Drumming is an incredible way to introduce children to the joy of music. Whether your child is ready to start rocking out or is just beginning to explore their musical interests, the right drum set can help foster a lifelong love of music. But what should parents look for in a drum kit? The main considerations are size, completeness and build quality. Some drum sets, like shell packs, include only the drums, while complete kits come with hardware, cymbals and even drum thrones—offering everything a young drummer needs to start playing immediately. Choosing the right option for your child depends on their needs, space and goals.

In this guide, we’ll cover a range of drum sets specifically designed for kids, from beginner-friendly full kits to compact shell packs that set the foundation for a kit that can grow with your child. Whether you’re shopping for a six-year-old starting lessons or a 12-year-old ready to jam in the garage, these picks deliver quality, affordability and fun.

Pictured: Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece Drum Set in Metallic Blue

Table of Contents

Starting Your Child’s Musical Journey Behind the Kit
Comparing the Best Drum Sets for Kids
The Best Drum Sets for Kids
   Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove 4-Piece Shell Pack
   Ludwig Pocket Kit
   Mapex Venus Complete 5-Piece Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals
   PDP by DW Concept Maple 4-Piece Shell Pack With Chrome Hardware
   Pearl Roadshow Jr. Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals
   Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece Drum Set
   Sound Percussion Labs Lil’ Kicker 3-Piece Junior Drum Set
   TAMA Club-JAM Flyer 4-Piece Shell Pack
   Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5-Piece Shell Pack
Counting Them In

Starting Your Child's Musical Journey Behind the Kit

Before we dive into the drums themselves, let’s start with what makes drumming an especially rewarding hobby to pick up at an early age. Introducing your child to drumming has numerous benefits beyond just making music. Drumming helps improve fine motor skills, develop a sense of rhythm and timing, and contribute to overall educational development. Studies have shown that early exposure to music enhances cognitive skills and even builds self-confidence. Guitar Center’s Lessons program offers an excellent way to begin this journey with professional guidance tailored to kids. With the right drum set and a structured learning path, your child can unlock their full musical potential.

Comparing the Best Drum Sets for Kids

Drum Kit	Shell Material	Shell Sizes	Included Hardware/Cymbals?	Pricing*
Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove 4-Piece Shell Pack	7-ply poplar	16x14" kick, 10x7" tom, 13x13" floor tom, 14x5" snare	Shell pack only	$499.00
Ludwig Pocket Kit	Hardwood	16x14" kick, 10x7" tom, 13x11" floor tom, 12x5" snare	All hardware; hi-hat, crash/ride	$349.00
Mapex Venus Complete 5-Piece Drum Set	Poplar	22x16" kick, 10x7" and 12x8" toms, 16x14" floor tom, 14x5" snare	All hardware; 14" hi-hat, 18" crash/ride	$799.99
PDP by DW Concept Maple 4-Piece Shell Pack	7-ply European maple	22x18" kick, 10x8" and 12x9" toms, 16x14" floor tom	Tom mounts, floor tom legs	$649.99
Pearl Roadshow Jr. Drum Set	Poplar	16x10" kick, 8x5" and 10x5.5" toms, 13x8" floor tom, 12x4" snare	All hardware; 10" hi-hat, 13" crash	$409.99
Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece	Multi-ply wood	18x14" kick, 8x5" and 10x5" toms, 12x10" floor tom, 12x5" snare	All hardware; hi-hat, crash/ride	$299.99
Sound Percussion Labs Lil’ Kicker 3-Piece	Multi-ply wood	16x14" kick, 8x5" tom, 10x4" snare	All hardware; hi-hat, crash	$199.99
TAMA Club-JAM Flyer 4-Piece Shell Pack	6-ply mersawa/poplar blend	14x10" kick, 8x6" tom, 10x9" floor tom, 10x5" snare	Bass drum-mounted cymbal and tom holder, bass drum riser, floor tom legs	$479.99
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5-Piece Shell Pack	Birch	22x16" kick, 10x7" and 12x8" toms, 16x14" floor tom, 14x5.5" snare	Shell pack only	$799.99

Regular pricing as of November 2024*

The Best Drum Sets for Kids

Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove 4-Piece Shell Pack

Why It’s Cool: Codesigned with The Roots' Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, this compact, portable kit is a superb choice for smaller players.

Things to Consider:

• Compact 16x14" kick drum with riser
• Cymbals and hardware sold separately
• Ideal for practice, small stages and budding drummers

 

Shop Now: Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove 4-Piece Shell Pack in Red Sparkle

The Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove shell pack is perfect for kids or beginners who need a compact kit that can also serve as a great portable alternative to a more full-sized kit down the road. The 16x14" bass drum with included riser ensures that even smaller drummers can achieve full projection. Designed in collaboration with Questlove of The Roots, this kit delivers punchy tones and a professional feel. While it doesn’t include cymbals or hardware, its portability and sleek various finishes make it a standout choice for any young drummer.

Not only is it a suitable kit for children because of its size—Breakbeats is also a great kit in its own right. A 60-year drummer and Guitar Center reviewer sings its praises, “I have used this kit two gigs a week for four years. It’s lightweight, compact, sturdy and sounds great … I have had $4,000 Rogers, Ayotte and Slingerland kits—all great, but functionally no better than this, and much heavier and more expensive.”

Ludwig Pocket Kit

Why It’s Cool: Sized just right for kids, this all-in-one kit includes hardware, cymbals and even a throne.

Things to Consider:

• Complete set includes hardware and cymbals
• Designed for drummers ages four through 10
• Great starter kit for young beginners

Shop Now: Ludwig Pocket Kit in Black Sparkle

Also codeveloped by Questlove, Ludwig’s Pocket Kit is an easy choice for parents who want an all-in-one solution. This compact kit includes everything a young drummer needs, from cymbals and a throne to sturdy stand and mount hardware. With its poplar shells, the Pocket Kit delivers warm, balanced tones, making it ideal for kids ages four to 10 who are just starting their musical journey.

Mapex Venus Complete 5-Piece Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals

Why It’s Cool: A full-sized, all-in-one kit that delivers professional features at a beginner-friendly price.

Things to Consider:

• Includes hardware and cymbals, making it ready to play out of the box
• Poplar shells provide warm, versatile tones
• Full-sized drums may require more space

Shop Now: Mapex Venus Complete 5-Piece Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals in White Marblewood

The Mapex Venus complete 5-piece drum set is ideal for older kids ready to dive into the world of drumming with a standard-sized kit. With its poplar shells, Venus projects stellar tone and durability for practice and performance. The included 14" hi-hat and 16" crash cymbals, double-braced hardware, kick pedal, throne and bass drum-mounted double tom holder complete the setup, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a quality, ready-to-play kit. Its full-sized components make it a great choice for slightly older kids or those with dedicated practice spaces.

PDP by DW Concept Maple 4-Piece Shell Pack With Chrome Hardware

Why It’s Cool: Made from a premium tonewood, this maple shell pack offers pro-level tonality at a beginner-friendly value.

Things to Consider:

• Maple shells yield a rich, resonant sound
• Chrome tom mounts and floor tom stands included
• Snare drum, cymbals and hardware sold separately

Shop Now: PDP by DW Concept Maple 4-Piece Shell Pack With Chrome Hardware in Twisted Ivory

Another full-size option, the PDP by DW Concept Maple 4-piece shell pack delivers high-end performance drums, but requires you to bring to your own snare, stands, pedals, cymbals and throne. With its 22" kick drum and maple shells, this kit produces a resonant, punchy tone that will suit whatever genre you throw at it. And though it doesn’t comprise a ready-out-of-the-box package, its premium build quality makes it a solid foundation for kids aspiring or transitioning to more advanced drumming.

Pearl Roadshow Jr. Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals

Why It’s Cool: Scaled for younger drummers, this kit includes everything needed to get grooving right away.

Things to Consider:

• Complete kit includes cymbals and hardware
• Shallow poplar shells provide warm, balanced tones
• Compact size ideal for younger players

Shop Now: Pearl Roadshow Jr. Drum Set With Hardware and Cymbals in Jet Black

The Pearl Roadshow Jr. drum set is designed specifically for younger drummers, with scaled-down components that make playing comfortable and fun. Its 16" bass drum and poplar shells deliver great tone for practice and performance. The Roadshow Jr. kit comes with cymbals, stands and a throne, so kids can start playing right away. It’s a great option for families seeking a complete, beginner-friendly solution.

Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece Drum Set

Why It’s Cool: It’s a robust 5-piece setup that delivers excellent value for parents and growing drummers.

Things to Consider:

• Includes hardware and cymbals for a complete setup
• Poplar shells produce warm tones for a wide variety of styles
• Compact size fits easily into smaller spaces

Shop Now: Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece Drum Set in Metallic Blue

The Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker is a reliable, affordable choice for kids ready to begin their drumming journey. With multi-ply wood shells and included cymbals (hi-hat and crash ride), this 5-piece kit offers versatility and great sound. Its compact design makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its durable build ensures it can withstand enthusiastic beginners.

Sound Percussion Labs Lil' Kicker 3-Piece Junior Drum Set

Why It’s Cool: The little sibling of the Junior Kicker, this ultracompact kit designed for the youngest drummers to get started with ease.

Things to Consider:

• 16" kick drum is perfect for small hands and feet
• Includes hardware and cymbals; ready to play
• Best for kids ages three through six

Shop Now: Sound Percussion Labs Lil' Kicker 3-Piece Junior Drum Set in Dark Red

For the littlest rock stars, the Sound Percussion Labs Lil’ Kicker is a fantastic introduction to drumming. Its 3-piece configuration includes a 16" kick drum, 10" tom and 12" snare, along with a crash cymbal and hi-hat. The Lil’ Kicker’s compact footprint and proportional size make it easy for young drummers to learn and practice rudimentary rhythms, all while having a blast.

TAMA Club-JAM Flyer 4-Piece Shell Pack

Why It’s Cool: This versatile shell pack combines compact sizing with pro-level craftsmanship.

Things to Consider:

• Mersawa and poplar blend shells provide warm, focused tones
• Cymbals and hardware sold separately
• Compact size great for tight spaces or travel

Shop Now: TAMA Club-JAM Flyer 4-Piece Shell Pack in Candy Apple Mist

The TAMA Club-JAM Flyer is a professional-grade shell pack scaled down for smaller players. With its 14" bass drum and compact toms, it produces focused, punchy tones, making it perfect for practice or small performances. Though it doesn’t include cymbals, its high-quality construction ensures this kit will grow with your child’s skills.

A happy father and Guitar Center reviewer enthused, “I wanted a small set for home, where I can teach my son, and also a set that is easier for small gigs. And this exceeded my expectations. It not only looks cool—it sounds great even with the stock heads.”

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5-Piece Shell Pack

Why It’s Cool: All-birch shells deliver unmatched projection and clarity, making it a great investment for growing drummers.

Things to Consider:

• Full-sized kit best for older kids or teens
• Cymbals and hardware sold separately
• On the pricier end

Shop Now: Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5-Piece Shell Pack in Honey Amber

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch is a standout for young drummers ready for a professional sound. Its all-birch shells offer superior projection and clarity, making it perfect for stage or studio use. While it doesn’t include cymbals or hardware, its robust build and versatile tone make it a worthwhile investment for serious players. An outstanding all-around kit, it’s gotten high praise from Guitar Center customers, with 97% out of 42 reviewers saying they’d recommend it to a friend.

Counting Them In

Drumming is one of the most engaging and beneficial ways for kids to explore music. Whether they’re just starting out or growing their skills, the right drum kit can inspire creativity, a lifelong passion for playing music and so much more. From compact shell packs to all-inclusive beginner kits, these options provide something for every young drummer’s needs and abilities.

Pictured: Sound Percussion Labs Junior Kicker 5-Piece Drum Set in Metallic Blue Bass Drum Pedal

Pairing a great kit with structured lessons is the key to success. Guitar Center’s beginner drum sets and drum lessons services offer everything parents need to get their child started. Don’t forget to check out essentials, like drum thrones and sticks, to complete the setup and keep your child happily drumming in comfort and style.