Whether for bird watching, star gazing, concerts, sports and more, binoculars are a great gift for any child. But if you are at a loss on which pair to buy look no further. We understand how overwhelming it can be to choose a pair of binoculars just for kids, and that’s why we created a list of the 10 best binoculars for kids.
And while there are plenty of great binoculars for kids, it’s important to choose the right one depending on their age, experience, intended use, and more. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve come up with a list of things you should consider before choosing a pair of binoculars.
Let’s take a look at what you should think about before selecting the right pair of binoculars for your child.
What to look for when choosing a pair of binoculars for your child
Durability
Kids aren’t always gentle with their things, especially if they are on a rugged adventure hiking through the woods. Let’s face it, kid’s stuff needs to be built tough and binoculars are no different.
Look for binoculars made from durable materials, so that they can take a few accidental drops. Also, consider choosing a pair that is at the very least water-resistant if not waterproof.
Ease of Use
Is your child just learning to use a pair of binoculars or do they have some experience? Learning to focus a pair of binoculars takes a little practice and may be suitable for slightly older kids. We’ve included pairs that are easy for toddlers to use as well as binoculars that take a little more skill fine-tuning the image with the focus knob.
Magnification and Light
Every pair of binoculars will have a set of numbers and an x on it, usually located on the focus knob. For example, you may see “7×35” or “10×32.”
The first numbers, such as the 7x and 10x refer to the magnification of the binoculars. The last two digits refer to the objective lens diameter or simply put lens size.
The higher the magnification, the further away your child will be able to see. The bigger the lens size, the more light the binoculars gather.
Size
Most kids will do well with a smaller lens size. Smaller lens size means the binocular’s overall size will be smaller. Most kids will do well with a 25, 28, 32 or 35.
However, older kids and teens might be able to use larger binoculars. For example, lens size 50, however, is great for stargazing, but probably too big for smaller kids to use.
Comfort
Your child will have a better chance of using the binoculars if they feel comfortable. The eyepieces should have rubber on them and the size should be appropriate for their age. Also, consider swapping out the neckstrap for a more comfortable one if they find the included strap uncomfortable.
Price
Binoculars can cost anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars. Needless to say, we kept our list of binoculars budget-friendly. However, that doesn’t mean the binoculars aren’t high quality.
As you’ll see from our list, you don’t need to break the bank to get a great pair of binoculars for your child.
10 Best Binoculars for Kids
If you are trying to look for a great pair of binoculars for your child, look no further than our list of the 10 best binoculars for kids. We’ve made sure to include binoculars for kids of all ages, whether they are toddlers just learning to use binoculars or teens with some experience.
Check out which binoculars made the cut!
1. Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Kidnoculars
Your preschooler will love the easy to use Geosafari Jr Kidnocular but Educational Insights. These kid-friendly binoculars are focus-free and provide 2x magnification.
What makes these especially great for kids is the large easy-placement googles that sit comfortably on a kid’s face— no adjustments required. These super-durable binoculars have a break-away strap too.
The Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Kidnoculars are perfect for ages 3-6.
Likes
- Very affordable.
- Focus-free lens.
- Large comfortable eyepiece for easy-placement.
- Kid-tough durability.
- Great for preschoolers.
Dislikes
- The 2x magnification is not enough to see things far away.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. BESPIN Binoculars for Kids
Don’t let the price tag fool you. These affordably priced binoculars are not a toy, but rather a seriously good pair of binoculars just for kids. In this case, it’s all about the grip which fits perfectly into kid’s little hands but also protects the binoculars in case it accidentally falls.
The blue-coated lens provides high def resolution thanks to the BAK4 Prism coating. The rubber eyepieces fit comfortably on kids’ faces and even work for kids with glasses.
Included with the binoculars is a nylon case, bird map, neck strap, cleaning cloth and instruction manual. These binoculars are suitable for a large age range— age 3 to 12!
Likes
- High-quality, affordable price.
- Rubber protects binoculars but also acts as a grip.
- Suitable for kids 3 to 12 years old.
- Includes a bird map.
- Blue coated lens provides a clear view.
- Lightweight.
- It can be used with glasses.
Dislikes
- Rubber eyepieces aren’t as durable as the rest of the binocular.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. Kidwinz Original Compact 8×21 Kids Binoculars
To see things (and we mean really see things) far away, the Kidwinz is a win. With 8x magnification, kids will be seeing birds, trees, airplanes and more with this pair of binoculars for kids.
The Kidwinz Original Compact is as the name suggests, compact. It easily stores in its included carrying for kids on the go. The rubber coating on the binoculars, as well as the rubber on the ey pieces, make these binocular shockproof in the event of a fall.
Like the BESPIN binoculars, the Kidwinz Original Compact Binoculars feature a BAK4 Prism so kids will see a sharp, clear image. This set includes a 2-foot long strap, carrying case, instruction manual and cleaning cloth.
Likes
- Compact making it great for travel.
- Shockproof thanks to the rubber coating.
- Comes with carrying case, neck strap and cleaning cloth.
- BAK4 Prism provides a clear image.
- Great for kids as young as 3.
Dislikes
- Won’t work well for kids who wear glasses.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme
For the older kids, Educational Insights has got you covered. Check out their Kidnoculars Extreme, another affordable pair of binoculars just for kids. Like the original Kidnoculars, the Extreme is focus-free and has a large easy-placement eyepiece.
What makes the Extreme unique is the built-in audio amplification so kids can see and hear wildlife in the distance. The magnification is also stronger too, helping kids to see up to 3x.
Batteries are required for these kid’s binoculars, which unfortunately are not included. These binoculars are great for ages 5-10.
Likes
- Built-in audio amplification.
- Focus-free and easy placement eyepiece like the original.
- 3x magnification.
- Break-away strap.
- Affordable price.
Dislikes
- Batteries not included.
- Amplification may break prematurely.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. Nikon ACULON A30 10×25
This one is definitely not a toy, so we strongly suggest that this one be purchased for an older child/teen. However, for the stargazer or naturalist-in-training or even for sporting events, this Nikon ACULON A30 is a high quality, easy-to-use pair of binoculars with a full 10x magnification.
The 25mm coated lenses provide a bright, sharp image. The pair of binoculars are super lightweight, weighing in at less than 10 ounces, making them great for day trips and everyday use. The price is higher than the other binoculars on this list making it a bit of an investment. But for your older child who has some experience with binoculars and is looking for something more powerful and/or portable, the Nikon ACULON A30 is a great pair.
Likes
- 10x magnification.
- Very lightweight and portable.
- Multicoated lenses provide a sharp, bright image.
- The central focus knob is easy to use.
- A neck strap is included.
Dislikes
- Expensive.
- Won’t work well with glasses.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. Obuby Compact Folding Kid Binoculars
Shockproof, portable and perfect for kids ages 3 to 12, the Obuby binoculars are an affordable choice that is available in a variety of colors. These binoculars are lightweight and durable as well as waterproof making it a perfect choice for any adventure.
But what about clarity? The Obuby binoculars will provide a clear high-def image with up to 8x magnification. To top it off, these binoculars come with a carrying bag, lanyard, lens cloth, and operation manual.
Likes
- 8x magnification and sharp image.
- Waterproof and shatterproof.
- Great for kids 3 to 12.
- Affordable.
- Available in different colors.
- Lanyard, carrying case and lens cloth included.
Dislikes
- It may be difficult for some younger kids to use.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. Celestron Outland
The Celestron Outland Binoculars are some serious binoculars, which means we recommend them for slightly older kids with some experience. These will run a bit more than the previous binoculars we’ve mentioned, but all for good reason. The multi-coated optics and BAK4 Prisms provide such a crystal clear image that you may even want to borrow them!
The Celestron Outland 8x and 10x magnification and the large focus knob makes it easy for kids to get a sharp view. These binoculars also have unique twist-up eyecups for a better image as well as for comfort. Waterproof and fog proof, these are great for camping, hiking or just everyday use.
Likes
- Super sharp image thanks to the BAK4 prisms and multi-coated optics.
- Available in 8x and 10x magnification.
- Easy to use focus knob.
- Great for older kids.
- Fogproof and waterproof.
Dislikes
- Expensive.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. ZIPOUTE 10×25 Folding Compact
The 10x magnification is what makes this pair of binoculars a great choice. (Well, along with the lower price tag too.) The ZIPOUTE 10×25 gets kids seeing up close and personal action with the ability to see up to 1000 yards away!
The BAK4 prism and FMC lens allow the viewer to see images bright and clear with better contrast. Like the Celestron, the eyecups twist-up for better viewing. The anti-slip grip also is important for the binoculars to stay in little kids’ hands, but if it does drop, the rubber exterior is shockproof.
Likes
- Affordable.
- 10x magnification.
- Easy to use.
- The durable rubber exterior is shockproof.
- Portable and lightweight.
- It comes with carrying case, lanyard, and lens cloth.
Dislikes
- Eyepieces may be too big or bulky for little kids. Best for slightly older kids.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
9. ExploreOne 6×21 Binoculars
We chose the ExploreOne 6×21 binoculars for the extra small tikes who are just learning to use binoculars. The 6x magnification proved to be good for toddlers and young kids, and while the magnification isn’t higher like others on this list, the picture is clear and sharp.
These brightly colored binoculars are not only fun to use and to look at, but provide an excellent grip in little hands. The ExploreOne binoculars come with a case that can attach to a belt, but unfortunately, it does not come with a neck strap.
Likes
- Low price.
- Great for toddlers.
- Easy to use.
- Durable construction.
- Clear image.
Dislikes
- It does not include a neck strap.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
The Bushnell Falcon 7×35 is too big for young kids, but for older kids, these are a nice pair of binoculars that will even work when stargazing! These are also great for kids with glasses, thanks to the fold-up eyepiece that protects glasses from getting scratched.
You won’t believe how well these binoculars work, especially for the price. The Instafocus lever and Porro prism allows the viewer to get a crisp image. We also like that it comes with its own storage case and strap.
Likes
- Porro prism makes for a sharp image.
- Instafocus is easy to use.
- Fold up eyepiece makes these binoculars suitable for those with glasses.
- Affordable price.
- Great for older kids.
- Works even for stargazing.
Dislikes
- The strap is low quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you use binoculars?
A: Binoculars are pretty simple to use but there are a few things you should know. Some of the binoculars on this list that are intended for very young viewers, do not have a focus knob. However, many do. In that case, here is a quick video to show you and your child how to use a pair of binoculars correctly.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=m3d5eoyfpis
Q: How do I clean the eyepiece?
A: Many of the binoculars on this list come with a lens cloth, so using the lens cloth is the best way to clean the lenses. If for some reason the binoculars need a little extra TLC, you can use a lens cleaner, but just make sure the lens cleaner says that it is safe to use on coated lenses or you may risk damaging the binoculars lens.
Q: Can my child use binoculars for stargazing?
A: Yes, however, it will depend on what type of binoculars your child has. Binoculars that are 7×35 or 7×50, like the Bushnell Falcon in our 10 spot, will allow your child to see the moon and more!
Q: Can my child use binoculars if he/she wears glasses?
A: Yes! We included several pairs of binoculars that work for kids who wear glasses. In general, be sure to look for binoculars that have a rubber eyepiece that won’t scratch up your child’s glasses.
Conclusion
Our list has got you covered. For toddlers all the way to teens, we have a pair of binoculars for every child. For our extra small explorers, our top pick is the Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Kidnoculars because they are affordable, easy to use as well as fun to use too!
For older kids, check out the Nikon ACULON A3010x25. These binoculars come with a higher price tag, but well worth the money. The image is super clear and gets kids super close to the action.