Choose a kite that suits the child
Small sleds and small deltas are the friendliest kites for children. They are light, launch easily and pull gently. Pick a kite about the size of the child's arm span or smaller, on light line of about 20 to 30 pounds breaking strain. A big kite in a strong breeze can pull a small child off balance.
Making a kite together is a great way to start. The sled kite guide uses a plastic sheet, two sticks and tape, and children can decorate the sail with markers before it goes up.
Setting up safely
- Choose a wide, open space with no power lines, roads or trees nearby. Walk the field first and look up.
- Pick a gentle breeze. Force 2 or 3 on the wind ladder is plenty.
- Explain the main rules before you start: never wrap the line around a hand, never chase a kite into a road, and let go at once if a kite catches on a power line.
- Keep younger children close, and let them hold the winder with an adult nearby.
- Bring sun protection, water and a jacket, because open fields are often windier than they look.
Teach children that if a kite ever gets caught in a power line or tree near a power line, they must let it go and tell an adult. A kite can always be replaced.
Give everyone a job
Kite flying works well as a team activity. One child holds the winder and pulls in line. Another acts as the launcher, carrying the kite downwind and letting go on the count. A third can watch the wind on a flag or a streamer of ribbon and call out when it picks up. Swap jobs every few launches so everyone gets a turn at each.
Simple kite games
- Highest kite. Everyone lets out the same length of line, and the kite flying highest wins.
- Kite count. Count slowly from launch to landing and try to beat your best time.
- Landing target. Lay a jacket on the grass and see who can land a kite closest to it.
- Wind spotter. Before launching, ask children to name the wind force from the clues they see.
Leave plenty of space between kites so lines don't cross. If two kites tangle, both fliers walk toward each other and bring them down together.
When the kite comes down
Kites crash, and that is part of the fun. Teach children to wind in the slack line as they walk to the kite, so nobody trips on loose line in the grass. Check the kite for tears or broken sticks, fix what you can with tape, and try again. If the wind has dropped, call it a day and come back on a breezier one.
At the end of the day
Wind all the line back on the winder and collect any bits of string or tail. Lost line can trap birds and other animals. Let damp kites dry at home before packing them away.
How old should a child be to fly a kite alone?
There is no set age. It depends on the child, the kite and the place. Young children do best holding the winder alongside an adult. Older children who know the safety rules and can launch and land on their own may fly on their own with an adult a short way off.