The best binoculars for kids aren't just novelty toys that will break after a few uses — they provide good views of distant subjects while still being of good quality and build. They should be both compact and lightweight, making them easy for kids to hold, but also resilient and durable — we've put these binoculars through their paces in our reviews with real-world, hands-on experience to bring you the best ones worth buying.
Inevitably, binoculars will get dropped, bumped and knocked frequently as your kids learn and grow, so the binoculars need to be able to take a bit of a beating. Some of the best binoculars are suitable for older kids who've taken a keen interest and have outgrown their beginner pair, and the best binoculars for stargazing can give kids a mesmerizing glimpse at the world above them for the first time.
There are models on the market (and in this guide) that are suitable for the whole family and make ideal generalist observational tools, so they're even more cost-effective.
The quick list
Best overall
They're robust, compact and easy to use, making them ideal for kids and adults alike.
Best for nature observing
For kids who want to spot birds in their backyard or observe wildlife on camping trips, these waterproof and fogproof binos from Celestron are great for nature observation.
Best optical quality
They're at the pricier end of the spectrum and would be perfect for older kids who are really into optics and stargazing — and they'll last a long time.
Best compact binos
They're incredibly small and pocketable, but still powerful enough for impressive observations, especially in low light conditions.
Best for young kids
A neat little starter kit for young explorers, complete with a compass and magnifying glass for their next adventure.
Best entry-level for young kids
For young kids ages 4+, this kit includes 4x30mm binoculars, a flashlight, handheld fan, carry case and a 5-in-1 multi tool.
Best binoculars for kids we recommend in 2024: Fully tested by our experts with hands-on, real-world experience
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Best binoculars for kids overall
✅ You want a good all-purpose pair of binos: They're compact and a useful magnification for a variety of purposes.
✅ You don't want anything too heavy: They only weigh 0.63 lbs / 285g, so they're ideal for kids to hold steady.
❌ You have young kids: They're better for kids aged 8+, so younger kids would be better suited to a pair like the Promora 8x21.
❌ You want to look at the stars: For stargazing, you really need an objective lens diameter of at least 50mm — the Nikon ProSTAFF P3 8x42 would be the closest option on this list.
🔎 Olympus 8x25 WP II: The Olympus 8x25 WP II offer solid build quality and high-quality optics in a waterproof shell that makes them ideal for taking out and about. They might not have the magnification for some users, but as an ultra-portable option, they're great. ★★★★
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. During our Olympus 8x25 WP II review, 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
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small and compact, but robustly built. |
| Performance | Better than expected image quality. |
| Functionality | Small objective lenses are limiting for low light use. |
Best kids binoculars for nature observing
✅ You want something durable: They're well built, waterproof and fogproof so can be used in any weather and can withstand the occasional bump.
✅ You want to focus on nature: We think they're great for kids who want to observe wildlife.
❌ You're buying for small children: They're at the premium end of the market — small kids would get on better with the Nature's Explorer Kit.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: They're on the more expensive end of the market for kids binoculars — if you're on a budget, try the Occer 12x25.
🔎 Celestron Nature DX 8x32: For older kids with a keen interest in wildlife observation, we think they're a fantastic option with bright images and a wide field of view that will last them a long time. ★★★★½
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. The 8x magnification is decent for most uses, although not the highest in this list.
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 glasses 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. And they even come with a nifty built-in tripod mount for long periods of steady observations, which is great if you want to set them up for multiple users to look through, or if your kids can't seem to hold them steady enough.
Bonus: For a few extra bucks, you can splurge for the extra smartphone adapter, which lets you take pictures through the binoculars' viewfinder.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Built to last. |
| Performance | Bright, sharp imagery. |
| Functionality | Waterproof and fogproof. |
Best optical quality kids binoculars
✅ You want quality on a budget: We were very pleasantly surprised with how good the optics were for the price.
✅ You want something that'll last: Their high quality build and impressive optical performance will last you for years.
❌ You're buying for young kids: These premium binoculars wouldn't suit little hands and faces, try the Promora 8x21 instead.
❌ You want good accessories: We found in our review that the lens caps had a tendency to fall off, and the neckstrap was a bit thin.
🔎 Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: If you’re looking for a pair of entry-level binoculars and are working to a budget but want quality where it counts (in the optics) then the Prostaff P3s are a great option. ★★★★
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. For adults, the Nikon Prostaff P7 10x42 are fantastic.
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 with less chance of them slipping out of the hands. 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 Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 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, water and fog proofing plus their sharp optical performance and minimal color fringing more than made up for it, so they'll hold up well if your child wants to use them out in the rain (or, God forbid, drop them in a puddle).
- Read our full Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Slimline design to suit smaller hands. |
| Performance | Better than expected optical quality. |
| Functionality | Waterproof and fogproof. |
Best value large binoculars for kids
✅ You want high magnification: While it's not the highest in this list, 10x magnification coupled with 42mm objectives provides bright, sharp images.
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❌ You want high-quality optics: We were left a little disappointed — the Nikon ProSTAFF P3 8x42 are much better on the optics front.
❌ You're a more advanced user: They're acceptable as a beginner binocular, but more experienced users will want something like the Olympus 8x25 WP II.
🔎 Svbony SV47 10x42: A good generalist beginner binocular, the SVBONY SV47s perform adequately across the board. They give good enough views when used during daylight hours and are inexpensive enough for those just getting into binocular observation. ★★★★½
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 binoculars 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 to avoid disturbing them in their natural habitat or scaring them away.
There are raised nodules on the flanks of the binocular to help add grip for handheld observation, even though the overall feel is quite smooth.
Overall, during our Svbony SV47 10x42 review, we found the 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. We were also impressed by how waterproof they were — they claim they can be held underwater for up to 30 minutes down to a depth of one meter, which is better than even more expensive binoculars from well-established brands.
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
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Weighty build better suited to older children. |
| Performance | Acceptable optics for a beginner binocular. |
| Functionality | IPX7 waterproofing is ideal. |
Best compact binoculars for kids
✅ You want to use them in dawn or dusk: They have Low Light Night Vision, which is great for using them in low-light situations.
✅ You want an ultra-compact binocular: At 7.2 ounces / 204g, they're the most lightweight option in this list.
❌ You want to use them in all weather: They aren't fully waterproof so we'd advise against using them in the rain — try the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 instead.
❌ You have narrow-set eyes: We found the interpupillary distance to be quite restrictive, so young kids or anyone with narrow-set eyes could struggle.
🔎 Occer 12x25: Ridiculously compact, we would've expected these relatively unknown binoculars to perform somewhat more like a toy, but no, they pack an optical punch which we weren't expecting. ★★★★
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. That said, we found the 25mm objective lenses to be a bit small for low-light use, although they'll be fine for viewing at dawn or dusk.
The plastic and rubber construction is (mostly) waterproof and even comes in different colors, though which color you'll get depends on the merchant, as some of them don't specify color when you order them.
We noted in our Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars review that 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. Generally, 16mm and above is a good amount of eye relief. We also found the interpupillary distance was quite restrictive, so anyone with narrow-set eyes might struggle to get a decent view through them.
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
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Ultra-portable thanks to its compact design. |
| Performance | Some chromatic aberration (color fringing). |
| Functionality | Interpupillary distance should be addressed. |
Best binoculars for young kids
✅ You want something to keep your kids entertained: This kit comes with binoculars, a magnifying glass and a compass to give them plenty of exploring opportunities.
✅ You aren't sure if they'll stick with it: It's very affordable, so you've only lost around $25 if they don't continue the hobby.
❌ You want something they can use for years: Some users state their durability is sub-par — if you want something they can use for a long time, try the Occer 12x25.
❌ You're buying for older kids: This kit is aimed at kids 3+ — for older kids and teens, the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 would be a better fit.
🔎 Promora 8x21: Ideal for young kids who want to get into exploring without breaking the bank, this set includes binoculars, a compass and a magnifying glass to keep them entertained. ★★★★
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. They're best suited for younger kids aged 3+, and as they only weigh 7.2 oz / 204g, they're ideal for little hands to hold easily without getting tired, and the extra accessories will keep them entertained beyond just wildlife and nature observation.
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-resolution close-up views 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. Besides, binoculars for younger kids aren't expected to be the highest quality due to the greater risk of them being dropped or knocked.
They're one of the more affordable options in this list, so even if your kid doesn't end up continuing the hobby, at least you've only spent around $25 on them.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Three different color choices. |
| Performance | Fine for beginners and young users. |
| Functionality | Questionable durability. |
Best entry-level binoculars for young kids
✅ They're your child's first pair: An educational tool for learning while also providing entertainment, they're a great first pair of binos for young kids.
✅ You need them to be durable: They're shockproof, so can certainly withstand bumps and knocks.
❌ You want high magnification: It's limited to 4x magnification which won't satisfy older kids — the Occer 12x25 have the highest magnification on this list.
❌ You're buying for older kids: They're definitely aimed toward younger kids just getting into the hobby as more of an educational tool, the Olympus 8x25 WP II are the best for kids overall.
🔎 Explorer Kit for Kids by Mini Explorer: Featuring a 5-in-1 multi-tool for future explorers and 4x30mm binoculars, it's a great educational tool for young kids who want to get into the hobby. ★★★★
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.
The 4x magnification is plenty for younger observers who just want the novelty of being able to see a bit further than with the naked eye, and the 30mm objective lenses are a decent diameter for bright images, although understandably, they won't be the best you've ever seen. They're also shockproof, which is handy if they're dropped or knocked.
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 — the best binoculars for stargazing are a fantastic next step once they're a bit older and want to turn their eyes skywards. Turn hours of playtime into days of adventuring with the Explorer Kit for Kids.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Shockproof design. |
| Performance | Limited to 4x magnification. |
| Functionality | Also includes magnifying glass, crank flashlight and handheld fan. |
Best kids binoculars for STEM learning
✅ You want STEM-friendly: These binos are a STEM-friendly tool to help your young child learn about science and exploration.
✅ You don't want to spend loads: They're very affordable for what they are, so you won't lose much money if they don't continue the hobby.
❌ You want a pair the whole family can use: They're designed specifically for kids, so teens and adults with wider faces wouldn't be able to use them.
❌ You want decent magnification: They're limited to 4x magnification, which isn't enough for more serious users. Try the SVBONY SV47 10x42 for older kids and teens who want to be able to see further.
🔎 Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr: Specifically made for STEM learning, they have a modest 3x magnification and are tailored to be comfortable for any young child's face. The neck strap has built-in speakers that can play sounds to experience different nature sounds. ★★★½
Some binoculars are kid-friendly, but as Educational Insights implies with its branding, the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme was specifically 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 the breakaway nature provides peace of mind for your child's health and safety.
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 — a neat little feature that makes them stand out from many other binoculars for kids. 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.
We recommend them for younger kids due to their appearance and limited specs, and the limited 3x magnification isn't going to please more experienced users, so older kids and teens would want something with a magnification of between 8-12x. Still, for something that won't last kids for years and years, it's a very affordable price for what they are.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Universally comfortable eyepiece for kids. |
| Performance | Modest 3x magnification |
| Functionality | Made specifically for STEM learning. |
Best kids binoculars: comparison
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Age range | Magnification | Objective lens diameter | Field of View at 1000m | Color choices | Size | Weight |
| Olympus 8x25 WP II | 8+ | 8x | 25mm | 355 ft / 108m | 1 | 4.49 x 4.53 x 1.77-inches / 115 x 114 x 45mm | 0.63 lbs / 285g |
| Celestron Nature DX 8x32 | 10+ | 8x | 32mm | 1,273 ft / 88m | 1 | 5 x 4.9 x 1.8-inches / 127 x 125 x 46mm | 1.3 lbs / 589g |
| Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 | 10+ | 8x | 42mm | 414 ft / 126m | 2 | 5.98 x 5.12 x 2.13-inches / 152 x 130 x 54mm | 1.27 lbs / 575g |
| Svbony SV47 10x42 | 10+ | 10x | 42mm | 414 ft / 126m | 2 | 5.98 x 5.12 x 2.13-inches / 152 x 130 x 54mm | 1.27 lbs / 575g |
| Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars | 6+ | 12x | 25mm | 896 ft (273m) / 3,280 ft (1,000m) | 1 | 4.4 x 4 x 1.9-inches / 112 x 102 x 48mm | 7.2 oz / 204g |
| Promora 8x21 | 3+ | 8x | 21mm | 400 ft (122m) / 3,280 ft (1,000m) | 3 | 4.8 x 4.1 x 2.1-inches / 122 x 104 x 53mm | 7.2 oz / 204g |
| Nature's Explorer Kit | 4+ | 4x | 30mm | Not stated | 1 | 7.5 x 5.2 x 3-inches / 191 x 132 x 76mm | 13.8 oz / 392g |
| Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme | 5+ | 3x | N/A | N/A | 1 | 11.6 x 9.8 x 3.1-inches / 295 x 249 x 79mm | 15.8 oz / 448g |
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
Live Science tests a large range of products, from star projectors to high-tech fitness equipment. When reviewing a product, we put it through rigorous tests, which may include in-lab benchmarks, testing sessions in our test centers, and even real-world use.
We also look at how products perform in comparison to their manufacturer's claims and often seek input from experts where required. Factors like a product's ease of use, its ergonomic success, and its performance compared to its competitors are all evaluated. Price is also a big consideration, and a product's value for money affects the rating and evaluation we give it.
Through this combination of testing, research, and expert consultation, Live Science offers its readers transparent and authoritative advice on all the products it reviews.
Binocular questions answered
What is the best binocular for kids overall?
We recommend the Olympus 8x25 WP II as the best binocular for kids overall because it has a compact, robust build but also offers great views through the 25mm objective lenses.
What is the best premium kids binocular?
The most expensive on this list is the Celestron Nature DX 8x32 binoculars which usually retail at around $125 at time of writing. We think they're ideal for nature viewing because they come with a carry bag, neckstrap and everything else you need to get started, but very small kids may struggle to hold them.
What type of kids binocular should I buy?
It depends on your budget and whether you need them to work for the whole family, or not. If the latter is true for you then we'd recommend any of our top five binoculars in this guide.
