10 Best Telescope For Kids

Kids are naturally curious. So it’s no wonder that they’re eager to learn more when it comes to their vast surroundings.

From the land and creatures around them, to the moon, stars, and other celestial beings up in the sky, children want to explore, explore, explore!

And as parents, we always want to do our best to encourage and foster their curiosity, imagination, and hunger to learn more. 

Telescopes are a great way to help them explore and learn about what’s around them, and bring them closer to what may seem beyond their reach.

As we introduce children to astronomy, we inspire in them awe at the world and beyond.

Telescopes make everything much more accessible to kids, and with these, they are able to bask in their enjoyment at learning and enriching their minds. 

To a child, a telescope holds great power and wonder. So it’s important for parents to find the best telescopes for kids for your little astronomers.

Giving them the best tool for their learning inspires them to embrace it all even more.

Best Telescope For Kids: See how our top choices fare!

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
MaxUSee Kids TelescopeMaxUSee Kids Telescope• Specs: Aperture - 40mm / Focal length - 400mm, Finder scope - 5x18, Eyepiece - H12.5mm, H20mm
• Accessories: Moon mirror, built in compass, Stars and Moon map
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Aomekie Kids TelescopeAomekie Kids Telescope• Specs: Aperture - 70mm / Focal length - 400mm, K6 K25 eyepiece, 5x24 finderscope
• Accessories: Adjustable tripod, moon mirror, phone adapter, star target planisphere
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Nancy B’s Science Club MoonScopeNancy B’s Science Club MoonScope• Specs: 18x - 90x magnification
• Accessories: SkyGazers Journal, MoonScope, Moon filter, tripod, built-in LED light
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Meade Instruments - Infinity 70mm TelescopeMeade Instruments - Infinity 70mm Telescope• Specs: Aperture - 70mm / Focal length - 700mm, Focal ration - f/10
• Accessories: 9mm and 26mm 1.25 MA eyepieces, red dot viewfinder, Altazimuth mount, astronomical software and instructional DVD
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Celestron 21024 FirstScope TelescopeCelestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope• Specs: Eyepiece 1 Focal length - 20mm, magnification - 15x, Eyepiece 2 Focal length - 4mm, magnification - 75x, highest magnification - 180x, lowest magnification - 11x
• Accessories: Dobsonian style stand
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Celestron - PowerSeeker 80EQCelestron - PowerSeeker 80EQ• Specs: two eyepieces - 20mm and 4mm, 3x Barlow Lens
• Accessories: German equatorial mount for slow tracking, free software download
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Orion StarBlast II 4.5Orion StarBlast II 4.5• Specs: 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (18x and 45x)
• Accessories: EQ-1 mount, EZ Finder II, MoonMap 260, adjustable tripod
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OYS Beginner’s TelescopeOYS Beginner’s Telescope• Specs: Aperture - 70mm / Focal length - 400mm (f/5.7), fully multi-coated optical glass, two 1.25” telescope eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm) with 20x and 44x magnification
• Accessories: Travel backpack, aluminum tripod, finderscope with mounting bracket, phone adapter
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Black Twister 60mm CompactBlack Twister 60mm Compact• Specs: 60mm Achromatic objective lens, focal length - 300mm, 6mm & 20mm .965” diameter eyepieces for extra 15x & 50x magnification
• Accessories: Atlazimuth Mount, Aluminom Tripod (other accessories included in bundle purchases)
CHECK PRICE
GeoSafari Vega 360 TelescopeGeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope• Specs: 50mm objective lens, 1.5 image erector, 2-element achromatic objective lens, all-glass optics with up to 67x magnification, 2 eyepieces
• Accessories: tabletop tripod, dust cap, dew shield
CHECK PRICE

10 Best Telescopes For Kids

Finding the right telescope for your kids can be quite the task. You may find it all a little overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to lay out the best telescopes for kids, and what makes each one stand out.

Get to know our top 10 to help you be able to choose the perfect one for your little ones!

1. MaxUSee Kids Telescope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: Aperture – 40mm / Focal length – 400mm, Finder scope – 5×18, Eyepiece – H12.5mm, H20mm
  • Accessories: Moon mirror, built in compass, Stars and Moon map
[amazon fields=”B071J5GBWY” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

Portability is one thing that can be really useful when it comes to kids’ telescopes.

Having one that you can bring with you ensures that your child will be able to view the sky from many places, and explore different angles and locations.

The MaxUSee Kids Telescope is easy to use and is very portable. It also has a Moon mirror that will help your child view the moon well even when it is very bright and otherwise hard to focus on.

The built-in compass is also very helpful in locating the constellations and stars that your child may want to see.

The MaxUSee Kids Telescope…

  • Is a portable device that you and your child can tote around with you 
  • Is easy to set up and use, without much difficulty for you and your child
  • Has a built in compass
  • Comes with a Moon mirror
  • Comes with a Stars map & Moon map

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • Of its high-quality optics that will give kids clear images
  • The Moon mirror is very handy for kids to be able to observe the moon more clearly
  • It’s easy to bring along on adventures
What We Liked
  • Portability
  • Moon mirror included
  • Stars & Moon map for kids
  • Built-in compass in the telescope tube
  • Easy to assemble
What We Didn't Like
  • Scope is good but there are better options in the market

2. Aomekie Kids Telescope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: Aperture – 70mm / Focal length – 400mm, K6 K25 eyepiece, 5×24 finderscope
  • Accessories: Adjustable tripod, moon mirror, phone adapter, star target planisphere
[amazon fields=”B07FJVWLKM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

The night sky is vast and all around us, with so many things to observe from all angles.

The Aomekie Kids Telescope has a rotatable observe angle. It can spin up and down at 90 degrees, or to the left or right at 360 degrees, which gives kids an omnidirectional observatory experience to fully view their surroundings.

This telescope also comes with the latest generation of Kellner eyepieces, giving a brighter and bigger view than ever.

The Aomekie Kids Telescope…

  • Has a rotatable observe angle which allows kids a broader, bigger, and better view
  • Comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod
  • Has top of the line eyepiece
  • Comes with a star target planisphere to help kids locate the various stars in the sky 
  • Has a phone adapter to make it easier to view and to share with others

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It allows kids to experience omnidirectional observation so they can more fully immerse in the earth and sky
  • It is equipped with a high-tech, fully-coated lens for excellent viewing
  • The star target planisphere, moon mirror, and adjustable tripod enhances kid’s exploration
What We Liked
  • K6 K25 eyepiece
  • Rotatable observe angle
  • Moon mirror
  • Star target planisphere
  • Adjustable aluminum tripod
  • Phone adapter
What We Didn't Like
  • No compass

3. Nancy B’s Science Club MoonScope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: 18x – 90x magnification
  • Accessories: SkyGazers Journal, MoonScope, Moon filter, tripod, built-in LED light
[amazon fields=”B00B1Z6F52″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

STEM is something that is very valuable to a child’s learning experience. The Education Insights Nancy B’s Science Club MoonScope, Telescope For Kids focuses on children’s education in the four learning pillars – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This device gently fosters independent learning and comes with real-life journaling activities that enable your child to have hands-on astronomy lessons.

It’s a fun, beneficial tool that encourages future astronomers through exploration and play.

The Education Insights Nancy B’s Science Club MoonScope, Telescope For Kids…

  • Supports STEM learning for a more comprehensive educational experience
  • Lets children fully explore the moon, stars, and planets with its 90x magnification
  • Comes with a 26-page SkyGazers Journal with stories, observation tracking, drawing, writing, and more
  • Is equipped with a MoonScope and Moon filter
  • Has a tripod with built-in red LED that is great for viewing at nighttime

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for a more well-rounded learning experience
  • Kids are able to experience hands-on astronomy lessons 
  • The SkyGazers Journal provides a wholly immersive astronomical experience that will engage kids further
What We Liked
  • Supports STEM learning
  • Encourages independent exploration and learning
  • SkyGazers Journal 
  • MoonScope and Moon filter included
  • Built-in LED light for optimal night viewing
  • Provides hands-on astronomy lessons
What We Didn't Like
  • It’s best for kids age 8 and up and may not be suitable for very young kids

4. Meade Instruments – Infinity Telescope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: Aperture – 70mm / Focal length – 700mm, Focal ration – f/10
  • Accessories: 9mm and 26mm 1.25 MA eyepieces, red dot viewfinder, Altazimuth mount, astronomical software and instructional DVD
[amazon fields=”B00LY8JVZ2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

There are so many wonderful things to observe and explore not just in the sky but on land as well.

The Meade Instruments Portable Refracting Astronomy Telescope is great for kids who are curious about astronomical and terrestrial objects around them.

It’s got eyepieces that can give low and high magnification for land and sky.

The slow-motion control rod for precision tracking lets children find and follow with ease. And it’s also equipped with a red dot viewfinder, so it makes it easier for them to locate and focus on what they want to view. 

The Meade Instruments Telescope…

  • Has eyepieces for terrestrial and astronomical viewing
  • Comes with Altazimuth mount with slow-motion control rod for kids to be able to track moving objects in the sky
  • Has a red dot viewfinder to help kids pinpoint and focus on objects
  • Is a great all-around started telescope for everyone
  • Comes with Astronomical Software and Instructional DVD

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It lets them fully explore both sky and land
  • The slow-motion control rod and red dot viewfinder aids in their exploration
  • It comes with software to supplement their learning
What We Liked
  • Equipped for land and sky viewing
  • Altazimuth mount with a slow-motion control rod
  • Red dot viewfinder
  • Two eyepieces for low and high magnification
  • Astronomical Software and Instructional DVD
What We Didn't Like
  • No Moon filter, compass

5. Celestron 21024 FirstScope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: Eyepiece 1 Focal length – 20mm, magnification – 15x, Eyepiece 2 Focal length – 4mm, magnification – 75x, highest magnification – 180x, lowest magnification – 11x
  • Accessories: Dobsonian style stand
[amazon fields=”B001UQ6E4Y” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

Easy to bring, easy to set up, easy to store. With a lot of telescopes sporting bigger bodies and complicated operation, the Celestrion 21024 FirstScope Telescope is a welcome change.

It’s a perfect entry-level device for kids interested in astronomy. Simple move, point, and view makes navigating this telescope a breeze.

It’s compact and easy for you and your family to bring with you on your outdoor adventures. And its quality Dobsonian style makes it not just functional and ideal, but also easy on the eyes and a nice addition to your home’s aesthetic. 

The Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope…

  • Is different from most bulkier models because it is easier to set up and store
  • Is simple to operate by just moving the tube to where kids want to view
  • Has a Dobsonian style stand which gives it a visually-appealing look
  • Is the ideal beginner’s telescope
  • Has a compact build making it easy to tote around

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It’s a quality device that is also very child-friendly
  • It takes up less space and needs minimal time to set up
  • It’s a great keepsake for young astronomy lovers
What We Liked
  • Child-friendly
  • A great choice for beginners
  • Dobsonian style stand
  • Can be set up and stored with ease
  • Portability
  • Simple navigation
What We Didn't Like
  • Not as powerful as other choices

6. Celestron – PowerSeeker 80EQ

Quick Summary

  • Specs: two eyepieces – 20mm and 4mm, 3x Barlow Lens
  • Accessories: German equatorial mount for slow tracking, free software download
[amazon fields=”B0007UQNKO” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

Telescopes are amazing learning tools. But the ones that are able to do more can also be really hard to figure out and operate, especially for kids.

The Celestron – PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope gives the best of both worlds because it is both easy to use and a powerful device.

It’s portable and compact, easy to navigate, and comes with accessories for an enhanced viewing experience – slow-motion altitude rod, two eyepieces, erect image diagonal, a finderscope, and also a 3x Barlow Lens so they can triple the capabilities of each eyepiece.

The Celestron – PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope…

  • Is lightweight and super portable, so kids can bring it with them to parks, camps, and other locations
  • Is easy to use and an ideal telescope for beginners
  • Has a manual German equatorial mount that has slow-motion controls enabling kids to track objects easily
  • Comes with multiple accessories for better viewing
  • Gives a very clear view of the wonders of the sky with its all-glass, high quality optics

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It’s easy to use AND powerful – the ideal combo
  • Children can tote it around with them for exploration anytime, anywhere
  • There are a lot of accessories that will help them get a great astronomical experience
What We Liked
  • Portability
  • Manual German equatorial mount with slow-motion controls
  • Two eyepieces with 3x Barlow Lens for enhancement
  • All-glass, high quality optics
  • Free download for a top rated astronomy software program
  • Child-friendly and good choice for beginners
What We Didn't Like
  • No Moon filter

7. Orion StarBlast II 4.5

Quick Summary

  • Specs: 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (18x and 45x)
  • Accessories: EQ-1 mount, EZ Finder II, MoonMap 260, adjustable tripod
[amazon fields=”B06XSM4R74″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

Astronomy is an amazing thing, not just for kids but for grownups too. With the Irion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope, this fascination with the sky, stars, and space can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family. It’s easy to operate, it’s got incredible optics, and it’s conveniently portable too, so you and your kids can all have a blast exploring together. It’s a true-blue reflector telescope with advanced features to suit all levels of interest. And the small package packs a great view for far-off objects across the sky and beyond. 

The Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope…

  • Is a sophisticated device that can give years of astronomy fun for the whole family
  • Comes with great optics that allows viewing of objects far-flung across the sky
  • Has an EQ-1 mount so kids can easily stay focused on moving objects
  • Gives very crisp and clear images
  • Includes an EZ Finder II reflex sight, adjustable tripod, MoonMap 260, and more

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • This is a device suited for the whole family to use and learn more about astronomy together
  • It’s got advanced optics for kids to explore space and the sky more deeply
  • It’s got a MoonMap 260 and EZ Finder II, making it more fun and child-friendly
What We Liked
  • Advanced device for the whole family
  • MoonMan 260
  • EZ Finder II
  • EQ-1 mount for better focus
  • 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces for powerful viewing
  • Wide-field astronomy telescope
What We Didn't Like
  • Better for the family to navigate together and younger kids may need help navigating

8. OYS Beginner’s Telescope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: Aperture – 70mm / Focal length – 400mm (f/5.7), fully multi-coated optical glass, two 1.25” telescope eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm) with 20x and 44x magnification
  • Accessories: Travel backpack, aluminum tripod, finderscope with mounting bracket, phone adapter
[amazon fields=”B088KRWG5K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

There’s portable and compact telescopes, and then there’s the ones that are truly ideal for travel.

The OYS Beginner’s Telescope comes with a travel backpack and is a choice travel telescope for kids.

They get to bring with them a powerful device with high transmission, giving them clarity and detail like no other.

It’s got a finder scope for easy location of objects, two eyepieces for low and high magnification, and a diagonal prism that guarantees erect image. It’s great for both land and sky, too. 

The OYS Beginner’s Telescope…

  • Is easy and quick to set up
  • Comes with a travel backpack for maximum portability 
  • Has fully-coated optical glass that boasts of high transmission for great viewing quality
  • Has a tripod and finderscope with mounting bracket
  • Delivers 99% total light transmission for stunning views

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • The nifty backpack makes carrying it around so much easier 
  • It gives them incredible views of space and land
  • It has a phone adapter so kids can capture the amazing views and share them with family
What We Liked
  • All glass, fully coated glass with high transmission
  • 99% total light transmission for brightness and clarity
  • Travel backpack
  • Phone adapter
  • Diagonal prism
  • Adjustable tripod and finder scope
What We Didn't Like
  • No moon mirror, no activity journals or guides

9. Black Twister 60mm Compact Kids Telescope

Quick Summary

  • Specs: 60mm Achromatic objective lens, focal length – 300mm, 6mm & 20mm .965” diameter eyepieces for extra 15x & 50x magnification
  • Accessories: Atlazimuth Mount, Aluminom Tripod (other accessories included in bundle purchases)
[amazon fields=”B00ZGMROKG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

This is yet another great choice that packs both easy assembly and powerful optics.

But what makes Black twister 60mm Compact Kids Telescope even more appealing is that even with its high capabilities, it’s very child-friendly.

Kids just need to open up the tripod, put the telescope on it, add in the finder scope, place the eyepiece, direct it to where the want to view, and they’ve got amazing images in front of their eye(s).

Point and shoot, takes minutes to assemble, and yet delivers astonishing views.

The Black Twister 60mm Compact Kids Telescope…

  • Is easy for kids to use with it’s point and shoot capability
  • It takes just 5 minutes to set up
  • Comes with powerful optics for great images
  • Has an Altazimuth Mount and aluminum tripod for a better viewing experience
  • Is available with a Kid’s Lunar Bundle and a Backpack Bundle for maximum kiddie astronomy fun

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It is very, very simple to use and great for young, budding astronomists
  • It’s got viewing power, giving them a fantastic look at the sky and space
  • Set up is fast and effortless
What We Liked
  • Point and shoot
  • Minutes to set up and to pack away
  • Large lens
  • Powerful eyepieces
  • Portability
  • Child friendly
What We Didn't Like
  • Other accessories have to be purchased via special bundles

10. GeoSafari Vega 360

Quick Summary

  • Specs: 50mm objective lens, 1.5 image erector, 2-element achromatic objective lens, all-glass optics with up to 67x magnification, 2 eyepieces
  • Accessories: tabletop tripod, dust cap, dew shield
[amazon fields=”B0007COARA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″ image_align=”center” ]

Just because its for kids doesn’t make it any less real or powerful of a device. The Educational Insights GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope is a highly-capable, lightweight device that allows kids a wide, clear view of both land and space.

It supports STEM learning, and kids are encouraged to learn more about the moon’s craters, objects in the sky, animals, birds, and more. 

It’s also very easy to navigate, carry around, and ideal for vacations, backyard explorations, outdoor adventures, and camping trips.

The Educational Insights GeoSafari Vega 360 …

  • Focuses on STEM education which is great for kids’ learning and development
  • Gives kids a great optical viewing experience with sophisticated lens and eyepieces
  • Comes with a tabletop tripod, dew shield, and dust cap
  • Is durable and lightweight, making it ideal for young users
  • Encourages kids to go outside and explore their surroundings 

It’s a great telescope for kids because…

  • It supports learning the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, and math
  • It’s equipped with good optics for maximum exploration
  • It’s child-friendly and easily toted around
What We Liked
  • Supports STEM
  • Superb all-glass optics
  • Great for land and space exploring
  • Portability
  • Hands-on experience 
  • Lightweight
What We Didn't Like
  • No supplementary worksheets, journals, or maps

Best Telescope For Kids: A Buyer’s Guide

best telescope for kids

Now that you’re familiar with the top telescope picks for your kids, let’s dive into the essential information to keep in mind when choosing which to buy for your children.

Basic parts of a telescope:

Optical Tube. This is the biggest part, the one you’ll see first. It can have a reflector, or if its a refractor then a lens at its end. A mirror can also be present. 

Eyepiece. This is what kids will use for when they do their exploring and viewing. You can switch it up or enhance for better images.

Tripod. This props up your telescope and keeps it still for better exploring.

Lens. This is what determines the viewing experience – how much magnification and clarity there will be.

Finderscope. This is like a baby telescope. It’s an attachment to the bigger one and helps kids to better angle their viewing. 

Features to pay attention to:

Aperture. This is basically the size of the lens or mirror of a telescope. Bigger lens = more clarity.

Magnification. How much magnifying power it has can determine how detailed and how far off the view will be. Greater magnification = more powerful telescope.

Focal length. It’s the length between the lens or mirror and the focal point of the optical tube. Bigger focal length = bigger objects seen.

Reason for buying:

The main thing to consider is why you will be getting your child a telescope. Each telescope offers different viewing power and purpose.

You don’t necessarily need a telescope that is super jam-packed with features that your kids may not need – focusing on their main use for the telescope helps them to also be able to get a device they will be able to fully utilize and navigate with little confusion. 

A few questions you may have on your mind.

What is the difference between a celestial (astronomic) and terrestrial telescope?

Celestial telescopes are for viewing the sky and space. Terrestrial telescopes are for viewing land areas, animals, and birds.

Why is a kid’s telescope a better choice for my child than a normal telescope?

With every purchase for your kids, the most important thing to remember is that they should be able to use them with ease.

Normal telescopes may come with too complicated features and may be too big.

Kids telescopes are created with children in mind, so they are of suitable size and are easier to navigate.

Can parents use a kids telescope too?

Of course! Even though they have “kids” in it, these telescopes are still fully functional and grownups can enjoy them too.

Keep in mind though that these won’t be as advanced as professional-grade telescopes. 

A telescope is definitely a wonderful investment in kids’ education and development.

You’re gifting them with a wider view of the world around them and the galaxy out there — and with the best telescopes for kids, your little ones will love the opportunity you’re giving them to explore distant and not-so-distant wonders safely.

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