To help you engage your child in nature and cool celestial shows, Live Science has gathered the best binoculars for kids for 2021. We know that kids love to explore, whether that adventurous mind brings them on long hikes or to a clear night sky for a lunar eclipse. And the right binoculars can provide the clearest views of whatever sparks their interest and imagination. Plus, if your child is often glued to a screen, what better way to get them excited about an outdoor experience than to set them up with another way to interact with the outdoor world.

To choose the perfect binoculars for kids, there are a few features that are key: For younger kids, it's best to find binoculars with no more than 4X magnification, as a higher-powered pair can be trickier to focus; for kids 10 and older, 8X magnification would work great. Other features to look for in a perfect pair of kids binoculars: adjustable eyepieces; a rubberized construction for durability and shock-resistance; small size so their little hands can grasp and focus; adjustable interpupillary distance (the distance between the two eyepiece lenses); and perhaps not critical, but a wide field of view can help a child find their target.

Binoculars that are part of explorers kits can include various fun gadgets and extras, such as magnifying glasses, nature identification booklets, bug nets, compasses, field notebooks and more. And they tend to come in a variety of colors to fit your child's tastes perfectly.

Be sure to also check out our guide to the Black Friday binocular deals for older kids and adults. Also, for kids who have a particular science interest, see our best Black Friday science kit deals. 

Best binoculars for kids 2021

(Image credit: Mini Explorer)Explorer Kit for Kids by Mini Explorer An all-in-one adventure kit for the great outdoorsSpecificationsAge range: 4+Magnification: 4XObjective Lens Diameter: 30 millimetersField of View: N/AColor Choices: 1Size: 7.5 x 5.2 x 3 inchesWeight: 13.8 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonReasons to buy+Diverse set of educational tools+Binoculars are shockproof+Includes carrying caseReasons to avoid-Limited to 4X magnification, so won't satisfy older kids

Are you raising a future survivalist? Then an ordinary set of binoculars just won't do. For the aspiring Bear Grylls in your life, gift them with the Explorer Kit for Kids — 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 included 5-in-1 multitool 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. (Trust us.) Turn hours of playtime into days of adventuring with the Explorer Kit for Kids. 

Dreamingbox Compact Shock Proof Binoculars for Kids

(Image credit: Dreamingbox)Dreamingbox Compact Shockproof Binoculars for Kids These binoculars are as kid-proof as they are kid-friendly.SpecificationsAge range: 3+Magnification: 8XObjective Lens Diameter: 21 millimetersField of View: 420 feet (128 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 10Size: 4 x 3 x 2 inchesWeight: 5.6 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonReasons to buy+Affordable+Ergonomic, shockproof design+Lots of color choicesReasons to avoid-Feels flimsy, according to some reviews

One glance, and you'll see these binoculars were designed for youngsters. Boasting an impressive 8X magnification, the eyepieces are made of soft rubber, so they won't accidentally cause a bruise as your kid smooshes them against their face. The ergonomic anti-slip grip was built for a child's hands, and the shock-resistant coating (the rubber armor around the binocular body) is meant to take a beating.

All of the lens surfaces are coated with at least one anti-reflective layer, also called "fully-multi-coated," or FMC. Thanks to this multilayer broadband coating technology, the optics system produces crisp, colorful images that look as realistic up close as they do far away. You can toss these binoculars into a backpack any day, and with 10 colors to choose from, you get an extra layer of customization. 

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme

(Image credit: Educational Insights)Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme Great for younger kids, and they're pretty inexpensive tooSpecificationsAge range: 5+Magnification: 3XObjective Lens Diameter: N/AField of View: N/AColor Choices: 1Size: 11.6 x 9.8 x 3.1 inchesWeight: 15.8 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonView at StaplesReasons to buy+Inexpensive+Designed for younger children+STEM-friendly toyReasons to avoid-Only 3X magnification

Some binoculars are kid-friendly, but as Educational Insights implies with its branding, the GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Extreme were actually made for kids. 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 2 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. (They'll be smarter than you in the blink of an eye.)

Obuby Kids Binoculars

(Image credit: Obuby)Obuby Kids Binoculars Durable binoculars with over a dozen colors to choose from.SpecificationsAge range: 3+Magnification: 8XObjective Lens Diameter: 21 millimetersField of View: 400 feet (122 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 13Size: 4 x 3.5 x 1.1 inchesWeight: 5.9 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonSee all prices (13 found)Reasons to buy+Durable, expandable construction+Shockproof, waterproof+Tons of color optionsReasons to avoid-Poor-quality neck strap, according to some reviews

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. 

Promora Binoculars for Kids

(Image credit: Promora)Promora Binoculars for Kids The best binoculars for explorers-in-training.SpecificationsAge range: 3+Magnification: 8XObjective Lens Diameter: 21 millimetersField of View: 400 feet (122 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 3Size: 4.8 x 4.1 x 2.1 inchesWeight: 7.2 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonReasons to buy+Soft eyecups are great for young explorers+Three different color choices+Kit includes compass and magnifying glassReasons to avoid-Subpar durability, according to some reviews

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.

BESPIN Binoculars for Kids

(Image credit: BESPIN)BESPIN Binoculars for Kids The best binoculars for budding birdwatchers.SpecificationsAge range: 6+Magnification: 8XObjective Lens Diameter: 21 millimetersField of View: 400 feet (122 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 2Size: 4.1 x 3.8 x 1.4 inchesWeight: 7.5 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonReasons to buy+Inexpensive+Aluminum-and-rubber construction+Ergonomic designReasons to avoid-Bird map not included (according to Amazon reviews), though marketing materials imply otherwise

For a little extra magnification than you'll find in many kid-friendly binoculars, the BESPIN Binoculars for Kids are a solid choice for most youngsters. The grip is ergonomically designed for smaller hands, and the sturdy aluminum construction should last a while; it's easy to focus on distant objects by turning the central adjustment wheel. (A nylon case and neck strap are also included.)

At an entry-level price, these 8x21 binoculars still use premium blue-coated optics for crisp, colorful imagery; a shock-resistant rubber casing for extra durability; and a wider 7.2-degree viewing angle for aspiring bird-watchers. (Or squirrel-watchers. Any animal watching, really.)

POLDR 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars

(Image credit: POLDR)POLDR 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars Value-priced binoculars for kids of all agesSpecificationsAge range: 10+Magnification: 8XObjective Lens Diameter: 21 millimetersField of View: 430 feet (131 meters) / 3,280 feet (1000 meters)Color Choices: 1Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.2 inchesWeight: 6.2 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSView at AmazonReasons to buy+Lightweight and compact+Powerful 8X optics+Good entry-level binocularsReasons to avoid-So-so imaging quality in low light, according to some reviews-Not waterproof/shockproof

Your kid will feel all grown up with the POLDR 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars, a pair of portable specs that unfold from just 2.4 inches wide up to 4.1 inches when in use. (That’s perfect for their next zoo trip, or any other outdoor hike, for that matter.) With 8X magnification and an objective lens diameter of 21 millimeters, they'll get a large field of view for spotting all sorts of flora and fauna. 

Unlike some competing models, which suffer from blurrier imaging and dull colors, these binoculars utilize a BAK4 prism for additional light reflection. Combined with the center focusing wheel and diopter adjustment, the end result is better-than-average imaging the whole family can enjoy.

Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

(Image credit: Occer)Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Low Light Night Vision The best entry-level binoculars for low-light conditionsSpecificationsAge range: 6+Magnification: 12XObjective Lens Diameter: 25 millimetersField of View: 896 feet (273 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 1Size: 4.4 x 4 x 1.9 inchesWeight: 7.2 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Great for low-light environments+Wide FOV+Water-resistantReasons to avoid-More expensive than other children's binoculars-Not fully waterproof

Looking for a pair of powerful binoculars that you can share with your kid? The Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Low Light Night Vision are 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 the 15mm eyepiece is easy to adjust. The FMC multilayer broadband film and BAK4 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.

TASCO Essentials Roof Prism Roof MC Box Binoculars

(Image credit: Tasco)TASCO Essentials Roof Prism Roof MC Box Binoculars Take your eyes to the skies with these inexpensive binocularsSpecificationsAge range: 8+Magnification: 10XObjective Lens Diameter: 25 millimetersField of View: 945 feet (288 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 5Size: 4.4 x 4 x 1.9 inchesWeight: 9.2 ouncesTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonPrimeView at AmazonSee all prices (9 found)Reasons to buy+Very budget-friendly+Water-resistant+Compact designReasons to avoid-Cheap build materials

The TASCO Essentials Roof Prism Roof MC Box Binoculars aren't pulling any punches. These 10X specs utilize a dual-hinge bridge design to keep the whole package pocket-friendly (4.4 x 4 x 1.9 inches), and wide viewing angles to keep your eyes on the treeline. 

These binoculars weren't designed for kids per se, but at this price, the stakes are pretty low whenever you toss them into a backpack, and the black rubber armor is meant to take some abuse. They're one of the best budget-priced binoculars you'll find on the market today, and they're a great pick for grade-schoolers.

Celestron 71330 Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars

(Image credit: Celestron)Celestron 71330 Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars The best premium binoculars for kidsSpecificationsAge range: 10+Magnification: 8X to 12XObjective Lens Diameter: 32 to 56 millimetersField of View: 1,273 feet (88 meters) / 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)Color Choices: 1Size: 5 x 4.9 x 1.8 inchesWeight: 1.3 poundsTODAY'S BEST DEALSPrimeView at AmazonView at BHPhoto23 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Reasons to buy+Carrying bag included+Waterproof and fogproof+Wide FOVReasons to avoid-Not built for small children's hands (or eyeballs)

Think your child's outdoor hobbies might turn into a career? The Celestron 71330 Nature DX 8x32 Binoculars are a great premium choice for older kids with steadier hands; they'll definitely appreciate the enhanced optics of a quality pair. If you’ve got a semi-seasoned bird-watching enthusiast in your family already, these binoculars pack impressive specs for the price. 

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.

How to choose the best binoculars for kidsHow 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. 

Round up of today's best dealsExplorer Kit for Kids -...Mini Explorer Explorer Kit for KidsAmazon$24.99ViewSee all pricesDreamingbox Compact Shock...Dreamingbox Compact Shock ProofAmazon$15.99ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceEducational Insights...Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr.Amazon$27.99$23.38ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceObuby Real Binoculars for...Obuby Binoculars for KidsAmazon$23.99$16.99ViewSee all pricesPromora Binoculars for Kids,...Promora Binoculars for KidsAmazon$25.95ViewSee all pricesBESPIN Binoculars for Kids...BESPIN Binoculars for Kids 8x21Amazon$25.99ViewSee all pricesPOLDR 8x21 Small Compact...POLDR 8x21 Small Compact LightweightAmazon$17.99ViewSee all pricesTASCO Essentials Roof Prism...TASCO Essentials Roof Prism Roof MC BoxAmazon$16.34ViewSee all pricesReduced PriceCelestron – Nature DX 8x32...Celestron Nature DX 8x32Amazon$129.95$110.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by