Raising Kids Gear and Products The 11 Best Kites of 2022 Reach the highest heights with the Prism Designs Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite By 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 and 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 Updated on March 30, 2022 Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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 prouc We've rounded up the best kites for everyone in your family, from your littlest flyer to your expert soarer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite at Prismkites.com Jump to Review Best for Beginners: AGREATLIFE A Great Life Huge Rainbow Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Advanced: Alchemy Ghost Ship Kite at Alchemylivinginc.com Jump to Review Best for Little Kids: Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Big Kids: Pro Kites USA Butterfly Kite at Prokitesusa.com Jump to Review Best Budget: In the Breeze Rainbow Arch Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite at REI Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite at Amazon Jump to Review Best Creative: 4M Design Your Own Kite Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oversized: In the Breeze Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: Prism Designs Prism Synapse Dual-Line Parafoil Kite 5 Courtesy of Synapse 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 Pricey 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 storage bag. Dimensions: Multisize | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up Best for Beginners: AGREATLIFE A Great Life Huge Rainbow Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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. Dimensions: 17.28 x 5.12 x 0.79 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 3 and up Best Advanced: Alchemy Ghost Ship Kite Courtesy of Haptic Lab View On Alchemylivinginc.com View On Woonwinkelhome.com Pros Can double as decor indoors Beautiful design Kites are hand-crafted Cons Pricey May get dirty easily 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 for Little Kids: Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Craftsdirect.com View On Thepaperstore.com 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. Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.5 x 32 inches | Material Type: Ripstop Nylon | Age Recommendation: 3 and up The 10 Best Active Toys for Toddlers Best for Big Kids: Pro Kites USA Swallowtail Butterfly Kite Courtesy of Pro Kites USA View On Prokitesusa.com Pros Beautiful design Easy to assemble Skytails, handle, and line included Cons 1-year warranty not included (sold separately) No storage bag included All eyes will be on you and your family the next time everyone plays outside, thanks to this kite's beautiful butterfly design. With vibrant yet soft colors, like yellow and blue, it's a great size for big kids who want in on some flying fun. At 32 inches wide, this kite is made of nylon and fiberglass and is recommended for children 8 years old and up. Dimensions: 32 x 25 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 8 years old and up Best Budget: In the Breeze Rainbow Arch Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Prokitesusa.com 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. Dimensions: 27 x 23 x 0.5 inches | Material Type: Ripstop fabric | Age Recommendation: 3 and up Best for Travel: Prism Designs Pocket Flyer Kite Courtesy of Prism Kite Technology View On REI View On Urbansurf.com 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. Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 87 inches | Material Type: Polyester | Age Recommendation: 14 and up Best for the Beach: Premier Kites Paradise Bird Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Kmart.com View On Pictureprettykites.com 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. Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 4 inches | Material Type: Ripstop polyester | Age Recommendation: 5 and up The 10 Best Baby Beach Tents for Shade and Comfort Best Creative: 4M Design Your Own Kite Kit Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's 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. Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 22 inches | Material Type: Plastic | Age Recommendation: 3 and up Best Oversized: In the Breeze Super-Sized 3D Pirate Ship Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Brainstormproducts.com 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. Dimensions: 42 x 6 x 1 inches | Material Type: Nylon | Age Recommendation: 8 and up The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers to Get Moving Best for Tricks: In the Breeze Dual Control Stunt Kite Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Prokitesusa.com 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. 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 (view on Amazon) 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. For a more child-friendly option, there's the Melissa & Doug Spectrum Diamond Kite (view on ThePaperStore.com), which is designed for beginners and smaller children. It even comes with 164 feet of strong, premium kite line on an easy-grip line holder. 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. 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. The 9 Best Bikes for Kids of 2022 2 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. Glenn Research Center. Kite Safety. NASA.gov. American Kitefliers Association. Kite Safety. Kite.org. By Maya Polton Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Tufts University and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. 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