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ATV Size Guide for Kids: Which Size Fits Your Child?
Published August 30, 2026 · 281 Country Club
"What size ATV does my kid need?" is the question we answer most at check-in — usually from a parent standing between two quads, unsure which one actually fits. Age is the starting point, but it's not the whole answer. Here's the real breakdown: what each of our four sizes is built for, the weight limits that matter more than the age cutoffs in some cases, and what to do when your kid falls right between two sizes.
The Quick Answer
Four sizes: Small ATV ($80/hr; ages 4+, up to 100 lbs), Medium ATV for ages 10+ ($120/hr), Big ATV for ages 14+ ($140/hr), and XL ATV for ages 21+ ($160/hr). But age is only the starting filter — each size also has a hard weight limit, and a rider who's tall or heavy for their age may need to size up regardless of birthday. The rest of this guide breaks down why.
Small ATV — Youngest Riders
This is the size for first-time young riders: a safety throttle limiter keeps top speed gentle no matter how hard a small hand squeezes the gas, and the controls are sized for small hands. Riders must be 4 or older. Max weight is 100 lbs — if your child is bigger than average for their age, check the weight limit first, since it's the one that actually determines fit.
Medium ATV — Ages 10+
A real step up in capability — this is a 110cc quad, genuinely more machine than the Small, not just a bigger version of the same thing. It's the right pick once a kid has outgrown the throttle-limited Small ATV, whether by age (10+) or by simply being ready for more speed and a bigger trail experience. Max weight is 160 lbs.
Big ATV — Ages 14+
The Big ATV is a Can-Am DS 250 — a genuine sport quad, not a scaled-up kids' machine. This is where teenagers (14+) move up to, and it's also where plenty of parents end up: the DS 250 is a real adult-capable ATV, so if you want to ride alongside your teenager on your own quad rather than watching from a UTV, this is a common choice. Max weight is 250 lbs (the Polaris Phoenix 200, which also books as a Big ATV, is capped at 215 lbs).
XL ATV — Ages 21+
Our largest quad is a Polaris Sportsman 570, rated for riders up to 450 lbs — the highest weight limit in the fleet by a wide margin. This is the pick for adults who want the most capable machine we rent, and it's the only size restricted to 21+.
When Your Kid Is Right Between Two Sizes
This comes up constantly, especially around the Small/Medium line at ages 9-11. Go by weight and confidence first, age second. If your child is under 100 lbs and this is their first time on any ATV, the Small's throttle limiter is the safer starting point even if they're technically old enough for the Medium. If they're 10+, under 160 lbs, and have ridden before — or they're simply tall for their age — the Medium is usually the better fit and won't feel like a step down. If you're still unsure, call or text (210) 560-1116 before booking.
Every size includes the vehicle, a helmet, a pre-ride safety briefing, and park entry with full use of the rental trail system for the whole session — no lap limits. See the full size guide and live booking for real-time availability, or call (210) 560-1116 if you want help matching a rider to the right quad before you book. Planning a birthday party or family group? See our group events page — with four sizes, most guests can ride their own ATV, and UTV passenger seats cover the youngest.
ATV Size FAQ
What size ATV should a 9 or 10 year old ride?
It depends on weight and experience, not just age. A first-timer under 100 lbs is safer on the Small ATV's throttle limiter. A 10-year-old under 160 lbs who has ridden before — or who's tall for their age — usually fits the Medium ATV better.
What's the weight limit on the Small ATV?
100 lbs. A rider over that limit can't ride the Small; the Medium (ages 10+, up to 160 lbs) is the next size up.
Can a parent and child ride ATVs together?
Yes — each rider gets their own ATV sized to them. A common combination is a teenager on the Big ATV (Can-Am DS 250, ages 14+) with a parent riding alongside on their own Big or XL ATV.
What ATV models does 281 Country Club actually rent?
The Big ATV is a Can-Am DS 250 sport quad (ages 14+), and the XL ATV is a Polaris Sportsman 570 (ages 21+, rated up to 450 lbs). The Medium is a 110cc quad for ages 10+, and the Small is a throttle-limited kids' quad for riders up to 100 lbs.
What if I'm still not sure which size my kid needs?
Call or text (210) 560-1116 before booking and we'll help you match each rider to a size. Each size is booked separately, with its own age and weight limits.