From the beginning of mankind, people have looked up to the sky. One of the fascinating things to see is the moon, planets, and stars. As rewarding and enjoyable as it is you can make this fascinating place, even more, fun for your kids if you have the right tools for them to use. But how can you find the best telescope for kids?
There are a few considerations that should be taken into account when shopping for these optical devices. However, these are not deeply held secrets that only a select few can know.With a little research and understanding of the telescopes and your particular children, you’ll have no trouble finding a great option to bring the night sky that much closer to your kids.
Luckily for you, we’ve taken care of some of that research. Below you will find reviews of nine outstanding models of youth telescopes. In addition to that, we’ll also provide you with some features that you will want to contemplate when you are getting ready to make a purchase.
Once you are interested in buying a telescope for your child there are several important facts you need to consider. Here you can find the basics to take into account when buying the product:
Aperture Size
The aperture size determines the amount of light the lens captures. This will often be listed as the objective lens size and frequently is given in mm. The larger the objective lens the clearer the object it. However, you need to find balance as the larger the lens the telescope becomes heavier to use.
Magnification
The eyepiece of the telescope determines the amount of magnification. You need a high magnification to observe more distant objects, however, higher magnification gives you a smaller field of view.
You do not want to buy a telescope with a high magnification and low aperture since this will result in a dark and blurry view. Look for a telescope that offers you more than one eyepiece to allow for a range of magnifications.
Reflector or Refractor
There is a huge different buying a telescope with either a reflector or refractor. When buying a reflector model you can only do celestial viewing with the device.
The refractor unit allows you to view both the night sky and land. The reflector telescopes smaller and suitable if a kid only wants to use it for astronomical purposes. The refractor type is longer and great if kids want to look at more than just the galaxy.
Accessories
There are different options available when buying a telescope as manufacturers include different accessories from a carry cast, astronomy software to a tripod with their packages.
Some accessories are easily found to purchase and add on after your youngster has used their telescope for a while. Others, like a solid tripod, are essential to have from the start. Remember, no amount of accessories can make up for a low-quality telescope.
Top Products on the Market
Now that you have decided to surprise your child with a new telescope and you have a few ideas of the main points to keep an eye on, it is time to get a good look at what the market has to offer.
Lunar Telescope
Price: Approx. $40
Magnification: 18x and 19x eyepieces
Objective lens: 50 mm
Reflector or refractor: Reflector
Suitable ages: 8 to 15 years and older
Specific features: Two by eyepieces, adventure guide, activity booklet, and tripod
Best use: Astronomy
Description: For the beginner astronomer, the Lunar Telescope is easy to use. With the included aluminum tripod, you can set up the device in minutes. This is a great model to introduce your child to the galaxy.
With the tripods horizontal and vertical adjustment they will be exploring the moon and start in no time. The tripod gives a stable platform for the best viewing and with the two included eyepieces made with a high-quality glass they can get an 18x wide-view and 19x zoomed in view.
View the galaxy in detail especially the moon and see the craters close up. Further, your child will receive an adventure guide with interesting facts about space. With the activity booklet, they can learn many things with the included puzzles and activities.
PROS:
Wonderful hobby with this telescope
Inexpensive
Decent lens
The eyepieces are decent
Solid build for a kid’s telescope
Gives a great view of the moon
Simple to use
CONS:
The tripod mount is wobbly and it does not track smooth
Specific features: 2x barlow lens, 1.5x erecting eyepiece, two eyepieces included, tripod
Best use: Astronomy and land viewing
Description: Are you looking for one of the top youth telescopes? Look no further, as the Twinstar Compact has easy-to-use instructions from popping open the included tripod to screwing on the device attaching the finder scope inserting the eyepiece and look.
The tripod has a lightweight construction and offers both 15x and 50x magnification, so you can see the brightly lit sky right to the moon.
Get the lunar map for your child and help them to identify the different star clusters. Included with your purchase you receive the refractor telescope, a 6mm & 20mm eyepieces and the tripod.
PROS:
Great for beginners
Lenses are clear
Easy to assemble
Includes the tripod and two eyepieces
Versatile to use for land and sky viewing
Great customer service
CONS:
Comes with no instructions but the customer service is exceptional
Related: As your child starts exploring the universe with their new telescope, they need to know the facts. With the Ultimate Factivity Collection Space, your child can learn everything that they need to know.
Specific features: Twinstar telescope map of the moon, RedShift 8 computer software, two eyepieces, tripod
Best use: Astronomy and bird watching
Description: The Twinstar AstroMark is perfect for any child interested in astronomy. The refractor telescope has an achromatic 50 mm objective lens with a focal length of 600mm. Your child will enjoy viewing the moon and stars through the 30x and 48x magnification eyepieces.
Mount the device on the altazimuth mount on the included tripod for stabilizing the telescope to view everything clear and still. Twinstar has included a map of the moon, RedShift 8 computer software, and 12 extra glow-in-the-dark star stickers.
Further, you can find a systematic color assembly guide online. The tripod you can adjust to different heights and lightweight for children to handle.
PROS:
Perfect gift
Suitable for aged six and up
Easy to understand
Easy to setup
Includes cool extras
Great for fun for the whole family
CONS:
The moon is visible and clear while further objects are on the dim side
Specific features: Focal length, 3x barlow lens, metal table top tripod
Best use: Astronomy and bird watching
Description: Celestron is one of the manufacturers that are very popular in the optics world. You can now buy the Celestron 50tt for your child to do animals watching and stargazing without the need of an extra pair of binoculars. The glass coated for clear image views and has an objective of 50mm.
Further, your child can bring the moon and other objects closer with the 30x and 63x magnifications. Included you received an altazimuth mount to use on the tripod for a stabilized view. The image you can erect diagonal to get it correctly oriented.
Pack the telescope in the custom backpack for ease of storage and travel. The telescopes outfitted with 3X Barlow lens and the total weight of the device 1 lbs.
PROS:
Includes a two-year warranty
Has a case included to keep the telescope stored
Suitable to use for star gazing and bird watching
Fun for the whole family
CONS:
Feels more like a toy
Related: With the Everything Kids’ Astronomy Book, your child can blast into outer space with all the activities included in this book.
Specific features: Achromatic refractor design, focal length 600 mm, red dot viewfinder
Best use: Astronomy, mountain viewing, bird watching
Description: To explore both celestial and terrestrial viewing the National Geographic Series Telescope is perfect for the entire family to use. The refractor telescope has a focal length of 600 mm with a red dot viewfinder. Your kids’ can explore both land and sky with this telescope and it has a 50 mm front lens with magnification 30x and 48x.
The aperture is two-inches and makes it easy for children to explore the galaxy. Included they receive two PLOSSL eyepieces for crisp image viewing.
Extras are the tripod to attach the telescope for stability with adjustment to move it up, down and sideways. Further, they receive included a star map and astronomy software for them to use learning everything they need to know about the galaxy.
PROS:
Affordable
Will get your kid interested in the micro and macro world
Decent build quality
Easy to use
CONS:
Feels more like a toy
Related: If your child has recently started with stargazing, buy them the 50 Things To See With a Small Telescope paperback book. This will help them see different objects while gazing through their telescope.
Specific features: Tripod, adjustable focus length, focus length up to 170 mm
Best use: Indoor and outdoor use
Description: For the beginner child in need of one of the best telescopes, the X-Shop Kid’s Telescope is perfect to use. Included with the telescope your child receives three magnification eyepieces the 20x, 30x and 40x. Kids can explore nature and space with this refractor telescope.
With the objective diameter of 60 mm, they can view objects in the sky and watch animals outdoors from afar. The telescope has a focus adjuster with a focal length of 170 mm. Included with your purchase you get the telescope, a tripod, lens cover, eyepiece cover, three eyepieces, drawtube, reflector, and compass.
PROS:
A great starter telescope as it is made of plastic
Specific features: Two eyepieces (K6 mm & K25 mm), 1.5x erecting eyepiece, finder scope 5 x 24, focal length 400 mm
Best Use: Planetary and lunar viewing
Description: For an entry-level finder scope, the Astronomical Refractor AW 70mm is suitable for observing outer space bodies. Included with your purchase you receive two eyepieces the K6mm and K25 mm. The telescope has a 1.5X erecting eye and you get a tripod with a maximum height of 50-inches.
Further, the device has a 400mm focal length with a 70mm objective lens and a finder scope with 5x24mm objective view. The eyepiece diameter is 1.25-inches and has a diagonal 45° view. When buying the Astronomical AW telescope you get the main tube, a finder scope, two eyepieces, aiming platform, tripod, and user manual.
PROS:
Easy to assemble
Great for short-distance spotting
Works well with long-distance viewing
Great stargazing observation
Affordable
CONS:
People found it difficult to focus
Related: Your child may need extra help when using their telescope for the first time. Help them with the book on 50 Things To See With a Small Telescope to help them spot different planets in the galaxy.
Specific features: Tripod, two eyepieces, two image erector eyepieces, a two-element achromatic lens
Best use: Explore animals and craters on the moon
Description: For a durable and lightweight kids telescope nothing compares to the GeoSafari Vega model. This refractor is perfect for on the go exploring outdoors. Your children can view anything from animals to the moon. Included with the device you get different magnifications ranging from 18x, 36x, 40x and 80x.
Further, you get a 50 mm objective lens with two by eyepieces, a two-element achromatic lens, and two by image erector eyepieces. To keep the telescope stable there is a tripod included with a dew shield and dust cap. Another standout is it supports STEM learning and has a sleek design.
PROS:
Easy to put together
Affordable
Includes great extra accessories
Can see the craters on the moon clear
CONS:
The design of the telescope can be a bit sturdier
Related: With the Everything Kids’ Astronomy Book, your child can explore outer space with all the activities included in this book.
Specific features: Tripod, two by eyepieces, 15x, and 50x magnifications
Best use: Bird watching, outdoor observation, stargazing
Description: Another great telescope is the TwinStar AstroVenture with a magnification of 15x and 50x. This is an easy model for any child to use. It is so easy there are no instructions included.
All you need to do is place the telescope on the tripod attaches the finder scope and inserts one of the two eyepieces. For securing, the telescope to the tripod there is an Altazimuth mount included. Further, you receive the 6 mm and 20 mm eyepiece with your purchase.
PROS:
Great value
Clear image
Includes great accessories
Perfect for stargazing
CONS:
No instruction on how to use the telescope
Related: If your child has recently started with stargazing, buy them the 50 Things To See With a Small Telescope paperback book. This will help them see different objects while gazing through their telescope.
Any of the telescopes reviewed here can give your child a great opportunity to grow with the device. The telescopes are suitable for aged six years and older. They are great entertainment devices for the whole family to enjoy as the best models allow you to use them land to outer space observation.
Each one made to suit your kid’s needs and come highly recommended by different buyers. We hope that you can find a suitable one for child delivering them the wonders of the galaxy right into their teenage years.
Next, we’d like to hear from you. Have you or your kids used any of these? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below.
