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Jun 30, 2025

The 12 Best Rain Jackets for Kids to Keep Them Dry During Outdoor Play

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. With these raincoats for kids, you won’t have to worry about them coming home

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

With these raincoats for kids, you won’t have to worry about them coming home soaked after a day of outdoor puddle play.

In This Article

Parents

One of my favorite photos of my daughter is of her at 3 years old, wearing a grin so big that you can almost hear the laughter as she stomps through a huge puddle. I like to think she was loving her day in the deluge because she had her favorite ladybug rain jacket with matching rainboots to keep her dry from the elements. When you’re a kid, rainy days are magical: splashing in puddles, catching raindrops, squelching in the mud. What turns those smiles into frowns? Soaked clothes, shivers, and wet heads. A good raincoat is a must for rainy day fun.

Not only should a rain jacket keep your kid dry when they’re out and about, but it should also feature thoughtful details like pockets, reflective elements (essential on a not-so-sunny day), and a cozy lining that keeps the chill at bay. We scoured the market for the best rain jackets for kids and surveyed parents about their kids’ favorite raincoats. Our selection will (almost) have you wishing for more rainy days.

A fighter against both wind and rain, this jacket from trusted outdoor brand L.L. Bean is a great example of multitasking. It’s lightweight and waterproof, making it the perfect grab for April showers and summer spritzes, as well as a good layering piece in the fall. The encased elastic adjustable hem and partial binding at the hood and cuffs help keep moisture out, while the zippered pockets help keep special treasures in.

Cheerful colorways cut through dreary days, and kids can splash freely knowing they’ll stay dry. Even though it’s made from thin nylon ripstop, it’s a durable choice that easily earns hand-me-down status (there’s even an inside label to track each adventurer year after year).

This jacket runs slightly fitted in the torso. It’s unlined, so it's best layered with a fleece or hoodie on chillier days. Some also say it runs big in the sleeves.

The Details:

While this rain jacket claims to be water-resistant rather than waterproof, it repels water like a dream, and parents love how much protection it offers. Thanks to the soft fabric liner, it’s also a cozy option that will get your toddler excited about wearing a jacket when they have to run through the sprinkles, planned or unplanned.

The hooded construction provides extra protection against drizzles, and the front slit pockets keep their tiny but busy hands warm during play. The elastic cuffs make sure that the sleeves are secure. On cloudy days, you’ll appreciate the reflective arm details.

The coat runs large, and some parents wish it were a bit longer. Also, the pockets aren’t zippered.

The Details:

Who wouldn’t want to look like a duck as they splash in puddles and run around in the rain? You’ll appreciate the high-quality waterproof fabric, and they’ll fall in love with the adorable nature of this cute little jacket in a bright yellow color, complete with a duck-shaped hood that quacks us up. You might have trouble getting your toddler to stop wearing this bright, cheerful rain jacket.

The jacket has a soft cotton lining, though it is thin enough to be breathable and easy to move around in. It features a zipper closure, hooded design, and elastic cuffs that keep your little one dry and happy.

The coat runs a little big, and the two front pockets just have flaps, so they aren’t that secure.

The Details:

While you can’t change the color of a dreary sky, you can add a bit of color to your preschooler’s raincoat. Each raindrop that falls adds a splash of fascination by changing the colors of the coat’s design. Carter’s water-resistant jacket is made from quality fabric and boasts a soft jersey lining to keep them warm during rainy play. The zip-front design makes it easy to put on and take off, and parents appreciate the functional pockets, which feature a safety flap with a secure snap.

This jacket isn’t fully waterproof, so you may get damp in downpours or extended periods of rain.

The Details:

For active kids who beg to head outside the moment raindrops begin, consider this one-piece rain suit. Essentially a thin snow suit, it’s great for three-season rain play. Kids can enjoy getting into all sorts of rainy mischief, and you’ll know they’ll stay dry thanks to the taped seams and inner waterproof membrane, which boasts a fabric waterproof rating of 10,000 mm.

Parents love the adjustable waist toggles to accommodate layering and growth spurts. The elasticized hood with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure keeps rain off your child’s face, and the ankle bands fit securely over rain boots. Breathable fabric allows heat to pass through so they won’t get soaked in sweat. The reflective stripes add extra visibility.

“Our girls love this rain suit. It’s very comfortable and keeps them dry.”—Rice, mom of twin 5-year-olds

While the company notes the rain suits are “generously sized,” parents say proper sizing can be tricky. Additionally, the thin inner lining doesn’t provide a lot of warmth.

The Details:

Whether it’s a downpour or a drizzle, this waterproof Columbia jacket boasts a durable nylon shell that can withstand any amount of rain. It might be lightweight, but it's big on protection against the elements. One parent said it was a game-changer for her son when walking home from school or to friends’ houses on rainy days.

That parent also appreciated the nearly 30 colors and patterns when choosing a jacket for her style-savvy (and picky) tween. He loves the two pockets and elastic cuffs that keep his shirt sleeves dry, while she relies on the reflective detail for added peace of mind during nighttime walks home from soccer practice.

“We’ve had this coat for several seasons. It’s still in great shape after years of wear, so my older son has handed it down to our younger one.”—Whitney, mom of a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old

Because the jacket is unlined and very thin, it doesn't provide warmth.

The Details:

The North Face is synonymous with high-quality protective weather gear, so it comes as no surprise that this rain jacket makes our best-of list. The Antora is a highly versatile rain shell made from the brand’s fully recycled waterproof and windproof Dryvent fabric.

Our teen appreciates the three-piece hood with an elasticized rain-guard tunnel and a chin guard to help protect against pesky rain gusts, while the elastic cuffs mean shirt sleeves don’t get wet. He also loves the zippered pockets with a Stormflap hook-and-loop closure for keeping his house keys and phone dry on his walk home from school.

“My son doesn’t complain about wearing this jacket because it’s simple and keeps him dry. I love that he can zip the hood all the way up to shield his face against heavy rain when he’s walking.”—Whitney, mother of a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old

It’s not very heavy, so it's best for warm temps or as a top layer over a hoodie or fleece. It also has a brand logo front and center.

The Details:

Even if the weather is gray, your kid will look bright and cheerful in Reima’s best-selling Lampi jacket. Because it’s so lightweight, it fits nicely over tees in the summer or sweaters in the fall without adding bulk that can hinder movement. The waterproof fabric boasts a water column rating of 10,000 mm, making it excellent for heavy rain scenarios.

The welded seams, combined with elastic cuffs and a front zipper, help prevent any leaks. When wind is more of an issue, your kid can safely detach the hood and tuck it away for future use. The jacket style also boasts a wide size range: from 18 months old to 12 years old. Another bonus: this jacket’s softness will surprise you.

The only downside we see with this rain jacket is that it doesn't have pockets.

The Details:

Parents praised this practical coat for getting the job done when the storm clouds roll in. It’s waterproof and windproof, with sealed seams, a multi-layer recycled ripstop nylon shell, and a “HydroWall” membrane for maximum protection. You can see it working—moisture beads up on the surface thanks to the durable water-repellent coating, while the inside remains breathable and dry.

Kids and parents appreciate the soft brushed fabric lining the zippered pockets and neck, which adds a bit of warmth and comfort. The jacket is very customizable, from the adjustable Velcro cuffs to the three-panel hood with rain brim, hook-and-loop adjustment tab, and side elastic. The Rainier also protects against gusts up to 50+ mph. You’ll love that REI allows you to trade in your gently used gear for credit.

“It's really lightweight and packable, so I can send it with my kid to school knowing that if the sun comes out, he can stash it in his backpack and actually bring it home instead of losing it somewhere.”—Sabrina, mom of a 12-year-old

This is a basic raincoat: not the most exciting design. When the jacket is fully zipped, the front of the neck can be a little tight, which might bother some kids. It also doesn’t have any air vents to cool kids off on warmer rainy days.

The Details:

If your child hates stiff coats, consider this Hatley: it’s made from a soft material that allows them to move while keeping them warm and dry. It’s fully lined in a cozy terry fabric that adds a touch of warmth to chilly rainy days. The patch pockets work well, and the fabric, while keeping your child toasty warm, is also incredibly breathable so they don’t end up a wet, sweaty mess after running around all afternoon.

A long-time fan of the brand, one parent bought this vibrant color-changing jacket to inject some fun into her toddlers’ rainy day playtime. She found the coat easy to snap up, and the hood was the perfect size to cover their head, even when big pigtails were part of the equation.

“I love the fun lining of this jacket. Yes, I think stylish lining is just as important as the style on the outside of the jacket.”—Rice, mom of 5-year-old twins

A zipper closure might work better for rain protection than snaps. After several washes, the coating on the color-changing patterns rubbed off a bit in spots.

The Details:

Nothing says “I’m committed to staying dry” more than a matching raincoat and umbrella. Addie & Tate keeps littles protected with this adorable set. What’s their pleasure—dinosaurs, unicorns, maybe a rainbow? The jacket’s material is soft, and parents like that there's plenty of room to grow and layer without feeling constricted (even the bottom is more open, so pumping legs don’t feel restricted).

The snaps are super easy for tiny fingers to fasten and unfasten. The umbrella is also made for small hands to easily and safely open and close, and there are protective caps on all the points. The fun character handle has a convenient nylon carrying cord, so they can bring their matching accessory anywhere the sun isn’t shining.

The jacket is unlined and thin, so it doesn’t provide a ton of warmth on chilly days.

The Details:

Boden’s Fisherman Jacket boasts style and substance. With a padded finish and fleece lining, it’s a cozy addition to your little one’s wardrobe. The German company, known for forward-thinking fabrics, uses an environmentally friendly water repellent coating that’s free from fluorocarbons and other hazardous chemicals to keep your kid and the Earth safe.

Adding some fun to all that functionality, the patterns immediately make the sun shine—even when it’s cloudy. It’s fully waterproof, withstanding up to 5,000 mm of rain, and boasts taped seams and ribbed cuffs to keep out even the most persistent of raindrops. It’s also a nice length with a generous fit.

We struggled to find a complaint with this jacket other than the relatively high price.

The Details:

When it came to finding the best raincoats for kids, we asked parents which ones stood out in their quest to keep their little explorers dry. We looked for coats that kept children warm and dry, with features like pockets, reflective strips for safety, and the ability to adjust cuffs and hoods against the elements for perfect protection and fit.

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based Parents writer who has enjoyed a 30-year career bylining in national magazines and popular websites, as well as authoring a book or two. One of her favorite photos is with her now 18-year-old daughter, who used to love donning her raincoat and heading outside during rainstorms. Now she dodges raindrops and relies on a hood and umbrella even in the finest of mists because they will clearly mess up her hair and makeup. Insert eyeroll here.