If you’re a parent and looking to introduce your kids to the joys of off-roading, then you’ve come to the right place. Off-road vehicles are fun for everyone who rides them no matter what their age is, but they can be tricky to learn how to drive.
There are many different types of off-road vehicles out there, including dirt bikes, quads, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side machines, and more. The best way to get started with any type of vehicle is by working closely with a professional driver. A good driving instructor will help you and your child learn the basics before moving on to more advanced maneuvers.
If you don’t have access to a qualified instructor and you’re just interested in getting started with an ATV, we recommend checking out our guide to buying an ATV for kids.
Where to go
There are plenty of places that offer ATV rides for children. Some of these include state parks or campgrounds where you may not necessarily need a permit, while others require special permits. Your local chamber of commerce or visitor center should be able to direct you to the best places near you.
If you’re planning to take your kid out into remote areas, however, it’s probably best to work with a professional. These experts know the best trails and have access to the most popular ones, so you won’t need to search far for a great ride.
State parks
Many states have developed recreational programs aimed at teaching children how to safely use off-road vehicles. For instance, California has the Dirt Bike Safety Program, which allows kids 12 and under to attend free lessons taught by trained instructors.
You can check out the program here. Most states also offer similar programming aimed specifically at young riders. If you’d like to participate in one of these programs, make sure to contact the program ahead of time to find out if they accept new participants.
Other options
If you’re willing to travel outside your state, you might want to look into taking your little rider somewhere with better terrain options. For example, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers free training in its “Discovery Center,” though you’ll still need to pay a fee to rent the equipment.
In addition to providing off-highway vehicles, some companies also offer off-road riding classes. Companies such as Wild West Adventures and Rockstar Ranch offer children’s riding programs that teach basic skills while allowing kids to explore the outdoors. To learn about other riding schools, head over to Kids’ Ride Safely.
Safety first
When riding an ATV, you’ll be putting yourself and others around you in danger. It’s important to remember this when you’re taking your child out on the trail, especially if you don’t have much experience behind the wheel.
To keep yourself safe while riding an ATV, follow the steps below:
- Make sure that you always wear eye protection and helmets whenever possible.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Never try to ride through anything that isn’t designed for that purpose.
- Always carry enough water and snacks for the entire trip.
- Take extra precautions while navigating steep hills.
- Stay on paved surfaces whenever possible.
- Be extra cautious while operating a four-wheeler.
- Always stay within sight of other drivers and other passengers, even when you’re alone.
Driving tips
Now that you know the safety rules to follow, let’s talk about how to actually drive an ATV and enjoy the great outdoors.
If the buyer will keep the above mentioned tips in mind while choosing the best kids atv then they will get good results. A person should dedicate a good time in the selection. In the long run the person will enjoy the games that are available on the ATV. The feature that a person will get depends on the cost that he is willing to pay.
