• OutdoorGearLab

    Wins our Editors' Choice Award for Best Sun Hat

    ★★★★★ OutdoorGearLab

  • The New York Times Wirecutter

    Recommended for Superior Sun Protection

    ★★★★★ The New York Times Wirecutter

  • Gear Patrol

    The creme de la creme of sunhats

    ★★★★★ Gear Patrol

  • Runner's World

    The perfect on-trail companion

    ★★★★★ Runner's World

  • Travel + Leisure

    Featured in Top Outdoor Gear Picks

    ★★★★★ Travel + Leisure

Product Details

Description

“With an overall rating of five stars and over 4,000 reviews, this lightweight and breathable hat includes UPF 50+ protection, repels water and stains, and comes in multiple color options for every kid to enjoy.” 

— USA Today 

The Kids’ Play Hat is made for little explorers. Whether they’re running through the backyard, splashing at the beach, or chasing friends at the park, it keeps them protected with UPF 50+ coverage, a breathable crown, and a sun-shielding neck cape. It floats, packs flat for trips, and comes in colors they’ll actually want to wear. With adjustable sizing that grows with your child, it’s the hat that keeps up with every outdoor adventure.

“With an overall rating of five stars and over 4,000 reviews, this lightweight and breathable hat includes UPF 50+ protection, repels water and stains, and comes in multiple color options for every kid to enjoy.” 

— USA Today 

The Kids’ Play Hat is made for little explorers. Whether they’re running through the backyard, splashing at the beach, or chasing friends at the park, it keeps them protected with UPF 50+ coverage, a breathable crown, and a sun-shielding neck cape. It floats, packs flat for trips, and comes in colors they’ll actually want to wear. With adjustable sizing that grows with your child, it’s the hat that keeps up with every outdoor adventure.

Choose Your Hat

UPF Rating
UPF 50+ sun rating (mesh not rated)
UPF 50+ sun rating (mesh not rated)
UPF 50+ sun rating (includes mesh)
Brim
2 3/4" - 3 3/4" (7-9 cm) brim and 5 1/2"- 6" (13-15.5 cm) neck cape*
2 1/2" (6.5 cm) soft, flexible, downsloping brim
3 1/4" (8.5 cm) brim and 5 1/2" (14 cm) neck cape
Weight
1.8 ounces/51.0 grams
2.4 ounces/68 grams
2.2 ounces / 62.5 grams
Fabric
100% Nylon body, polyester crown mesh
100% Nylon body
88% Nylon, 12% Polyester body, polyester crown mesh
Packing
Packs flat, do not fold or crease brim
Crushable
Brim folds for compact packing
Standout
SmartStrap® breakaway chinstrap
Floats in water
Reflective details

Customer Reviews

4.9 943 reviews Verified
5
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21
★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 09/08/2026

Great

★
Alison Matthew Verified 09/01/2026

Sadly my 16 month old grandson was able to yank it off his head as soon as my daughter put it on him. I was hoping he’d keep it on.

★
Noreen Suzuki Verified 08/24/2026

It was never received. I ordered it August 7th and August 22nd was informed by OnTrac that my package could not be found, and was undeliverable.

Sunday Afternoons

Hi Noreen, We're so sorry to hear that your package got lost in transit.  We were unaware of this issue until reading your review and have issued a full refund on our end.  Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate you choosing Sunday Afternoons.

★★★★★
Gelia Gumerova Verified 08/15/2026

Great quality hats protected perfectly from the sun

★★★★★
Salvador Medrano Ahumada Verified 08/14/2026

The quality of the materials is excellent, the designs are very pretty, and my daughter loved it.

★★★★★
Missydev 08/13/2026

I have bought this hat (through REI but still) in every size since my child was an infant. The camping dog pattern is the most delightful thing I've ever seen. Please consider making an adult print for thirty year old women. The brim holds up, keeps the sun off, and the hat is soft and lightweight. I love it so.

★★★★★
Brianna Im Verified 07/23/2026

We love this hat! It is lightweight so my kid doesn’t mind wearing it, it protects his neck and face so well (less sunscreen application!), the brim is stiff enough to hold in place in the wind, and it even stays put at the beach with waves crashing over my kiddo’s head. Also, we love the trade up program offered by Sunday Afternoons and have used it with two different hat styles.

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 07/21/2026

Wonderful hat for keeping sun off of the face and neck. My grandson loves it and we call it his safari hat. Great ventilation to keep his head cool on hot days.

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 06/23/2026

We have been fans of the kids' play hat for years. The coverage is great, good selection of colors/prints, easy to clean and great quality

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 06/23/2026

Nice

★★★★★
Caroline Verified 06/16/2026

This hat is the best, keeps my little guy protected and he looks so cute in it. We get lots of compliments on it, I tell everyone to get one! I also love that it is adjustable so he can wear it for years to come.

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 06/13/2026

Great light weight hat that is perfect for my toddler. Love the back neck protecter as well. The light blue is such a nice color def will be ordering again

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 06/09/2026

My baby's hat is good. Two year old loves it

★★★★★
Anonymous Verified 06/08/2026

Amazing customer service and products!

★★★★★
Rebeccah Paget-Decker Verified 06/06/2026

I bought this to replace the one I lost in China! I've been wearing your hats for about 20 years because they're perfect! My only suggestion is that you improve the way the Kids' Large hat is advertised. I didn't think I could wear your hats at all because although my head looks normal, all the adult hats are too big and look ridiculous on me (age 66). Years ago I was at an REI and say this hat advertised back then as Youth Large. Why can't you either put this hat in the adult section and mark it small, or add a note to the kid section that says, "Also fits adults with small heads?" Thank you!

Showing 15 of 943 reviews

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