I started my oldest daughter on a Red Rider BB Gun when she was 6. Moved her to a SW 15-22 when she was 9. She's 14 now and still shoots the 22 AR because she loves it. She's moved on otherwise to a 20" Match AR.

Started my kids on a Marlin 915Y, single shot bolt 22. All adults now and each own a 10/22 plus others.

I also went the CZ scout path, love the rifle but son outgrew it quickly. He started shotting my m1 carbine at around 12 and still loves it at 17

Another CZ Scout fan here. I even enjoy shooting it still. The other CZ 452,455,457 rifles are reasonably priced as well. Get the scout, then a cz trainer later on.

The scout could become a family heirloom.

another rifle that the kids enjoy is the Browning SA-22. We like it a lot more than the 10/22s