Kites.

[Gandahar]

OpenToeSlipper said:

So..... best beginner kite these days that won't take me (or my 9 year old child) into orbit?

2 or 4 line ?

Check out flexifoil buzz or sting, both fast and fun with little pull and well made for starting off.

Both are manic in 40mph plus winds when bigger kites could be too much, so you have a big window.

Since U-turn stopped making helium 2 then next step up would be a Peter Lynn like the hornet, good compromise between dynamic pull and stability for an intermediate. Not lofty like the old blades or dynamically powerful like U-turn nitro or Yakuza was.