Top 3 Pickleball Rackets for Children (2025)

Pickleball is no longer just for adults! More and more children are discovering this fun, accessible, and dynamic sport. But to ensure they have the most fun, it's essential to choose a racket that's right for their age and size .

Here are our Top 3 best pickleball rackets for children.

1. Cartoon Children's Pickleball Racket

A colorful and lightweight racket, designed for younger players

This Cartoon Pickleball paddle is the perfect model to introduce a child from 6 or 7 years old to the sport. Its cheerful design, with bright colors and fun illustrations, immediately appeals to young players. But it's not just pretty: it's also technically adapted for children.

• Lightweight , which makes it easy to handle.
• Ergonomic grip for small hands.
• Large surface area for better ball control.
• Durable materials to withstand shocks and sometimes “energetic” starts.

This racket is ideal for recreational use, at school, in the garden or on an official pickleball court.

👉 Available here: Cartoon Kids' Pickleball Racket

2. Skinup Academy – Pickleball Kids+ Racket

A French reference for young players

The Skinup Academy brand, specializing in junior sports, offers a Kids+ racket that combines performance, lightness and comfort.
Designed with an optimal balance between control and power , this children's pickleball racket is perfect for those who want to progress or start more regular training.

• High-quality manufacturing with composite coating .
• Anti-slip grip for greater precision.
• Simple yet sporty design , which will appeal to both children and teenagers.

Its slightly higher weight compared to the Cartoon offers a better feel for the strike, while remaining easy to handle.

3. Pickleball Racket Set with 2 Rackets & 4 Balls

The smart choice for families and pairs of children

This complete pack is an excellent option for parents who want to give their children a complete gaming experience.
It includes two rackets , four balls and a carrying bag , ideal for outings with family or friends.

• Lightweight and durable snowshoes, suitable for children and pre-teens.
• High-quality outdoor balls, perfect for recreational fields.
• Excellent value for money , as everything is included to get started.

👉 Available here: Pickleball Racket Set (2 Rackets + 4 Balls)

How to choose the right pickleball racket for a child?

1. The weight of the racket

A racket that is too heavy can quickly discourage a young player.
Opt for a model weighing less than 230g , which is easy to handle and balance.

2. The size of the handle (grip)

A child's hand is smaller: it is therefore important that the handle be thin and ergonomic , to allow for a good grip.

3. The striking surface

Children's rackets favour a wide surface , which increases tolerance on off-center shots and helps with accuracy.

4. Design and gameplay enjoyment

A racket with a playful design like the "Cartoon" can really motivate a child to play more often. The visual aspect is extremely important at this age.

5. Durability

Children often play with enthusiasm! So choose a racket with a solid frame , capable of withstanding some impacts.

Why introduce a child to pickleball?

Pickleball is a complete sport , which develops coordination, concentration and team spirit.
For children, it represents an excellent entry point into racket sports, more accessible than tennis and more fun than badminton.

• Easy to learn from the very first minutes.
• Ideal for families or groups of friends.
• Low risk of injury , thanks to the lightweight equipment.

In addition, the junior pickleball community is growing rapidly in France, with clubs opening “kids” sections.

What is a children's pickleball racket?

A pickleball paddle designed for children is a version adapted in size, weight, grip, and design. It prioritizes maneuverability , safety, and enjoyment of the game , rather than maximum power. It should allow the child to develop their movements, play without fatigue, and focus on having fun.

Why choose a Pickleball racket suitable for children?

• Safety & comfort : A racket that is too heavy or poorly balanced can tire the child, hinder their learning and cause frustration.

• Enjoyment of the game : A good racket makes the exchanges smoother, the child feels capable of playing, which increases their motivation.

• Faster progress : With a suitable tool, the child can focus on technique (placement, timing, coordination) rather than pure effort.

• Durability : Children's models are designed for recreational and introductory use, often with suitable and robust materials.

What are the differences between pickleball rackets for children and for adults?

Weight and height

Children's models are lighter, with a shorter handle and a more maneuverable frame. This allows for a more natural grip for smaller hands. For example, an adult racket might weigh 220-250g, while a junior model might be under 200g or even close to 180-190g. 

The material and the balance

Children's rackets often use composite materials or simpler constructions to reduce cost and weight while offering good control. High-end materials such as pure carbon fiber are more common in adult rackets. 

The design and handling

The handles are shorter, the grips adapted for small hands. The design is often playful (bright colors, patterns) to appeal to children. In addition, the striking surface may be slightly different to promote control rather than immediate power.

What size pickleball paddle is suitable for a child?

There is no single "one size fits all" but some useful guidelines:

• A weight of less than ~200g is preferable for children. 

• Shorter handle and grip adapted for small hands.

• The overall length of the racket is reduced so that the child can move easily without feeling unbalanced.

  For a beginner child or one under 12 years old, choosing a "junior" or "child" racket is safer.

Is Pickleball suitable for children?

Yes! Pickleball is very well suited to children for several reasons:

• A court smaller than a tennis court, allowing for faster and more enjoyable exchanges for young people. 

• Simple rules and user-friendly gameplay, allowing for a quick introduction.

• Less extreme physical effort at the beginning, the game emphasizing coordination, movement, simple tactics.

• It can be played with family or several children, reinforcing the fun and social aspect.

Can you play Pickleball as a family?

Absolutely. Pickleball is one of the most intergenerational sports: children, parents, grandparents can play together.

The rules of pickleball are very simple and perfectly suited for children.

The kit mentioned above allows several players to gather for a fun time. It's perfect for leisure activities, family weekends, and holidays. By choosing a suitable racket (like the ones listed), children can play alongside adults without being at a disadvantage.

Playing as a family also allows you to:

• to develop cohesion and shared enjoyment,

• to discover a new sport together,

• to create an enjoyable sporting habit.

Our final verdict

If you are looking for your child's first racket , the Cartoon from The Pickleballer Shop is the best choice.
For more serious or school use, the Skinup Kids+ is the obvious choice.
And for team play, the double pack is unbeatable in terms of value for money.

FAQ – Children's Pickleball Rackets

Q1. From what age can a child play pickleball?
From age 6, provided a light racket and a suitable ball (made of perforated plastic) are used.

Q2. What is the difference between an adult and a child's racket?
The children's racket is lighter, shorter and has a smaller grip for maximum comfort.

Q3. Are Cartoon rackets sturdy?
Yes, they are designed with durable materials that are shock-resistant and withstand heavy use.

Q4. Can these snowshoes be used outdoors?
Absolutely. They withstand outdoor conditions well, but it is advisable to store them in a dry place after use.

Q5. Is the 2-racket pack suitable for two children?
Yes, it was designed for two young players. The included balls allow you to play immediately, without any additional purchase.