Three years ago, we booked a cruise to Alaska for our family of 5 with kids ages 4, 6, and 8. My husband and I excitedly researched binoculars for ourselves, expecting to spot whales, eagles, bears, moose, and other animal life.
When our binoculars arrived, our kids immediately wanted to use them to explore the backyard. However, we quickly realized that not only were our binoculars too large for their small faces—they were also quite heavy and cumbersome for their tiny hands.
We knew we needed to purchase kid-sized binoculars so that our children could enjoy the sights of Alaska right along with us. It was one of the best purchases we made for the trip—our children loved being little explorers as we sailed around the Alaskan coast.
What kinds of features are important in binoculars for kids? Here’s a quick list:
- Durability. Kids are tough on everything. You will want binoculars with protection from all the wear and tear they will go through.
- Cost. Most parents don’t want to spend a lot on items for their kids, and you don’t want binoculars to break the bank.
- Image quality. Kids will lose interest if they can’t see well.
- Safety. The eyepieces should be soft and comfortable for your kids.
- Colorful. Kids like things that come in their favorite color. They will be more likely to use binoculars that look exciting.
- Easy to use. Look for something your kids can use without too much help. Otherwise you will spend all your time helping them focus their binoculars.
Whether you are planning an upcoming trip where you will be viewing nature with your kids, or your children love to explore in their own backyard, here are 10 of the best binoculars you can buy. The best part? They are all under $30!
11 Great Children’s Binoculars Under $30
1. Living Squad
Available in five different colors, these binoculars are particularly kid-friendly. In addition to their slip-proof, ergonomic grip for little hands, they are designed with larger eye cups to prevent injury to little eyes. Their anti-friction, shockproof rubber coating absorbs impact when dropped or knocked into things, but a lanyard and carabiner are both included to prevent those kinds of accidents in the first place.
These binoculars allow kids to see things 8 times closer with 8x magnification. At 1,000 yards away, they provide a 366-foot field of view. When they aren’t being used, they can be stored in the included carrying case.
Pros:
- Larger eye cups
- Shockproof
Cons:
- Not water-resistant
Recommended ages: 3 years-12 years
2. Kidwinz Shock Proof 8X21 Kids Binoculars
These are another one of the more expensive pairs on our list, but they are still under $30 and make a great gift for kids of all ages. The 8X magnification allows view up to 1000 yards, and the shockproof coating keeps them protected from drops and accidents. This isn’t quite as good as a telescope, but certainly good for a kids pair of binoculars.
The adjustable, easy-to-focus eyepieces on these binoculars are also rubber-surrounded for safety. Plenty of accessories are included to help kids use their binoculars on any adventure they choose.
You can tell this company really values customer service because they offer a lifetime warranty on these binoculars—something that really sets them apart from some of the other pairs on the list.
Pros:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Shockproof
- High magnification
- Includes accessories
- Easy to focus
Con:
- One of the more expensive options
Recommended ages: 4 years-12 years
3. Let’s Go!
Kids can expect crisp, clear views with these binoculars due to their fully multi-coated green prism optics system, which limits reflection. The eye pieces are also surrounded in soft rubber for a more comfortable viewing experience and extra lens protection if (when) the bionculars are dropped. The body of the binoculars is also protected from falls by its shock-absorbing rubber coating
The lenses of these binoculars are easy to focus, and the eye gap distance is easily adjusted for a comfortable fit. They have a magnification of 8x and a 7.2 degree viewing angle.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Soft rubber surrounding eye pieces
Cons:
- A bit small
- Not good for kids with close-together eyes
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
4. Cobiz 10X25 Outdoor Binoculars for Kids
These binoculars pack a ton of features. The 10x magnification allows kids to spot wildlife up to 1000 yards away, and the multi-coated lens allows for much brighter images.
If your child prefers to use binoculars inside at shows or sporting events, you don’t have to worry—they work well even in dim light thanks to the premium optics.
These binoculars are compact, ergonomically designed, and adjustable to fit kids of almost any age. They are also lightweight so kids can enjoy holding them for hours on end.
Pros:
- Powerful (up to 1000 yards)
- Clear image
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Comes with carrying case
Cons:
- May not fit kids older than 9 or 10
- Can be tricky for younger kids to learn to adjust and focus
Recommended ages: 4 years-9 years
5. Vanstarry Binoculars
For a really good price point, you can get these easy-to-focus binoculars with soft, rubber eyepieces made especially for sensitive little faces. They’re also covered in non-slip, shock-absorbing rubber to keep them safe in case of a fall. The included neck lanyard can withstand up to 5.5 pounds of pressure.
With a 7.2-degree viewing angle, these binoculars also have a fully multi-coated prism optics system that helps control optical reflection for better-quality images. They can be easily adjusted to fit your child’s eye distance gap for greater comfort.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Includes compass
Cons:
- Not good for older kids
- Lesser quality
Recommended ages: 4 years-9 years
6. Thinkpeak Toys Binoculars for Kids
These binoculars are one of the more expensive pairs on our list. However, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck if you choose these. The 30-day money back guarantee and lifetime replacement warranty will ensure that you are happy with your purchase.
First off, these binoculars have one of the strongest magnifications at 8X21. They also feature bak-4 roof prisms for crisper, more colorful images. Their anti-friction, shockproof rubber coating protects them from accidents and prevents injuries.
These binoculars are perfect for kids because they are ergonomically designed for small hands and very easy to use. The focus wheel is easy to adjust and the diopter adjustment allows for fine-tuning.
One of our favorite features on this pair is the double breakaway neck strap. This provides additional safety and convenience so kids can bring them on any type of adventure, from bird watching to sporting events.
Pros:
- Strong magnification
- Shockproof
- Ergonomic
- Easy to adjust
- Double breakaway strap
- Carrying case
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Lifetime replacement warranty
Con:
- More expensive than other pairs
Recommended ages: 4 years-10 years
7. Adventure Kidz Outdoor Exploration Kit
This set of binoculars comes in an entire exploration kit for kids who really love to get outdoors. We included it here because it is at about the same price point as other options but includes a lot more stuff! This kit includes the binoculars, a flashlight, a compass, a whistle, a magnifying glass, and a backpack. It’s the perfect set for a birthday or Christmas gift.
These binoculars have a 4X30 magnification, soft eyepieces, shockproof and non-slip coating, and ergonomic design. Like other pairs we’ve seen, they also have a neck strap and case for easy carrying.
Pros:
- Comes in a complete kit
- Strong magnification
- Shockproof
- Safe
Cons:
- Lower quality
- Only one color option
Recommended ages: 4 years-8 years
8. Scotamalone Kid Binoculars
This is another budget-friendly pair that would be great for younger kids. These binoculars are shockproof and have soft rubber eyepieces like some of the others we’ve seen.
The 4x magnification may not impress older kids, but younger kids will love exploring the world around them with these adjustable binoculars. They come with a carrying case, neck strap, and lens cleaning cloth as well.
Since these binoculars are small and inexpensive, they would be a great choice for young kids to take on trips or to sporting events where they could get dropped or lost.
Pros:
- Shockproof
- Safe, rubberized eyepieces
- Easy to adjust
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Lower magnification
- Only comes in blue
Recommended ages: 3 years-6 years
9. TOP Gift Compact Shock Proof Binoculars for Children
If your kid is accident prone, this may be the pair of binoculars for you. With a thick rubber coating around the entire surface and soft, rubber-surrounded eyepieces, this pair can survive just about any accident, and your kid’s eyes will thank you.
These binoculars also have 8X magnification, ergonomic handles, and an FMC prism green coated optics system that allows for crystal clear images. Not only that, they are able to adjust to kids of any age and even some adults.
If your child is picky about colors, you’ll love that these binoculars come in 10 different hues.
Pros:
- Shock-proof coating
- Safe eyepieces
- Easy to adjust and focus
- Comes in many colors
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a case
- Magnification could be stronger
- Optical quality could be better
Recommended ages: 4 years-10 years
10. 3 Bees & Me Binoculars for Kids
If you’re on a tight budget but still want something that will work well and last a long time, this pair might be for you. These cheap binoculars allow kids to see up to 10 football fields away, but they only cost under $25!
You’ll love that these binoculars are shock proof, protecting them from being dropped or banged around by your little ones. They also come with a pouch and belt hook, making it easy for your kid to take it wherever he goes.
Perhaps the best feature of all is that this pair comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If for any reason they don’t live up to your expectations, you can send them right back and try something else. But we’re guessing you won’t want to!
Pros:
- 8X21 lens—see 10 football fields away
- Lightweight
- Shockproof
- Comes with carrying case and belt hook
- Money-back guarantee
- Very affordable
- Easy to focus
Cons:
- Strong plastic smell right out of the box
- May not work for older kids/pre-teens
Recommended ages: 3 years-8 years
11. Joyjam Compact Shockproof Kids Binoculars
These binoculars are going to be your best budget-friendly bet for kids who are picky about colors—they come in 9 different hues. They are also surrounded in rubber and completely shockproof. The soft rubber eyepieces make them a great option for younger kids who are accident prone, and they are easy to adjust and fold.
The 4X magnification isn’t as strong as others on this list, but it still gives quite a view for younger kids. The lenses have a multi-layer broadband coating to help with image clarity.
Finally, with an included case, neck strap, manual, and lens cleaning cloth, your kids will be ready for almost any adventure that may come their way!
Pros:
- Shockproof
- Safe rubber eyepieces
- Easy to adjust
- Comes in many colors
- Neck strap included
Cons:
- Magnification isn’t as strong as other pairs
- Too small for older kids
Recommended ages: 3 years-8 years
Our Top Picks for Children’s Binoculars
Binoculars make excellent gifts for kids of all ages and are a must-have item if you are planning a camping or fishing trip at the lake. It can be overwhelming to find the perfect set of binoculars for your kid, but this list will help narrow it down to the best options of the year.
If you’re looking to spend a bit more for a quality product, we recommend the Dreamingbox or Kidswinz Kids Binoculars. They both pack an insane amount of features into one great product.
Overall, the best value pair seems to be the Joyjam Compact Shockproof Kids Binoculars. These are great for families on a budget, families with multiple children, or children who are picky about their colors.
FAQs
How old should kids be to use binoculars?
Kids of all ages will enjoy binoculars. However, it is advisable to wait to introduce them until you can trust your child to handle them responsibly and carefully. In general, children over 3 years old should be old enough to care for and enjoy binoculars.
Are kid binoculars different from adult binoculars?
The main difference between kid binoculars and adult binoculars is the size. Both will magnify the image, although adult binoculars are often built with more advanced technology and thus provide a sharper picture. Regardless, children enjoy engaging in an activity they see their parents doing.
What safety features should binoculars have?
Binoculars are a safe toy for children to play with. However, it is important that parents inspect them prior to letting their children use them. For instance, make sure that the eyepieces are soft and comfortable so they won’t damage your child’s eyes.
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