The 7 Best Kids’ Skateboards According to Real Parents

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Skateboarding is a fun way for kids to stay physically active but parents often worry about safety. Making sure to wear protective gear, like elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards will help, but starting your children off with a cruiser skateboard designed for kids can also help reduce the chances of injury. Kids will ride easier on a child-specific board as well, so they will have more fun and learn faster!
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We rounded up the top seven skateboards for kids to help your little skater stay safe at the skate park while having lots of fun.
Our Top Picks
Best All-Around Kids’ Skateboard:Meketec Skateboards Complete 22 Inch Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard at Amazon
Best Skateboard for Little Kids: SK8MEMO 17x5 Inch Mini Skateboard with Top Design at Amazon
Best Skateboard for a Beginner Skater: Merkapa 22" Complete Skateboard with Colorful LED Light Up Wheels at Amazon
Best Choice for Parents On a Budget: Retrospec Quip Skateboard 22.5" Classic Retro Plastic Cruiser Skateboard at Amazon
Safest Skateboard for Worried Parents: BELEEV Skateboard Complete Mini Cruiser at Amazon
Best Skateboard for Older Kids: FlyBee Boards 27in Cruiser Skateboard at Amazon
Best Skateboard for Teens: Magneto Kids Skateboard | Maple Deck with Components at Amazon
What to Consider When Purchasing a Kids’ Skateboard
- Wheels: Wheels can be hard or soft, with soft being the high-quality choice. Soft wheels mold slightly when you push on them. Plastic wheels don’t do this, and it makes it much harder to ride. Usually, soft wheels are translucent, while plastic wheels, such as those found on Playwheels boards, are solid in color.
- Width: A standard skateboard is 8 inches across, but a child-specific board needs to be narrower than that until the child reaches about 5’2. The smallest board for preschoolers is about 5 inches across. A 6-7 inch board is usually a good fit for a first board.
- Stability: Skateboarding is well known as a sport with lots of spins and tricks, but for a child just starting out, the main goal is to learn to ride steadily, without falling off. In other words, basic balance must be mastered before moving on to more advanced moves. This means that the board needs to be sturdy and stable enough.
- Skateboard Deck Material and Surface: Most boards have either a plastic deck or one made from wood, often Canadian maple. Classic skateboards have grip tape over their top surface. This sandpaper-like material helps keep your feet from slipping off, but it can wear holes through fabric or even cause injury if your kid spends a lot of time riding in a seated position. Grip tape may be safer for older kids, but a smoother surface is better for younger ones.
- A Skate Key: A skate key is a small wrench used to adjust skateboards. This tool is a must for repairs or replacements you’ll need through time. You can also use the skate key to tighten or loosen the wheels. A tighter turn will make the skateboard more stable for those learning to skate. Later, loosening the wheels a bit will allow kids to turn the board and advance their skills.
How We Chose Our Favorites
We conducted a bit of research to narrow down the top seven best kids skateboards. We focused on what parents liked about the boards, which was mainly their safety and functionality. Moms and dads want their kids to avoid serious injury above all, and they also would prefer to buy a quality board that lasts and works well, rather than have to replace the board frequently because it doesn’t work well.
After putting together the data from written reviews and conversations with real parents, we have the ultimate list of kids’ skateboards to help you select a great board for your child.