaks for not only their kids but all the adults in their family as well.  Because we have a river at the back of our yard and rarely travel with our kayaks, we didn't feel the need to get an inflatable kayak.  If I only owned a small car and needed to travel to water (as most people obviously will), I would definitely consider an inflatable kayak as my child's first kayak.   

Sit-on-top kayaks for kids $$

Sit-on-top kayaks are an all-around easy option.  You don't have to inflate or deflate, they are small enough to travel with, you can't poke a hole in one, and they are easy to store.  They also show up at your door with free shipping, which is my favorite part.  When they arrive, they are easy to throw in the water (or even a swimming pool) to start paddling around.  For some people, the look of the sit-on-top kayaks doesn't quite align with the image they have in their mind of what a "kayak" is, but we have found them to be an excellent beginner kayak option for our younger kids.  There are also sit-on-top kayaks for teens and adults.    

Traditional Kayaks for Kids $$$

Traditional sit-inside kayaks are nimble and efficient when you are paddling longer distances.  They are also easier to stay dry in and have more space for storing things.  They cost more than sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks, and range in quality from entry level (cheaper construction) to very high quality (more money).  Remember, kids are not as picky as their parents.  They are excited to try kayaking whether you spend $100 or $1000.  The most important thing, in my opinion, is that you buy one you can afford and get started.    

Kayak Reviews

INFLATABLE KAYAKS
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Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak 
This kayak is very affordable and great for children beginning around 10 to 12 years old and up, though it can also work fine for younger children that are bigger/stronger than average.   This kayak is so inexpensive and includes a paddle and hand pump, with free shipping, which is crazy cheap to start a new sport. 

It is a perfect first kayak for a family that doesn't have space or want to worry about storing a traditional-sized kayak.  It gets great reviews and works for smaller sized adults as well.  Check here for current prices and more pictures. 
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SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS
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Lifetime Wave Kayak (with paddle)
This is the first kayak my kids started with.  Actually, we have two of them.  The price is really affordable, the kayak is worth every penny.  It can work with paddlers as young as 5-years-old.  The weight limit is 130 lbs.  This kayak will be loads of fun until your child is about 11 or 12-years-old, at which time they may be ready for something bigger.  It is very tough material, light enough for my 9-year-old to drag across the yard himself (it has a nice little built-in carrying handle as you can see in this picture) and it comes in two sizes, 6 ft (great for ages 5-10) or 6.5 ft (great size for kids 7-12).  My kids love the bright colors they come in.  You can get one in hot pink, lime green, bright orange, yellow blue.  Each kid gets their own color, and they think that is awesome.    I've noticed that the price goes up and down throughout the year, and largely depends on color, so check here for current rates, colors, and to see better pictures of the top of the kayak.  

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​Sun Dolphin Bali Sit-on-top 8 Foot 
This kayak is the next size up from a 6 or 6.5 ft kids kayak.  At 8 feet, a larger 8 to 10 year old could enjoy this kayak, otherwise I would suggest the Sun Dolphin Bali starting at around 11 years old.  It can also work for teenagers and small adults.  As a sit-on-top, it is easy for beginners and a good price for a kayak that can be used by both a mom and her son or daughter. It has an adjustable seat back, but you will need to order your own paddle.  For this width of kayak (28"), choose a 220 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 230 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller.  Check here for current amazon price on the Sun Dolphin.  Check the Paddle Reviews for a paddle to go with this kayak.       

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SIT-INSIDE KAYAKS
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Sun Dolphin Aruba (8 feet)
This is great for an entry-level sit-inside kayak for kids.  If you read reviews on the 10-foot versions of the same kayak, it gets higher reviews than the 8 foot because these are all silly adults trying to use this smaller kayak that works much better for young people.  It is great for kids and teenagers who are just starting out.  Believe me, they will have a blast.  For 9-year-olds and up, go with the 8 foot.  For kids 12 and up, go with the 10-foot (below).  Click here for colors and current prices on the 8-foot.  (Note: you will also need to purchase a paddle.) For this width of kayak (28"), choose a 220 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 230 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller.  See Paddle Reviews for the right paddle.     ​    

Sun Dolphin Aruba (10 feet)
​This kayak works great for any kids in the 11 or 12 age range and up.  It is well known that this brand is probably one of the cheapest  sit-inside kayaks you can buy.  Once your child becomes proficient, you can upgrade to high-priced and higher-quality kayak if you want to.  I promise that your tween/teen will have a blast with this and won't care or know that you didn't spend big bucks to get their first kayak.  Click here to see more photos and the different color options; prices tend to vary by color and season.  (Note: the Sun Dolphin Aruba also comes in an 8-foot length; see review above.  Also, you will need to purchase a paddle.)  For this width of kayak (30"), choose a 230 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 240 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller.     

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Old Town Heron Junior

This is my favorite kid-sized sit-inside kayak.  Old Town makes great kayaks and canoes for adults and youth.  One fun feature is that you can tow your tired kid back with the Heron Junior if they get too tired.  The Heron Junior feels like a mini version of your kayak rather than a toy kayak.  It feels so much better quality than the kayaks you might find at Walmart.  It costs more than the entry-level kayaks but if you can afford it, it is one of the very best options for a kids sit-inside kayak.  Here is the current price on Amazon.  Also, I will post a link for another online store for the Heron Junior, as it is often out of stock on Amazon.    

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Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational
This is the next step up in entry-level kayaks.  Old Town makes high-quality canoes and kayaks.  I grew up with my dad's Old Town canoes, and now I've bought my husband an old Town Canoe as well, and he loves it.  It was the best Father's Day present the kids and I ever gave him!  This is the perfect entry-level kayak if you want to have a vessel the whole family can share.  It is 9.5 feet long and easy to use.  Kids can use it from about 10 and up (and when your child is at school you can use without them!).  For some families, it makes more sense to have a kayak that can fit kids and adults, especially if you have an older child or teen.  This all-around kayak costs more than the Sun Dolphin kayaks, but you are buying a higher quality kayak.  It also has free shipping.  If you go for this option, don't forget to purchase a paddle or paddles that will fit whichever family members you plan on using it (see Paddle Reviews).  For this width of kayak (28.5"), I would suggest, choose a 230 cm paddle for kids under 6 feet tall and 240 cm paddle for 6 feet and taller.  Here are the current prices for Heron.