The Best Skateboards for Kids Will Have Them Shredding in No Time

Our Review Process 

When building our list of the best skateboards for kids, we considered the needs of different age groups and levels of mastery. We picked our top skateboards based on the following criteria:

• Deck Styles: We looked for youth-sized decks that offered stability and maneuverability.
• Grip Tapes: The inclusion of grip tape helps the rider feel sturdy and safe. Regardless, with enough wear, you will have to replace the tape.
• Wheels: We assessed the width and hardness (durometer rating) and how they translated to the board’s speed and distance.
• Trucks: We noted the quality and weight of the axle, i.e. the T-shaped turn parts found under the deck by the wheels.
• Materials: We assessed the differences between different wood types and plastic boards in terms of durability, portability, and stability.

Our Experts

We talked to experts about what to look for in skateboards for kids of all ages, from beginners to more experienced and confident young riders, as well as different types of skateboarding (cruising vs tricks, etc). Those experts included:

• Gary Smith, owner Vu Skateboard Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, and former professional skateboarder
• Andrew Hollohan, academy coordinator at the Homage Skateboard Academy in Brooklyn, New York
• Ely Khakshouri, founder and CEO of Retrospec, a company specializing in bikes, skateboards, and safety gear

Factors to Consider When Buying a Skateboard for Kids

• Deck Size: Deck size is a big consideration when shopping for a child’s skateboard, especially width. If the deck is too narrow, beginners might not feel as stable; too wide and they may struggle with foot placement or feel uncomfortable turning or maneuvering. “A wider skateboard will be heavier and a little harder to flip over and get off the ground but has more stability,” explains Smith.
• Deck Materials: Most skateboard decks are made of maple, bamboo, or plastic. These materials can impact the deck’s strength, ease of lift-off for tricks, weight, and rider weight limitations. Plastic decks are more lightweight, while hardwood is generally more durable and stable.
• Wheel Specs: In addition to durometer, wheels are measured by diameter, which affects speed. Diameters generally fall between 50 and 70 mm. Smaller wheels are lightweight and ideal for smooth surfaces, while larger wheels offer higher speed potential. “The most popular … wheel size [is] 52 to 54 mm,” says Smith. “If your child just wants to cruise around their neighborhood, you want a bigger, softer wheel size 56 to 60 mm and 78 duro. This will allow them to ride over sidewalk cracks and rougher ground without getting the vibrations you get from a smaller, harder wheel.”
• Complete vs. Separate: The term “complete” means the board comes pre-assembled or with all of the components for you to put together. These boards are typically less expensive. “Separate” means parts and components are sold separately to mix, match, and assemble on your own. You can customize the wheel color, trucks, grip tape, and the responsiveness of the bearings, which might be good choices as your kid’s knowledge and skills improve.
• Your Child’s Age and Skill Level: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children younger than 5 should not ride skateboards. Children ages 6 to 10 should have close adult supervision when skateboarding. Look for boards labeled with the correct skill level to ensure your child feels as comfortable and in control as possible. Most beginner boards are labeled as such.

How to Use Skateboards Safely

The AAP notes that one-third of skateboard injuries happen within the first week of learning the sport. To lessen this risk, your child should know how to turn, control speed, and stop before heading out on the open sidewalk. And don’t discount taking lessons to help along the way.

Regardless of skill level, all skaters should wear proper safety gear, including helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards (fractures or sprains to the wrist are the most common injuries). When skateboarding, your child should follow the rules of the road—be aware of their surroundings, avoid skating in the street or crowded areas, skate on the right side of sidewalks and paths, and watch for changes in pavement conditions such as potholes or water.

What Skateboard Should Kids Start With? 

The best skateboard for beginners is one that gives your kid stability while they learn to balance, with smaller wheels for better control while in motion. Wood decks are recommended for a first go at skateboarding because they’re heavier and provide better stability when maneuvering and turning. Khakshouri also suggests durability as an important thing to look for in a first skateboard, as kids need a board that can handle their learning curves.

What’s the Best Size Skateboard for Kids?

When choosing the best skateboard size for your kid, their height and weight are bigger factors to consider than their age. Taller kids who weigh more will need a board that can support them and is wide enough to accommodate their shoe size. “[A] generally safe bet for both kids and teens is to go with a board that’s between 7 and 8 inches wide,” Khakshouri says. “For children under 4 feet tall, a smaller board may be necessary.” If your child’s feet hang over the edge too much or they feel too unstable on the board, consider a wider deck. During the learning stage, smaller wheels (around 52 mm) will help them keep the board more under control. When in doubt, ask an expert at a skate shop or skateboarding school.

What Other Skateboarding Gear Should I Buy for My Child? 

Safety should always be the top priority when skateboarding, whether your kid is a novice or an expert. Smith advises purchasing the right gear to keep your kid enjoying the sport without injury. Most important is a helmet (he mentions Triple 8 and Pro-Tec brands as great options), but wrist guards and elbow and knee pads are also helpful.

Who We Are

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based writer for Parents with 30 years of writing for national magazines and popular websites, as well as authoring a book or two. Lacking the required sense of balance, Cheryl has never skateboarded a day in her life. But unwilling to crush her daughter’s need for speed, and after much investigation, she bought her a penny board.

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience and an educational background in child and adolescent mental health studies. While she hasn’t skateboarded for many years, she did go for a cruise on her husband’s Landyachtz to help inform her picks for this article.