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The Best Rain Jackets for Kids of 2024

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These jackets, coats, and ponchos keep them dry in all kinds of storms. Pvc Raincoat With Hood

The Best Rain Jackets for Kids of 2024

Don’t let a rainy day limit your outdoor activities—with the right rain jacket, your kiddo can stay warm, comfortable, and dry, so the fun can continue! Whether they’re puddle jumping, heading to school, or just playing outdoors, the best rain jackets should repel water, fit correctly, and appeal to your child’s style (so you won’t be fighting about whether to wear them). 

“Rain provides different physical challenges, including walking on slippery surfaces and jumping over puddles. Rain also offers a different sensory environment for kids,” explains Amanda Stovall, M.D., an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician. Raincoats or jackets can help your child handle the weather safely and comfortably. “Kids are always a whirlwind in motion, so anything that’s going to protect them from the elements and make them highly visible would be my go-to,” shares Shae Haning, a professional tailor and host of "The Sew Show With Shae" on YouTube. 

When shopping for your child’s raincoat, consider its outer material and lining and whether it’s coated to make it genuinely waterproof (instead of just water-resistant). To find the best rain jackets for kids, we researched more than 30 top-rated options at a variety of price points, looking at size, design, ease of cleaning, and safety guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Three experts, including a pediatrician, a professional tailor, and a brand manager of an outdoor gear company, helped provide insights and recommendations for the best rain jackets for kids.

The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket tops our list because it's durable, affordable, and comes in a vast range of sizes (for toddlers through big kids) and colorways. Made of waterproof nylon, the rain jacket features a hood and two elastic wrist cuffs to help keep out any moisture. The zipper closure is smooth and easy, even for the littlest hands. Two zip pockets hold any necessities and reflective detailing to enhance safety on gloomier rainy days. 

The jacket is lightweight, so it’s a good layering piece. The material is safe for the washing machine, and parents praise how well it washes. It also folds up small and is easy to pack for traveling or school. 

This coat is not insulated, so while it provides excellent rain protection, it is not especially warm. Consider pairing it with other layers for more warmth. It is lightweight and folds up small, but it doesn’t pack into itself like other options. 

A lined raincoat is great for kids who run cold or live in a rainy, cold climate. The polyester fleece lining in this jacket provides an extra layer of warmth and comfort without making it stiff or bulky. Reima USA marketing manager Paula Brown advised parents on when to purchase a lined raincoat, “If you only get occasional rain, you will get more use of an unlined raincoat that you can layer with sweaters, jackets, and even winter coats. If you live in rainier and colder weather, a fleece-lined jacket like Reima's Koski keeps kids cozy and warm.” This lined rain jacket features welded seams, so there’s no chance of moisture seeping into the coat. 

This coat features a detachable hood with snaps to keep active kids safe. If the hood gets caught on something, the snaps enable the hood to come off quickly, so it won't leave your kiddo stuck in an uncomfortable or unsafe position. Additionally, elastic cuffs and reflective details are excellent safety measures.

Reima sizing runs about one size larger than traditional U.S. sizes, so ordering your kid’s current size will leave them plenty of room to grow. 

Nothing beats playing outside on warm, rainy days, but even if the whole intention is to get wet, a rain jacket certainly isn’t a bad idea. This lightweight, hooded coat is great for summer showers thanks to the breathable mesh lining and 100% nylon exterior. You can purchase this machine-washable jacket in various solid and print colors in sizes ranging from baby to toddler. It’s wind-resistant, with two front pockets, elastic cuffs to help keep water out, and a fleece-lined chin guard for added comfort. If you take this coat on the go, you’ll appreciate that the jacket packs into its pocket for easy carrying. 

We wish the sizing of this classic coat went up larger than 4T. If you doubt the fit, check the measurements. Some parents have noted the sleeves were too long for their little ones.

You can’t keep babies under stroller rain covers all the time, especially as they start to want to explore the world. Available in sizes 9 to 24 months, this waterproof raincoat is fully lined and coated with 100% polyurethane to keep your little one dry and toasty. The attached hood will protect them from raindrops falling on their head. The sweet coat is machine washable, so trouncing in muddy puddles can be stress-free for you. Best of all, your kiddos will love watching the print magically change colors in the rain.

The coat is closed with four snaps, not a zipper, which may be easier to take on and off but might be more challenging to keep closed. The hood is not removable, so if it’s bothersome for your baby, you’re stuck with it. 

Toddlers have strong opinions and the joy of this clear printed coat may override any anti-rain jacket sentiments your toddler may express. We love that this lightweight coat has a printed pattern (choose between dinosaurs, strawberries, or flowers) and a see-through fabric. The hooded jacket comes in a wide range of sizes up to 5T and is very affordable. The unlined jacket has a full zipper, hits at hip length, and has two front pockets. 

This jacket could be warmer, and there are no wrist guards, so heavy rainwater could roll up your kiddo’s sleeve. The sweet pattern and style are fun, but this coat is probably insufficient for constant, heavy rains in cold weather. 

Waterproof and windproof, the North Face Antora Rain Jacket is made to keep active older kids dry, whether it's a light shower or a downpour. The jacket is made from recycled polyester and features zippered pockets to keep valuables safe. There's also an adjustable, three-piece hood so kids can find the best fit. Its water-repellent finish ensures clothes stay dry all day long. 

If, for any reason, you're not fully satisfied, the brand offers a lifetime guarantee. This coat comes in a wide size range and many colorways, so there’s undoubtedly a color that fits your kiddo’s style. 

The front of the jacket has a North Face logo, so if your kids are logo-averse, they may not like this one. The coat is listed as a girl’s jacket by some retailers, but it can work as a unisex choice—check the size guide as a helpful tool to find the right fit for your bigger kid. 

This raincoat is as waterproof and windproof as possible, as its exterior is 100% polyester with a polyurethane coating. The body and hood portion of the coat is fully lined with 100% cotton, while the sleeves are lined with polyester, so it’s not too stiff for active kids. 

This rain jacket has a zipper and buttons along the front, front pockets, and cute embellished sleeve cuffs. It’s available in several colors and sizes 5/6 through 13/14 years, so that younger teens can match their little siblings on a rainy day. 

The coat comes in a wide range of colorways, with 18 options. Each color has a different lining, like stripes, floral, and solid colors, so make sure your kiddo likes both the coat and lining pattern before ordering. 

Kids who prefer the freedom (and style!) of a rain poncho will love this lightweight option from SaphiRose. While most ponchos are sleeveless, this one features button sleeves for extra protection and a more targeted fit. The poncho is available in many colors and fun prints, like galaxy or bugs, and comes in sizes 3T to 16 years. It also has a front zippered pocket and a hood to keep heads dry while splashing in the rain. The 100% polyester fabric is waterproof, and the poncho comes in an adorable matching storage bag.

This pick tends to run small, so if your kiddo is between sizes, order the size up. We love that it folds up small and comes with an adorable storage bag, but you’ll need to keep it handy when unused. Some ponchos fold into their pockets, which feels like a missed opportunity with this poncho. It’s also hand-wash only, which may be annoying for some.

Three jackets in one, this pricey pick features a windproof and waterproof hooded shell and the warmth of a Primaloft insulated jacket. Kids can wear the two coats zipped together as a warm winter jacket for skiing and outdoor activities, the shell alone as a raincoat, or the insulated jacket alone for mid-range temperatures in dry weather. Both coats have zippered pockets, and the shell has an additional zippered chest pocket. The hood on the shell coat is adjustable and easily fits over a helmet should your kiddo be skiing or snowboarding. 

The coat comes in a wide range of sizes and four color-blocked options. All parts are machine washable, so it’s easy to care for this versatile coat. 

This is an expensive item, but considering it has three coats in one (winter coat, raincoat shell, and lightweight jacket) should help with the sticker shock. 

A rain suit will keep your kiddo fully dry from a rainstorm. This is a valuable wardrobe addition, especially if your kiddo loves the rain, you go on family hikes rain or shine, or your child’s school encourages time outdoors, no matter the weather. This set comes with a raincoat and pants, which can be worn together or separately.

The coat features a detachable hood, long sleeves with elasticized cuffs, and a zipper closure with snap buttons. The pants are a pull-on overall/bib style with adjustable shoulder straps, elastic waist and hem, and adjustable boot stirrups, which ensure the pant’s legs stay tucked in place. 

This pick is pricey but does include a two-piece set. There are limited patterns, and the sizing is European, so refer to the size guide to ensure the right fit. 

Shaped like a cape, this pick is halfway between a poncho and a coat. It features an attached hood with a half zip front, providing plenty of room to put the raincoat over your kiddo’s head. Snap closures on the side allow for a customized fit, enabling the coat to fit tighter around your child. The larger kid's size has an added pocket. 

The pullover design and lack of sleeves can help keep certain kids dry, and we appreciate that Target has included raincoats in the adaptive clothing line. 

There are limited colorways for both the toddler and big kids styles. 

We combed through dozens of options to find the best rain jackets for kids, looking for products that met our standards. We considered the following factors when looking for the best rain jackets for kids:

We looked to our experts to provide insight about the best rain jackets for kids, what to look for when purchasing, how a rain jacket should fit, and helpful extra features. We interviewed the following experts: 

A rain jacket should fit your child correctly, allowing room for a layer or two, but the coat size should be manageable. A snap-off hood is the safest option because if your child gets the coat stuck on something, the hood will snap off when your kiddo moves. “As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat,” according to the AAP. That rule applies to bulky rain jackets as well.  

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 13-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and a 6-year-old daughter. Her kids are active and love playing outdoors, no matter the weather. They all have rain jackets, and one rain suit has been passed down between her three kids. Maya’s family just got a new puppy, so it’s time for her to invest in a heavier raincoat herself.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Lightning and sports safety: When thunder roars go indoors.

The Best Rain Jackets for Kids of 2024

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