The best binoculars for kids allow them to view the wonders of nature with great detail. Affordable children’s binoculars also guarantee you that you’ll be keeping your expensive set of binos to yourself throughout the expedition.
But wait…
If you own one of these discovery tools, then you know that buying the best binoculars for the money can be extremely tricky, right? For an adult’s set, there are a few things to balance including specs, weight, cost, and purpose.
But does this also apply when buying the best binoculars for kids 2018? Again, with the huge amount of children’s optics out there, how do you choose the best?
Not to worry. Our best binoculars for kids buying guide below aims at putting you in the right direction. We also have a few sets that might help in narrowing your search.
Read on!
Best Binoculars for Kids Reviews
1. Kidwinz 8×21 Kids Binoculars Set
If we are to base it on previous parents’ responses, the Kidwinz could easily edge out the competition in most lists of the best binoculars for kids.
These bins are specially designed to be a part of your kid’s adventures from the tender age of 3 years. But what’s good is that your young scientists could use them for years till they are around 12.
They are durable
For durability, the Kidwinz binoculars have a sturdy rubber-coating that absorbs shock from frequent drops and falls. The lenses also have guard bumpers to protect them from scratches and breakages. Mind you, not all kids’ binoculars offer this.
Ease of handling and using
Like other parents, you might also like how easy it will be for your children to use the Kidwinz. These optics measure 4.9 x 4.2 x 2.3 inches and weigh around 8 ounces.
These dimensions mean that the user will be able to hold them close to the eyes easily throughout the adventure.
The barrels are of a decent size too for this age group’s hands. This means that there won’t be difficulties holding it and turning the focus dial.
What about performance?
The Kidwinz performs pretty well on this front as well. First, its 8x magnification means that your kids won’t be straining to get the objects in focus.
Its aperture size (21mm) also means that the bins aren’t overly bulky yet enough light gets in.
Another feature that ranks it highly in this list of the best binoculars for kids is its considerable focus of view. Its 366ft/1000 yards FoV makes it one of the best binoculars for stargazing, theatres, hunting, learning, and travel.
Pros
- Rubber-coating absorbs shock from falls
- Guard bumpers protect lenses from breaking
- Rubber-surrounded eyepieces protects your kid’s eyes and face from scratches
- Twist-to-match eyecup system fits different kids
Cons
- Neck strap is not break-away style
2. Suprbird Kids Binoculars (8×21)
The Suprbird might be the best binoculars for kids who love birding. Admittedly, these oculars won’t beat the Kidwinz above in terms of enduring abuse.
However, the Suprbird also has an appreciable construction design and will withstand lots of outdoor adventures with a little care.
Similar to the Kidwinz above, these binoculars also have a twist-to-match system. This means that it can fit several kids with varying eye-to-eye distance.
Made for the woods
Do your kids love heading out for night missions and hiding in the bushes in camo suits? Well, I guess these binoculars’ army green color will help in completing their camouflage look and conceal them better.
Its color also means that your kids will observe birds and animals without startling them. Moreover, this army green design makes it one of the best kids’ binoculars for gifting.
Easily portable
If size comes first when choosing the best binoculars for kids, then you might favor the Suprbird over the Kidwinz. The Suprbird folds to 3.5*2.4*1.4 inches and might not consume a lot of space in your travel bags.
Pros
- Folds to a compact size for traveling
- Has BAK7 focus prisms for clarity
- Has excellent magnification abilities
- Easy eye-to-eye settings
- Eyecups have rubber cover to prevent bumps, scratches, and injuries
Cons
- Might not withstand regular abuse
3. Bespin Kids Binoculars (8×21)
For kids who want to experience nature in its amazingly natural colors, the Bespin might fit the deal. These binoculars compete favorably with the Kidwinz in terms of durability.
In fact, most parents are of the opinion that the Bespin beats every other model from a durability point of view.
Let’s dig a little bit deeper
Bespin Kids binoculars flaunt a sturdy aluminum frame beneath its ultra-tough rubber housing. In case this sounds simple to you, what would you say of models that are made entirely from plastics?
This aluminum frame not only eliminates that toy-ish feeling that most children’s binoculars have, but it also contributes to its durability hugely.
The ultra-tough rubber exterior makes it super shockproof even for the bumpiest adventures.
Can’t slip Won’t Slip
Another feature that makes the Bespin the best binoculars for kids is its friendly ergonomic design. This feature means that the user won’t be straining to maintain the ocular equipment at eye level.
The rubber coating also has nice grooves that make it quite hard for the binoculars to slip off their hands. This set also comes with a 25-inch neck strap for hands-free carrying.
A wider Field of View
The Bespin Kids Binoculars is pretty much the same to the Kidwinz and the Surpbird above regarding specs. It has 8x magnification power and 21mm objective lens diameter.
However, it beats our first 2 contenders with its 384ft Field of View.
What this means is that the Bespin might be the best binoculars for kids for bird-watching, safaris, and learning.
Does your kid put on glasses? No Problem!
Worth noting is that these binoculars also accommodate kids that use prescription glasses. Its eyecups have a protective rubber extension that protects the kid from bumps and scratches.
But the good news is that this rubber folds outwards to allow the kids to use with eye glasses too.
Pros
- Aluminum frame for excellent shockproof abilities
- Rubber eyecups folds outwards for use with eye glasses
- Suits a wide age group (3-12 years)
- BAK4 prisms offer crisp images
Cons
- There are reports that the lenses come off easily
4. GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars by Educational Insights
Pressure is piling up on the need for educational centers to embrace STEM. As such, getting an education-based set of binoculars for your toddler might be a good idea.
GeoSafari Kidnoculars is one of the best binoculars for kids in this arena.
Who is it best for?
At a glance, anyone will tell that the GeoSafari Kidnoculars are designed with the kids in mind. Its playful color scheme, for instance, means that your kids will fall in love with them almost immediately.
They are ideal for toddlers from the age of 3 years. However, their sturdy construction design suggests that your kids could use them until they hit 5.
The Kidnoculars have soft rubber shells on both ends. These flaps not only protect the lenses from damage. They also protect your kids from injury in case they bump into something.
Here is the best part
No moving parts
Perhaps the most appealing aspect about the GeoSafari Kidnoculars is that it does not require any tweaking to function. This gadget has no focus dial or zoomable lenses.
It features extra-large, easy focus eyepieces that allow up-close viewing with 2x magnification.
Most parents praise the Kidnoculars since it does not bring about lots of frustrations as other units do. It also offers your toddlers the much-needed confidence since they can use it without much help.
Pros
- Soft flaps protect your kid from injuries
- Easy to use- no focus-dial
- Foolproof design enhances confidence
- Kid-friendly, soft colors
- Affordable and durable
- Has a breakaway strap
Cons
- Not really a binocular
- Kids might outgrow them fast
5. BlueCabi Children Binoculars (6×21)
The BlueCabi Children Binoculars costs double the GeoSafari Kidnoculars above. But that’s probably because it feels and looks more real. It’s also versatile.
The BlueCabi has a 6x magnification power. This is way higher than compared to Kidnocular’s 2x magnification.
This makes it ideal for a range of indoor and outdoor activities where the GeoSafari won’t be of help. Your kid will love to go bird and animal watching, hiking, and learning with these.
3 colors available
Not all manufacturers offer varieties in terms of color. And as you probably know, colors have a massive contribution towards the development of kids.
For that reason, BlueCabi avails this unit in 3 appealing colors blue, red, and purple.
This means that there’s something for you whether you are gifting a boy a child.
Offers one-hand operations
We do like these binoculars’ lightweight design. At 8.8 ounces, it’s very likely that your kids will feel confident holding them in their hands.
They also have sizable barrels with numerous grooves to prevent them binoculars from slipping through. The focus knob is also close to allow easy operations.
What’s more?
We also like that similar to other models in this list of the best binoculars for kids, the 2 pairs of lenses on the BlueCabi also have sturdy rubber cups to protect them from damage.
This means that your kids won’t lose their binos to mere drops and bumps.
Is it waterproof?
Not really. The BlueCabi might not withstand heavy downpours. However, light showers won’t stand in its way. On the same note, the package comes with a nylon carry bag for easy carrying in any weather.
Pros
- Available in 3 cool colors
- Grooves on the barrel offer non-slip handling
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying and using
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Rubber-coating withstands careless usage
Cons
- Might not fit big kids (13+)
6. SVBONY Kids Binoculars Set (8×21)
The SvBony is yet another set that won’t easily miss out from any list of best binoculars for kids for 2018. This is a compact set crafted from high-quality ABS plastics and rubber material.
It boasts a sturdy and versatile design and might, therefore, come in handy for a wide array of explorations.
This unit has 8 magnification levels, 21-millimeter aperture, and 366ft/1000 yards Field of View. This means that your kids can now study anything over a quarter mile away with much ease.
On this note, the Svbony has a sturdy and easily accessible centralized focus dial.
Do you want an educational tool?
This set’s excellent magnification abilities make it a great tool for school trips. Its rugged construction also allows your kid to use it with friends at school and in camps and parks.
Lens with multiple layers
It’s worth mentioning that the Svbony uses optical glass lenses rather than the plastic models common with cheap ocular gadgets. The essence here is not only to offer brilliant images but also to protect your kid’s eyes.
Pros
- Has an appealing design (purple, blue, pink, and blue colors available)
- Has a sturdy frame for school trips
- Easy-to-find focus dial
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons
- Glass lenses may break easily
7. Amarey Kids Binoculars (8×21)
Remember the BlueCabi children binoculars that we’ve just reviewed above? Here is another model that looks pretty similar to it in almost all aspects.
Perhaps the only difference is that Bluecabi offers your kid a choice of 3 colors while Amarey comes in only one color; black.
If your kids are OK with that, the Amarey is also another hitter in our recommendations of the best binoculars for kids.
Child-friendly Design
We do like these binocular’s child-friendly craftsmanship. The soft eyepieces, for instance, is a guarantee that these binos won’t be scratching or hurting your young explorer’s face.
The rubber flaps protect them in case they bump into a tree, a wall, or their friends. It also has sizable barrels with a tough rubber coating to absorb all the shock from accidental drops.
Will your kid be traveling a lot?
If your kid will be moving around a lot, the Amarey is designed with that in mind as well. It’s lightweight at 6.2 ounces, and it’s not overly bulky.
Its right eyepiece also has grooves that make carrying on one hand possible.
Specs
- Magnification 8×21
- Bak-4 prism
- 130 yards FoV
Pros
- Child-friendly design
- Sizable barrel with grooves for easy handling
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Non-breakaway strap may cause strangulation. Luckily, you can replace it
8. Dreamline Binoculars For Kids
The bright pink color scheme with these binoculars highly suggests that they are for your girls. Their blue sibling, on the other hand, might look really cool in your boys’ hands.
What you might also like is that even an adult can look through these ocular pieces as well.
30-day money back guarantee?
Are you skeptical about this set’s ability to emanate a thrilling experience for your kids? If so, the 30-day satisfaction guarantee should offer some degree of peace when buying it.
How does it perform?
Similar to other recommendations of the best binoculars for kids, the Dreamline has an 8-level magnification power. It also boasts a 21-millimeter aperture that gathers in just enough light for outdoor explorations and beach holidays.
You might also love its practically waterproof rubber housing. While it won’t allow underwater usage, the Dreamline is safe for use in light showers. Puddles and mere splashes also won’t be an issue.
Pros
- Has crisp images
- Does not look toyish
- Easy-to-manipulate focus knob
- Safe for one-hand carrying and use
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Kids with small hands might not find the knob easily at first
9. ExploreOne Binoculars for kids (6×21)
The ExploreOne is a replica of the Dreamline above regarding design. We like that these glasses offer a lot of value in terms of durability and versatility.
They feature a sturdy construction design with a rubber-armored, shockproof casing.
This make makes these binos ideal for standard use on camps, hikes, bicycle rides, and even in school trips. Notably, the ExploreOne differ from the Dreamline in that it has fewer magnification levels- 6x.
What does this mean?
This lower magnification power makes the ExploreOne a perfect fit for kids who cannot hold their binoculars steadily.
It means that no matter how shaky your kids are, the images won’t be as blurry as a high-power bin could be.
Another advantage here is that the ExploreOne has a wider Field of View. This makes it a more favorable tool for bird-watching and sports since your kids can follow moving objects with ease.
It’s inexpensive
Again, if you are looking for the best binoculars for kids that won’t wreck your account, this one could be it. Despite its low price, the package still comes with a nylon carry bag and a strap for easy portability.
Pros
- Affordable yet powerful
- Easy to use
- Wide FOV for moving objects
Cons
- Comes with a wrist strap, not a neck strap
10. Merytes Binoculars (10×21)
As your champs approach their teen years, they’ll want something with a little bit more realism in it. That’s where the Merytes comes in.
These are among the best binoculars for kids that are 10+ years. Their 10x magnification power is a little bit higher than what other models offer.
This means that your kids will have clearer and sharper images than ever before. However, do know that the high magnification power leads to a reduced field of view at 101m/1000m.
But this is because your kid’s hands are steadier at this age. In my opinion, this is a great tool for kids who are transiting into serious bird watching.
What will you like?
Its compact size
Despite its advanced performance, the Merytes manages to maintain a really compact size at 3.94 x 4.33 x 1.18 inches. Again, this unit weighs around 7.5oz.
Its dimensions plus carrying strap make it a great choice for tourism, sports, and concerts.
Pros
- Great for adults too
- High magnification for preteens
- Compact and lightweight
- IPX3 waterproof for versatility
Cons
- 10x magnification power requires steadier hands
11. Lucky Bums Youth Kids 10×25
For older children who want super-crisp and clear images, these 10x25s might be their best bet. Other than this silver color theme, Lucky Bum also comes in black, Kelly green, and red hues.
What will your kids like?
Other than the bright, crisp images, most kids love these binoculars’ ease of carrying. Their folding design means that your kids will be able to move them around with much ease.
Again, at about 8 ounces, these ocular gadgets won’t be bogging your children down with weight.
It’s water resistant
We all agree that the best binoculars for kids should withstand all child disasters, right? For that reason, the Lucky Bum comes with a water-resistant coating.
This means that there are no limitations on where the kids can have fun.
Pros
- Water-resistant design allows a range of fun activities
- Foldable design for compact carrying
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- High magnification might cause blurriness
12. LiveBetter Mini Binoculars for kids
At a glance, the LiveBetter Mini Binoculars look almost similar to the Merytes. However, the 8 magnification levels render LiveBetter as the best binoculars for kids over the Merytes.
This is mainly because of the lower magnification power that might offer clearer resolutions when watching birds and mobile objects.
Premium design
We can’t deny the fact that the Merytes look good. But the LiveBetter edges them out with their sleek design that makes them ideal for travels.
Speaking of traveling, these binoculars could fold to fit on the palm of your hand. This means that you can slide them into your bags with much ease.
In addition, these bins won’t add much weight to your luggage thanks to their weight, 0.55lbs.
Will they break easily?
Now, these binos don’t have the rugged rubber-armor that the BlueCabi and the GeoSafari has. As such, they might require a little bit more care. But that does not mean that they break down easily.
These binoculars have an all-metal construction that makes them both strong and sturdy. They also have a high-grade rubber cover to protect them from scratches. It also makes them easy to hold.
Pros
- Exquisite design
- Great for kids and adults
- All-metal construction for durability
- Foldable design for travels
Cons
- Might not withstand regular drops
13. Pictek Small Binoculars- cheap binoculars for kids (8×21)
If you are looking for cheap binoculars for kids, the Pictek might be a good bet. Anyone in need of the most compact binoculars is also better off with these. They fold to 9cm x 6cm x 4cm and weigh 7.2 ounces only.
Their size makes them great for your kids’ small hands. Their compact folding design, on the other hand, means that your kids can fit them in their tiny backpacks easily.
Who can use them?
Featuring 8×21 magnification levels, the Pictek might be a great choice for kids between 4 and 12 years. As several parents report, the Pictek might also be a good option for adults who are purchasing bird-watching binoculars for the first time.
Pros
- Pocket-sized for easy carrying
- Affordable yet great quality
- Easy to adjust
- Comes with a neck strap
Cons
- Image has blurs along the edges
14. Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars
The Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars are ideally fit for beginning birders. They resemble adult binoculars and might, therefore, be the best binoculars for kids who are in their teen age.
Although they are not professional-grade, seasoned birders could also have these models as a substitute for their pricier gadgets.
Are they fit for kids?
Sure. Despite their seemingly premium design, the Bushnell binoculars are, in fact, very easy to use. Teenage kids could learn to use them even without prior experience.
Perhaps the best part about them is that they are focus-free.
How will this benefit your kids?
This means that the user gets right into action without lots of tweaking. Importantly, there is an Instafocus lever to fine-tune the performance.
Specs
The Bushnell Falcon features 7×35 magnification power. This is both a pro and a con. First, the 7 magnification levels mean that the images will be less blurry even without a tripod.
Again, the 35mm aperture means that more light will get in which results in brighter and crispier images.
Moreover, these binoculars have an incredibly wide field of view at 420feet/1000 yards. This means that your kids will be able to view even the most elusive objects.
What’s the catch?
The only issue with these binoculars is that they don’t perform so well in low light conditions. However, if your kids won’t be hitting the woods very early in the morning or late evenings, the Bushnell Falcon might be a good choice.
Pros
- Powerful yet very affordable
- Easy focus-free operations
- Very wide field of view (420ft/1000 yards)
- Non-slip grips for safety
Cons
- Requires special care
15. Kowa YF Series Binoculars (8×30)
These Kowa YF Series are yet another great option for your teen kids. They are the most powerful models in these best binoculars for kids reviews.
But the reason why I hesitated to mention them first is their high price tag.
However, if you don’t mind spending a little bit more for a decent gift, this might be the way to go. Given their price, how do they hold up to your kid’s abuse?
Construction design
The Kowa YF Series binoculars have a solid and robust construction design. They feel like they could handle regular bumps during normal usage.
Similar to our other recommendations, these bins also have a rubber armoring that gives them a good grip.
You might also like that the objective lenses are almost 4mm inside the body armor. This offers them lots of protection, especially from accidental falls.
Again, unlike other children’s binos, the Kowa YF uses a metallic bridge to connect the 2 barrels. I like this since it’s far much durable than hard plastic.
Are they easy to use?
Sure! The Kowa YF offers 8x magnification levels. This together with the large objective lenses means that the images will be sharp and stunningly bright.
The best part?
What you might like is that the central focusing wheel is reasonably larger than what other models offer. This 35mm focus dial only requires a ¾-turn to move your view from its minimum focusing distance to infinity.
What does this mean?
This means that your kid will be focusing on objects quickly. This mechanism makes the Kowa YF the best binoculars for kids who love sports, bird-watching, camping, boating.
Pros
- They are waterproof and fog-proof
- Focusing is quick and easy
- Has a wide field of vision
- Ergonomic design and comfortable non-slip grip
Cons
- They are pricey for kids
How to Buy the best binoculars for kids (Buying Guide)
Allow me to be upfront with you here. The best pair of binoculars for children can enhance your kid’s enjoyment of the outdoors hugely.
On the other hand, the worst set can be a total put off for life. So, how do you tell the difference?
Understanding the numbers
Magnification
There a few things that come into play when purchasing the best binoculars for kids. However, industrial benchmarks agree that understanding the numbers is the most important of all.
Similar to an adult’s set, kiddie’s binos also have two numbers, for instance, 7×35. The first figure (7x) is the magnification power. It refers to how close the objects will appear.
High magnification power (up to 12x) sounds appealing for adults but not for kids.
This is because the higher the magnification power, the more steady your hands should be. And as we know, most kids don’t have the steadiest hands.
How does this affect them?
This means that all your kids will see are blurry and shaky images. Consequently, these tools will start boring them after a few attempts.
Tip: For preschoolers to young grade-schoolers, consider going for low-power binoculars of utmost 8x. These models are easier to keep steady and also have a wider field of view (more about this below).
Low-power bins also don’t strain the eye. In addition, they have a larger exit pupil which make it easy to use them in low-light conditions.
The large exit pupil also makes it easy for your kids to align the binoculars to their eyes.
Objective Lens Size (a.k.a Aperture)
The figure following the magnification number refers to the objective lens size or aperture. It indicates the width of the lenses and how much light the lens can collect.
The best binoculars for kids have big objective lenses. This means that the lenses gather more light which results in brighter images.
There’s more. Wider objective lens size also increases the size of the binoculars which is a good thing for your kid.
Field of View (FoV)
This is yet another vital aspect that you need to consider when buying the best binoculars for kids. The FoV refers to the width of the horizontal view through the lenses.
You’ll find it expressed in feet per 1000 yards or meters per 1000 meters respectively.
The higher the number, the wider the horizontal view. For your kids, this means that they will be able to follow moving objects like birds and racing vehicles with ease.
Features and Handling
Weight and size
Binoculars that are extremely compact might be somewhat hard for your kids to use. However, they should also not be so bulky to make handling them steadily tricky.
In addition, they should be lightweight to make holding and focusing easy.
Durability
The best binoculars for kids can be relatively expensive. So, considering how much abuse they are bound to go through, it’s paramount that you go for a set that has been designed with the kid’s behavior in mind.
Ideally, it should have a rubber coating to help it survive regular drops and bumps. Waterproof factor also comes in handy given your champ’s love for puddles.
Conclusion
So, who is the winner in these best binoculars for kids reviews?
In my opinion, the best binoculars for kids highly depend on your child’s age. For small kids (2-4 years), the GeoSafari Kidnoculars might be the best bet. These binoculars are child-friendly in almost every aspect.
For instance, they have a foolproof design and don’t require any tweaking to function. This suggests that your kids might be more confident using them.
For bigger kids (5-12 years), however, the Bluecabi seems more appropriate. Importantly, it’s not as expensive as the Kowa YF, yet meets the threshold of a reliable set of binoculars for kids.
It comes in 3 color schemes that appeal to children, and it’s easy to use. Moreover, previous buyers report that it withstands regular child abuse.