The best binoculars for kids can be an excellent gift in summer when the skies are generally clearer for skywatching, camping trips for nature spotting, or even for taking to festivals and getting 'closer' to the action. They are also practical gifts that are both fun and educational; they encourage kids to learn about the world in real life rather than via a screen, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to do.
Binoculars are typically designed with adults in mind, with generalist models being bigger and heavier with the objective lenses (interpupillary distance) placed further apart making it difficult for children to see through. Buying a pair of binoculars for children isn't so easy though, there are plenty of toy and novelty models on the market with poor-quality build and optics.
Because of this, we have thoroughly tested, reviewed, rated and ranked the best children's binoculars. Each binocular in this guide is here because our expert team has deemed them to be durable, lightweight and comfortable for a child to use, either handheld or mounted on a tripod (not all binoculars are tripod mountable).
If you're looking for a pair for all of the family to enjoy, one of the best compact binoculars might be better. Adults looking for their own pair can use some of the larger binoculars for stargazing and birdwatching. Some may prefer a pair of rangefinder binoculars that can display distances, and night owls may want to peer in the dark with a pair of the best night vision binoculars — we've got guides (and reviews) for all of them.
We've also included a best binoculars for kids FAQ at the bottom of this page to help dispel any jargon and myths to help on your hunt for the top kids binoculars.
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Best binoculars for kids 2023
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Best binoculars for kids 2023 ranked
It is difficult for humans to remain completely still. When magnification is thrown into the equation, keeping a subject in view without using support from a tripod, such as a tripod, becomes even more challenging. 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 users keep objects completely still using the same built-in image stabilization (IS) tech seen in Canon's wallet-melting camera lenses. They can instantly impress 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 (like what you'd find in a gimbal) 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 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 we shouldn't see 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 that we have ever used.
- Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review
Though pretty large and heavy at over 1kg, the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 binoculars are an excellent 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. They are also surprisingly affordable, sitting around the $70 mark.
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, almost impossible skywatching experience. Setting a tripod up also means views can be shared between siblings or groups of children without them each having to find the target separately.
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, making them easy to hold and helping protect them from bumps. The included simple carry case and lens caps provide protection when you're not using them or 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 buying a pair of binoculars for a child, you have to think about weight, size, and image quality (and remember, kids' eyes take in more light than adult eyes do). We found them to be a durable and kid-friendly option for young people who love the night sky and the great outdoors. In many cases, a child's first pair of binoculars is just to see whether they enjoy the hobby, then you'd upgrade to a better quality (likely more expensive) pair. At $70 (or thereabouts), these are ideal.
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 boast 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. A dioptric adjuster also matches the lenses to suit the user's eyesight. The Olympus 10x25 WP II binoculars have a nitrogen-filled body, which aids with waterproofing, fog-proofing and dirt-proofing, minimizing the need to worry about damage. 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 and weaker arms. You can purchase them in 'Forest Green' or 'Deep Purple,' which may add to the aesthetic appeal for young users. The only thing we'd recommend, as we mentioned in our Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars review, is to upgrade the neckstrap to a more comfortable design.
- Read our full Olympus 8x25 WPII binoculars review
If you're looking for something small and light for your child, consider investing in smaller, general-purpose binoculars like the Celestron Nature DX 8x32. The 32mm objective lenses and 8x magnification keep the weight to a minimum — great for young arms. The waterproof outer covering makes them non-slip, so drops and breakages are less likely. They can also be used in inclement weather.
Inside, they have top-quality BaK-4 prisms with a phase coating to maximize contrast and sharpness. They also have multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for getting brighter images in the dark.
There is a built-in tripod mount to aid stability or for sharing views with siblings or groups of kids. A tripod mount on this size binocular is pretty unusual.
Both portable and highly versatile, the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 is perfect for beginners but perhaps best suited to older kids; they are pricier than the models mentioned above.
Not everyone can justify paying for 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 specializing in viewing and imaging for over 100 years.
Our Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review showed us that 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 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 unreasonable for a good pair of binoculars 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, such as using a neckstrap, to ensure they don't get 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 choose a pair of binoculars like the Celestron Cometron 7x50, which, thanks to their large aperture, let in a lot of light but are still 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.
Moreover, 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 are easily adjustable to fit 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 (water resistant), and their covering lacks a premium feel to the touch. These points generally wouldn't bother a child though, and we think these are such good value for money that the unfavorable points aren't a reason to not purchase them.
- Read our full Celestron Cometron 7x50 review
These are lightweight, compact and 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 can 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. We've found ourselves taking these out on walks instead of more expensive and sophisticated models as they are so portable.
- 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 will 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, even indoors. 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 and nature spotting. 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 want 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 for an enjoyable skywatching session. 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 and fully multi-coated lenses, water and dew-proofing — all coated in protective rubber-like armor, ideal for kids.
A soft carry case, neck strap, and rubber objective lens covers are also included. They also have long eye relief, making them comfortable to use for kids who wear glasses.
All these factors help to make night sky viewing easy and enjoyable for kids. 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
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 most appropriate 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 pop against the dark sky. They aren't suitable for close-up planetary or lunar observations — you need a higher magnification level for that. 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 comfortable neck strap, we thought, in our Vixen SG 2.1x42 review, that they are very user-friendly and boast excellent build quality.
It can be a little fiddly to focus both lenses individually, but the user gets a steady image once focused because of the wide field of view. The steady image, and the solid yet lightweight construction, make it more than suitable for kids.
A small drawback is that the lens caps are easy to lose, but that's only a minor point about these unique, pocket-sized binoculars that young skywatchers and their parents will love.
The only reason these binoculars sit at the bottom of this guide is that they are increasingly difficult to find — stock levels are extremely low.
- Read our full Vixen SG 2.1x42 binoculars review
Best binoculars for kids Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best binoculars for kids?
The Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular are the best binoculars for kids and have in-built image stabilization but they are for those with big budgets. Those with older kids to buy for should take a look at the Celestron SkyMaster 12x60 Binocular and for younger children the Olympus 8x25 WP II Binocular are the best rated in our guide.
What is better 8x or 10x binoculars for kids?
8x magnification binoculars are better for kids that are happy to see a wider field of view. But a slight boost to 10x will help children spot subjects close-up and better fill the view (provided the field of view is narrower).
Why do kids see better in the dark with 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 light-gathering power. They also have more rods — light-sensitive cells on the retina that aid low-light viewing — making it possible to give a child smaller binoculars that are easier to carry and hold but 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.
How do I know which binoculars are best for children?
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 be much different from the standards of 'proper binoculars' and will therefore affect enjoyment and learning. Knowing what to look for in a pair of kids' binoculars is essential.
What features should I look for in a kids binocular?
A few key features to look for in children's binoculars are:
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.
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 (this is called the interpupillary distance). The more flex, the more likely they will fit a smaller face comfortably.
How heavy should kids binoculars be?
we recommend pairs that weigh less than 10 oz (283g) for very young children (four to seven years). Teenagers can generally handle standard-sized binoculars well but can still benefit from a more lightweight pair with lower magnification so as not to experience too much wobble.
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.
What is the best magnification for binoculars for kids?
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.
My kid struggles to hold binoculars steady, what should I do?
Here are some tips from our page on How to Hold Binoculars Steady.
1. Get a comfortable, firm grip on the binoculars
2. Tuck the elbows into the body, preferably against the ribcage or place them on something stationary like a wall or fence.
3. Use a tripod with a binocular mount for prolonged use with heavier binoculars.
What size aperture should binoculars for children have?
The bigger the better for low light viewing, but kids can see better in the dark than adults so this is less important for young observers.
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.
How durable are kids binoculars?
The models reviewed and rated in our guide take durability into account. Kids are typically still developing motor skills so a pair of binoculars for kids may take a tumble more often than a pair for adults.
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?
Between $30 and $150. The National Geographic 6x21 children's binocular are available at the time of writing for just $30 whereas the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 are around $150. However, the Canon 10x42L IS WP Binocular are the best pair we've tested in this round-up but come in at around $1300.
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.
