FOR ALL AGES
Binoculars are an exciting tool for any little explorer.
Whether your child is a birdwatching fanatic, a budding stargazer or an ardent adventurer, a good quality pair of binoculars will allow them to see like they've never seen before. Children's binoculars have a number of features that cater specifically to a young user: a lightweight design, comfortable eye-pieces and protection against bumps and drops.
The size of the lenses and the magnification are key things to look out for when choosing a pair for your child, and the pair you pick will depend on what they will most be used for. The size of the lenses determines how much light they let in; for this reason, bigger lenses are important if your child enjoys stargazing, as they will be used in the dark. The magnification essentially refers to how much the things your child is looking at will be magnified, i.e. how much bigger they will look. Younger children, of course, won't need a particularly high spec pair; a toy set will magnify things well enough and still provide plenty of enjoyment.
We've researched a range of the best binoculars for kids so you can find the perfect pair to suit your child's needs. Take a look below!
These National Geographic kids' binoculars by Bresser had to be our top pick. Besides being nice and bright to look at, they've got the perfect magnification level for kids' use and a nice wide view perfect for younger children who find it tricky to find and focus on what they want to see. The binoculars themselves are made from a robust polycarbonate plastic, whilst the outer rubber casing provides a welcome layer of extra protection. They're a nice size (perfect for little hands), super lightweight and the glass carries an anti-reflective coating which makes the images extra sharp. All for under £25 - a clear winner.
These Kowa binoculars are a really solid pair of kids' binoculars. The fully-coated optics (a noteworthy feature on a kids' model) provide razor-sharp images whilst the extra-wide field of view makes spotting wildlife and star constellations much easier. The ergonomic shape and rubber amour make them really easy and comfortable to hold, the focus wheel is big and easy to use and they're fully fog and waterproof. Better still, the coating on the lenses repels dirt and reduces the need for cleaning - bonus!
The second Bresser pair on our list, these compact binoculars for kids are similarly great quality. The lenses offer fantastic visuals and they're nice and small, fitting easily into little hands. The non-slip rubber casing makes them easy to hold whilst also protecting them from bumps and knocks. A great all-rounder for younger kids, perfect for exploring and watching wildlife.
They may be pricey, but these Opticron binoculars are a really high-quality pair, ideal for avid wildlife-spotting tweens or teens who are really invested in their hobby. The wide field of view and large depth of field make them the perfect tool for bird watching, whilst the lenses deliver superbly crisp and well-focussed images. They're lightweight and compact and the rain guard coupled with the fog-proof construction make them great for use in wet weather. In fact, we think these are a pair worthy of adult use, making them a great investment for your next outdoor excursion if your teen is willing to share!
These compact little binoculars are the best you can buy on a budget (though two other pairs on this list are cheaper, they're only really toy models). They're nice and small, easy to transport (they come with a neck strap and bag) and come in a wide variety of bright colours, so your little one can choose the pair that suits them best. The rubber around the eyepieces makes them comfortable to use and the magnification level is surprisingly powerful for the size. A real bargain!
These compact binoculars provide great optics at a decent price. For starters, they have powerful 8x magnification capacities and multi-coated optics. But as a nifty bonus feature, the body also folds, allowing the user to adjust it to their eye width and making these the perfect pair to share between parents and siblings of different ages. They also fold up nice and small when not being used. There are six bright colours to choose from and they come with a lifetime warranty.
These fun, colourful 'Kidnoculars' are the perfect starter pair of binoculars for toddlers and young children. The placement goggles make them super comfortable around the eyes, whilst the sturdy multicoloured casing is specifically designed to be shockproof and waterproof, ideal for withstanding rough play. A handy neck strap and rubber grips along the sides make them easy to hold and transport. The lenses themselves are nice and big and don't require fiddly focussing (ideal for younger or first time users). Though the magnification isn't as strong as some of the other binoculars on this list, they're the perfect toddler binoculars: good enough to satisfy younger kids trying to spot their favourite wildlife!
At just under £200, these Avalon mini binoculars don't come cheap, but they provide truly quality optics. The 8x magnification is among the strongest on our list and the multicoated optics deliver crystal clear images. They're really lightweight and compact, completely fog proof and waterproof and are covered by Avalon's VIP Lifetime Warranty.
The great thing about these Carson Hawk Binoculars is that, whilst they're still small and lightweight enough for young kids to use, they've got a slightly bigger lens than most models targeted at this age group. This allows for the lenses to take in more light, making them particularly good for night time use. They are perhaps more similar to the toy models we have listed here than the high-spec Bresser models, but they still provide just the right amount of magnification for children.
These cute little children's toy binoculars from kids' favourite Melissa & Doug make a great pair for younger kids. The sweet butterfly design is bright and appealing, and the adjustable wings allow kids to fit the lenses to the right size for their face. As you might expect, these are more for play than serious bird watching, and won't suit older kids, but their whimsical design and compact size make them a great starter toy before you invest in the real thing!
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families and children of all ages. If you liked our guide to the best binoculars for kids, why not take a look at our pick of the best space toys for kids? Or, explore something different and check out our guide to the best slime kits for hours of gooey fun!
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