The 10 Best Beach Kites [2024]

Nothing says perfect summer beach day like bright blue skies, fair-weather clouds, kids laughing, and a colorful kite flitting around in the air. Whether you’re an adult teaching kids to fly one or learning to fly a kite yourself, it’s one of the simple summer pleasures that suits all ages.

Kites have come a long way, though, and there are loads of things to consider if you’re looking at getting back into this classic breezy day activity.

Things To Consider With Beach Kites

You might think kite shopping is quick and easy, but a little research goes a long way if you want to optimize the fun and minimize the frustration. Before you click to buy, consider the following.

Age Requirements

Though we usually think of kites as old, simple, diamond-shaped, and easy to fly on a breezy day, that’s not quite the whole story. There are a variety of styles of kites, and not all are suitable for younger fliers or those just learning.

It’s best to read through the product descriptions to ensure you aren’t buying a kite that may be too large or complicated for kids. You want a suitable one that makes the best of your kite flying experience — not one that frustrates everyone involved.

Kite Line Type

If you’re looking for a simple, beginner kite for a kid between 3-6, you might want to opt for a regular single-line kite. One line makes it easy to hang on to and maneuver — more fun and less frustrating.

Kids a little older or more experienced can get into dual-line kites to start learning how to handle kites and do basic tricks. For pros and kids above 12 years old, quad-line kites require navigation and attention to detail and can be fun to master.

Kite Shape

Kites come in various shapes, from classic diamond and delta kites to parafoil kites. Novelty kites are also popular and come in many shapes, like dinosaurs, fish, and butterflies. You’ll want to consider who the kite is for when choosing a kite shape, as some are easier to operate than others.

Diamond and delta shapes are usually the go-to for beginners or kids because they’re simple and easier to learn.

Hot Tip: Try not to get carried away with cool, complicated shapes if you’re a beginner. It’s best to start with the basics and work up.

Kite Size

Consider what size kite will best suit you and others using it before making a purchase. Smaller kites are easier to control and to learn with since there’s less surface area to work with. They might better suit kids or beginners who can’t maneuver a larger kite, especially in stronger winds.

Kite size also affects the amount of wind you can fly it in — smaller kites are usually better for windy days where they’ll fly easily but won’t pull on the string as hard. Larger kites can handle lighter breeze but can be harder to control.

Frame

Make sure that the frame of your kite fits the type of kite flying you want to do and the place you’ll be flying your kite. Unlike classic kites, most modern kite frames are usually made of standard fiberglass rods, similar to tent rods.

These are beneficial because they are extra lightweight and durable, which makes kite flying a little bit easier with less need for parts replacement. Some kites are also frameless, simply made of fabric, and ready to fly without requiring assembly. Make sure to consider frame types while browsing for a new kite.

The 10 Best Beach Kites

With hundreds of pages of kites to sort through, it can get a little overwhelming. We’ve rounded up some of the best options to make it easier.

1. Kite for Low-wind Conditions

A Great Life Large Rainbow Diamond Kite

Bold rainbow colors make this kite an excellent choice for all ages, and it’s UV-resistant, so it’ll stay bright for years to come. Strong and durable rip-resistant polyester ensures hours of fun and is also water repellent for easy cleaning and drying.

It’s a delta wing kite with an added tail, and it comes with sturdy rods with secure attachment points — so they’ll stay put in strong winds. This kite will take off and fly without fuss, even if there’s just a light breeze.

Stable and easy to maneuver, it’s an excellent option for kids getting into kite flying or adults letting their inner kid out for some fun. A 42-inch wingspan puts it in the bigger category, so it’s best suited for kids ages 8 and above.

What We Like:

• Durable and damage resistant

What We Don’t Like:

• Longer assembly time

2. Large and Bold 3D Kite

Hengda 3D Kite

If you love kites but want something different, check out 3D options like this large Orca kite. It’s made with thick, durable nylon and is 47 inches wide by 78 inches long, weighs just 10 ounces, and comes with 100 feet of string.

This kite is frameless and easy to set up, with no extra pieces and rods to fuss about. Just take it out of the bag and get flying. With an extra tailpiece for stability, it flies well in high wind conditions with practice.

It’s more suitable for older kids and adults because of the size, as younger kids may have difficulty controlling or reeling it in.

What We Like:

• Frameless and easy to use

What We Don’t Like:

• It needs windier conditions to fly

3. Classic Kite for All Ages

Check on Walmart

Mint’s Colorful Life Delta Kite

For young kiters, beginner kiters, or those who haven’t flown one in years, this kite is the perfect way to get into it. Considered a large kite at 60 inches by 30 inches, its delta wing design makes it easier for kids of all ages to control.

You’ll get many flights out of it, as it’s made from sturdy ripstop nylon and comes with 300 feet of thick string. This kite is also easy to assemble, perfect for windy beach days where you just want to take off and have fun flying.

It’s offered in a few different options, like rainbow colors and the American flag pattern, and comes with sewn-on ribbons on either side for extra effect.

What We Like:

• Suitable for everyone

What We Don’t Like:

• It doesn’t do as well in light wind

4. Multi-pack Kids’ Kites

Hengda 3-Pack Octopus Kite

These Hengda kites come in a tri-pack, so you and your family can fly together — a great option if you have kids of different ages. Measuring 157 inches long and 31 inches wide, these red, green, and blue octopus kites with multi-colored ribbon tentacles are cool to watch floating around the sky.

Easy to get off the ground and into the air, kids 3 years old and up can enjoy and learn how to fly. Made with ripstop nylon, they’re easy to clean and durable. They also don’t have frames, so there are no rods to set up — simply unpack and start flying.

These colorful kites are best used in light to medium wind conditions for stable flying.

What We Like:

• Affordable tri-pack for the whole family

What We Don’t Like:

• Better for light winds

5. Colorful Single-line Kite

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HONBO Large Delta Kite

This large delta kite checks all the boxes for a great beginner kite: quickly assembled, easy to use, and fun to fly. It’s brightly rainbow-colored and is 54 inches by 31 inches with 2 13-foot detachable flag tails for even more color and flare.

The fiberglass frame fits snugly into double-layer pockets for extra durability, so everything stays firmly in place while flying. Single-line makes it easy to fly and ideal for kids, and it comes with 300 feet of anti-tangle line on a standard plastic handle.

It’s suitable for kids as young as 3 and is great for teaching kids and adults alike. Light wind conditions are all you need to get up, up, and away.

What We Like:

• A beginner-friendly kite

What We Don’t Like:

• String can fray over time

6. Easy-to-Fly Delta Kite

Mint’s Colorful Life Devil Fish Kite

Ocean lovers will appreciate this beautiful kite shaped like a colorful blue devil fish ready to take on the skies.

A large kite, it’s 58 inches wide, 33 inches long, and has a 53-inch tail but is easy enough for younger kids to fly. It comes with 4 rods that are quickly assembled in a few minutes and are made of high-quality ripstop nylon to ensure longevity.

The bright colors won’t fade in the sun, and the nylon is easy to wash off if cleaning is required. A sturdy nylon storage bag is included, and this kite also comes in green and pink so everyone can have a color they love.

What We Like:

• Beautiful, bright design

What We Don’t Like:

• Rods could be sturdier

7. Kite With Extra-long Tail

Mint’s Colorful Life Large Cobra Kite

An impressive 49-foot-long tail makes this cobra kite hard to miss and extra fun to watch floating around the sky. It’s a larger kite, but it’s easier to control and flies well in low to moderate wind conditions, so smaller kids won’t have a problem.

Stability makes it an excellent learner kite for kids of all ages, and the setup is also super-quick, so there’s no waiting around. The long tail has a strong Velcro strip for easy attachment to the main kite body, and its 4 rods easily slip into place.

It comes with 300 feet of line for high-flying and is a great eye-catching option for beach flying during summer holidays.

What We Like:

• The long tail looks pretty impressive

What We Don’t Like:

• A little more time-consuming to pack up

8. Beginner Kite for High Winds

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Honbo Huge Shark Kite

One of the larger kites on this list, this colorful shark kite measures 75 inches from tip to tail and 45 inches across at the widest point. Ripstop nylon makes it durable, while dye sublimation printing produces bright, fade-proof graphics for endless days in the sun.

It’s a single-string kite, and it is easy to set up with just a few rods to assemble. It’s simple enough for kids to do. Suitable for wind between 5 to 20 miles per hour, this kite takes off effortlessly and is easy to control in the air. It’s a great learner kite and is suitable for kids 3 and older, so everyone can join in on the fun.

What We Like:

• A good, stable kite for learning

What We Don’t Like:

• Better performance in strong winds

9. Kite With a Cool Graphic Design

Hengda Classical Dragon Kite

Big, bright, and fun with a long fiery tail, this kite will appeal to mythical creature lovers, whether they are adults or kids. The high-resolution graphics set this kite apart from others and can be seen from a distance.

Rated for kids ages 8 to 12, little kids will also have fun with this kite under supervision. It’s a large kite 55 inches across and 62 inches long with a 100-foot single-line and an additional tail for stability. It takes off and flies easily in steady winds and is made with solid ripstop nylon and a strong frame made with plastic tubes and connectors.

It also comes with an instruction manual, a nylon carry bag, and 2 extra spars (just in case!).

What We Like:

• Awesome graphic design

What We Don’t Like:

• Little kids will need assistance

10. Extra-large Kite for the Patriotic

Honbo Huge Patriotic Eagle Kite

You can have fun and be patriotic with this large eagle kite, which is also perfect for July 4th activities. It’s 33 inches long, and the wingspan is an impressive 73 inches, but it folds up to 18 inches for easier packing.

Made with ripstop nylon and fiberglass frame rods, it can handle heavy winds and hard landings without being scrapped. This larger kite flies easily in stronger winds and comes with a 200-foot single string so the eagle can soar high.

It also has 2 bonus streamers for each wing and a storage bag to keep everything together. This kite is suitable for older kids and adults, as younger kids may have some trouble controlling it and reeling it back in.

What We Like:

• Large wingspan

What We Don’t Like:

• Requires stronger winds

Final Thoughts

The options are endless when it comes to purchasing a kite as there are so many shapes, sizes, and features that exist. Starting with the age and experience of the kite flyer is a good way to begin as you want to make sure it’s controllable for them. After that, the world is your oyster in terms of kite shape, design, graphics, and size!