10 Best Tick Repellent For Kids 2025 in the United States

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is a powerful option with its maximum strength 100% DEET formula, offering up to 10 hours of protection against ticks and other biting insects. This makes it highly effective for long outdoor activities, providing reliable coverage. The spray is alcohol-free and fragrance-free, reducing the chance of irritation, but since it contains a very high concentration of DEET, extra caution is recommended when using it on children's sensitive skin.

The product comes in a convenient, lightweight pump spray that makes applying quick and simple, which is helpful for both kids and adults. However, the small bottle size (1.25 fl oz per spray bottle, sold as a 2-pack with a total of 6.8 fl oz) means it may require refilling or carrying multiple bottles for extended trips. While the formulation is designed to be durable, there is no specific mention of water resistance, so its effectiveness might decrease with heavy sweating or swimming.

This repellent is suited for families seeking strong, long-lasting protection during outdoor adventures but should be used carefully on young children due to the high DEET concentration.

Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray is a versatile product designed to provide comprehensive protection against ticks and mosquitoes. One of the primary strengths of this spray is its active ingredient, Picaridin, which is considered effective at a 20% concentration. This formulation offers up to 12 hours of protection from ticks and mosquitoes, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities. Additionally, it repels other pests such as gnats, biting flies, chiggers, no-see-ums, and fleas for up to 8 hours, offering broad-spectrum defense.

The product is family-friendly, safe for use on kids aged one year and older, which is a crucial factor for parents looking for reliable tick repellent for their children. The non-greasy and odorless nature of the spray ensures that it is comfortable to wear, avoiding the common greasy feel and strong smell associated with many repellents. Since it is DEET-free, it minimizes the risk of damaging clothing and equipment, which is an added advantage. The spray comes in a convenient, TSA-compliant 3.4oz travel size, making it easy to carry during trips.

However, there are a few considerations to note. The product volume at 3.4 fluid ounces might require frequent re-purchase for regular use, especially for larger families. While the non-aerosol fine mist spray ensures ease of application, users need to ensure thorough coverage for effective protection. Additionally, there's no specific mention of water resistance, so reapplication may be necessary if the user gets wet. Ranger Ready Repellents Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray appears to be a reliable and user-friendly option for families seeking effective tick protection for their children during outdoor activities.

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its natural active ingredient, which is known to effectively repel ticks and mosquitoes without using harsh chemicals like DEET. This makes it a good choice for kids and adults who prefer plant-based protection. The spray formulation is easy to apply and has a pleasant lemon scent, which some might like better than traditional bug sprays. It’s free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, and chemicals that can damage outdoor gear, which is a nice bonus for families who want to be eco-friendly.

The product provides long-lasting protection, but you might need to reapply if you’re outdoors for many hours. While it’s generally gentle, anyone with very sensitive skin should test it on a small area first, as natural oils can sometimes cause mild irritation. Since water resistance is not specified, reapplication might be necessary after swimming or heavy sweating. The packaging is convenient with a pump spray, making it simple for both kids and adults to use.

This repellent is well suited for families seeking a natural, DEET-free option that works well for everyday outdoor activities; however, those needing heavy-duty or water-resistant protection might want to consider products with additional features.