The 5 Best Goggles for Kids: Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

Many kids love the water – playing, splashing, and swimming all around, but the chlorinated water can irritate and burn young eyes. The best goggles for kids can help children enjoy all of the fun in the pool without any of the discomfort of getting water in their eyes. This can also help them learn to dunk their face underwater and navigate the always exciting deep end!

Best Goggles for Kids – Top 5 Reviewed

1. Splaqua Kids Swim Goggles

These are a tradition style swim goggle. They have a silicone frame that won’t leak but is still as comfortable as possible around kids’ eyes. The seal is sturdy, so it can stand up to frequent use. These do not have a bunch of fancy bells and whistles, but they get the job done over and over again. You’ll never find them hanging with only one lens left attached to head strap.

The band that wraps around the head and secures the goggles in place is often a defining characteristic on goggles. With this set of swim goggles you will enjoy basic adjustable straps that can be tightened with simple pull of the two flaps at the back. The band is doubled over and loops through the goggles to allow for extra comfortable adjustment. Though loosening the band may require taking off the goggles.

This particular set of goggles does offer UV protection during the bright summer sun, and the lenses are touted as being anti-fog. In reality, many users may find that they still need their tips and tricks to keep the fog away, though the tint of the lenses is really nice. It still allows the clarity to see anything a child may be diving for but eases the harsh glare of sunshine in and on the water.

What We Like:

• Easy to tighten
• Simple design
• Comfortably tinted lenses
• Nice variety of color choices

What We Don’t Like:

• Fixed distance between lenses
• Head strap can tangle in hair
• Lenses will fog on occasion

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2. Finis Frogglez Goggles

These goggles are priced a bit higher than some basic models, but there’s a reason for that. These are not like basic goggles. Sure, they have the same gentle silicone seal around their lenses, and the solid, one-piece from of the goggles is much like you’ll find in other models. But the head strap is a game changer!

Unlike the silicone straps that tangle in hair and get pulled out of their clasps, these goggles come with a neoprene head strap. It’s split to cup both the top and lower back of your child’s head. This means the strap doesn’t slip or roll. The neoprene is extra comfortable, too. It won’t tangle in your child’s hair, and kids can easily get this strap in place without any help.

The strap is still adjustable, though the adjustments are slightly more limited. Once you have them set to the right size, you won’t want to mess with them. This has proven to a benefit more often than a hinderance, since so many goggle struggles and frustrations come from trying to adjust the fit.

The lenses of these goggles do offer UV protection, are impact resistant, and are listed as anti-fog. They are no more or less effective than any other pair. The nose piece is not adjustable on these goggles since the frame is one solid piece.

What We Like:

• Comfortable head strap
• They float!
• Kid friendly to put on
• Size adjustment says put

What We Don’t Like:

• Fogging can still be a challenge
• Nose piece is not adjustable

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3. EverSport Kids Swim Goggles

These are another very affordable option, especially since they’re sold in packs of two! The lenses on this model are sealed to a child’s face with a cushy, soft silicone that is very similar to most other swim goggles. The nose piece is permanently fix in one position, too.

The head strap on these is better than the one found on the Splaqua model, but not as awesome as the Frogglez. It is still silicone but has a handy clasp in the back to make putting them on and taking them off much easier. The strap is wide enough to avoid rolling, and it’s a single strap, so there is much less risk for hair tangles.

Where these goggles really shine is in the shape of their lenses. They are a wide, rectangle shape that offers kids a much broader field of vision than a traditional, oval lens. These are the perfect goggles for kids who want to see everything that happens beneath the surface.

While these goggles are great for exploring underwater, they are not as streamlined as other models. This makes them a poor choice for a competitive swimmer. If your child is curious, though, these can be a great choice. They are available with a mirrored lens or clear lenses and are better at keeping the fog away than some goggles, though this can still be an issue.

What We Like:

• Fantastic field of view
• Easy clasp on head strap
• Wide head strap stays in place
• Affordable

What We Don’t Like:

• Nose piece is not adjustable
• Not as streamlined as oval lenses.

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4. Speedo Junior Recreation Mask

This mask is a variation of the swim goggle that many children find they prefer. Since it is one big mask, the silicone seal goes around both eyes and over the nose. This is a great option for kids who don’t like the way goggles lenses “squeeze” their eyes. They’ll still be able to see underwater and won’t suffer eye irritation from the chlorine, but they also won’t have to wear traditional goggles.

The head strap on these goggles is a fantastic option! It is a nice wide silicone that won’t roll or slip, and the back of it is split to more comfortably cup the upper and lower part of the back of the head. The only downside is the adjustments that can be found between the child’s eyes and ears. They can sometimes pop all of the way free, leaving the mask hanging by just one side. While they can always be restrung, children who are constantly trying to adjust the fit may find it frustrating.

Many children who hesitate to submerge their nose will enjoy having it inside the mask. This can eliminate the need for nose plugs, but it can also make fog on lenses a bigger issue. These lenses are anti-fog and do a good job, considering all of the fog that can come from kid noses.

What We Like:

• Comfortable head strap
• Nose is covered
• Mask seals around face instead of squeezing eyes
• Mostly effective anti-fog lenses

What We Don’t Like:

• Head strap can disconnect at the adjustment site
• Not as streamlined as traditional swim goggles

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5. Speedo Skoogles Kids Swim Goggles

While these are a very traditional swim goggle design, it is one of the best versions available. The silicone seal around the eyes fits securely and comfortably, so leaking isn’t an issue. The lenses offer UV protection along with an anti-fog feature, and the oval shape wraps nicely around the eyes while still keeping it streamlined for those who love to swim for speed.

The head strap is made of silicone. While it’s not as wide as the strap found on the swim mask or even the Eversport goggles, it is wide enough to avoid rolling or twisting. Since it has the spit in back, it will stay put, too. Overall, Speedo makes a really comfortable head strap for these goggles.

The fit is easy to adjust, though as with the mask, it can come complete undone at times and may need to be reconnected. The nose piece is still not adjustable, but Speedo has designed these goggles to properly fit most children. Since the lenses seal inside the bones around the eyes, the fit across the nose is less important.

What We Like:

• Comfortable head strap
• Secure lenses don’t leak
• Anti-fog is more effective than most
• Very streamlined for speed

What We Don’t Like:

• Adjustment strap can disconnect

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Buyer’s Guide

Learning to swim is a right of passage that every child should get to experience. It can be a challenge, though. While most children love to play and splash in the water, all of the giggles come to a screeching halt when it’s time to put their face under water. Some of this simply their fear of the unknown, but some it is more well-founded.

Pool water includes chlorine that can burn the eyes, and pond water has gross microbes that can cause infections. Even sea water has salt that will irritate eyes. We wear water shoes to protect our feet, so shouldn’t we wear goggles to protect our eyes?

Getting a great pair of goggles for you child can help them overcome these challenges while protecting their eyes. Even better, a good pair of goggles can appeal to their sense of curiosity and encourage them to take the plunge and explore what’s below the surface.

There are several different styles of goggles and each has its own advantages. Even within each style there can be different features that you may want to consider as you choose the right goggles for your family. Here’s the run down you need to know:

Goggle Styles

Generally speaking, goggles fall into one of two categories. Masks are great for exploring under water, while goggles with oval lenses are better for competitive swimmers. We’re including both here, since they each have their own benefits in different situations.

Mask Goggles

Some goggles cover more than just your eyes. They include a nose cover to completely encase the top portion of your face. They are designed very differently than goggles with oval lenses and serve a very different purpose.

Unlike lenses that suction around the edges of the eyes using a silicone seal, mask goggles use a “skirt” to seal around the edges of the face. This skirt will run across the forehead, over the temples, and across the cheekbones before dipping below the nose. They should still seal tightly to prevent water from leaking in.

Since they cover the nose, as well as the eyes, you won’t need to wear a nose plug with these goggles. Their best feature, though, is the field of view. Since they have such large lenses, it is often easier to use a mask when trying to visually explore underwater. This makes them the perfect choice for snorkeling or diving expeditions – whether you’re in the Caribbean or an inflatable pool and slide in your back yard.

Traditional Goggles

Traditional goggles have two, separate, oval lenses. Each one suctions to the face around the eye area using a soft silicone seal. Most are designed to fit inside the bones around the eyes, but a few are designed to fit on the orbital bones.

The goggles designed to fit inside the orbital bones usually seal more tightly and move better with the swimmer. They are close enough to the eye to offer a wide field of vision and should suction-seal tightly enough to the eyes to avoid any leaks. Since they tuck into the eye area so neatly, they are a great choice for swim teams. They will let you see where you’re going without slowing you down.

The challenge comes when trying to make them comfortable for a child. We’ve all met the child who has meltdowns over the seams of their socks or experienced that day when our own offspring decides that they will no longer eat any food that is mushy. Traditional goggles can bring on similar sensory frustrations, especially in young children.

The most common complaint by children is that these goggles feel as if they are “squeezing” their eyes. This is an effect caused by the very suction seal that makes them so effective. Some children overcome this by leaving them looser and accepting the leaks, while others just wear them for short periods of time until they adjust to the feeling.

Features

Once you’ve chosen the style of goggle that’s right for your child, you’ll need to consider the features you want as well. These features are generally found in both masks and traditional goggles.

Anti-fog Lenses

The biggest draw to wearing goggles is the ability to see underwater without letting irritants into your child’s eyes. If the lenses are constantly fogged over, the whole point of the goggles has been defeated. This is where anti-fog lenses can step in to save the day.

For older children and adults who understand how to care for their goggles, these lenses tend to work very well. For young children who are constantly wiping the inside of their lenses, shifting them up to rest on top of their heads, or spitting in them, they don’t often work as well.

One of the keys to remember with anti-fog lenses is that touching the inside of the lens harms the protective coating and makes it less effective. There are some alternatives to prevent fogging if you don’t feel that pre-treated lenses are the best choice for you.

Head Straps

The head strap can make or break a pair of goggles. A good strap will hold the goggles firmly in place and keep the seal tight. A poor one will tangle in hair, roll up or down the head, or completely disconnect. There are a few things to look for in a good head strap.

It should be thick enough to avoid rolling. This will also reduce the chance of it getting tangled up in hair. A good head strap will also likely have a split across the back to allow it to grip but the upper and lower part of the head. This is least likely to pop off and usually keep the goggles well-sealed to the face.

Best Goggles for Kids Brands

Speedo

Speedo has been a leading brand in all things swimwear since 1928. They were founded in Australia, but their brand can now be found all around the world. It’s a brand worn by many athletes because Speedo is always looking at better ways to use the best technology. Everything that they offer is of great quality.

EverSport

EverSport was created by a couple who loves sports. They enjoyed being outside and wanted to create the best sports products for whatever activity a person may choose to enjoy. While they do not specialize in water sports, they always offer great quality at a price that people can afford.

Frogglez

Frogglez may be the new kid in the pool, but they really did make a splash! They were founded by a dentist/dad who wanted better goggles for his own child. This brand is small and young but built entirely on love and the desire to offer children a better first water experience.

FAQs

Goggles can be one of those topics where the more you learn, the more questions that you realize you have. Hopefully, this guide offered you more information and solutions, but you may still have a few questions. We’ve put together the most common questions, along with their answers.

What if my child wears glasses?

Goggles cannot be worn over glasses. Most casual swimmers simply accept their limited vision while enjoying exploring underwater with goggles. After all, it’s unlikely you’ll be asked to read anything, and most pools paint their lines and signs large enough to compensate for those with limited vision.

For more avid swimmers or those with severe sight limitations, prescription goggles are available. Be sure to know the style of goggles your child is most comfortable with before spending the money on a prescription pair.

Why do my goggles keep leaking?

There are 3 main reasons for goggles to leak. Start by checking the gaskets, or seals. Sometimes there can be damage, like a crack, that will prevent them from sealing. If the silicone is in good shape, check the fit. If the goggles are too small or too big, they won’t seal correctly. Most traditional goggles are made to fit inside the orbital bones that are found around the eye.

The final issue could be the way that they are being worn. Be sure that the head strap is adjusted to fit snugly, but not too tight. Check that the goggles are on right-side-up, too. The head strap should travel straight across the ears without dipping down or slanting up.

Are swimming goggles necessary?

Ask this question while sitting with a group of adults around a pool full of children and you’ll likely get a range of opinions. Ultimately, it’s something only you can decide. That said, there is a reason that chlorine turns eyes red and bleary. It’s a chemical that is really not meant to be poured into eyes.

Ponds and lakes are even worse. They are homes to fish and bugs who then die in that water. All of the bacteria that decompose those dead things also live in that water. No one wants that in their eyes.

Bottom Line

Goggles can ease the transition from swimming with your head above water to being comfortable swimming underwater. They can even entice a reluctant swimmer to submerge in search of sunken treasure. A good pair of swim goggles will do all of this while protecting your child’s eyes from irritating chemicals.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the goggle choices available. No matter why, when, or where your child loves to swim and splash, the right pair of goggles can give you peace of mind and free them to glide through the water with ease. With the different styles and brands available, you’re sure to be able to find the best swim goggles for kids that you love.