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 10 Best Kites of 2023

Flying kites is a thrilling outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. There’s no better feeling than your kite catching just the right amount of wind to soar to new heights. While it’s not always an easy task, flying a kite can be a positive learning experience for kids and adults alike. With so many styles on the market, we’ve included options for all ages and skill levels.

Keep an eye on key features for buying a kite, like design, material, and age recommendations. Moreover, the American Kitefliers Association recommends practicing safety while flying a kite to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe time. Remember the three C’s of kite safety: caution, courtesy, and common sense. Places like the beach or playgrounds attract crowds, so you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings.

To find the best kites, we reviewed guidance from the American Kitefliers Association and NASA on kite safety, how to fly a kite, and the different types of designs. Additionally, we considered material, design, size, age recommendations, assembly, and overall value when reviewing products. From beginners to advanced fliers, we chose kites for any expertise level, age, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

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

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Best for Beginners:

A Great Life Classic Beginners 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 Arch Diamond Kite at Amazon

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Best Creative:

Mint's Colorful Life DIY Kites for Kids at Amazon

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Best for Travel:

Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite at REI

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Best for Big Kids:

Mint's Colorful Life Delta Kite at Amazon

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Best for the Beach:

Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite 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
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

REI

View On Prismkites.com View On REI

Pros

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

Cons

Extra person possibly necessary to uncoil lines

The Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite tops our list because it's all about speed and agility for any skill level. With this dual-line parafoil kite, advanced flyers can do spins, dives, figure-eights, and more with its high-aspect wings. It's great for beginners, too, as there are no frames or parts to lose or break with the all-fabric design. Simply unroll the sail and your lines, and let the wind take over. The company says the kite flies best in moderate to strong winds (6 to 25 mph).

We love that its 53-inch wingspan 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, a winder, flight straps, instructions, and a storage bag.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 53 inches | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up | Wind Range: 6 to 25 mph}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Easy to fly
Can be flown in any type of wind
Colorful

Cons

Difficult assembly for some

If you’re looking for a beginner kite, this pick is easy to launch in nearly any type of wind. The stable and durable frame allows kiddos ages 4 and up to fly the 42-inch wingspan in winds as low as 5 to 15 mph. We appreciate how the UV-resistant ripstop polyester won’t fade in the sun over time and keeps its vibrancy. With 164 feet of string on the handgrip kite spool, first-time kite flyers won’t run out of fun.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 42 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 4 and up | Wind Range: 5 mph and up}

Amazon

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Pros

30-inch wingspan
Easy assembly
164 feet of kite line

Cons

May need stronger wind to fly in sometimes

This Melissa & Doug kite is a great option for little kids to try kite flying. The diamond shape wingspan reaches 30 inches and comes with 164 feet of strong, premium kite line on an easy-grip line holder. Its heavy-duty ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and flexible fiberglass struts ensure the kite lasts through hours of flying time.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 30 inches | Material Type: Ripstop nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up | Wind Range: Not listed}

Amazon

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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

The In the Breeze Arch Diamond Kite is affordable, lightweight, and durable with its ripstop fabric and fiberglass rods. We love the kite’s three 19-foot-long tails, so it’s highly visible in the sky. The kite comes on a line with a comfy handle and reusable kite bag for easy portability and storage. Choose from six pattern options, like ocean or sunset, and two sizes, 27 or 39 inches, to fly your favorite look in wind speeds of 6 to 20 mph.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 23 inches | Material Type: Ripstop fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up | Wind Range: 6 to 20 mph}

Amazon

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Pros

Multiple pack options
10 markers included
3 kite handles with 150 feet line

Cons

Not best in strong winds

A DIY kite provides kids with two experiences: Drawing and coloring their own kite and flying it high in the sky when done. The Mint's Colorful Life DIY Kite is available in multiple pack options, like two, three, or six, which include everything kids need to create and fly their masterpieces, including markers, handles, and lines.

Price at time of publication: $10 (3-pack)

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 25 inches | Material Type: Not listed | Age Recommendation: 3 and up | Wind Range: Not listed}

REI

View On REI

Pros

No assembly required
Can fit in your pocket
Unique forked tail

Cons

Sometimes folds in while flying

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. We appreciate the compact size for the ultimate portability and storage. Fly the Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite in wind speeds of 4 to 20 mph with confidence thanks to the unique forked tail that provides extra stability.

Price at time of publication: $27

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 21 inches | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: Not listed | Wind Range: 4 to 20 mph}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Bright colors
300 feet of string
Unique connector keeps handle and kite together

Cons

A tad heavy

This triangle kite will surely be a hit with big kids thanks to its 300 feet of line, bright colors, and easy use. The two 118-inch ribbons on the kite's 60-inch wing span wow us and add a flair of drama to the air. The durable nylon material is available in five patterns and colors, so big kids can pick their favorite color combination to match their style.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 60 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up | Wind Range: Not listed}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Unique design
300 feet of line
Easy assembly

Cons

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 durable 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: $45

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 70 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 5 and up | Wind Range: 10 to 23 mph}

Amazon

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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

We think the 3D design of this In the Breeze kite is impressive and sure to stand out in the sky. The 3D pirate ship features eight sails that work best in winds of 7 to 18 mph and a 38-inch wing span to fly high. A fiberglass frame and the ripstop nylon are durable to withstand higher wind speeds (and the excitement of kids 8 years old and up). Bonus: In addition to the pirate ship, WindNSun sells the same 3D kite in various styles like dragons, a blue macaw, and fighter jets.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 38 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 8 and up | Wind Range: 7 to 18 mph}

Amazon

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Pros

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

Cons

Main support may break easily upon impact

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 beginners, but this sturdy kite can withstand the practice. It’s made of lightweight, ripstop fabric with fiberglass rods. Its impressive 47-inch wing span will do the most tricks in a wind range of 6 to 20 miles per hour.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Wing Span: 47 inches | Material Type: Ripstop fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up | Wind Range: 6 to 20 mph}

How We Selected the Best Kites

We chose the best kites by studying the design and features of more than 30 top-rated 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 wing span, wind range, age recommendations, design, material, assembly, and overall value when selecting our recommended products.

We also reviewed guidance from the American Kitefliers Association and NASA to find out more about safety, what to look for in a kite, and how to fly a kite. Based on safety recommendations, we chose a wide range of options for beginner to advanced fliers with various styles, budgets, and lifestyles.

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 and Material

If there's anything you've likely noticed about kites, there are numerous shapes and materials out there. For beginners, it can be difficult to know the difference between kite shapes and what material to look for. 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 to consider the material. Ripstop nylon and polyester are durable fabrics that withstand the force of the wind. Additionally, double-check that your kite comes with accessories necessary for flying, like 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

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. Katrina loves to fly kites with her 3-year-old son and husband on beautiful windy days in Oklahoma. She loves the Melissa & Doug Spectrum Kite because it's age-appropriate for her son to explore kite flying.

Additional reporting by:

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 she has always been a bit wary of kite-flying with her three kids.

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