I hope you agree with me when I say:
Astronomy is a great hobby for kids
These young minds harbor enough intellect and curiosity to venture out beyond the horizon of the world they live in.
Be it stargazing or terrestrial tracking, these outdoor skills are assets to these nurturing minds.
However, dealing with telescopes is often a hefty task for both adults and kids. What telescope could reduce this burden while making the task fun (as it should be!)?
Well, we have compiled a list of reviews for the top telescope for kids. With these insights, you can easily navigate yourself to the your kids’ telescope! We have also included a guide on the ‘The right type of telescope for you?’, where we’ve talked about the three types of telescopes and important vocabulary.
Things to consider before buying a telescope for kids:
- Look for telescopes with finderscope: It is a tool (kind of like a mini telescope) that is attached to the top of the telescope to easily target objects. This will make it easier for kids to detect the object and view it accurately. Not only will this engage the kid, but slowly build up their potential.
- Aperture size for a better view: This is how astronomers refer to mirror/lens size. The bigger the size of the aperture, the more light is let in and crisp images are produced. For untrained users, a good aperture is a strong foundation in the astronomical world. These features bring ease and efficiency into the activity.
The best telescope for Kids [2022]
Here are our top picks for the best telescope for your kids.
1) Celestron 21035 Portable Refractor Telescope
- Comes with two lenses (10mm and 20mm)
- Includes diagonal and finderscope
- Starry Night Astronomy software!
Pros | Cons |
✅ Great value | ❌ Tripod isn’t strong enough |
✅ Adjustable tripod | |
✅ Portable and lightweight |
2) Orion 10016 Astro Reflector Telescope
- Compact and Portable
- High quality 6 Inches Aperture
- Already assembled
Pros | Cons |
✅ Comes with Finderscope | ❌ Doesn’t come with a tripod |
✅ Comes with accessories | ❌ Doesn’t work for near-earth objects |
✅ High magnification |
3) Meade Instruments Refractor Telescope
- Red dot viewfinder
- Three power lenses
- Slow motion quality controls
Pros | Cons |
✅ Comes with a planetarium DVD | ❌ Lots of small parts |
✅ Easy to set-up | ❌ Issues with the mount |
✅ 102mm Aperture |
4) SOLOMARK Telescope Travel Scope 70mm
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Includes a smartphone adaptor
- Excels at night and daytime viewing
Pros | Cons |
✅ Adjustable tripod with slow controls | ❌ Shaky tripod |
✅ Portable and lightweight | ❌ Lots of small parts |
✅ Includes two power eyepieces |
5) MaxUSee Kids Telescope 400x40mm
- Comes with 4 eyepieces
- Comes with a moon mirror
- Includes a phone adaptor
Pros | Cons |
✅ Variable magnification | ❌ Smaller aperture |
✅ Barlow Lens | ❌ Vertical range is short |
✅ Inexpensive |
6) Twinstar Kids Refractor Telescope
- Great magnification range
- Easy to set-up
- Comes with Barlow lenses
Pros | Cons |
✅ Affordable | ❌ Need to purchase bundles |
✅ Various packages available | ❌ Issues with finderscope |
✅ Many eyepieces |
7) Celestron Astro Fi 90 Wi-Fi Refractor
- Integrated Wi-Fi
- Sturdy built
- Comes with a dew protector
Pros | Cons |
✅ Diagonal and finderscope | ❌ Wi-Fi issues |
✅ Smartphone adaptor | ❌ Pricey |
✅ Swap eyepieces |
8) Levenhuk Skyline Portable Refractor Telescope
- Portable
- Multi-use
- Lots of accessories
Pros | Cons |
✅ Up to 132x magnification | ❌ Not very powerful |
✅ Easy to use mount | ❌ Can’t show details |
9) Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Talking Telescope
- Great for younger kids
- Quizzes and activities
- Speaks in 4 languages
Pros | Cons |
✅ Great for kid beginners | ❌ Shows NASA’s images |
✅ Great educational tool | ❌ It’s a toy |
Conclusion
We hope these reviews have provided you with enough insight to find your perfect telescope. We highly recommend buying one of these products at the earliest for the top deals!
What is the Right Type of Telescope for You?
There are three kinds of telescopes and they differ slightly in terms of functionality.
Refractor Telescopes
The most popular long tube telescopes can be used for both terrestrial and celestial viewing needs. Not only are these usually affordable but the best beginner telescope for kids. The only con is the permeability for distant objects.
If you need a refractor, read our other article; 11 Top Refractor Telescopes for Beginners [2022].
Reflector Telescopes
These telescopes are only used for viewing objects in the sky, ideal for planet observers due to their clear pictures providing details with their mirrors.
These are often used by professionals but can be used by passionate stargazers.
Compound Telescopes
If you’re looking for a telescope that combines both the features of the reflector and refractor telescope, this is your pick. With the combination of lens and mirrors, this complex telescope will serve.
Notes
We recommend going through these terms to enhance your astronomy vocabulary. You might have noticed these throughout the reviews.
-
Aperture
This is how astronomers refer to mirror/lens size. The bigger the size of the aperture, the more light is let in and crisp images are produced.
-
Magnification
The bigger an image is shown, has units like 10x, 20x, 30x. The greater the magnification, the more you’ll see.
-
Finderscop
It is a tool (kind of like a mini telescope) that is attached to the top of the telescope to easily target objects.
You might want to clear other doubts as well while you’re at it; read on, Astrology Vs Astromony [The REAL Difference]
Ready to go on a stargazing trip with your kid? Get these telescopes for deals on Amazon right now!
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