If you’re on the hunt for a skateboard for your child, look no further. We’ve got the list for you. We’ve narrowed down the best of the best to our favorite 10, and we know that no matter which one you choose off the list, your kids will be cruising in no time.
However, not all skateboards are the same and there are a few things you need to know before you go all in. There are different types of skateboards and skateboard sizes, and you’ll need to decipher which one is right for your child.
So that’s why we’ve not only rounded up our top 10 picks but also given you all the info you need to know before choosing a skateboard for your child.
Contents
The Anatomy of a Skateboard
Before we get into the types of skateboards, we’ve got to give you a quick education on the parts of a skateboard so you know what we’re talking about. Here are some terms you need to know:
Deck
The deck of a skateboard is the platform the rider will stand on. Decks come in a variety of widths and lengths depending on the type of skateboard and are usually made of laminated wood.
Griptape
Griptape is the layer on top of the deck that prevents feet from slipping off the board. This is an important part of the skateboard because it allows the rider to do tricks.
Trucks
The trucks are located under the deck and are where the wheels are attached. They are made of metal and can be tightened or loosened to the rider’s preference.
Nose & Tail
The nose is the part of the deck near the front, while the tail is the part of the deck near the back of the skateboard.
Bearings
Bearings are small balls located in the core of the wheel and allow the wheel to roll smoothly.
Hardware
The hardware on a skateboard is bolts and nuts holding the deck to the trucks.
Types of Skateboards
There are so many different types of skateboards out there today that choosing the right skateboard may seem a bit confusing. However, the following 4 skateboards types are the most popular. Let’s take a look at each!
Old School Boards
The deck of an old school board is asymmetrical and closely resembles a fish-shape. Usually, both the nose and tail are flat rather than curved upward. These boards are good for doing tricks as well as riding around the streets.
Longboards
Longboards have (you guessed it) longer decks, typically 33” or longer. The deck also tends to be wider and the wheels are softer, making it one of the easier skateboards to ride. They are a great choice for beginners, but the larger size isn’t great for smaller skateboarders.
Cruiser Boards
What sets cruiser skateboards apart from other skateboards are the softer wheels. Cruisers are great for riding longer distances (AKA cruising around town) because they’re more stable.
Cruisers are a good choice for beginner skaters, as well, and unlike longboards, they’re shorter, making them easier to carry.
Double-Kick Boards
The nose and tail of a double-kick board are curved upward, allowing for the rider to do tricks on either side. If your child’s goal is to learn how to do tricks, a double-kick board is a good choice.
Like we mentioned before, there are plenty of other types of skateboards available, but the above four are not only the most popular types of skateboards but are going to be the best for beginners.
Choosing the Right Size Skateboard
While this may be obvious, the age of your child is going to play a major role in deciding what type of skateboard they need. You’ll also need to consider their height and shoe size, as well.
There are four sizes of skateboards: micro, mini, mid and full. Let’s take a look at each one and the average size of riders in comparison.
- Micro Skateboards have a deck size of about 6.5” wide and are suitable for kids 5 and under and 3’4” or shorter.
- Mini Skateboards have a 7” deck width and work for kids about 6-9 years old. Kids using a mini skateboard should be between 3’5” – 4’4” tall and have a shoe size of 2-5.
- For kids ages 9-12, the Mid-sized Skateboard has a deck width of 7.25 – 7.375”. This skateboard works for kids that are 4’5” to 5’2” tall and have a shoe size of 6-8.
- Full-sized Skateboards are for kids 13 and older and 5’3” and taller. The deck width of a full-sized skateboard is 7.5” or wider and can accommodate kids with a shoe size of 9 and up.
Keep in mind that the above are general guidelines on which size skateboard to choose. If you still aren’t sure which size skateboard to choose, a good rule of thumb is to go by your child’s shoe size rather than height or age.
The Difference Between Low, Medium and High concave Decks
The deck of nearly all skateboards is concave which simply means that the deck is curved. The degree of curvature depends on the type of skateboard. Skateboards are classified as having a low concave, medium concave or high concave.
- Low concave decks aren’t curved very much. These decks are more stable but aren’t the best choice for doing tricks, especially flips.
- High concave decks are the opposite of low concave. Skateboards with a high concave can be flipped easily, therefore, aren’t a great choice for beginners.
- Medium concave decks are a great choice for beginners because they give the rider stability with the option of doing some tricks, as well.
A Word on Wheels
It should come as no surprise that there are different wheels for different types of skateboards. And with time and wear, the wheels of your child’s skateboard will need to be replaced. So let’s go over a few things to consider before that time comes:
Size
Smaller wheels are great for technical skating while larger wheels are faster and smoother. Street skateboards have 50-60mm wheels, Cruiser skateboards typically have 54-60mm wheels, and Longboards have 60-75mm wheels.
Hardness
Soft wheels are good for cruising while hard wheels are great for tricks. The hardness of PU wheels (durometer) depends on what type of skating kids will be doing. For beginners and skateboarders who are looking to cruise, softer wheels will provide stability and speed. You’ll want to look for wheels in the 75-90A range.
Street skateboards, which are mainly used for tricks, will need a harder wheel. You’ll need to look for wheels with a durometer of 95-101A.
Learning to Skateboard
After choosing the right skateboard for your child, the next step is to get moving! Here are a few tips before they jump on the board:
- Get them equipped with the right safety gear. Knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet are important.
- Make sure they have the correct skateboard. For beginners, choose a skateboard that is stable, the correct size, and easy to ride – such as a cruiser.
- Skate parks aren’t a good place to start. Skate parks are a lot of fun… once you’ve learned how to skateboard. Beginners should stick to empty parking lots and large smooth paved areas when first starting.
- Keep your knees bent. Keeping your center of gravity slightly lower to the ground will provide more stability.
- Falling is inevitable. And that’s okay. Everyone falls which is why safety gear is so important. Don’t be discouraged! Get back up on the board and keep trying.
- Patience, patience, patience. Tony Hawk didn’t learn to be an amazing skateboarding pro overnight. It took determination and practice.
If your child needs a little help with the basics, you can check out the following video for some guidance:
10 Best Skateboards for Kids
1. SkateXS Panda Beginner Skateboard
What makes this skateboard great for young skateboarders is the bamboo deck. The bamboo is lightweight, environmentally-friendly and super durable. Young riders will feel stable on the deck but because of it’s light weight, they’ll be able to carry it with them everywhere!
The makers of SkateXS design skateboards specifically for kids. The SkateXS is available in 3 kid-friendly sizes: 7” x 28”, 7.25” x 29” and 7.4” x 30”. A key component to the SkateXS beginner skateboard is the hollow kingpin in the trucks which reduce the weight of the skateboard so it’s not too heavy for kids.
The deck features Jessup Grip Tape that’s available in multiple colors including pink, blue, green, orange, and even camouflage. The 90A 53mm wheels are softer wheels, which keeps kids stable and able to cruise smoothly on the pavement.
Each skateboard is hand-built and pre-assembled so kids can start skateboarding as soon as they open the box.
Likes
- The lightweight bamboo deck is durable.
- Custom trucks with hollow kingpin keep the weight of skateboard down.
- Grip tape comes in multiple colors.
- Easy to maneuver.
- Available in 3 kid-friendly sizes.
Dislikes
- Nothing! This skateboard is perfect for kids!
2. Magneto Mini Cruiser
We love the sleek modern design of this mini cruiser, and kids who are looking to do some tricks will love the double-kick tails. The Magneto Mini Cruiser is easy for kids to carry around and is a whole lot of fun to ride.
The deck is made of high-quality, durable Canadian Maple wood. It’s 7.5” wide and 27.5” long, making it a good choice for older kids. The trucks are a lightweight, but durable aluminum and the PU wheels proved to do a great job.
This is another skateboard that is fully assembled and ready to ride right out of the box. And for such a high-quality board, the price is very reasonable.
Likes
- Bold graphics on beautiful Canadian Maple deck.
- No plastic parts.
- Lightweight deck, trucks and double-kick tails make it great for tricks.
- Sand grit finish allows for good grip.
Dislikes
- Some riders had problems with the bearings. May need to upgrade bearings for a smoother riding experience.
3. Krown Rookie Complete
If you are looking for something more suitable for a budget, the Krown Rookie Complete is a good pick. Like the Magneto, the deck is made of Canadian Maple and the trucks are made of aluminum. It’s only available in one size (7.5” x 31”) but is a good budget-friendly board for older kids.
The modern concave deck makes this easy for beginners (AKA rookies) to ride. The deck features an awesome flame design and is available in multiple colors. The 80 grit black grip tape on top completes the overall sharp look.
Again, no assembly is required. And while we love this for beginners, it might not be a good choice for kids who are looking to do some serious tricks or put on a ton of miles. But for kids just starting out or those who are on a tight budget, this one will do the job.
Likes
- Budget-friendly.
- Lightweight aluminum trucks.
- The concave deck makes it easier for beginners to ride.
- No assembly required.
- Great flame design.
Dislikes
- May wear out prematurely.
4. ENKEEO 22” Cruiser
Now that we’ve covered a couple of skateboards that are for the older riders, let’s check out an option that’s perfect for your extra small aspiring skateboarder. The ENKEEO skateboard is 22” long and 6” wide, making it perfect for little kids.
Unlike most skateboards, the deck of the ENKEEO skateboard is made of plastic. The benefit is that plastic keeps the board lightweight, weighing in at only 3.5 pounds. Between the light weight and the smaller size your little skateboarder will have no problem carrying this around.
But don’t let its small size fool you. It can hold up to 220 pounds, so it’s definitely durable. This skateboard is a cruiser, and probably not a good choice for tricks, but for small kids starting out or those looking to cruise, it’s a good choice.
Likes
- Very affordable.
- Comes in a variety of cool designs.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Perfect for young kids.
- Holds up to 220 pounds.
Dislikes
- Not suitable for tricks.
5. Penny Australia Classic
We love the old school design of this skateboard. An ode to the ’70s, the Penny Australia Classic not only has a great retro look but it’s a solid board, too.
The Penny Australia Classic has a 22” plastic deck making it a good choice for young kids. However, the smaller size also makes it a compact choice for older riders who want something to store in their locker. We found it to be a speedy cruiser that could handle a few tricks, as well.
This may not be the easiest skateboard for beginners to ride, but most kids found it easy to get used to with some practice.
Likes
- The old school shape with modern color and design options.
- The durable, lightweight plastic deck makes it great for kids of all ages.
- The 22” deck is a good size for young kids.
- Great for cruising.
Dislikes
- Problems with the durability of the paint.
6. MINORITY 32” Beginner Skateboard
This 32” maple skateboard is good for beginners and advanced skateboarders alike. Kids of all ages will love the modern designs on the bottom of the deck like the baboon, owl, snake, Pine skull, and more.
The 7-ply maple wood of this skateboard is sustainably-sourced and the pieces cut off during the manufacturing process are recycled. Even the methanol-free epoxy glue holding the layer together is environmentally-friendly.
The aluminum alloy trucks are super durable as are the carbon steel kingpins. The chrome steel ABCE-9 bearings and the 32mm PU wheels are made for a smooth ride with easy maneuvering and are able to withstand plenty of grinding and ollies.
Likes
- Environmentally friendly epoxy glue and sustainably-sourced maple wood.
- Mediate concave makes it great for tricks.
- Chrome steel bearings and PU wheels are durable and provide a smooth ride.
- Cool designs kids will love.
- Durable aluminum alloy trucks.
- Affordable price.
Dislikes
- Grip tape may peel or wear down prematurely.
7. Rimable Complete 22” Mini Cruiser
It’s hard to deny just how cool the RIMABLE 22” mini cruiser looks. It’s available in tons of design options like galaxy, rainbow, flower, graffiti, skulls, as well as solid colors like blue, green and red. While this board has a weight max of 198 pounds and can be used by adults and kids, we found that the plastic composition and the 22” deck length were perfect for younger kids.
Like mentioned above, the deck is plastic, but the trucks are solid aluminum. The PU wheels held up to plenty of cruising and the deck shape provided a pretty stable ride.
While this board isn’t great for tons of tricks, it’s a solid choice for young beginner riders or older kids looking for something portable.
Likes
- Lots of designs and color choices to choose from.
- Aluminum trucks are durable.
- Smooth ride thanks to the PU wheels and bearings.
- Shorter deck perfect for younger kids.
- Weight max of almost 200 pounds.
- Affordable price.
Dislikes
- Paint will come off with wear.
8. PlayWheels Ultimate 21” Complete Skateboard
Here’s another skateboard perfect for the tikes. It’s only 21” so for kids as young as 5, this skateboard will do the trick. The PlayWheels Ultimate has a single kicktail, which is great for beginners since it makes stopping and maneuvering easier.
The 9-ply maple deck is 6” wide and the PVC-injected wheels with nylon bearings are made for a surprisingly smooth ride. And of course, we can’t miss the obvious – plenty of kids will love the Spiderman design on both the top and bottom of the deck.
The trucks on this skateboard are made of composite material, so expect this skateboard only to last until your child reaches about 100 pounds. This also happens to be the most affordable board on our list.
Likes
- Kids love the Spiderman design on top and bottom.
- Durable 9-ply maple deck is durable and perfect for smaller feet.
- Single kicktail makes turning and stopping easier for beginners.
- Very affordable price.
- Great first skateboard for kids.
Dislikes
- Wheels won’t work as well on bumpy pavement and sidewalks as they do on smooth surfaces.
9. Skatro Mini Cruiser
Simple, sleek, but with an old school feel, the Skatro skateboard is a well-made skateboard that is great for kids of all ages. The compact 22” deck size makes it great for carrying around when not in use.
Rather than grip tape, the Skatro uses a waffle design on the top of the deck to provide good grip. The deck itself is made with Skatro Flexy Technology, which is a process ensuring the plastic deck has a good amount of flex for a smooth ride.
The ABEC 7 bearings and slightly larger 59mm urethane wheels make this a smooth but speedy little cruiser, while the deck design offers the stability beginners need. As a bonus, Skatro includes the T-tool to adjust the trucks.
Likes
- Waffle-design deck provides good grip.
- Smooth and fast ride.
- Suitable for beginners.
- Sleek design available in tons of colors.
- The compact size makes it great to store away for school and travel.
- T-tool included.
Dislikes
- Deck width is not suitable for larger feet.
10. POSITIV Team Complete Skateboard
Just like the pros. The POSITIV Team Complete is a high-quality skateboard for kids who are serious about skateboarding. With POSITIV’s super high rebound, kids will be doing ollies and kickflips easily.
The deck is composed of a birch veneer that is fused with waterproof glue via POSITIV’s AirLam manufacturing process. The bottom of the deck features POSITIV’s logo in striking colors and has been treated with a coat of SST, allowing the rider to do longer slides.
If your kid has some experience or is planning on doing tons of tricks and needs a board that can withstand plenty of use, the POSITIV Team Complete Skateboard is a good choice.
Likes
- High rebound ‑ perfect for tricks.
- Durable birch veneer fused with waterproof glue.
- SST coat applied to the bottom to improve slides.
- Great for advanced skateboarders looking to do lots of tricks.
Dislikes
- Difficult for beginners to ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age can my child start learning how to skateboard?
A: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids under 5 are not ready to learn how to skateboard because of the high risk of injury. Kids in the 6 to 10-year-old age range can learn to skateboard, but with adult supervision. Be sure that your child is wearing the appropriate safety gear no matter what age they begin to skateboard.
Q: Does my child need to wear special shoes when skateboarding?
A: The simple answer is no. That said, skate shoes do help make skateboarding easier. Skate shoes have a specially-made sole that helps the rider get better grip and control of the board. They also tend to be made of a more durable material and provide more stability than a generic athletic shoe.
Q: How can I tell which side is the tail and which is the nose?
A: The nose of the board tends to be a little wider than the tail. Also, the tail is usually a little closer to the ground. If you still aren’t sure, some brands will provide the information on which side is the nose and which side is the tail.
Q: How long will my child’s skateboard last?
A: That depends largely on how often your child uses the skateboard and if they are performing tricks or not. The deck of a skateboard is made of layers of wood. If you take a look at the tail of the board and notice that the layers are separating or you can see multiple layers, it’s probably time to get a new skateboard.
Q: How do you take care of a skateboard?
A: Skateboards don’t require a ton of maintenance but do need a bit of TLC to get the longest life out of the board possible. Here are a few tips on maintenance for skateboards:
- Clean the grip tape when needed and replace the grip tape when it’s worn down.
- Clean bearings regularly to keep a smooth ride.
- Never leave a skateboard outdoors. The fluctuation of outdoor temperature and moisture can damage the board.
- Replace the deck as needed but be sure to save the trucks and hardware. These can be moved to a new deck.
Bottom Line
The type of skateboard you get is going to depend on a few factors, mainly your child’s skill level, their age and size, and what they intend on doing with the skateboard. For beginners, we love SkateXS. It’s a quality skateboard that comes in a variety of sizes, making it great for kids of all ages.
For the more advanced skateboarder who is looking to do some tricks, check out the POSITIV Team Complete Skateboard. Designed with the pros in mind, this board will withstand everyday use.
We hope we were able to help you find the best skateboard for kids!