The 11 Best Kites of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite at rei.com

"Advanced flyers in need of an upgrade can try their hand at doing various tricks with this dual-line kite."

Best Budget: In the Breeze Arch Kite at Amazon

"You'll have no trouble putting together this easy-to-assemble kite and an even easier time spotting its rainbow hues in the sky."

Best for the Beach: Premier Kites Bird Kite at Amazon

"When you're on a break from playing in the water, go back to the shore and catch a few winds with this vibrant bird kite."

Best for Beginners: A Great Life Rainbow Kite at Amazon

"Both little kiddos and novices to flying kites don't have to worry about the winds with this option that promises to be stable."

Best for Little Kids: Melissa & Doug Wind Kite at Amazon

"Younger kids can soar to new heights with this choice that was made to have a simplified assembly, launching, and flying process."

Best for Big Kids: HQ Butterfly Kite at prokitesusa.com

"Older kids who want to try independent flying can go with this option, designed with a large wingspan for longer flying periods."

Best Oversized: Pirate Ship Kite at Amazon

"Pirate lovers will appreciate this ship-shaped kite, and develop their coordination and endurance while they're at it."

Best Advanced: Haptic Lab Ghost Ship Kite at alchemylivinginc.com

"A handmade option that doubles as room decor and a kite, it's best for more experienced kite flyers that can handle a strong wind."

Best Creative: 4M Design Your Own Kite Kit at Amazon

"Youngsters who want to customize their kite will have a blast decorating this white kite with the provided paint."

Best for Travel: Prism Design Pocket Flyer Kite at rei.com

"This portable choice conveniently fits in your pocket so you can take it with you as you embark on your road or beach trip."

Kites are an awesome fun family activity. While not always an easy task, flying a kite can be such a positive learning experience and rewarding for kids (and adults). There are some key features to look for when buying a kite to make sure your flying will be as safe and successful as possible.

We've rounded up the best kites for everyone in your family from your littlest flyer to your expert soarer.

Best Overall: Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite

synapse prism kite — Courtesy of Synapse

Sure to thrill, this dual-line parafoil kite is all about speed and agility. With this kite, advanced flyers can do spins, dives, figure-eights, and more. There’s no frame or parts to lose or break and it even packs up small to fit in a backpack or glove compartment. The kite comes with everything you need to fly, including polyester flying lines, winder, instructions, and a storage bag.

Dimensions: Multisize | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Best Budget: In the Breeze Rainbow Arch Kite

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. Reviewers say this kite is easy and fun to fly and appreciate the quick assembly. Included with the kite is the line on a handle winder and a reusable kite bag.

Dimensions: 27 x 23 x 0.5 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up

Best for the Beach: Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite

A beautiful and high-quality kite, this colorful bird will stand out on the beach 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.

Reviewers note they’ve used longer lines and the kite soars well at higher altitudes. Fully assembled, the paradise bird has a 70-inch wingspan, so it’s easy to spot from anywhere on the beach.

Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 4 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Polyester | Age Recommendation: 5 and up

Best for Beginners: A Great Life Huge Rainbow Kite

Unlike typical kites, this huge rainbow kite is specifically designed to be stable and easy to launch in nearly any type of wind. By launching and controlling a kite, kids will develop coordination, strength, and critical thinking skills.

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.

Dimensions: 17.28 x 5.12 x 0.79 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Polyester | Age Recommendation: 3 and up

Best for Little Kids: Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite

Perfect for a first-time kite flyer, this colorful diamond-shaped option has a 30-inch wingspan. Many reviewers say it’s easy to fly and an ideal kite for young kids. 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.

Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.5 x 32 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up

Best for Big Kids: Monarch Butterfly Kite

Beautifully made, this oversized monarch butterfly features vibrant red, orange, black, and white colors and is well-sized for older kids to fly alone. With a wingspan of 51 inches, it looks like a giant monarch butterfly in the sky. Included with the ripstop polyester kite are the fiberglass frame, 200 feet of polyester string, and a spool.

Dimensions: 31 x 51 x 0.5 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Polyester | Age Recommendation: 5 and up

Best Oversized: Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite

Easy to assemble, this 3D pirate ship kite will look impressive in the sky. The fiberglass frame and nylon kite measure over two feet by two feet and will attract a lot of attention whenever it’s up in the air. Reviewers do note it needs a lot of wind to keep this kite up and it is not a super high flying kite.

Dimensions: 42 x 6 x 1 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up

Best Advanced: Haptic Lab Ghost Ship

Handmade works of art, these kites feature four-tiered sails on a beautifully designed ship kite. Made of ripstop nylon, bamboo, and string, this oversized kite will stand out as it soars through the sky. This kite sails best in a very strong wind on a beach or on a hilltop. When not in use in the sky, it makes a beautiful decoration displayed indoors.

Dimensions: 34 x 36 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Nylon, Bamboo, and String | Age Recommendation: Not Listed

Best Creative: 4M Design Your Own Kite Kit

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.

Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 22 inches | Material Type: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 5 and up

Best for Travel: Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite

Prism Kites Pocket Flyer Kite — Courtesy of Prism Kite Technology

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 required. The portability and ease of this kite make it perfect to pack on vacation or stash in a picnic basket.

Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 87 inches | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Best for Tricks: In the Breeze Dual Control Stunt Kite

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.

Dimensions: 25 x 47 x 8 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up

Final Verdict

If you and your family are up for a challenge, the Prism Synapse Dual Line Parafoil Kite takes kite flying to a whole new level, with dual lines and instructions on how to execute lots of advanced tricks and high-flying moves.

What to Look for in a Kite

Age Level

Use the recommended age on the kite to gauge how easily your child will be able to fly the kite. 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.

Kite Shape

There are numerous kite shapes out there. Here are some of the most common and best for amateurs.

Delta: The well-known, standard triangular shape. These are great to learn on and can be used for tricks or more skilled maneuvers.

Diamonds: Easy to make, very common, these are very reliable when flown with an appropriate tail length.

Novelty: These include any large or eye-catching non-traditional shapes. They’re not best for first-timers but can look amazing and are lots of fun to fly.

Parafoils: Characterized by divided cells and vertical ribs, this type of kite can be single or multi-lined and is used for tricks.

What’s Included

Don’t be caught off guard by getting to the beach and finding you don’t have what you need to properly fly your kite. Look for a kite that comes with a spool, string, and other accessories to make sure your kite has everything you need.

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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