The Best Skateboards for Kids

PlayWheels Ultimate Spider-Man Skateboard

Boarding basics

This board is the perfect option for kids who are serious about getting into skating.

Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a classic, no-frills skateboard for learning purposes, look no further than this one from PlayWheels. The solid, nine-layer deck is made with sturdy maple and is designed to have a “double kicktail” to enable easier breaking and give the rider better control over the board. The wheels use PVC to produce a smooth ride, and the sandpaper grip on top has excellent hold to avoid unnecessary tumbles and falls. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with the awesome Spider-Man design — though other beloved characters are available, too.

Pros:

• Has the look and feel of a regular skateboard while still catering to younger kids
• Available in patterns that suit all young riders

Cons:

• The design on the bottom is just a sticker and may fade if the board is left outdoors

Meketec Mini Retro Cruiser

Sick throwback, dude

This board provides a heaping helping of nostalgia with its vintage-style kick tail and asymmetrical shape.

Best Retro Look

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The ’70s saw a considerable rise in skateboarding, and these throwback designs will have your little newbie feeling gnarly. With 25 patterns to choose from, there’s sure to be something that pleases any budding boarder, from neon zebra prints that channel the Venice Beach skaters to psychedelic swirls to brightly colored graffiti. The plastic deck is durable yet lightweight, so it won’t be a burden to bring to and from the skatepark, even for the smallest of hands.

Pros:

• Fantastic price for a child who is a pure beginner and just learning how to maneuver the board
• The package includes a manual with helpful suggestions for things such as maintenance, as well as riding and safety tips

Cons:

• Not suited for older learners, as this board can hold a limited amount of weight

Merkapa Skateboard With Light Up Wheels

Light bright

Bring some sparkle to the skate park with this flashy board.

Best Light-Up Wheels

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We’ve all seen flashing lights on shoes, but what about skateboards? The fun LED lights Merkapa puts into their wheels are completely battery-free and will stay on as long as the board is in use. In addition to adding some pizazz, there is also a safety element to having these lights, as they can help the rider with evening visibility and make them easier to keep an eye on in a crowd. Additionally, we love that this deck has smooth, rounded edges to make slips and falls easier on new skaters.

Pros:

• Available in 11 different colors and patterns
• Board can support up to 180 lbs

Cons:

• Wheels may stop glowing if they become too loose and will need to be tightened to restart the lights

WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners

Catch a concrete wave

Your little ones will feel like they're skating with the pros with these classic patterns.

Best Grown-Up Looking Design

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The array of colors and designs available for kids’ skateboards is seemingly never-ending, but sometimes, your child may want to feel a tad more grown-up. That’s why we love the pattern options that WhiteFang has available. If you’ve got a six-going-on-16-year-old, they can choose from tons of various colors and geometric designs that would never be mistaken for a children’s board. It also arrives completely pre-assembled, so your small skater will be good to go instantly upon arrival.

Pros:

• Super durable and suitable for kids up to age 12
• Board is built in a way to make it easier for kids to learn simple tricks

Cons:

• The trucks may need tightening before use if this is for an older or bigger child

Dinbin Longboard

In it for the long haul

This variety of board can be super helpful for new skateboarders.

Best Longboard

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Though they’re less common, longboards are an excellent option for novice skaters. Their longer, wider platform and soft wheels make them incredibly easy to balance on. This 3½-lb board is light enough for wee ones to carry around while remaining durable due to its polypropylene deck and heavy-duty alloy trucks. This specific board also has excellent shock absorption, which means that the ride will remain smooth despite bumps or cracks on the ground.

Pros:

• Comes with a versatile “T-tool” that can be used in various ways to fix or tighten elements of the board
• Waffle design on the top of the board provides excellent skid protection

Cons:

• Comes tightly shrink-wrapped and may leave plastic remnants in some of the screws

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety equipment does my child need to have?

If you’ve ever purchased safety equipment for a child learning how to ride a bike, you probably already have everything you need. The must-haves are a helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, and possibly wrist guards. Additionally, though “skate shoes” may seem like a gimmick, they can actually be immensely helpful and provide the cushioning and stability your little skater will need as they learn.

Are there other things I can do to ensure my child doesn’t injure themselves?

It’s inevitable — anyone learning to skateboard is going to fall, so the most important thing to learn is how to fall “correctly.” Instinctively, your child will most likely want to use their hands to break their fall, but the best way to land is actually on your back and then rolling slowly onto your shoulder. Stiffening your body can also cause a more severe injury, so trying to keep limbs loose is key. Though this may sound like a difficult thing to learn, it’s surprisingly easy to practice on a soft surface like grass or carpet.