The best binoculars for kids aren't just tiny toy models but actually usable, optical instruments that are specifically designed to fit small hands and faces. Ideally, they're robust so they can take frequent knocks, bumps and drops that come with those that are still growing and learning.
Simple layout and operation are ideal features for children's binoculars too, so young observers don't become frustrated. To use them in all weathers they should have rubber grips and rubberized protection around the lenses, and are preferably waterproof or even fogproof.
While smaller, compact binoculars are typically much more affordable that doesn't mean they're unsuitable for all the family as there are some great models that can be used effectively by everyone.
We've rounded up, and tested, the very best binoculars for junior observers whether they're a little younger, or in their teens. But there are some inherent features that children's binos share, including smaller magnifications and narrower objective lenses due to their modest proportions. That means they're not especially suited to low light observing where larger openings let in more light to the eye.
If you'd rather get a pair with excellent low light performance check out our best binoculars for stargazing or, for something more general or better suited to older teens and adults, discover our big guide to the best binoculars.
Best binoculars for kids we recommend in 2023
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Best overall
The Olympus 8x25 WP II binoculars are an ultra-portable model from a well-respected optics and camera manufacturer known for its high-quality, excellent-value instruments.
At just 0.63 lbs (285g) in weight and measuring just 4.49 x 4.53 x 1.77 inches these kids binoculars can be thrown in a travel bag or a jacket pocket and will be able to keep up with the little ones wherever they are thanks to their water, fog and dirt-proof design.
These compact binos will fit comfortably in the palm of an adult hand in its entirety while weighing no more than a small plastic water bottle a child might have in their lunchbox. We were impressed with the image quality here too, which was better than we expected given the diminutive size. That’s no doubt down to the manufacturer choosing class-leading BaK-4 porro prisms in the construction as well as featuring fully multi-coated lenses to improve light transmission.
Easy to use, fuss-free, very portable and very reasonably priced, there’s not much as regards the Olympus 8x25 WP II that either we or our youngest would take issue with.
- Read our full Olympus 8x25 WP II review.
Best for nature observing
If you're looking to invest in a top-notch pair of kids binoculars that will last them for the long haul then the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 might be just what you're after. An excellent premium choice for older kids with steadier hands these binoculars are better suited to those who are happy with a wider field of view (the amount you can see through the binos), especially if you already have a semi-seasoned bird-watcher in the family.
Waterproof and encased in a rubberized armor these are also suitable for eyeglasses wearers thanks to the 17.5mm of eye relief which is more than enough to use whilst keeping spectacles on.
The multi-coated 8x32 lenses ensure bright imagery, but if you want more power, you can upgrade all the way to a 12x56 model. You get the perfect combination of magnification, field of view and close focus distance for most nature scenes. They're even eyeglass-friendly, for those of us who are already bespectacled, and come with a nifty built-in tripod mount for long periods of steady observations.
Bonus: For a few extra bucks, you can splurge for the extra smartphone adapter, which lets you take pictures through the binoculars' viewfinder.
Best optical quality
The Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars have some premium features for their price point and while they're at the slightly more expensive end for kids binoculars they offer fantastic value if you're sharing them amongst the family.
Nikon has been producing high-end optics for over 100 years and the Prostaff P3 line is no different. We recommend the 8x42 model due to the wide field of view which makes it easier for kids to observe subjects.
The rubberized body will afford enough of a grip for smaller hands that they’ll be able to enjoy a judder-free view with it. We found the operation of the focus wheel to be slow and steady, which means greater precision when zeroing focus in on subjects.
In our review we noted that the lens caps and eyepiece covers didn't quite sit as snugly as we'd have hoped (they fell off a fair amount during testing) and the neckstrap was a bit thin. However, waterproof and fogproofing plus their sharp optical performance and minimal color fringing more than made up for it.
- Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review.
Best value larger binos
Good optical performance for a fair price – that’s the crux of these budget binoculars. 10x magnification coupled with a 42mm objective lens, meaning a marginally weightier build overall, does however suggest to us these would be more of a match with older children rather than the under tens.
However, they're among the lowest-priced binoculars in this 10x42 class and you can often find them much cheaper during peak trading events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Youngsters are here provided with enough magnifying power to be able to observe birds and wildlife at a sufficient distance so as to not scare off such skittish creatures. Raised nodules on the flanks of this binocular aid grip for handheld observation, even if the overall feel is quite smooth.
Overall image quality is a little softer than we’d have expected given the objective lens size, especially when light levels fall, and focus doesn’t completely maintain its sharpness into the corners of the frame. Still, for the price being asked this is a more than acceptable starter model that should maintain the interest of older children and won’t weigh heavy on their parents’ wallets if it doesn’t.
- Read our full Svbony SV47 10x42 review.
Best for size
Looking for a pair of powerful binoculars that you can share with your kid? The Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Low Light Night Vision is an impressive piece of hardware for the price, boasting 12X magnification (the highest offered on this list) in an ultra-compact package.
The plastic and rubber construction is (mostly) waterproof and even comes in different colors, though which color you'll get depends on the seller as some do not specify color when ordering.
The 15mm eyepiece flips back for eyeglasses wearers and works fine but isn't as good as others on this list which rotate and clunk satisfyingly into place.
The FMC multilayer broadband film and BaK-4 prisms are designed for exceptional low-light performance, which is great for watching sunsets or sunrises if your youngster is an early bird. In short, these deceivingly powerful binoculars are the perfect pocket companion for outdoor excursions, no matter the time of day.
- Read our full Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars review.
Best binoculars for young kids (Ages 3 - 8)
Best for young kids overall
For the naturally curious kid in your household, Promora's Binoculars for Kids come with a complete explorer's kit (in miniature, that is). In addition to the preschool-friendly 8X binoculars, your little one also gets a magnifying glass, compass (with clippable carabiner) and a handy carrying bag for their next woodland adventure.
From hiking and camping to beginner birdwatching, your kid will feel like a bonafide outdoorsman with the adjustable central axis and central focusing wheel. (Pre-school-friendly models don’t always include this kind of customization.) The comfortable rubber eyepieces include a diopter knob as well, to ensure high-res close-ups for all.
Some reviewers reported not-so-kid-resistant build materials, but you're still sure to get your money's worth from this nifty, all-inclusive set.
Best entry-level for young kids
Are you raising a future survivalist? Then an ordinary set of binoculars just won't do. For the aspiring Ray Mears in your life, gift them with the Explorer Kit for Kids. In the box you'll get an awesome 9-in-1 outdoorsman set that includes not only 4x30 binoculars but also a magnifying glass, crank flashlight and handheld fan, all tucked inside a carrying case that looks like a vintage lunchbox.
Also shipping with the binoculars is a 5-in-1 multitool that houses a built-in compass, thermometer, whistle, instant flashlight and mini-magnifying glass.
When it comes to sunshine-soaked excursions with your kid, every walk in the woods is a potential learning experience — when you have the right educational tools on hand, that is. And if birdwatching is only a bullet point on your child's list of outdoor interests, binoculars are just the beginning. Turn hours of playtime into days of adventuring with the Explorer Kit for Kids.
Best value for young kids
If you're on the lookout for a pair of shockproof, waterproof binoculars that are available in (just about) every color under the sun, look no further than the Obuby Kids Binoculars. Recommended for ages 3 and up, these are more professional-looking than the average kiddy binoculars in this tech category.
Available in 13 different colors, there's a lot to like about the 5.9-ounce Obuby Kids Binoculars. The wide-angle 8X magnification is excellent for woodland hikes, seaside boat trips and live sporting events, to name a few uses. The compact-yet-expandable design, diopter adjustment — which lets you adjust for differences between vision in each eye — and myriad color choices make these binoculars as useful as they are … well, eye-catching.
Best for STEM learning
Some binoculars are kid-friendly, but as Educational Insights implies with its branding, the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme was actually made for kids with Science Technology Engineering and Math learning in mind.
Featuring a modest 3X magnification, these focus-free binoculars feature a perfect-fit eyepiece that's universally comfortable for any child's face. (Sorry, wide-eyed adults, you'll have to get your own.) There's also a breakaway neck strap for on-the-go multitasking. And with the built-in speakers (which hover over the ears sort of like sunglasses), kids get to experience the many sounds of nature from the safety of your backyard. This feature — which the company calls 'headset-free audio amplification' — requires 2x AAA batteries.
For parents interested in STEM-friendly education, this pair of binoculars is more than just a colorful toy; it's also an introduction to a scientific tool that can help your toddler explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Keep your kids curious with the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme.
How to choose the best binoculars for kids
The best binoculars for kids aren't just toys — they're also potential tools for your child's personal growth. Here are a few factors to consider before introducing your children to the wonderful world of wilderness watching.
Budget
Most kid-centric binoculars have a price point of $30 or less, but if your offspring are old enough for the investment, there are plenty of premium picks that cost $50 or more. Nowadays, you can get a decent pair of (expendable) binoculars for under $15; these models usually have lower magnifications, cheaper build quality and a smaller field of view.
Magnification
The more magnification, the better, right? Not so fast. For small, fidgety humans with shaky hands, overly powerful optics might actually be counterproductive. When it comes to young explorers, here's a rule of thumb: The younger the child, the lower the magnification. Magnifications between 2X and 8X are the most common recommendation for kids under the age of 10.
Size and shape
Some binoculars are specifically built for tiny fingers, while others can be used by explorers of all ages. For children under the age of 5, look for extra kid-friendly features, like rounded edges, rubberized (shockproof) construction, breakaway lanyards, padded eyepieces, lightweight construction and focus-free lens options. For older adventurers, look for pocket-friendly binoculars that feature more powerful optics in a more professional package.
Interpupillary distance (IPD)
One reason to spring for smaller binoculars has to do with interpupillary distance: the measurement between the center of your pupils. If the ocular lenses don't line up properly with the middle of your eyeballs, the end result is a dark halo around the image (and partially obscured scenery). Your youngster will get bored fast if they can't see anything through the eyepiece, so make sure the binoculars can be adjusted accordingly.
Field of view (FOV)
This refers to the width of the image you can see through a given binoculars' optics. The wider the FOV, the easier it will be for your kid to find what they're looking for when they raise the eyepiece to their face. This is of particular importance for grade-schoolers and pre-teens, who may be pickier than your typical toddler.
How we test the best binoculars for kids
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We'll examine performance against the manufacturer's claims and test the accuracy of those claims to the very best of our ability, sourcing input from independent experts where needed. We will also evaluate a product on its ease of use, ergonomic success and performance relative to its competitors. Price will also be a factor with value for money affecting our overall evaluation and review rating.
Through this combination of extensive testing, research and expert consultation, Live Science is confident that it offers readers authoritative advice on all the products it reviews.
