The best binoculars for kids in 2023 of all ages from toddlers to teenagers

Feed that child's natural curiosity with a pair of the best binoculars for kids of all ages that you can buy

Best to begin them young, runs the age-old (but true) advice. And, with a host of devices dedicated to child use, this very much also applies to binoculars.

These visual devices can be simultaneously educational and fun, encouraging an interest in science, nature and sports, and both stimulating little brains and staving off boredom during family hiking trips or when traveling. For this reason, binoculars can make great gifts for kids, and there are specific models available for specific ages – from toddlers to teenagers, and beyond.

Age aside, just as when choosing binoculars for ourselves as adults, we’ll need to ask if there are particular pursuits we are buying these kids’ binoculars for. Stargazing, sports, bird and wildlife watching are engaging subjects whatever our age, and there are models that better fulfill these requirements than others. Or are we simply looking for an inexpensive everyday pair for free-time fun, that won’t break little hearts, or our wallets, if they inadvertently get trashed?Whatever the age of the child, the key features to look out for when it comes to binoculars still apply. As most of us will know, binoculars are classified by their magnification, followed by their (objective) lens size. For example: 8x21. If we’re seeking general-purpose binos, which most kids’ binos are, then up to an 8x or 10x magnification is fine. With a higher magnification, any handshake will be amplified and can make for a shaky image – unless there is the ability to mount them onto a tripod. But that’s not something younger kids are typically going to be doing without help from mum or dad.

As for lens size, obviously bigger is better in terms of letting light in to provide a clearer image. However, portability is also a concern here, given the age of our potential user – and compact and lightweight binoculars usually means smaller lenses – so it’s always a trade-off. It stands to reason that because most children will be using their binoculars in daylight, unless of course stargazing is the intended aim, then having a bigger lens isn’t crucial.

Alongside the above features we’ll also need to consider budget, of course; more likely than not, binoculars for kids are going to be a gift from a parent or relative.

With all of the above in mind, we’ve put together ten recommendations of the best kids’ binoculars. These will help you choose binoculars that will best suit your child’s age, interests and requirements.

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OK, so while its 2x magnification is modest, this eye-catchingly multi-coloured starter pair of binoculars has a safety goggle-like design that is waterproof and rubber-gripped shockproof with it. Add in focus-free eyepieces, and this combination of features suggests it as a perfect tool for learning and fun for toddler-age children, who want to get out into the great outdoors and explore nature, whatever the weather. Bird watching and role-play are other possible uses for this plastic-constructed pair.

This example is very affordably priced too, making it an ideal gift. Despite the so-so magnification, the objective lens size is a bright and eye-popping at 50mm. While there are no moving parts, adult supervision is always recommended at this age. We’re also applying bonus points for coming up with the term ‘kidnoculars’.

Note that the same manufacturer also sells the more-expensive Geosafari Jr Kidnoculars Extreme, which offer a 3x magnification, aimed at children aged 5 and up.

National Geographic is a brand associated with science, nature and knowledge, so the automatic implication is that this binocular is no mere plaything. While a 6x magnification married to a modest 21mm lens size isn’t quite enough to get our blood pumping, it’s well suited to preventing image judder and this combination at least ensures a lightweight (at 184g) and portable device for smaller hands.

The construction by Bresser Optics, who also offers its own very similar-looking alternative, includes BK-7 prisms on the inside and a rubber surface on the outside. In combination these ensure usability while a bag, strap and manual come provided as standard. A fairly wide field of view of 116 metres at 1000 metres means that eager eyes should be able to locate subjects of interest from afar, while again the asking price suggests this one has the potential to be gifted to a child by a well-meaning relative.

The natural world is endlessly fascinating whether we’re 5 or 50 years old. Pitched at the lower end of that age spectrum is this pocket friendly fun binocular, available in blue, green or purple ‘flavours’. Rubber-coated to both enhance the grip of small hands and prevent damage from accidental drops, an 8x magnification is decent for such a starter pair, even if a 21mm objective lens is pretty modest. Though this particular brand is new to us, just like on adult binoculars we get a focus wheel and dioptre adjustment.

A compass and magnifying glass come bundled too, suggesting it’s all about exploring nature and taking a walk on the wild side. The provided magnification also suggests it as a decent option for watching sports or birds. An adjustable central hinge keeps this option portable, as well as allowing for more precise alignment with the user’s own eyes. Slightly better than just a mere toy.

While the binoculars included as part of this kid friendly set might offer a fairly modest 4x30 specification, we also get a flashlight, magnifier, battery-operated fan, a 5-in-1 tool and a case to store everything in. So on the face of it this one looks like fair value for money, with plenty of scope to keep a young mind occupied.

The flashlight here even recharges itself each time the handle is cranked, while the binocular features a shockproof rubber surround, rubber eye protection and neck strap. Any budding David Attenborough can swap this for the magnifying glass if it’s not birds but rather mini beasts they wish to observe. All-in-all, the accent here is on providing a fun package to bring joy at a near pocket money price. Again this makes it a perfect gift option for a younger child.

Our expert review:

Compact, lightweight and waterproof, it’s easy to see why those with a larger budget – and anyone seeking a binocular that all the family can use, including Mum and Dad – might consider investing in the Opticron Savanna WP 6x30 porro prism type binocular. Keeping things compact and suitable for children despite its serious all-black livery is that 6x magnification married to a 30mm objective lens.

Attendant features for this proposition include waterproofing and the fact that it’s nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging. Focus is adjusted via a large, ridged and centrally located knob. If little hands leave mucky fingerprints, rest assured we can rinse this product clean with water. The distance between the eyecups can also be adjusted, further making it suitable for both kids and adults.

In conclusion, just like a new pair of school shoes, this is a binocular that slightly older children can grow into, rather than grow out of. So any additional spend over toy-like alternatives may well be worth it in the longer term.

See our full Opticron Savanna WP 6x30 review

Our expert review:

Offering a premium build, portability and a decent performance at a fair price, this rubber armored, nitrogen filled and waterproof product is perfect for young observers ready to make the step up to their first ‘proper’ pair of binoculars for bird watching in the wet and the wild, among other things.

Offering a decent 8x magnification power, class-leading Bak-4 prisms have been used in the construction, while twist-up eyecups provide comfort and safety combined. Sharp results are promised at shorter distances too, with a 6.6ft close focus provided. A neck strap, compact carrying case and lens cloth should help further extend the lifespan of this product. If you’re after a general use pair of binoculars not just for the older kids but all the family, then you’ll find much in the Celestron Nature 8x42’s favor.

See our full Celestron Nature DX 8x42 review

A useful 7x magnification married to an even more impressive 50mm objective lens is the lure here for older children seeking a step up from basic starter binoculars, or perhaps something better equipped for low-light observation, including stargazing. Very reasonably priced given the overall specification, this durable aluminium construction porro prism device with rubberized grips is both lightweight and water resistant. An optional tripod adapter is available for those who want to spend even longer gazing at the heavens.

Water resistant but not fully waterproof, optics here have also been multi coated to increase light transmission while a wide field of view helps to reveal a larger portion of the night sky. Well-made and sturdy, teenagers who usually have their heads in the clouds will instead benefit from sufficient magnification to be able to spot the tail of a comet. Now that’s an education worth the aptly named Celestron Cometron’s entry price.

Weighing less than the average pocket-sized water bottle, these binos are capable of delivering the visual goods despite their small size. With the ‘WP’ suffix unsurprisingly indicating that this product is waterproof, nitrogen-filled housing further ensures that it is fogproof and, it’s claimed, dirt-proof with it. Any grime can simply be rinsed off.

Welcome features here include class-leading BaK-4 porro prisms utilised in the construction, and while the entire binocular will comfortably fit in the palm of an adult hand, it feels reassuringly solid despite the diminutive nature. The exterior has a nicely tactile, velvety feel rubber coating to aid grip and ensure a steady hold at maximum magnification. Operation is not too stiff or too loose either and there’s a dioptric control ring via which to further fine-tune focus. With sharpness visibly maintained into the corners, this device delivers a bigger performance than its size and price suggests.

Nikon is world renowned for optical excellence so we’re expecting big things of this admittedly very small and compact binocular that manages to look both traditional and simultaneously futuristic. While suited to small hands overall, a large and obvious focus ring provides ease of use and smooth operation. A lightweight single hinged design provides further flexibility in that it allows for the inter-pupillary distance between the eyepieces to be adjusted.

Also adjustable for comfort are turn and slide rubber eyecups. Multi coated lenses help maximize light transmission despite the relatively modest 21mm objective lens size, while otherwise the 8x magnification power provided is pretty good for the size of the product, or lack of. So if you’re looking for a good quality small binocular for a slightly older child that offers good value with it, the Nikon Aculon T01 10x21 is it.

See our Nikon Aculon T02 10x21 review

Our expert review:

Kids both big and small will be thrilled to use the Nikon Sportstar Zoom 8-24x25. As the name suggests this differs from fixed magnification binoculars in featuring a 25mm objective lens wedded to a 3x zoom, allowing for greater flexibility when watching sports. For example, using the same device we can be looking at the entire pitch one minute and zooming in on a particular player the next.

Magnification is adjusted via a centrally located zoom lever, just in front of the eyepieces, so we literally don’t need to take our eyes off the ball. The device is relatively compact too and manageably lightweight, with multi-coated lenses and prisms maximizing light transmission and boosting clarity of vision. The only downside is that these zoom binoculars cost a bit more than a basic 8x21 pair, but being able to follow play from afar and get close in on the detail of any wildlife or sporting activity could well be worth it for budding sports professionals or nature lovers of the future.

See also our guides to the best cameras for kids, the best telescopes for kids, and the best drones for kids

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Gavin has over 30 year experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography.

He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and Rough Guide books.

With his wealth of knowledge he is well placed to recognise great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters, cameras straps and more.