Kayaking with a 4–6 year old can be a fun and rewarding experience, but in-order to have a spectacular day it's important to be prepared for the unique challenges that come with paddling with a young child. Here are some things to prepare for when kayaking with a 4-6 year old:

1. Practice: Teach your child proper foot placement and paddling technique before leaving. Consider using instructional videos or taking lessons from a certified instructor.
2. Limited attention span: Young children have shorter attention spans and may become restless quickly. Be prepared to keep them engaged by pointing out wildlife, playing games or stopping to splash or swim.
3. Limited physical ability: Your child may not have the physical ability to paddle their kayak very far on their own, so plan to paddle on a small body of water and stay close to shore the first few times out. A tow rope is a very useful thing to have along for when little arms get worn out!
4. Safety considerations: Your child should be comfortable in and around the water before ever attempting kayaking - swimming lessons are strongly encouraged! Also make sure your child is wearing a properly fitting lifejacket whenever they are on the water.
5. Allow your child to lead: Younger kids require time to develop confidence and establish the fundamental skills they'll need for future adventures. Encourage and praise them frequently and allow them to set the pace; though they may be slow now, with a little practice they might be paddling circles around you!
6. Fun and adventure: It's likely that your child will feel equally proud whether they only manage to cover a short distance, or succeed in paddling around the entire lake. Make sure to establish practical expectations and take time to discover the joy and excitement in whatever outcome you ultimately experience!

Kayaking with a 7-9 year old can be a fun-filled and exhilarating experience, allowing both you and your child to explore and discover the natural world while bonding and creating new memories. However, before setting out on your kayaking trip, lets go over some things to keep in mind:

1. Greater independence: Children at this age have usually developed more physical ability and can quickly learn to paddle and steer the kayak on their own. You should provide encouragement and allow more independence while still keeping a close eye in order to ensure their safety.
 2. Longer attention span: Children at this age are developing longer attention spans, which can allow for longer adventures. Keep them involve by letting them make decisions, such as choosing whether to paddle to the island or search for turtles near the shore. We do still recommended having a tow rope on hand for this age group, just incase their energy starts to run low. 
3. Safety considerations: As with younger children, prior swimming lessons and comfortability in and around water are a must! Make sure your child is wearing a properly fitting life jacket and that they have adult supervision 100% of the time that they are on the water.
4. Developing skills: Encourage your child's developing skills and interests, including exploring and learning about the environment and wildlife. Take advantage of their growing curiosity to help them explore and learn about their surroundings.
5. Increased confidence: Kayaking can boost your child's confidence as they navigate new challenges and overcome obstacles. By encouraging them to take risks and try new things in a safe environment, you will be able to see their newfound confidence shine through in all aspects of their life.

Kayaking with a 10–12 year old can be an exciting and rewarding experience as your child becomes more skilled and confident on the water. Here are some things you can expect while kayaking with a 10–12 year old:

1. Increased independence: Children at this age will quickly build the skills and confidence to paddle and steer their own kayak. Weather they are new to kayaking or not, lessons from a certifies instructor can help them learn proper technique. 
2. More advanced skills: Your child may be developing more advanced paddling skills, such as the ability to navigate down a river or on a choppy lake. Encourage their progress and offer guidance as needed - check here for some helpful online resources! 
3. Longer trips: Your child may now have the endurance to go on longer trips, which can be a great way to explore new areas and challenge their skills. Decide on your float plan together prior to your trip so that everyone's expectations are aligned. 
4. Safety considerations: As always, safety should be a top priority. Make sure your child is wearing a properly fitting life jacket and has the necessary water saftey skills. No matter how confident kids are on the water, please rmemmber that adult supervision remains a must at all times!
5. Fun and adventure: With increased independence and skills, kayaking can be a great way to create fun and exciting adventures together. Consider exploring new routes, heading down a river, or even camping overnight! Overall, kayaking with 10-13 year old's can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to bond with your child while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.