Best Kids' Skateboards by Age and Size (2026)
Six skateboards for young skaters from established skate brands, with a simple size chart by age and tips to get kids rolling safely.
Choosing a Skateboard for a Child
The right skateboard makes learning easier and more fun. Kids need a board sized to their feet, with real skateboard trucks and wheels that roll smoothly, not a toy that wobbles and stops on every pebble. The biggest decisions are size (mostly deck width) and type: a standard skateboard for learning tricks or a cruiser for riding around. The boards below come from established skate brands. For general advice, read how to teach a kid to skateboard.
Birdhouse Beginner 7.5"
Best first board for kids
- 7.5-inch deck for smaller feet
- From a skate brand co-founded by Tony Hawk
- Ready to ride
Santa Cruz Mini 7.75"
Best for kids learning tricks
- 7.75 x 30-inch complete
- Classic Santa Cruz graphics
- Real skate components
Magneto Mini Cruiser
Best cruiser for kids
- Soft wheels for smooth rides
- Small, light deck
- Affordable
Kids' Skateboard Size Chart
| Age | Height | Deck Width |
|---|---|---|
| 5 and under | Under about 3'5" | About 6.5"–7.0" |
| 6–8 | About 3'5"–4'4" | About 7.0"–7.5" |
| 9–12 | About 4'5"–5'2" | About 7.5"–8.0" |
| 13+ | About 5'3" and up | About 8.0" and up |
If your child is between sizes, choose the larger board; they'll grow into it. See the full skateboard size chart.
Kids' Skateboards Compared
| Board | Type | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birdhouse Beginner | Standard | 7.5" | Ages about 6–10 |
| Santa Cruz Mini | Standard | 7.75" x 30" | Ages about 8–12 |
| Magneto Mini Cruiser | Cruiser | Check listing | Neighborhood riding |
| Krown Rookie | Standard | Check listing | Budget beginner |
| Element Popsicle | Standard | Check listing | Older kids and teens |
| Penny 22 | Plastic mini cruiser | 22" | Short rides, portability |
The Best Kids' Skateboards
1. Birdhouse Beginner 7.5"
Birdhouse, the skate brand co-founded by Tony Hawk, makes completes aimed at new skaters. The 7.5-inch width suits smaller feet, and the board comes ready to ride with real skateboard trucks and wheels.
Good to Know
- Right size for younger kids
- Proper skate components
Watch Out For
- Older kids may want a wider deck
2. Santa Cruz Mini 7.75"
Santa Cruz is one of skateboarding's oldest brands. Its mini completes come in smaller sizes for young skaters; this 7.75 x 30-inch board suits kids around 8 to 12 who want to learn ollies and tricks.
Check Price on Amazon3. Magneto Mini Cruiser
A small cruiser with soft wheels that roll smoothly over sidewalks. It's an affordable, fun board for kids who mainly want to ride around.
Check Price on Amazon4. Krown Rookie Complete
Krown's Rookie is a budget complete with a 7-ply maple deck and aluminum trucks. It's a step up from toy boards for families on a budget.
Check Price on Amazon5. Element Popsicle Complete
Element completes are popular with older kids and teens. Choose the width from the listing to suit your child's shoe size.
Check Price on Amazon6. Penny 22-Inch
Penny's original 22-inch plastic cruiser is light and fun for short rides, and easy for kids to carry. It's for cruising, not tricks.
Check Price on AmazonWhat to Look For
Real Skate Parts
Look for a maple deck, metal trucks and urethane wheels with bearings. Avoid plastic trucks and hard plastic wheels.
Wheels
Softer wheels (around 78A to 90A) are smoother on rough sidewalks; harder wheels (99A+) are better at skateparks.
Weight
Smaller decks are lighter, which helps kids carry the board and control it.
Safety Tips for Young Skaters
- Always wear a certified helmet; see skateboard helmets.
- Add wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads; see safety gear.
- Start on smooth, flat ground away from traffic and driveways.
- Teach how to fall safely; see how to fall on a skateboard.
- Supervise young children closely.
Next Steps
Once they're rolling, try beginner skateboard tricks and how to ollie. For other first rides, see kids' scooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child start skateboarding?
Many children start around age 5 or 6, once they have good balance and will wear a helmet. Younger children can try with close supervision on soft, flat ground.
What size skateboard does my child need?
As a guide: about 6.5 to 7.0 inches wide for ages 5 and under, 7.0 to 7.5 inches for ages 6 to 8, 7.5 to 8.0 inches for ages 9 to 12, and 8.0 inches or more for teens. If in between, choose the larger size.
Should kids start on a cruiser or a regular skateboard?
A regular popsicle skateboard is best if they want to learn tricks and skate parks. A cruiser with soft wheels is easier for riding around the neighborhood.
Are cheap toy skateboards OK for kids?
Toy boards with plastic trucks and hard, slow wheels make learning harder and can break. A budget complete from a real skate brand rides much better.
What safety gear do kids need for skateboarding?
A properly fitted, certified helmet is essential. Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are strongly recommended while learning.