However, if slight nudges or bumps are enough to either break a device or require re-calibration, it’s likely not worthy of owning, let alone buying. That’s to be expected of course, and extreme care should be taken when handling any telescope listed here. Dropping a telescope in many cases is enough to break it into pieces, and even if it survives a spill with only a few minor scratches, the inner guts of it may be beyond repair. Portability is also prized, but it’s not a definitive factor when picking out the best.ĭurability: If a device is propped on a tripod, there’s a good chance it’s incredibly prone to breaking. Ideally, the telescope, once assembled, will be parked near a window where it can look up at stars, planets, and possibly even UFOs. Yes, many of these devices come in pieces, but products aimed at kids should be able to be put together with little difficulty. Setup: Setting up a telescope for kids shouldn’t require a manual. Telescopes for kids should be easy to use, whether they’re using it under adult supervision or on their own. Besides, learning about the inner workings of telescopes is enough to make full-grown adults’ heads spin. But if they’re too young for a learner’s permit, there’s a good chance that getting them bogged down in the science of telescopes would deter them from learning about the cosmos. How much more impactful would any science book or educational film be if a kid could peer through a telescope and catch a glimpse of Saturn’s rings? Here are some of the things we considered when selecting the best telescopes for kids.Īpproachability: Sure, you could teach kids about refracting light and the science of scopes. Anyone can sit a kid in front of a documentary about Saturn. Reading, while fundamental, can only go so far. Like practicing good manners or eating vegetables, getting kids into the very idea of feeding their heads is easier if you get them young. Best Overall: Gskyer Astronomical Refractor Telescope - Best Computerized: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX Telescope - Best Portable: Orion StarBlast Compact Travel Refractor Telescope - Best Budget: Emarth Telescope - Best Telescope for Beginners: Celestron FirstScope Telescope - Best Refractor: Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ How We Picked The Best Telescopes for Kids No matter what your kid’s feelings are about the endless galaxy above us, the best telescopes for kids will get their eyes off screens, and on the stars. Other roustabouts can’t be bothered to even think about space unless it’s tied to a first-person shooter. Some kids are so enamored with learning that they’re already dreaming of colonizing Mars. Luckily, even TikTok attention spans can’t stand up to the educational magic of space. Frizzle, and Bill Nye may have been good enough for us, but kids these days are too preoccupied with their Minecrafts, and their Roblox, and their ‘mons, both Digi and Poke. Inspiring supple minds with a love of the cosmos is easy, if you’re armed with one of our best telescopes for kids.

Kids telescope