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The best school backpacks for kids and tweens

A pick from our best school backpacks will have any kid super excited to get the new school year started

Allie Early
Written by
Dorkys Ramos
&
Allie Early
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If you’re still searching for the perfect back-to-school backpacks for your littles, then look no further. We've scouted the best picks for this year’s school season that will have any kid eager to head into the first day of class. In this list, you’ll find bold patterns for those who want to turn heads in the hallway, nature-themed bags for the animal lovers, spiky dinosaur backpacks for those future paleontologists and styles that are perfectly fit for any tiny New Yorker.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to get your kids back to school in NYC

Once you’ve chosen the best pack to dress your kid’s back, make sure to fill it up with awesome school supplies and find just-as-cool outfits for the school year at the best kids’ clothing stores and kids' shoe stores.

The best school backpacks for kids

MadPax Spiketus-Rex Color

1. MadPax Spiketus-Rex Color

Kids can channel their most ferocious inner selves with these Spiketus-Rex packs. They come complete with three zipped pockets (one big and two little) and a full school year of conversation-starting. $60, madpax.com

2. Herschel Heritage Backpack in Grey Taxi

Pint-sized New Yorkers can represent their city no matter where they go with this taxi-cab patterned bookbag. Plus, a name tag inside the backpack will let all know who’s the owner of this adorable bag. $40, herschel.com

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3. STATE Kane Darth Vader

Little Star Wars fans can channel the force when they head to school with STATE bags' new collection made in collaboration with the film franchise. Even better, with each backpack purchase, STATE donates a backpack to a kid in need. $95, statebags.com

4. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack Bee

Kids will buzzzz their way to school with their new bee friend watching their back. The tiny book bag can hold juice boxes, snacks, crayons and other kiddie essentials. $20, skiphop.com

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5. Yoobi Classic Backpack in Yoobi Totally Rad

It takes a totally rad kid to rock this backpack at school. Not only will it turn heads in the hallway, but it’ll shine bright even when the weather starts to cool down. The backpack features side pockets and a front pocket, three zippered compartments and interior padded laptop pocket. And for every item purchased, Yoobi donates an item to an classroom in need in the U.S. $25, yoobi.com

6. Herschel Survey Backpack in Peacoat Polka Dot/Strawberry Ice

This scouting backpack futures magnetic strap closures, a zippered storage sleeve, beautiful patterned material both inside and out and a top handle so kids can choose how they want to carry their stuff to school. $50, herschel.com

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MadPax Bubble Color

7. MadPax Bubble Color

Weird, bubbly and awesome, this large madpax bubble pack offers other-worldly coolness. $60, madpax.com

8. Yoobi x i am OTHER Top Handle Cargo Backpack in Blue Community Print

Yoobi partnered up with Pharrell Williams for this cool backpack that celebrates community. With multiple zipper pockets and padded slots for a laptop, your kid will be extra organized come school time. $20, yoobi.com

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9. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack Hedgehog

This adorable backpack is perfect for the littlest student. Send your tot to pre-K with a new animal companion. The tiny bag features a mesh side pocket, front pouch and a name tag inside the roomy main compartment. $20, skiphop.com

10. eeBoo Happy Whales Backpack

Kids can pretend to join a school of fishes as they head back to class with this aquatic-themed backpack. An underwater scene is embroidered onto the front and there’s space on the flap to embroider your child’s name, too. $45, eeboo.com

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11. STATE Kane Coney Island in Pink/Lemon

Just because school is back in session it doesn’t mean we have to leave summer behind. This bright backpack reminds us of eating ice cream cones on the boardwalk. $65, statebags.com

12. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack Unicorn

If your kids are always daydreaming, give ‘em something that will add a bit of magic to their imaginations. This lovely unicorn backpack will do just that and with spaces for snacks and drinks and cute supplies, they’ll be well prepared for any adventures. $20, skiphop.com

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13. eeBoo Dinosaur Party Small Backpack

If your kid is into dinosaurs then this is going to be the backpack of their dreams. The small bag features dinosaur embroidery on two-tone cotton and is pretty much a portable work of art. $40, eeboo.com

14. Yoobi Classic Backpack in Aqua

This classic number might be quieter on the pattern front, but it’s still one stylish backpack. It also features book bag must-haves like zipper pockets, side pockets, interior sleeve pocket, comfy straps and fun zipper pulls. $25, yoobi.com

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15. STATE Bedford Williamsburg in Black Map

Your little Brooklynite’s style is going to be untouchable in this bag that’s patterned with a map of the hip borough. $85, statebags.com

More fun activities for kids

  • Things to do

There are plenty of outdoor activities for kids in New York City—many you'll even love doing as a family! When you're not busy cuddled up with our favorite family movies on Netflix and our list of the best kids movies (come on—it's time to head outside!), you'll love exploring the coolest family attractions and the other amazing outdoor activities this amazing city has to offer. 

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