The Best Binoculars for Kids! Quality Optics for the Little Ones
Bird watching and exploring nature is great fun for kids. They love learning new things about the world around them. It can be very inspiring to watch. Giving them the best binoculars for kids can open up a whole new world for your little one.
Generally speaking, adult binoculars are too large and heavy for children. They’re also expensive. That’s why so many manufacturers now make inexpensive, compact, and super lightweight binos, especially for the kids.
Before we get to our top picks for the best binoculars for kids this year, let’s talk a little bit about what you should look for before you buy.
What Should I Look for in the Best Binoculars for Kids?
What you should look for in the best binoculars for kids depends largely on the age of your child.
The first things that you should consider regardless of your child’s age are size and weight. You should look for compact binos that will fit comfortably in smaller hands and on smaller faces. You also don’t want anything too heavy. The lighter, the better when it comes to kids’ binoculars.
We believe in starting children off young with their first binos. Believe it or not, they make them specifically for toddlers. I bought my nephew his first binoculars when he turned two. He absolutely loved them. He spent over a year looking through the wrong end of them, but he enjoyed it so much I didn’t want to correct him. I figured he’d get it with time. And he eventually did.
For toddlers, we recommend finding a durable toy binocular. They should be lightweight and small, but the most important feature should be durability. Toddlers are going to bang them up. You want the binoculars to be able to withstand the punishment that little ones inevitably will give it.
To protect your child’s eyes and face, you should look for binos that feature rubber around the eyepieces.
Another thing that you should look for is the price. You don’t want to spend a fortune on binoculars that your kid is going to forget on the school bus or drop down a flight of stairs.
As your child gets older, you can upgrade to a nicer device.
On our list of the best binoculars for kids this year, we have included binos for toddlers, kids aged 3 to 12, and teens.
What About the Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter?
While you’re reading our review of the best binoculars for kids, you must pay attention to the magnification and objective lens diameter numbers. Most of the binos that we looked at range from 8×21 to 8×35.
Now, what exactly do those numbers mean?
Magnification
Well, the first number in the 8×21 is the magnification power. The magnification number tells you how many times that the binoculars magnify an object. So, for example, the binoculars that are 8×21 millimeters magnify the object by 8 times.
We recommend that kids’ binoculars have a magnification of two to eight. As your child gets older, you can increase the magnification, but anything over eight times magnification will be difficult to hold steady and keep from shaking for kids.
Objective lens diameter
The second number in the 8×21 combination is the objective lens diameter. This number is the diameter of the objective lens measured in millimeters.
It’s worth noting that the objective lens is the lens closest to what you are looking at, not the one closest to your eyes. This number is important because it is responsible for the amount of light that flows through your binos. The bigger your objective lens is, the more light that will enter your binoculars. The benefit of that is that it allows you to see brighter images and crisper colors.
But the problem with a larger objective lens diameter is that it makes the binoculars considerably heavier. That’s not what you want in the best binoculars for kids.
To keep the binos super lightweight, we recommend an objective lens diameter of 21 to 25 millimeters. If you go much larger than that, you will significantly increase the overall weight. The largest objective lens diameter on our list this year is 35 millimeters. This size is suitable for teens.
We consider objective lenses below 30 millimeters to be compact binoculars, which are ideal for kids because they are lighter and smaller.
How We Chose the Best Binoculars for Kids
We performed an independent review of the best binoculars for kids on the market today. In the review process, we researched and poured through hundreds of professional and consumer reviews. We also compared the features and price of each of the binos.
Our goal is to help you find the best binoculars for your child and your individual needs. We have no business or financial ties to any of the manufacturers on our list.
Now Let’s Take a Look at Some of the Best Binoculars for Kids
Here are our favorite binos for kids this year. Our list starts with binoculars for toddlers and graduates up to binoculars for teens.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars: Kids Binoculars -…
- THE ONLY BINOCULARS DESIGNED FOR KIDS: Kid-sized binoculars are focus-free and feature large comfy eyepieces—more than…
- SUPPORTS STEM: Introduce toddlers and preschoolers to a scientific tool to view and help them explore their environment
- MADE FOR KIDS: Kidnoculars are kid binoculars with easy-placement goggles, 2x magnification, and breakaway neck strap
Our first contender for the best binoculars for kids this year is the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars by Educational Insights. If you have a young child under the age of five, then these beginner binos are ideal.
Educational Insights designed these binos specifically for preschoolers. So don’t be surprised if your adult eyes are too far apart to see through the lenses.
One of the things that we love about these binoculars is that they require no focusing, which could pose a problem for small uncoordinated hands.
Another great thing about these binos is that they feature large comfortable eyepieces. The lens diameter does not apply to these binoculars, but the magnification is times two.
The GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are compact enough for young children to hold. They measure 6.9 inches by 5.5 inches by 2.8 inches. And they’re not too heavy for the little ones either. These binos weigh just 8.5 ounces. They also come with a one-year warranty in case anything goes wrong.
Most people have great things to say about these binoculars. They are ideal for toddlers. But they don’t offer much magnification. Another complaint about them is that kids can break them. The good news is it will only cost you a few bucks to buy a new one.
Dreamingbox Binoculars for Kids, 8×21 Compact Binoculars for Birding…
- Super Safety: soft rubber surrounded eyepieces are included for eye protection so children don’t hurt their eyes or…
- Advanced design: non-slip scratch, the grip has been ergonomically patented designed to fit the hands of kids. It is…
- Shock proof: durable binoculars that can withstand drops and falls on floors due to rubber Coating that absorbs shock….
The next spot on our list of the best binoculars for kids goes to Dreamingbox. The Dreamingbox binos are suitable for children aged 3 to 12.
The first thing that we noticed about these binoculars is that Dreamingbox designed them with safety in mind. They have soft rubber around the eyepieces so your child won’t hurt their eyes or face.
These binoculars are also super durable so your child can drop it or bang it up and still not damage the device. Another thing that kids will love about them is that they come in 10 different vibrant colors.
These binos are super easy to focus, and their ergonomic design fits perfectly in small hands.
The Dreamingbox binoculars also feature an 8 times magnification with an objective lens diameter of 21 millimeters. This is great for kids.
We also love that they are nice and compact and lightweight. They measure 4.3 inches by 3.4 inches by 1.6 inches. And they weigh just 5.3 ounces.
Most people love these binoculars. But some complained that you couldn’t focus them in entirely.
Kidwinz Original Compact 8×21 Kids Binoculars Set – High Resolution…
- LIFETIME WARRANTY – Includes all accessories such as Cleaning Cloth, 2-Foot Long Neck Strap, Operations Manual and a…
- BEST MAGNIFICATION and VALUE – This product has a superb maginifcation of 8X with an amazing view and comes as a bundle….
- SHOCK PROOF – Durable binoculars that can withstand drops and falls on floors due to rubber coating that absorbs shock….
Another of our favorite binos for kids this year comes from Kidwinz. Kidwinz makes it clear that these are not toys; they are real binoculars designed just for kids aged 3 to 12.
Like the Dreamingbox binos, these are shockproof and built for safety. The soft rubber around the eyepieces will ensure that your child doesn’t hurt their eyes or face.
These binoculars are easy to focus for little hands. And they fold to match the exact eye to eye distance of your child.
The Kidwinz binoculars come with a carrying case, a neck strap, and a cleaning cloth. They measure 4.9 inches by 4.2 inches by 2.3 inches, and they weigh just 6.4 ounces.
They also feature a magnification of 8 times with an objective lens diameter of 21 millimeters.
The vast majority of people rave about these binoculars. There are very few complaints about them. But a couple of people said that they had minor focusing issues.
BESPIN Binoculars for Kids 8×21 Bird Watching, High-Resolution Real…
- CONCEPT : We believe that children need to use real binoculars to continue to foster their interest in nature
- SUPERIOR SAFETY & BUILD QUALITY：If accidentally dropped on the ground, the binoculars are protected from damage…
- ADVANCED ERGONOMIC DESIGN：The grip has been ergonomically patented designed to fit the hands of child. The…
The next spot on our list of the best binoculars for kids this year goes to BESPIN. These might look like a toy, but BESPIN is very clear that these are real binoculars designed for kids aged 3 to 12.
Some of the things that we love about these binos for kids are that they come with BaK4 prisms, they are fully adjustable, they’re extremely durable, and they’re waterproof too! The binoculars come with a carrying case, neck strap, and cleaning cloth.
We love that these are nice and compact. They measure 4.1 inches by 3.8 inches by 1.4 inches. They’re lightweight too, weighing 7.5 ounces.
The BESPIN binos offer an excellent 8 times magnification with a 21-millimeter objective lens diameter.
The majority of people love these binos, many of them commenting on the stunning clarity and excellent optics. One of the complaints about them is that the lenses can pop out with rough play.
Celestron – Outland X 8×25 Binoculars – Waterproof & Fogproof –…
- MULTI-COATED OPTICS AND BaK-4 PRISMS: Multi-coated optics help obtain high resolution and high contrast views, while the…
- WATERPROOF AND FOGPROOF: Designed to withstand all weather conditions, our Outland X compact binoculars have been filled…
- PROTECTIVE RUBBER COVERING: Our binocular is both durable and well-armored; its rugged exterior ensures protection from…
Now if you have an older child or a teenager, then it’s time to upgrade a bit. For kids over the age of 12, we really love the Celestron Outland X Binocular.
These are nicer than the other best binoculars for kids that we’ve looked at so far. First of all, they are waterproof and fog proof. They also feature twist-up eyecups, multi-coated optics, and BaK4 prisms.
The Celestron Outland X is a little larger than the others that we’ve looked at so far, measuring 6 inches by 3 inches by 6 inches. But we still consider them compact and an ideal size for older kids.
These binos also weigh a bit more than the others, weighing one pound. However, they are still lightweight enough to carry around easily for teens.
One of the reasons that they weigh a little more than the others is because they have a wider objective lens diameter of 25 millimeters. They also feature an eight times magnification power.
The thing that people love the most about these binos is that they are affordable and they offer excellent optics. One of the complaints about them is that the focus is not fine enough.
Celestron 71330 Nature DX 8×32 Binocular (Green)
- PERFECT BINOCULARS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE: A great match for everyone from beginners to mid-range outdoors and birding…
- TOP-RATED GLASS OPTICS WITH IMPRESSIVE SPECS: Fully multi-coated lenses for brighter images, more contrast and highest…
- ROBUST, WATERPROOF MID-SIZED BODY: Incredibly precise build and design that offers protection from outdoor elements….
Another excellent option for kids over the age of 12 is the Celestron Nature DX Binocular. These binos are a step up from the Celestron Outland X.
These binos are fully rubber armored, and they are both waterproof and fog proof. They also have twist-up eyecups with several stops. If your child wears glasses, they will have no problem with these binoculars because of the eye relief.
One of the things that we love about these binos is that they offer stunning clarity and optics, especially for the price. The quality of these rivals much more expensive binos.
These compact binoculars measure 5 inches by 4.9 inches by 1.8 inches. They’re also lightweight, although they’re heavier than the other best binoculars for kids. They weigh 1.13 pounds.
Like the other best binoculars for kids, these offer eight times magnification power. One of the reasons that these are a bit heavier than the others is because they have a wider objective lens diameter of 32 millimeters. That means that these allow more light in than any of the others.
The vast majority of people rave about these binoculars, many of them commenting on the value for the price. It’s really hard to find any negative reviews about these binos. If there is any downside to them, it is that they cost more than the others on our list.
The Bottom Line on the Best Binoculars for Kids
We highly recommend all of the best binoculars for kids on our list this year. But three of them really stood out as exceptional.
If you have a toddler, they will love the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars by Educational Insights. For kids aged 3 to 12, our favorite pick is the Kidwinz Original Binoculars. And our top pick for kids over the age of 12 is the Celestron Nature DX Binocular.
Hopefully, this guide will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. New binoculars will open up a whole new world for your little one. If you start them off with the best binoculars for kids at an early age, they are more likely to love them even as adults.
Now we want to hear from you! What do you think of our list? Let us know in the comments section below which is your favorite, and share with our readers if you have any great tips for getting your child interested in binoculars.
Have a great day, and good luck with your search!
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