The best binoculars for kids make an ideal gift for nature, space and wildlife-loving nieces, nephews, younger siblings, grandkids, etc, who are curious about the natural world and wildlife. Children's binoculars for stargazing are a practical gift to encourage STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). They are educational and fun, too.
In an ideal world, our children would get excited about astronomy by simply pointing our existing pair of binoculars at the night sky and observing the stars and the cosmos, but not all stargazing binoculars are suitable for children, which can dampen enjoyment.
Binoculars are generally designed for adult-sized hands and faces and can be heavy and/or fragile, so most are not ideal for a child to use comfortably and safely for stargazing or nature spotting. Instead, we've rounded up the best binoculars for children, saving you time searching for lightweight and compact binoculars that are much more appropriate for smaller hands and faces.
If you're buying for an older recipient, or yourself, you can check out some alternative small, but not necessarily kid-friendly products in our best compact binoculars guide. Be sure to check out our guide to the best binoculars for stargazing too.
If you don't think binoculars will cut it, perhaps one of the best star projectors would be a preferred gift for a young space fan. If you know it's binoculars you're after, here are our top picks.
Best binoculars for kids deal June 2023
Best binoculars for kids 2023
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It is difficult for humans to remain completely still. When magnification is added to the equation, it becomes even more difficult to keep a subject in view without using a support, such as a tripod. This is especially true for small children.
Cue the waterproof Canon 10x42L IS WP. While very expensive, they are powerful and portable, but utterly irresistible — they change the stargazing game entirely. They help the user keep objects completely still using the same built-in image stabilization (IS) tech seen in Canon's wallet-melting camera lenses. Capable of instantly impressing whoever looks into them — children or adults. They top the list in our best binoculars buying guide, and we gave them five stars in our Canon 10x42L IS WP review.
Inside, gyro sensors detect the amount of wobble created by the holder and use actuators around the barrels to move floating lens elements to compensate for that movement, so everything appears still. It's a battery-powered system that is engaged simply by pressing a button on the top of the binoculars. Two AAA batteries will give you about two hours of image stabilization.
The stillness of these binoculars helps produce pin-sharp images, so star clusters and the moon look spectacular. Even Jupiter and its moons become genuinely incredible to look at. It's not just the image stabilization you're paying for — inside are the ultra-low dispersion glass lens elements and 'Super Spectra' lens coatings. Though, one thing we weren't impressed with during our review is that the lens caps are a surprisingly poor fit and thus easy to lose, something that shouldn't be seen at this price point.
It's worth noting that this is a specialist (expensive) purchase and shouldn't be used by children without supervision and a neck strap (to prevent drops). That said, they do represent the most enjoyable and impressive binoculars for skywatching yet. Who needs a telescope?
- Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review
Though pretty large and heavy at over 1 kg, the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars are a great choice for any child who has outgrown their lower-power binoculars and wants to get close-ups of deep-sky objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy without having to move into telescope territory.
Thanks to the 12x magnification, these binoculars are perfect for spotting moon craters and resolving individual stars in clusters like the Pleiades and Hyades — but we wouldn't recommend purchasing them unless you have (or purchase) a tripod. We certainly appreciated the extra stability of a tripod during our Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binocular review and it's an absolute must for children, without one, the 12x magnification will make for a very frustrating skywatching experience.
Built around a Porro Prism design featuring BaK-4 glass and boasting multi-coated optics for bright and detailed views, the objective lenses of 60mm let in heaps of light — perfect for sky-watching.
The Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 has an ultra-firm rubber stippled coating on its barrels that makes them easy to hold and helps protect them from bumps. A basic carry case and lens caps are included to provide protection when you're not using them or when in transit. The lens caps aren't the best fit, so we'd recommend attaching them to the binoculars as they are prone to falling off.
- Read our full Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binocular review
On paper, the 8x magnification and 25mm objective lenses make the Olympus 8x25 WP II appear less than ideal for stargazing — they just don't have the appropriate light-gathering power to produce bright images. However, when you're buying a pair of binoculars for a child, you have to think about weight and size as well as image quality.
We found in our Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars review, that the size of a pair of skywatching binoculars is as important as the glass inside them. In many cases, the first pair of binoculars is just to see whether they enjoy it, then you'd opt for a pricier, better quality pair for the upgrade.
These roof-prism binoculars have high-quality optical glass (BaK-4) inside, which helps to create a bright image. They're also well adapted for smaller faces, and boasting a dual-hinge design, they're simple to adjust to fit the user's face, with a focus knob in easy reach of small fingers for sharpening the image. There's also a dioptric adjuster for matching the lenses to a user's specific eyesight. The Olympus 10x25 WP II binoculars have a nitrogen-filled body, which aids with waterproofing, fog-proofing and dirt-proofing. They're protected by a rubber coating that is tactile and grippy, meaning it'll be harder (but not impossible) for kids to drop them.
They're easy to fold up and carry in a pocket, and the paltry 260g weight is just a fraction of the weight of many skywatching-specific binoculars and is ideally suited to smaller hands. You can purchase them in either 'Forest Green' or 'Deep Purple' which may add to the appeal for young users.
- Read our full Olympus 8x25 WPII binoculars review
These are among the most impressive — and unusual — binoculars available for children and adults who want to view the night sky in full 3D. They can be likened aesthetically to a pair of opera glasses.
Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars are specifically designed for wide-field observation of the stars and the Milky Way, and the lenses are composed of five multi-coated elements to help star clusters like the Pleiades, Hyades and the Perseus Double Cluster really pop against the dark sky. They aren't good for close-up planetary or lunar observations — you need a bigger magnification level for this. The stereoscopic depth is incredible, and the light-gathering power is remarkable, though the nature of the optics means that there is a distinct ring of blur around the edges of the field of view.
Made in Japan and supplied with a soft case and neck strap, we found during our Vixen SG 2.1x42 review that they're very user-friendly and boast excellent build quality. It can be a little fiddly to focus both lenses individually, but because of the wide field of view, the user gets a very steady image once focused. This, and the solid yet lightweight construction make it more than suitable for kids. One drawback is that the lens caps are easy to lose, but that's only a small detail on these unique, pocket-sized binoculars that young skywatchers and their parents will love.
- Read our full Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars review
Looking for something small and light for your child? Consider investing in a pair of smaller, general-purpose binoculars like the Celestron Nature DX 8x32.
The 32mm objective lenses and 8x magnification certainly keep the weight down, and the waterproof outer covering makes them non-slip. Inside, they have BaK-4 prisms with a phase coating to maximize contrast and sharpness, and they also have multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for getting brighter images in the dark.
You also get a built-in tripod mount to aid stability if desired, which is unusual for such small binoculars. This will also come in especially handy if you have more than one child and want them both to peer through the lens of whatever subject you have framed.
Both portable and highly versatile, the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 is perfect for beginners but perhaps best suited to older kids. They also come in an 8x42 design which is, at the time of writing on sale at a 32% discount in the UK and a 32% discount in the US.
Not everyone can justify paying out for a pair of binoculars solely for their kids' enjoyment. Instead, you might want to find a great quality pair that the whole family can share, but that are appropriate for kids to use. If that is the case, look no further than Nikon — a photography and optics brand that have specialized in viewing and imaging for over 100 years.
As we found in our Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review, the view is sharp, clear and bright thanks to their multi-coated lenses and high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror-coated prisms. A long eye relief design also means a clear field of view for glasses wearers. We think they are an excellent pair of 'go-anywhere' binoculars.
These mid-range binoculars are beginner-friendly and well suited to use by kids, but also good for anyone else who finds holding binos to their face tiring. They are one of the more expensive models on this list, but $110-150 (prices fluctuate quite a lot) isn't reasonable for a good pair of binoculars that everyone can enjoy.
The Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are guaranteed to be fog-free and waterproof (up to 1 m/3.3 ft for 10 minutes), so should be fine in all weather environments. They are covered in non-slip rubber for easy grip and all-important shock resistance in case of any drops (though we'd advise doing all you can to ensure they aren't dropped). They are slim, compact and lightweight considering their size, making holding them for long periods of star gazing easy.
As mentioned before, 8x magnification with a 42mm objective lens is perfect for kids' binoculars, and this pair from Nikon is just that — perfect for light-gathering and stargazing. Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are also available in 10x30, 10x42 and 8x30.
- Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review
You could go for a pair of binoculars like the Celestron Cometron, which let in a lot of light and are reasonably lightweight.
With 50mm objective lenses and 7x magnification, these binoculars — which we thought were remarkable value for money in our Celestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars review — are an ideal size for a beginner's introduction to stargazing. What's more, their optics are multi-coated and include a stargazing-centric Porro prism. They also have a large exit pupil, guaranteeing maximum light at night and dawn/dusk. As a bonus, they can be easily adjusted to suit smaller faces.
There are a couple of downsides to mention. They have BK7 glass, not the preferred BaK-4 glass. Next, the aluminum-cased Celestron Cometrons are not waterproof, and their covering lacks a premium feel. This generally wouldn't bother a child though, and we think these are such good value for money that the negative points aren't a reason to not purchase them.
- Read our full Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
These are a lightweight, compact pair of powerful kid-friendly binoculars with surprisingly good views. They're excellent value for money as a beginner pair and double up well as a handy portable pair when you don't want to take your more expensive glass with you. They also have non-slip rubber armor and stippling and an easy-to-hold grip — even for small hands.
Your child will be able to see clear images with accurate color representation thanks to the BaK-4 multi-coated lenses. The center focus wheel is easy to use, and focus can comfortably be achieved quickly. The soft, rubber foldable eyecups also add to the comfort.
We were pleasantly surprised during our Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review that there was less chromatic aberration (color fringing) than even a pair from Celestron (the Celestron Outland X 10x42) which we were reviewing at the same time.
A neck strap is provided with the Occer 12x25 binoculars to prevent drops, and a carry pouch is included which protects them from bumps and knocks when carrying them around or in transit. They are also small and rugged enough to fit in a jacket pocket providing there's nothing sharp in there that will scratch the lenses — lens caps aren't supplied.
- Read our full Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review
Rugged, compact, and portable — these garish yellow or green (hard to lose) binoculars scream 'my first binoculars.' Designed with very young children in mind, and with a tough polycarbonate housing, these roof prism binoculars with BK7 glass come with a small case and a foolproof wrist strap (that's important because they are pretty small).
Featuring only 6x magnification and with just 21mm objective lenses they're only really useful for looking at the moon after dark, as they lack the light-gathering abilities of superior astronomy-specific binoculars. Don't mistake them for a throwaway novelty, though, as inside, you'll find surprisingly good optics and anti-reflective coatings that brighten the image.
Since kids tend to find it harder to stay still than adults do, the smaller amount of magnification can help everything seem more stable. The higher the magnification is, any little wobbles are also magnified. Reduced wobble makes finding and focusing on things like the Moon easier. They lack substantial eye relief, and as we found in our National Geographic 6x21 Children's binocular review, the eye cups are poor quality — so we wouldn't recommend them for kids who wear glasses.
For terrestrial viewing, they do the job of magnifying sporting action, birds and other wildlife perfectly adequately for a very young user. If you can put up with their shortcomings, these are a great little cost-effective option as an introductory pair of binoculars, ideal for getting young children interested in stargazing. Our young test subject preferred these over the aforementioned Occer pair purely because they are bright yellow.
- Read our full National Geographic 6x21 Children's Binocular review
If your kids are wanting to view the night sky, these binoculars with an 8x magnification and a 42mm objective lens would be ideal. These specs are lower than the 10x50 specification that is generally recommended for adults — it means they have lighter and smaller bodies but still have enough light-gathering power and magnification to be enjoyable. In our Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review, we consider these an excellent value pair of binos.
The specs are good: a Porro prism design using BaK-4 glass have fully multi-coated lenses, water and dew-proofing — all coated in protective rubber-like armor. A soft case, neck strap, and rubber objective lens covers are also included. And they also have long eye-relief eyepieces, making them comfortable to use for kids who wear glasses.
All these factors help to make night sky viewing easy for kids and enjoyable. The Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 binoculars are an ideal entry-level option for kids with a serious interest in astronomy, but they're just as good during the day for wildlife and landscapes. They're also available in other specifications including 6.5x32, 8x32, 10x42, 10x50 and 12x50.
- Read our full Opticron Adventurer T WP 8x42 review
How we test the best binoculars for kids
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best binoculars for kids to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every binocular through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each binocular designed for kids is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy they are to operate, whether eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearer if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars for kids, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
Best binoculars for kids FAQ
Binoculars can be a great starting point for budding young astronomers and nature watchers, yet there are some things worth considering before purchasing one for children. Above all, be wary of 'toy binoculars'. They are much cheaper and generally more visually appealing to children, but their performance will not be anything like the standards of 'proper binoculars' and will therefore affect enjoyment and learning. It's important to know what to look for in a pair of kids binoculars.
It's a known fact that children can see better in the dark than adults. Their pupils can dilate wider, improving their night vision by increasing their light-gathering power. They also have more rods, which are light-sensitive cells on the retina that aid low-light viewing. This means it is possible to give a child smaller binoculars that are easier to carry and hold, but that allow less light in than yours. They'll still see a glistening night sky, whereas, with the same pair, it might not look as impressive to an adult.
1. Make sure the binoculars aren't too heavy or bulky for a child to hold steady. If they are, ensure they have a tripod adapter.
2. Magnifications of 7x to 10x are generally the best for skywatching.
3. Porro prisms and BaK4 glass are best for stargazing.
4. Foldable designs are convenient and portable.
Many top manufacturers introduced models tailored especially for kids, including Celestron, Nikon and Olympus. But just what are the best binoculars for kids and what influences this decision?
It's worth checking how much you can physically adjust the binoculars. Binoculars have a degree of flex to better fit individual faces, particularly the distance between the eyes. The more flex, the more likely they will fit a smaller face comfortably.
If you want to further your research into what's available or if you want to consider telescopes for an even more powerful look at the night sky, then be sure to check out our binoculars deals or best telescopes guides.
Binocular weight
Binoculars can tire even grownup users with prolonged use, so it's important to factor in weight when choosing a pair for a child. Children can struggle to keep an image steady with even mid-weight binoculars, so we recommend pairs that weigh less than 10oz (283g) for very young children (4-7 years). Teenagers can generally handle standard-sized binoculars well but can still benefit from more lightweight binoculars with lower magnification so as not to experience too much wobble.
Magnification of binoculars
If the weight of your binoculars can cause image shake and affect the stability of your view, so too can magnification. High-powered binoculars with a magnification above 8x can make it tough for smaller hands to keep the view steady, as any movement from the hands also gets multiplied by the magnification. Since a shaky image can prove frustrating and eventually bore younger users, having low-powered, stable binoculars can enhance their enjoyment.
Lower-magnification binoculars also produce a wider field of view than high-powered/higher-magnification binoculars, with several benefits for all users, especially children. High-powered binoculars zoom in closer to the subject you're looking at, but low-powered binoculars, with a wider field of view, make finding objects quickly much easier. They also help locate fast-moving objects such as birds (as they are in the frame for longer) and can significantly improve a beginner’s coordination and accuracy.
- Related: How to Hold Binoculars Steady
Binocular objective lens aperture
The aperture of binoculars refers to the diameter of the front lenses and affects the amount of light that reaches the rear lenses. It is the second number after the magnification and is written in millimeters. So, a pair of binoculars that are rated at 7x30 offers a magnification of x7 and a diameter of 30mm.
That aperture can make a big difference to the experience of using binoculars, especially in low light and at night, so we recommend using a pair of binoculars with a 40mm or above aperture to let in more light, especially for night-time stargazing.
Essentially, larger objective lenses mean brighter images. The best binoculars will have fully multi-coated optics and BaK-4 glass (rather than BK7). There are cheaper instruments available, which will still give enthralling views of the heavens, but you won't be getting the absolute best image possible.
Durability of binoculars
Anything can happen when you're out in the field, so to prolong the life of your binoculars and ensure the best possible user experience for as long as possible, it's sensible to purchase the most durable pair that meets your needs. This doesn't have to mean the most expensive, as many, including those above (like the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60), come with some form of protective rubber coating, and some are even waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof (these will list nitrogen purged as a specification).
Anything that minimizes accidental damage can only reduce your worry and add to your child's enjoyment of binoculars and the incredible views of nature and the sky above that binoculars can open up. Look for binoculars that come with a neckstrap so they don't end up on the floor by accident.
How much do the best binoculars for kids cost?
As with all purchases, the price point is another thing to consider. Typically, you'd expect to see binoculars for children to be cheaper than their 'adult' style alternatives. But there are some high-quality binos out there (such as the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42) that suit smaller hands and can also be used as compact binoculars for adults.
