One of the best travel gear you can get for your kids is a pair of binoculars. The best kids binoculars can make their trip even more fun and increase their curiosity to explore. They can watch birds or observe nature surrounding them, learning and having fun at the same time.
That all said, buying binoculars for children is a little different than buying them for yourself. It’s essentially a toy for them, so there’s always a chance of it getting lost or broken. Nevertheless, you should buy something quality, so it serves its purpose like bird watching for kids.
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Types of Binoculars for Kids
Let’s quickly talk about the best type of binoculars for kids:
Bird Watching Binoculars: Also sometimes called safari binoculars, these are designed for bird and animal watching. These typically feature quality lenses with higher magnification power to see distant, both moving and stationary, objects clearly. Lenses are just as important when choosing binoculars as choosing a camera lens.
Waterproof Binoculars: As the name suggests, these binoculars for kids can resist water, so they can be used when it’s pouring.
Shockproof Binoculars: Shockproof binoculars are basically sturdy tactical binoculars that can resist impact on fall. These are the most durable, able to take a hard beating that is sometimes inevitable with these in kids’ hands.
Toy Binoculars: These are the smallest binoculars suitable for children under five. These come in vibrant colours that excite children. They may not have the most powerful lenses as they are mostly for playtime.
Best Kids Binoculars Comparison Chart
[table id=32 /]Best Kids Binoculars for Travel Comparison Guide
Looking for kids binoculars the UK? Here’s the list of ten best binoculars for kids covering different types and needs:
1. DMbaby Shockproof Binoculars – Best Binoculars Overall
The DMbaby Shockproof binoculars are the best kids travel binoculars. These combine a comfortable and easy to use design with sturdy materials. The lenses are surrounded by rubber that not only protects the lenses but will also be comfy on your child’s face.
This one-piece design is compact and easy to hold, thanks to the ergonomic rubber grips. And these come in many exciting colours for both boys and girls.
The view range is pretty impressive at 1000 meters (1 km). That can come in handy when you’re travelling and visiting islands with mountains and valleys. Plus, it’s easy to focus and adjust.
The lenses feature FMC green coating, which basically means the lenses reduce optical reflection, resulting in a clearer image.
Pros
- Soft rubber covered lenses
- Strong, non-slip grip
- Waterproof and shockproof design
- Easy to use the focus wheel
Cons
- Very simple looking for a kid
2. Learning Resources GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars – Best Binoculars for Safari
These GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are the best budget binoculars for safari. Designed specifically for children, these boast a friendly and comfy design. The grooved eye guards cover the eyes completely, so they can see clearly into the lens without the lenses touching their eyes.
Although the magnification is only 2x, it’s not as blurry as on some of the cheap binoculars. These also have relatively bigger eyepieces as compared with other kids binoculars. The breakaway neck strap makes it easy to detach these.
If you’re going on a safari trip, these are an ideal choice for kids from ages 3 to 7. They will be able to watch animals on the safari and enjoy the views with the adults.
Pros
- Comfortable eye guard
- Colourful design
- Clear, non-blurry view
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- No Focus
3. Scotamalone Binoculars – Best ‘My First Binoculars’
The Scotamalone Binoculars for kids are compact bird watching binoculars with a 30 mm lens and 4x magnification. These come with a travel-friendly bag that keeps them secure in your kid’s backpack when travelling.
As an adjustable pair of binoculars, this particular model has a wide age range, suitable for kids as young as three and as old as 12 years old. The eyecups are soft, whilst the braided rope can be used to hang them securely.
These best value binoculars are made of solid materials but don’t cost a lot either, making them the perfect first binoculars for your kid.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Easy to use focus wheel
- Good for playtime and bird watching
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Simple Design
4. Learning Resources Primary Science Binoculars – Best Junior Binoculars
For those looking for binocular for kids over five years old, these Primary Science binoculars by Learning Resources are a great pick. With 6x magnification, your kid can watch birds, animals, buildings, and the sky.
These are made of plastic in vibrant colours. Keep in mind that these are not shockproof, so they can get damaged if handled roughly. This is why they are more appropriate for kids who are a bit more careful with their toys and gadgets.
The focus wheel is ergonomic, so they can easily rotate it. Plus, the eyecups are quite soft.
Pros
- Colourful design
- Wide view field
- Easy to focus
- Breakaway lanyard
Cons
- Not very sturdy
- Magnification is blurry
5. Little Experimenter Toy Binoculars – Best Binoculars for Toddlers
The Little Experimenter Toy Binoculars are the recommended compact binoculars for toddlers who just want to have fun on the trip. With their child-friendly design and bright colours, these binoculars will keep them occupied.
While these offer a decent 2x magnification, these are more suitable for playing with than bird watching, for example, pretending to be an explorer or a spy. And these also feature a built-in flashlight for which there are batteries included. Therefore, your kid can play with these even at night time.
The best part is the big, flexible eye guard that protects their eyes. The neck strap has a safety clasp as well.
Pros
- Flashlight for night
- Fun-looking
- Secure neck strap
- Soft eyepiece/guard
Cons
- No focus
- Not waterproof
6. Smart Little Bee Kids Binoculars – Best Binoculars for a 10 Year Old
For 10 years old, you would want something high-quality that works well too. These Smart Little Bee Kids Binoculars are a great option for older kids, as they feature high-resolution lenses. The magnification is a whopping 8x, which makes it suitable for bird watching as well.
In addition to being compact, these have an adjustable eye-piece distance. More importantly, this is a shockproof binoculars pair, which means they may withstand drops.
This is a complete kit that comes with a neckstrap, cleaning cloth, manual, and carry case with belt. The eye-relief of 10 mm is just enough to prevent direct contact with their eyes.
Pros
- Durable body
- High-resolution lenses
- High magnification rate
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- A little pricey
7. Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Binoculars – Best Binoculars for a 3 Year Old
The Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Binoculars for toddlers have an adorable design based on the Giddy Buggy character. These toy binoculars are adjustable, so they can continue to play with them as they grow up.
As a toy with lenses to view things up close, these will be an exciting addition to your 3-year-old’s toy collection. When you’re travelling, these will keep them busy when you’re out exploring. And they won’t ask for your adult binoculars!
Pros
- Colourful design
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Neck cord with safety
Cons
- No high resolution/magnification
8. Aurosports Kids Binoculars – Best Kids Binoculars for Bird Watching
The Aurosports Kids Binoculars are the best bird watching binoculars UK with a few advanced features. With these, there’s no need to manually focus on objects as they feature the autofocus technology. Thanks to the high-resolution lenses, the image is clear, especially in daylight.
With its 1000 m view field, kids can discover birds and animals sitting on trees afar. Similarly, the magnification is also pretty impressive, coming in at 8x. These high-quality binoculars have three lenses.
Aside from great optics, the rubber body is impact-resistant. Also, the sides feature a textured surface that makes for a strong grip.
Pros
- Three lenses inside
- Shockproof rubber body
- High magnification
- Autofocus
Cons
- A little pricey
- Better for older kids
9. INOCHEER Binoculars for Kids – Best Compact Binoculars
These INOCHEER Binoculars are the best compact binoculars for the money, available in different colours. The 8x magnification makes it a good choice for bird watching as well when travelling.
These best pocket binoculars are adjustable and can easily fit in your child’s pocket or bag. The eyepieces are rubberized, so they are soft on their delicate eyes. These waterproof compact binoculars are ideal for outdoor activities in rough conditions. Since they feature a non-slip surface, the chances of slipping are lower.
Pros
- Compact, travel-friendly size
- Storage case
- Non-slip
- Waterproof
Cons
- Higher magnification is a bit blurry
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10. GoSee Kids Binoculars – Best Budget Binoculars
Are you looking for cheap boys binoculars or cheap girls binoculars? The GoSee Kids Binoculars have 30 mm diameter lenses that are ideal for playing pretend explorer or even a real-life one. It also comes with a cleaning cloth and a carrying case.
The eyepieces are adjustable, so these can last for a few years as your child grows up. Whilst these are not waterproof, they are water-resistant to some extent and can be wiped with a damp cloth.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Carrying case
- Non-slip grip
Cons
- No high-quality magnification
- Not waterproof
What to Look for When Buying Kids Binoculars?
Binoculars for kids are not as feature-rich as tactical binoculars for adults. However, there is quite some variety and a wide price range. As a parent looking for the best deals on binoculars for your child, here’s what you should consider:
Age
First thing’s first, make sure the binoculars you choose are appropriate for your child’s age. For instance, toddler binoculars will not excite a 10-year-old child. Kids above 8 years would like something a bit more sophisticated with more features like a higher magnification or a flashlight.
Similarly, you shouldn’t go for too heavy or bulky binoculars. These will not only be uncomfortable to hold for your kid but also won’t fit in their backpack.
Therefore, make sure to buy kids binoculars that are suitable for their age.
Lenses and Magnification
Just like a cycling camera, a good lens diameter is needed. Lens diameter of 30 mm or less is good. They should also ideally have a wide view field.
As for magnification, a very high level of magnification is not necessary. That’s because high magnification lenses usually distort the images, so your child won’t be able to observe things clearly.
Durability
A pair of durable binoculars will easily withstand all the knocks, bumps, and accidental drops. As a parent, you would know how often kids drop things, so durability is important. You don’t want the binoculars to break so easily before the trip has even started.
There should be a strap to hang the binoculars around the neck. This will also prevent drops, and it will be easier for your child to wear them instead of holding them in their hands all the time.
Price
Price is an important consideration, and it should simply depend on your budget. Your budget, in turn, depends on the age and interest of your child.
If you have an older kid with a keen interest in bird watching, it may make sense to get something a bit pricey. However, for a toddler who just wants one for fun, cheap binoculars under £12 should do just fine.
