The best kid binoculars are a must-have for your budding explorer’s outdoor expeditions. A pair of binos will add to their overall experience and help make them feel like a real scientist out on an adventure.
As an added bonus – kids usually must be quiet or even silent when using binoculars in order not to scare away the object of their attention. Score!
There are a few things to consider when choosing a pair of binoculars for your child. We’ve gone more in-depth later in the article, but here are the basics to help you make an informed binocular decision.
- Your child’s age is an important factor; younger children may struggle to use ‘real’ binoculars. A simple pair of ‘toy’ binoculars may provide just enough magnification without causing eye strain.
- Kids binoculars have important features for younger children, like durability (protection, especially from drops), safe and comfortable eye-pieces, breakaway lanyards for safety, and small, lightweight design that is easy to hold and will fit a child’s face.
- Older children may be looking for a more functional pair of binoculars with higher magnification for use at sporting events, hikes, and trips. Older kids will still benefit from a feature like durable, lightweight design, simple focus, and eyepieces that adjust for fit.
- You also might want to think of a telescope for kids if they are more interested in heavenly bodies.
Here are 13 pairs of kids binoculars that will be the perfect addition to your child’s next big adventure!
Best Binoculars For Kids In 2024
Obuby Binoculars For Kids | Check price at | |
BESPIN Binoculars for Kids | Check price at | |
Kidwinz Original Compact 8×21 Binocular Set | Check price at | |
Lucky Bums Youth Kids Compact Binoculars | Check price at | |
Fisher-Price Kid Tough Explorers Binoculars | Check price at | |
Backyard Safari Field Binoculars | Check price at | |
Ultra Compact Mini Folding Binoculars | Check price at | |
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Lowest Price | Check price at |
1. BlueCabi 6x21mm Children Binoculars by Bresser
BlueCabi 6x21mm Children Binoculars by Bresser are made especially with children in mind. Perhaps most importantly, they are made with a very durable, shock-proof material that will help protect from most drops and wear and tear from active, outdoor use. They are designed to be lightweight, so that little hands can hold them comfortably for long periods of time. These binos feature 6×21 magnification and come with a carry bag that can be attached to a belt, a cleaning cloth, and a neck strap that adds another layer of protection from drops. A two-year warranty guarantees against manufacturer defects.
2. Obuby Binoculars For Kids
The Obuby Binoculars for Kids is small and lightweight to carry in their backpack on field trips or bird watching adventures. A powerful multi-use binocular that focus leaves of a tree at 122ft/1000yards.
Four core technologies make the Obuby one of the best binoculars for kids. A high-resolution magnification of 8x with a wide viewing angle of 7.2 inches may benefit young children who can’t sit still for precision magnification. The wide field of view gives them ample time to locate and follow the target. The BAK4 prism and FMC multilayer broadband green film control the optical reflection capturing a crisp and colorful image. Low-speed polishing technology that is used in high-end telescopes optimizes the high precision visual requirements.
Rubber around the eyepieces is soft against the child’s eyes and face. The adjustable rotating goggles eyepiece helps kids who wear eyeglasses. Non-slip scratch grips fit comfortably in a child’s hands. The durable polycarbonate plastic and surrounding rubber protect the binoculars against damage when accidentally dropped.
These top kid’s binoculars are water and fog proof, which means children may use the binoculars anywhere and any season. Birdwatching, wildlife watching, or spying adventures aren’t limited to warm sunny days.
3. BESPIN Binoculars for Kids
BESPIN Binoculars for Kids are real binoculars designed for children. The reversible bird map is included in the package with the nylon case, neck strap, and cleaning cloth.
The BK4 prism fully coated optical system controls the visual reflection ensuring crisp and colorful images. With a viewing angle of 7.2 inches, the field view is broad for young eyes to find the targeted bird and follow its flight. The 8x magnification resolution brings the object closer without losing it when the child moves.
The two-sided bird map contains 583 kinds of North American birds to explore and view with the binoculars. Your child may be delighted to have one of the best binoculars for children for their birdwatching and finding wildlife adventures.
If they accidentally drop the binoculars, the coated shockproof rubber armor will protect the binoculars. The fitted rubber around the eyepiece protects the lenses and your child’s face and eyes. Ergonomically designed, the grips fit comfortably in a child’s small hands.
4. HABA Terra Kids Binoculars
HABA Terra Kids Binoculars are a great accessory for your child’s next outdoor adventure. With only 4x magnification, they are simple to use for younger children and provide younger children with a wild field of view that isn’t possible with higher magnification binoculars. Sturdy, durable construction stands up to use by active children and a neck strap adds security. They come with a handy neoprene carrying and storage case.
5. Kidwinz Original Compact 8×21 Binocular Set
The Kidwinz Original Compact Binocular Set has a superb 8×21 magnification for your kid’s latest adventures. A high-quality prism gives a sharp, colorful, and accurate image.
Transport the binoculars in its protective carry case when traveling, on camping expeditions, to sports games, or on a hunting adventure. A rubber coating absorbs shock when your child accidentally drops the binoculars. The coating around the eyepiece keeps the lens safe.
These lead and BPA-free binoculars for kids, aged 3-12 years, fold to match the eye-to-eye distance of the child. It’s easy to focus, and the rubber around the eyepiece ensures a soft experience when kids push the binoculars against their eyes and face.
6. Lucky Bums Youth Kids Compact Binoculars
The Lucky Bums Youth Kids 10×25 Objective Power Lens Scout Bino Compact Binoculars offer a lot of value for the price. With 10x magnification, they have more power than some other kids binoculars. Sturdy construction featuring rubber-armored and water-resistant casing makes these binos durable enough for regular use. The compact and foldable design is a perfect fit for a child’s backpack and a great choice for travel. Their small size and lightweight (just 6.5 ounces) design is just the right fit for little hands and faces. They include a carrying case, cleaning cloth, and neck strap, as well as a limited lifetime warranty. Lucky Bums kids binoculars come in pink and green.
7. Fisher-Price Kid Tough Explorers Binoculars
From a trusted manufacturer of kids’ toys and products, the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Explorers Binoculars have lots of features specifically for kids. Textured hand grips make them easy to hold on to and the focus knob is easy to find and is simple to manipulate. Soft rubberized eyepieces add comfort and the lenses have guard bumpers for protection from drops. In fact, these binoculars are made to withstand lots of drops and typical kid use. For added safety, the convenient neck strap has a breakaway feature.
8. Backyard Safari Field Binoculars
Backyard Safari Field Binoculars are a great inexpensive option for young explorers. They aren’t the most powerful kids binoculars, but they will make your next backyard safari more exciting for your little one. Perfectly sized for kids’ hands and face, the also have rubberized hand grips that make them easy to hold and rubber eyecups for safety. They are durable and have the added bonus of being waterproof.
9. Ultra Compact Mini Folding Binoculars
Though your kids will love their Ultra Compact Mini Folding Binoculars, you might find yourself ‘borrowing’ them and using them, too. Compact and foldable, they fit easily into a pack or purse and are the perfect companion for sporting events, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. With shock-proof, rubber armor casing and water-resistant construction, these are durable enough for steady use by both kids and adults. These are real binoculars, not toys, that are small enough and tough enough for kids but have glass lenses and visual quality that can be appreciated by adults. They are backed by a one year warranty.
10. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars
Designed with the littlest explorers in mind, Educational Insights 5260 GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are the simplest to use binoculars on this list. They have large, super comfy eyepieces that have a ‘foolproof’ placement design, and feature focus-free magnification. There’s no adjusting eyepieces or twiddling with focus knobs just so that your child can see something. Kids can use these easily, all by themselves. The convenient carry strap has a breakaway for added safety.
11. OutNowTech Ultra Compact Folding Binoculars
OutNowTech Ultra Compact Folding Binoculars are ‘real’ binoculars, not toys, but may be a good choice for kids, especially older kids that are looking for true functionality with their binoculars. With their sturdy, durable design, you’ll feel confident handing them off to your younger children, as well. They are weatherproof for outdoor use in almost any condition and are lightweight and compact, making them easy to take on trips and light enough for children to hold comfortably. The folding design adds to their convenience but also means they are adjustable in width and can fit both children and adults comfortably.
12. TOMO Aoneky 8 X 21 Orange Kids Binoculars
TOMO Aoneky 8 X 21 Orange Kids Binoculars come in fun, bright colors and have a sturdy rubber, no-slip design that is easy to hold on to. The optics quality is pretty good; these are real binoculars and not just a toy. They feature comfortable eye-pieces and a simple focus adjustment. These binoculars will even work in low light! They come with a convenient carrying case.
13. Learning Resources Primary Science Binoculars
Have fun exploring the outdoors with the Learning Resources Primary Science Binoculars. These binos are designed for younger explorers. They feature soft rubber eyepieces, a simple focus knob, hand grips, and a breakaway lanyard for safety. Reviewers like these for young children because they are very durable and the magnification is fairly low, which is easier on the eyes.
[BONUS] Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars
These SkyMaster binoculars are for kids who want to explore more than just our planet. While many go straight for a telescope when it comes to star-gazing, there are some real advantages to using a good set of binoculars; especially for kids. These SkyMaster binocs are designed specifically for celestial viewing and offer as good, if not better viewing than many of the telescopes. They are easy to carry, transport and hold, and offer quick and easy viewing for moving lunar objects. In fact, many astronomers agree that for many aspects of skywatching they are the best tool for the job.
What To Look For In The Best Binoculars for Kids
When choosing the best binoculars for children, it’s essential to consider if a kid can use the binoculars. Then compare the features and decide what is appropriate for your child’s age and interest.
Are the Binoculars Made for Children?
Do the Binoculars Fit Your Child’s Face?
For the best experience, the binoculars should fit a person’s eyes and face. Kids have smaller eye-to-eye spacings than adults. Adult binoculars may be too broad and can’t adjust to fit the eye-to-eye spacing in your child’s face. Binoculars for toddlers will be too small for a teen.
If the binoculars are too large or too small, the child can’t use it properly and will lose interest in the toy.
Binocular Weight and Size
If it’s too heavy, a child won’t be able to hold it for long and will drop the binoculars. Since kids tend to carry their toys everywhere with them, it should be light enough for the child to do so.
The top binoculars for kids are designed in shape and size to fit comfortably in small hands. The kid must be able to focus and magnify the lens while holding the binoculars.
Can Kids with Eyeglasses Use It?
The focus mechanism on standard binoculars is often strong enough to adjust to your kid’s focus view without the eyeglasses. If your child needs to wear the glasses while looking through the binoculars, the best kid’s binoculars should have eyecups made of rubber or another flexible type of material. The eyecups fold over the ocular lenses shortening the optical distance and improving the viewing experience.
Is it Age Appropriate?
Toddlers mimic grownups and want to have fun with their new toy. Toddler binoculars should be made of a material that’s easy to grip and can withstand hitting, banging, and throwing. There shouldn’t be any loose parts that could become a choking hazard.
Young kids and elementary school children want the experience of viewing an object. A good binocular for them have magnifying properties and is light enough to carry around. The material should withstand accidental falls and have additional protection around the lenses.
The best binoculars for kids in their teens and older are binoculars with the same quality and standard as adult binoculars. The optics, field view, and magnification power matter and should be a good quality.
Operating the Best Binoculars for Kids
The knobs, buttons, and adjusting mechanism may determine if it is the best binocular for your kid. A lightweight binocular is comfortable to hold while changing the focus and finding the target. A child’s hands should efficiently operate the adjustment mechanism while staying focused on the target.
Where the mechanisms are located, the size and the shape determine the usability from a child’s perspective.
Features to Compare
Magnification Power
Although magnification power is essential in binoculars, the best binoculars for children have a magnification power between 2x to 8x. You’ve probably seen adults with steady hands gazing through binoculars at wildlife for a long time.
Kids can’t do that. They move around and can’t hold the binoculars steady long enough to benefit from high magnification power. For them, the magnification power must be strong enough to bring the object closer without them losing the view when moving.
Field of View (FOV)
Lower magnification power means a broader field view, which is better for young eyes. Kids will easier follow a moving animal or bird without losing it with a wide field of view. It’s also easier to find the object they’re searching for in a broad field view.
Shockproof and Water-resistant
Most binoculars for kids are shockproof because children tend to drop their toys. Kids binoculars with additional rubber coating or other types of protection around the eyepieces will protect the lenses even more.
Some of the top binoculars for kids are water-resistant but not necessarily waterproof. They could survive some water exposure but the binoculars aren’t designed for water submersion.
Helpful Accessories
Carry bags or cases protect the binoculars during travel and storage. It also conveniently keeps all the accessories together decreasing the chances of the child losing or forgetting it.
Is there a neck strap or wrist strap to safeguard against dropping the binocular? The length of the neck strap should be a comfortable length for your little one.
Tell us about your favorite kids binoculars in the comments below!
Feature image adapted from image courtesy of Flickr, amseaman.