What types of kites fly best?

Generally, the types of kites that fly best are ones that are able to take off in a light breeze and don't become difficult to fly once the wind picks up. Some of the best types include delta, diamond, and parafoil kites.

What kite is the easiest kind to fly?

The kites that are easiest to fly are single-line options, including delta, diamond, parafoil, sled, and novelty kite shapes. They are considered the best types for beginners to try.

What can I expect to pay for a kite?

Kites are available at a variety of budget-friendly to splurge-worthy price points, but it's going to depend on what you're looking for. Kites for children, or beginner kites, will likely cost less than a kite designed for advanced fliers with more features. Overall, expect to pay anywhere from as low as $10 to more than $100 for a kite.

The 9 Best Kites of 2023

Flying kites is an awesome activity the whole family can enjoy. While not always an easy task, flying a kite can be a positive learning experience and is rewarding for kids and adults alike. With so many styles on the market, everyone in the family can find a kite that fits their age and skill level.

Reviewed & Approved

The Prism Designs Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite is great for beginners or advanced kite fliers who want to show off their moves. For a beginner-only kite, we recommend A Great Life Huge Rainbow Kite.

Keep an eye on key features for buying a kite, like how to safely a kite, age recommendations, and the different shapes or styles available. Checking out these features can help ensure your flying will be as safe and successful as possible. We carefully considered design, material, ease of use, value, and any additional features included when reviewing products.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite at Prismkites.com

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Best for Beginners:

AGREATLIFE A Great Life Huge Rainbow Kite at Amazon

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Best for Little Kids:

Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite at Amazon

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Best Budget:

In the Breeze Rainbow Arch Kite at Amazon

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Best for Travel:

Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite at REI

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Best for the Beach:

Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite at Amazon

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Best Creative:

4M Design Your Own Kite Kit at Amazon

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Best Oversized:

In the Breeze Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite at Amazon

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Best for Tricks:

In the Breeze Dual Control Stunt Kite at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Kites
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Prism Kites

Pros

Great for beginners or advanced kite flyers
Made of durable polyester
Kite comes with everything included

Cons

Extra person may be needed to help uncoil lines

The Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite tops our list because this dual-line parafoil kite is all about speed and agility. With this kite, advanced flyers can do spins, dives, figure-eights, and more. It's great for beginners, too, as there’s no frame or parts to lose or break.

It packs up small enough to fit in a backpack or glove compartment. Plus, the kite comes with everything you need to fly, including polyester flying lines, winder, instructions, and a storage bag.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Multisize | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to fly
Can be flown in any type of wind
Toddler-friendly (ages 3 and up)

Cons

Difficult assembly for some

Unlike typical kites, this huge rainbow kite is specifically designed to be stable and easy to launch in nearly any type of wind. With a well-built frame and 50 meters of string on a handgrip kite spool, this is sure to bring lots of high-flying joy to first-time kite flyers.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 17.28 x 5.12 x 0.79 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 3 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

30-inch wingspan
Easy assembly
164 feet of kite line

Cons

Difficult to fly for some
May need stronger wind to fly in sometimes

Perfect for a first-time kite flyer, this colorful diamond-shaped option has a 30-inch wingspan. It comes with 164 feet of strong, premium kite line on an easy-grip line holder. Simple to assemble, launch, and fly, this kite will bring lots of smiles to your kiddos.

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.5 x 32 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Quick assembly
Made of durable ripstop fabric and fiberglass rods
Colors are vibrant

Cons

String may start to fray over time
May need longer string

A cost-effective option, this kite is made of lightweight, durable ripstop fabric and fiberglass rods. The kite comes with three 19-foot-long tails, so it’s highly visible in the sky. Included with the kite is the line on a handle winder and a reusable kite bag.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27 x 23 x 0.5 inches | Material Type: Ripstop fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up}

Courtesy of Prism Kite Technology

Pros

No assembly required
Can fit in your pocket
Unique forked tail

Cons

Difficult to fly for some
Only three color options

This portable kite comes ready to fly with a braided line and compact hoop winder that's easy for adults or children to use. The single-line control is durable and easy to fly, and an all-fabric design means no assembly is required. The portability and ease of this kite make it perfect to pack on vacation or stash in a picnic basket.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 87 inches | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Unique design
300 feet of line
Easy assembly

Cons

Smaller than expected for some
Bird may nosedive in high winds

A beautiful and high-quality kite, this colorful bird will stand out in the sky for beach fun and can withstand strong winds. It’s made to sail high and comes with 300 feet of strong line, a handgrip kite string spool, and a storage sleeve. Fully assembled, the paradise bird has a 70-inch wingspan, so it’s easy to spot from anywhere on the beach.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 4 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 5 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Can be customized with paint
Budget-friendly
Paints and brush included with kite

Cons

Not super strong
May work best in only moderate winds

Kite-building is a fun, family-friendly pastime that’s super easy to accomplish with this kit. Included is a 20-inch white kite with a tail, string, paints, and brush so kids can give their kite a custom paint job. Best for kids ages 4 years old and up, reviewers note the kite is not super strong but works well for limited use in moderate winds.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 22 inches | Material Type: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 3 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Unique design (kite is 3D)
Can get wet (but may be heavier than usual)
Easy assembly

Cons

May need a lot of wind to keep kite up
Not recommended for children under 8 years old

Easy to assemble, this 3D pirate ship kite will look impressive in the sky. The fiberglass frame and nylon kite measure over 2 feet by 2 feet and will attract a lot of attention whenever it’s up in the air.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 42 x 6 x 1 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 8 and up}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Two kite-line handles
Budget-friendly
Comes with reusable kite bag

Cons

Main support may break easily upon impact
Difficult to maneuver for some

A stunt kite is so fun to see flying in the sky. This one comes with two kite line handles, which will require a bit of practice for newbies, but this sturdy kite can withstand the practice. It’s made of lightweight, ripstop fabric with fiberglass rods. It flies best and will do the most tricks in a wind range of 6 to 20 miles per hour.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 25 x 47 x 8 inches | Material Type: Ripstop fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up}

How We Selected the Best Kites

We chose the best kites by studying the design and features of more than 20 kites on the market and researching reviews from customers and competitors. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on kites. We considered design, safety, age recommendations, ease of use, and value when reviewing products.

What to Look for in a Kite

Age Level

Before you give your child a kite to fly, double-check the age recommendation. Most kites can be used by children ages 3 and up, with some designed more for older children, teens, and adults. However, because not all kites are created equal, the age recommendation will give you an idea of how easily your child will be able to fly the kite.

Because flying a kite can be difficult for some, ensure the kite is designed for kiddos of your child's age. For example, an older child may be bored by one for younger kids, while a complex kite may be hard to fly and discouraging for younger kids. Smaller children may also not know where they can or can't fly a kite, which can lead to a deadly outcome if they fly near powerlines.

Kite Shape

If there's anything you've likely noticed about kites, it's that there are numerous shapes out there. For those who are beginners, it can be difficult to know the difference between kite shapes. The most common, and best for amateurs, are:

Delta: The well-known, standard triangular shape, these are great to learn with and can be used for tricks or more skilled maneuvers.
Diamond: Easy to make and very common, these are reliable when flown with an appropriate tail length.
Novelty: These include any large or eye-catching non-traditional shapes. They’re not the best for first-timers but can look amazing and are lots of fun to fly.
Parafoil: Characterized by divided cells and vertical ribs, this type of kite can be single or multi-lined and is used for tricks.

Aside from checking out the different shapes, be sure you have what you need to properly fly your kite. Look for a kite that comes with a spool, string, and other accessories.

Kite Safety

Flying a kite is usually a harmless and fun activity, but there are some safety recommendations you should be aware of before the flying begins. Be sure to watch out for others and their kites, and don't fly in a crowded/noisy place or close to a road where drivers may be distracted. You'll also want to fly away from an airport and avoid flying in a storm.

Following safety recommendations will ensure everyone has a fun time. Double-check your kite before it soars to ensure your kite anchors are strong and everything is in its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of kites fly best?

Generally, the types of kites that fly best are ones that are able to take off in a light breeze and don't become difficult to fly once the wind picks up. Some of the best types include delta, diamond, and parafoil kites.
What kite is the easiest kind to fly?

The kites that are easiest to fly are single-line options, including delta, diamond, parafoil, sled, and novelty kite shapes. They are considered the best types for beginners to try.
What can I expect to pay for a kite?

Kites are available at a variety of budget-friendly to splurge-worthy price points, but it's going to depend on what you're looking for. Kites for children, or beginner kites, will likely cost less than a kite designed for advanced fliers with more features. Overall, expect to pay anywhere from as low as $10 to more than $100 for a kite.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. She grew up with a dad who loved to fly kites in inappropriate places (think a crowded beach), so has always been a bit wary of kite-flying with her three kids.

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