Spending time outside is a necessity for children. Not only does playing outside allow them to burn excess energy, but it can also help lift their moods and give them a much-needed break from screens. Yet, the hot, bright sun can make outside activities uncomfortable and the time spent applying sunscreen can deter many kids. Luckily, these sun hats are designed to keep kids cool while also offering sun protection. This selection of sun hats for kids includes additional neck coverage, UPF protection, mesh panels, and adjustable drawstrings to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Plus, the bright, child-approved colors and patterns allow parents and caregivers to easily spot their child out in a crowd.
Table of Contents
7 Best Sun Hats for Kids (2025 Reviews)
The Best Sun Hats for Kids
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1. Camptrace UPF 50+ Sun Hat for Kids
(Best neck coverage — $)
Why it’s great: With a large visor and extra back panel for additional coverage, your kids’ heads and necks will be protected in the Camptrace UPF 50+ Sun Hat for Kids. Made from lightweight, breathable nylon, this sun hat for kids is comfortable to wear even on hot, sticky days and dries quickly if accidentally tossed into the pool. A buckle allows for adjustable sizing while the chin strap can be easily tightened or loosened for optical comfort.
Keep in mind: The visor of the hat comes down on the sides and may cut off some children’s peripheral vision if sized incorrectly.
Good for: Kids who need added sun protection on their heads, faces, and necks.
![Camptrace UPF 50+ Sun Hat for Kids]()
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2. GearTOP UPF 50+ Wide Brim Sun Hat
(Best sun protection — $)
Why it’s great: The high-quality material of the GearTOP UPF 50+ Wide Brim Sun Hat offers UPF 50+ protection to protect your children’s heads, necks and faces from sun damage. A vertical, breathable mesh band keeps little heads cool while not compromising sun protection. Strategically-placed snaps allow this hat to be worn multiple ways, including with a full brim or with folded sides.
Keep in mind: The sweatband located inside the hat is stiff and may not be as comfortable on larger-headed kids.
Good for: Kids who spend a lot of time outdoors and would benefit from UPF 50+ sun protection.
![GearTOP UPF 50+ Wide Brim Sun Hat]()
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3. Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat
(Best stain resistant — $$$)
Why it’s great: The large, smartly-placed mesh band of this kids’ sun hat is sure to keep your children’s heads cool even on the hottest and most humid days. The Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat is water repellent and stain resistant, making it the perfect companion for messy, active kids who love to explore. The bright array of color options ensures everyone in your family has a different color sun hat to wear.
Keep in mind: The vents are located on the larger-sized sun hats and are not included on the infant sun hats.
Good for: Active, messy kids who benefit from a sun hat that dries quickly and is easy to clean.
![Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat]()
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4. Home Prefer UPF 50+ Sun Hat with Neck Flap
(Best adjustable sizing — $)
Why it’s great: The detachable chin strap and neck flap, adjustable toggle drawstring, and toggle allow your child to have the perfect fit when wearing the Home Prefer UPF 50+ Sun Hat with Neck Flap. This sun hat for kids blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays with UPF 50+ protection. The wide brim protects your child’s eyes while the mesh vents provide ample airflow to prevent overheating.
Keep in mind: The back neck flap can be situated under the children’s ears rather than covering them so applying sunscreen may also be necessary.
Good for: Parents who want a sun hat for their children that can be tightened or loosened as they get bigger.
![Home Prefer UPF 50+ Sun Hat with Neck Flap]()
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5. Muryobao Kids Ponytail Wide Brim Hat
(Best for kids with long hair — $)
Why it’s great: With a strategically-placed ponytail holder built into the Muryobao Kids Ponytail Wide Brim Hat, this sun hat option for kids is perfect for children with long hair.
An elastic buckle at the back of the hat adjusts to fit most children’s heads. An extra-wide brim and unique windproof design ensure your children’s eyes and faces are protected from the sun, even in windy conditions.Keep in mind: This hat is designed to be snug but may be too tight on larger heads. Opt to size up if between sizes.
Good for: Children who have long hair and need a hat that fits comfortably with a ponytail.
![Muryobao Kids Ponytail Wide Brim Hat]()
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6. iColor Kids Breathable Bucket Hat
(Best patterns — $)
Why it’s great: From pretty polar bears to jolly jellyfish, these sun hats have patterns that are sure to please all kids. The iColor Kids Breathable Bucket Hat is lightweight and breathable while still offering UPF 50+ sun protection. The sturdy brim offers optimal coverage to shield children’s eyes from the sun and the chin strap prevents this sun hat from flying off with a gust of wind.
Keep in mind: This hat can only be hand washed and air dried when cleaning it.
Good for: Kids who want a uniquely patterned sun hat to stand out from their peers.
![iColor Kids Breathable Bucket Hat]()
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7. Connectyle Kids Wide Brim Mesh UPF 50+ Sun Hat
(Best color options — $)
Why it’s great: Offered in bright, bold colors, this kids’ sun hat makes it easy for parents to spot their children from afar. The soft, breathable material of the Connectyle Kids Wide Brim Mesh UPF 50+ Sun Hat includes a moisture-wicking sweatband and mesh side vents. An elastic, drawstring toggle allows wearers to tighten for a secure fit and velcro chin straps hold the hat in place.
Keep in mind: The elastic drawstring can stretch out over time with excessive use.
Good for: Parents who want their children in brightly colored sun hats so they’re easy to spot in a crowd.
![Connectyle Kids Wide Brim Mesh UPF 50+ Sun Hat]()
Best Overall
Camptrace UPF 50+ Sun Hat for Kids
The Camptrace UPF 50+ Sun Hat for Kids is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Sun Hats for Kids
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1. Which sun hat is best for my kids?
Take into account the types of activities your child is involved in before choosing a sun hat. If your kids love the water and spending time at the beach or pool, a waterproof sun hat with UPF protection is most likely best. Sun hats with a ponytail holder are ideal for children with long hair, while drawstrings and chin straps are perfect for active kids who need a hat that stays put when on the move.
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2. When should my child wear a sun hat?
A sun hat can be used during any season at any time, ideally when outside regardless of temperature and weather conditions. While sun hats are most functional in warm sunny weather, they can protect your child’s eyes and skin when outdoors in any type of weather.
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3. Does my child still need sunscreen if they’re wearing a sun hat?
Although a sun hat can help protect your child’s sensitive skin from the sun’s dangerous rays, sunscreen is still recommended to ensure as much sun protection as possible.
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4. How do I care for my children’s sun hats?
Most sun hats can be spot cleaned with a microfiber cloth and mild soap or detergent. When specified, some sun hats are machine washable and can be left out to air dry.
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5. What color sun hat should I choose?
Although your children may have strong feelings about which sun hat color or pattern to purchase, consider choosing a brightly colored sun hat, such as orange or red, that is easy to spot in a crowd of people or when in a swimming pool. Being able to quickly spot your child can help keep all members of your family safe.
Conclusion
Sun hats made for kids provide a lightweight, comfortable fit, so your children will always reach for their headwear before going outside. Wide brims and neck flaps protect your child from the sun’s harsh rays, while adjustable sizing and mesh panels keep your kids comfortable and cool. Soft, flexible materials can easily withstand your kids’ active lifestyles and the bright colors ensure you can see your child at all times, whether on land or in water. This selection of sun hats is the perfect fashionable and functional accessory for your child’s wardrobe.
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