My sons love to be outside with nature and to look at anything and everything they can find, even in the backyard. So, one of the things that I decided to purchase for each of them was a set of kid’s binoculars. They are perfect for your child’s exploration phase. That is why I put together this list of the best binoculars for kids, so you can find the perfect ones for your little explorer.
You will see that they are broken up into categories. Each of these binoculars has been chosen for a particular reason, whether that be the price, capabilities, or a specific feature that you may just have to have. No matter what you are looking for, there is definitely something for everyone.
If you would like to carry on reading to go through the entire list, you can, or you can jump to our top pick on Amazon here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in Kids’ Binoculars?
- Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Binoculars for Kids
- Our Top Picks for the Best Kids’ Binoculars of 2024
- #1: Mini Explorer Nature Explorer Kit For Kids (Best For Younger Kids)
- #2: Nikon 10x25 Trailblazer Binoculars (Best For Older Kids)
- #3: Nikon Prostaff 7S Binoculars (Best Premium)
- #4: Kidwinz Original Compact 8x21 Kids Binoculars Set (Best For Eye Protection)
- #5: Obuby Real Binoculars For Kids (Best Low Cost)
- #6: Occer Compact Binoculars (Best Compact)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict: Your Best Binoculars for Kids
What Should I Look for in Kids’ Binoculars?
If you have decided to go ahead and purchase some binoculars, you are most likely wondering how to choose. Well, below you will find a list I compiled with some of the most important things to look for. Not all of the binoculars listed have every single one of these features, but going through and pinpointing what is most important to you and your little one will certainly help in your search.
Magnification
Since you are shopping for a child, you will want to be sure that you choose a pair of binoculars with a lower magnification — somewhere around 8x is fine. This is much better for their developing eyes.
Don’t Buy a Cheap Toy
The whole point of purchasing kids’ binoculars is so they can actually use them properly. Luckily, all of the binoculars on this list are real and not toys. There is something for every need and budget here, so you don’t always have to go for the most expensive set.
Choose the Right Size
The reason you are not just looking for binoculars for an adult is that you want your little one to be able to use them. Smaller binoculars have a shorter pupil distance, making them ideal for small faces.
Weight
The size of the binoculars will also determine their weight. If you are shopping for a young child, then compact is a better choice because they will be much easier to hold and handle as opposed to the standard. The standard weight is usually a better option for older children and teenagers.
Here’s How I’ve Determined the Best Binoculars for Kids
To give you a list of the best of the best kids’ binoculars, it took a little bit of research. My children each own binoculars, and the ones we ultimately chose are on this list, but everyone has unique wants and needs. To choose the right ones for this list, I had to figure out what features were most popular and why. This helped me to pick the top 6 best binoculars on the market in 2021.
Our Top Picks for the Best Kids’ Binoculars of 2024
#1: Mini Explorer Nature Explorer Kit For Kids (Best For Younger Kids)
My kids love being outdoors. So it was obviously a no-brainer when I decided to purchase the Mini Explorer Nature Explorer Kit. It has everything you could think of for your kids to use on a fun hiking trip. You get a bunch of things in it that are perfect for your little one to explore, not to mention a pair of binoculars that are perfect for a child. Keep reading to see the best features of this set of kids’ binoculars below.
It’s a 9-in-1 Kit
Not only does it include the binoculars, but there is also a carrying case, handheld fan, flashlight, magnifying glass, and 5-function multi-tool that includes a compass and thermometer. It creates a really wonderful and educational experience for your child.
The Binoculars Are Comfortable to Use
Something I really liked about these binoculars is that they have a soft, shockproof rubber on the outside, which makes them easy and comfy to hold. There is also extra rubber located around the lenses, which offer just a little bit more eye protection. These are probably the most comfortable pair of kid’s binoculars I’ve seen.
Here are a couple more of my favorite details.
- 4×30 mm, which is great for bird watching and other wildlife viewing
- Includes a neck strap for easy carrying
- Great for ages 4 and up
- A self-energizing flashlight that doesn’t require batteries
The Mini Explorer kit has so much to offer and is loved by my children. They are a terrific value and are perfect for younger children or beginners who have never had binoculars before. Of course, if you want even higher quality, I would go with the best premium pick (the Nikon Prostaff 7S Binoculars below) if your budget allows it. However, for a midrange cost binoculars, I was very happy with my purchase.
#2: Nikon 10x25 Trailblazer Binoculars (Best For Older Kids)
If you have any pre-teens in your home and you want to purchase them a nice pair of binoculars, look no further. These are the second-highest in price compared to all of the other binoculars on this list, but they are under $100, making them the perfect present. If you are thinking of buying binoculars for an older child, these are the best option. Read on to see what we like most about them.
They Are Technically Adult Binoculars
These are great for a teen because of their size; they are on the smaller side for adults but not as compact as binoculars for younger kids. Since they are made for adults, they are perfect and easy to use for older kids.
They Have Higher Magnification
Instead of the typical 4 or 8, these binoculars are a 10. This means they magnify objects 10 times. Typically, 8 or lower is ideal for younger children, to protect their developing eyes. It is another reason why you wouldn’t buy these for a child under 12 years old.
What else do these binoculars offer?
- Central focus knob
- Fog proof and shockproof
- Durable rubber coating
- High index prisms for higher resolution and sharper images
Based solely on the cost and the magnification, I would not recommend these binoculars for little ones. Even though they can technically be kids’ binoculars, they are better suited for older kids. The best part is that your older child can use them for years and into adulthood if they take good care of them. This means they can go star-gazing beyond their pre-teen years.
The first thing you will notice about this set of binoculars is that they are pricey. They come in at a little under $200, which can seem like a lot to spend on kids’ binoculars. However, these are meant to grow with your child, and they are made to be used for years. If you don’t have a set budget, this would make a really meaningful Christmas present. Let’s talk about some of the most important features of this particular pair of binoculars for kids.
They Are Very Compact
Here is what is most different about these binoculars compared to the rest: they are not marketed for children. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a child can’t use them, but that means you most likely wouldn’t have considered them before reading this list. However, they are an 8×42 set of binoculars, which means that they would work great for your little ones’ eyes because of how compact they are.
It Has More Than Just a Neck Strap
Another one of my favorite features that you won’t see with any of the other binoculars is the neck strap/harness system. This buckles to the chest and adjusts to fit the person who is wearing it. I believe this is a great feature for younger kids because we all know they tend to drop things. The harness ensures that they won’t, and it allows them to let go of the binoculars for a moment if they need their hands for something else.
What else do the Nikon 7s binoculars have to offer?
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Comes with a lens pen cleaning system
- Rubber body with a non-slip grip
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Advanced optical system for a clear image
If you choose these expensive binoculars, you will not have to worry about whether or not your money was well spent. They have the look and feel of real binoculars and function really well with their crisp images, making them wonderful for boat rides or on hikes in a national park. If you can afford them, you will now be disappointed, and neither will your child.
#4: Kidwinz Original Compact 8x21 Kids Binoculars Set (Best For Eye Protection)
The reason these binoculars take the category of best eye protection is because of their soft, rubber design. It also helps that they are more affordable for any kind of budget in comparison to the Nikon 7s. The Kidwinz binoculars are a perfect fit for younger children. Here are some of the most notable features of this item.
They Have a Lifetime Warranty
This particular feature isn’t something I’ve seen with any of the other kids’ binoculars. The best part is that the warranty doesn’t just cover the binoculars themselves, but also the carry case and neck strap as well. That is honestly not a bad deal for under $25.
The Rubber Offers Eye Protection
Not only does the rubber surrounding the lenses make them comfortable for your child to use, but they are also considered adjustable. The rubber is soft and pliable, so your little one can push the binoculars closer to their face to see through them better. I feel like this is a great feature to accommodate a wider range of ages of younger kids.
Below are a few more important details.
- Comes with a lens cleaning cloth
- Shockproof for extra drop protection
- Can be folded to accommodate the user’s eye size and distance apart
- Made with a high-quality Porro prism for sharper images
- Has a neck strap
There are many reasons to love these, and it still comes back to them being one of the best binoculars for your little ones’ eyes. If they are comfortable, then your child will want to use them more often. These compact binoculars are also affordable, which is another reason to choose them.
#5: Obuby Real Binoculars For Kids (Best Low Cost)
The Obuby binoculars for kids have the lowest price compared to all of the other kids’ binoculars on this list. Even though they are inexpensive, they are still made of good quality material. I highly recommend them for a stricter budget. Let’s dive into these binoculars’ standout features.
They Are Very Compact but Expandable
One of the best features of these binoculars is that they accommodate a wide age group. They can be expanded from 1.38 inches to 2.95 inches. This helps them to be comfortably used by a child who is 3 years old or 12 years old. The compact size of these Obuby binoculars also makes them comfortable to hold.
They Come in Many Color Options
This may seem like a silly thing to mention, but if you have children of your own, you will understand how important this can be to your kid. I wish everything came in different colors, so my sons could always have their favorite. None of the other sets of binoculars on this list offer color choices.
Here are some more important details of these binoculars.
- Ergonomically designed grip
- Armored rubber coating to withstand drops
- Comes with a velvet carrying case and lens cloth
These durable binoculars are perfect for outdoor adventures if you are looking at the price first. Even though they have a lot of helpful features to offer, they made this list primarily because they are the best binoculars on a budget. If you can spare a little extra, some of the other options, such as the Mini Explorer Kit, would be a superior choice.
#6: Occer Compact Binoculars (Best Compact)
These Occer binoculars are by far the best compact binoculars compared to all of the others on this list. What makes them stand out from all of the other binoculars for kids? Read on below to see what our favorite features of these are.
They Are the Smallest
The first thing you will notice about these binoculars is that they are very small. They are marketed for both adults and kids but may be too small for most adults, in my opinion. I believe they are a great size for the tiniest eyes.
They Are Great for Glasses Wearers
If your little one is visually impaired, then look no further. One of the top features of these binoculars for kids is that the eyecups surrounding the lenses are adjustable, making them a wonderful option if your child wears glasses.
Here are some other details of the Occer Compact binoculars.
- Low-light night vision for low light conditions
- High (12x) magnification
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Easy to focus
Even though the recommended magnification for the younger ones is around 8x, these binoculars would be a great choice for a smaller and cheaper option for an older child. They are under $40 and can make a really thoughtful gift. However, while they come with a neck strap, they have no other accessories. If you are more interested in something like a “bundle,” then I would choose the Nikon Trailblazer instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Age Can a Child Use Binoculars?
The simple answer is almost any age. Toddlers aged 2 or 3 years old can definitely use binoculars, but always look for the lowest magnification possible and the easiest ones to use. This will be best for the little ones. Older children, including preschool age and beyond, can also obviously use binoculars. As they grow, you can opt for high-quality binoculars.
What Can Binoculars Be Used For?
They can be used for many things, including seeing things far away and bird watching. There are several kinds of binoculars that work for a particular reason. Realistically, the possibilities are endless when it comes to binocular use.
What Do the Numbers of Binoculars Mean?
Usually, you see numbers separated by the letter “x,” like “8×21,” for example. The first number is magnification. It represents the power of the magnifying glass in the binoculars and how many times it has been magnified. The second number represents the objective lens diameter. It is the size of the lens closest to your eye when you are looking through your binoculars. The larger the lens is, the more light can pass through, which allows for brighter images.
Verdict: Your Best Binoculars for Kids
Here is the takeaway for the best binoculars for kids.
If you want the best for younger kids, pick the Mini Explorer Nature Explorer Kit For Kids. This kit offers 9 items that are great for your little explorer to use when accompanying you on a hike or bird watching. They’re overall the perfect binoculars for kids.
If you are looking for the best premium, pick the Nikon Prostaff 7S Binoculars. These are expensive binoculars but worth it if you have the budget and are looking for the best quality.
For the best binoculars for your kid’s eyes, pick the Kidwinz Original Compact 8x21 Kids Binoculars Set . The soft rubber near the lenses makes these the most comfortable kids’ binoculars on this list.
If you want to spend under $22, pick the Obuby Real Binoculars For Kids. These are still good quality despite the low price, making them the best binoculars for kids when you have a tight budget.
For the best binoculars for older kids, pick the Nikon 10x25 Trailblazer Binoculars. If you are buying binoculars for an older child, these binoculars are the best choice.
If you are looking for the best compact binoculars, pick the Occer Compact Binoculars. They are pocket-sized but are still easy to use and made of great quality.
Whether you are buying binoculars for young kids or pre-teens, this list contains the best binoculars on the market right now. Each of them supports a unique set of needs, making it much easier for you to decide which is the best for you. From watching birds to sports games, each of these binoculars for kids is capable of it all. Your buying decisions will come down to which features stand out most to you. You may have thought that most binoculars are exactly the same but hopefully, after reading this, you now have a deeper understanding of what each brand and style has to offer!
