Toys & Gifts Kids & Teens The 10 Best Kites of 2023 By Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process and Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 07, 2023 Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. 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 Jump to Review Best for Beginners: A Great Life Classic Beginners Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Little Kids: Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: In the Breeze Arch Diamond Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Creative: Mint's Colorful Life DIY Kites for Kids at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite at REI Jump to Review Best for Big Kids: Mint's Colorful Life Delta Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oversized: In the Breeze Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Tricks: In the Breeze Dual Control Stunt Kite at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite 5 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 Best for Beginners A Great Life Classic Beginners Kite 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 Best for Little Kids Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite Amazon View On Amazon 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 Best Budget In the Breeze Arch Diamond Kite Amazon View On 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 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 The 10 Best Active Toys for Toddlers Best Creative Mint's Colorful Life DIY Kites for Kids Amazon View On Amazon 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 Best for Travel Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite 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 Best for Big Kids Mint's Colorful Life Delta Kite 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 Best for the Beach Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite 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 The Best Baby Beach Tents for Shade and Comfort Best Oversized In the Breeze Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite Amazon View On 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 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 The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers to Get Moving Best for Tricks In the Breeze Dual Control Stunt Kite Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. The 9 Best Bikes for Kids of 2023 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Kitefliers Association. Kite Safety. Kite.org. American Kitefliers Association. Kite Safety. Kite.org. Glenn Research Center. Kite Safety. NASA.gov. Glenn Research Center. Kite Safety. NASA.gov. American Kitefliers Association. Kite Safety. Kite.org. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit