Kids enjoy exploring new things, and if yours is interested in space and astronomy, buying them the best telescope for kids can be a great way to get them started. With the use of the right telescope, your child can discover the wonders of the night sky. A telescope will help your child zoom in on the other planets and see the milky way galaxy up close. Telescopes work by collecting light from the night sky through a lens. The larger the diameter of your telescope, the more you can see.

There are three major types of telescopes, and they include;

(i). Refractor Telescopes

Refractor telescopes are the most common types of telescopes. A refractor telescope has a big lens at the front, designed to send light directly into a mirror at the back and then into the eyepiece.

  • Pros
  • Simple design and easy to use
  • Sturdy, so they do not need maintenance
  • The sealed tube protects optics
  • Ideal for viewing objects on earth
  • Cons
  • Most are bulky and heavy
  • Less value
  • Not ideal for viewing faint objects

(i). Reflector Telescopes

Reflector telescopes have a mirror at one end of the tube, and this mirror gathers light then sends it through another mirror into the eyepiece.

  • Pros
  • High image quality
  • They are compact and lightweight
  • Suitable for viewing even faint objects
  • Cons
  • Requires maintenance
  • Not for viewing objects on earth
  • The tube is open and can collect dust

(iii). Compound Telescopes

A compound telescope is also known as Schmidt-Cassegrain or catadioptric telescope. It has two mirrors; at the front and the back, and a lens.

  • Pros
  • The tube is sealed and protects optics
  • Suitable for viewing objects on earth
  • Ideal for viewing faint objects
  • They are great for astrophotography
  • Cons
  • Costs more
  • Are bulky
  • The second mirror lowers the brightness level

Now that you know the different types of telescopes, I understand you may have trouble deciding which one to buy. Let that not worry you; we have selected the best telescopes and reviewed them so you can have an easy time when selecting for your child.

Read on to find out more.

1. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm Refracting Telescope for Kids, Beginners

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Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote
  • Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
  • Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
  • Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
  • Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
  • Satisfaction: TWO-YEAR warranty. Technical support from our team of experts in 24 hours.

I bet you are reading this article because you are looking for the best telescope for kids to buy for your child. You made the right decision, and for that reason, there is just the right telescope for you. Gskyer refracting telescope for kids is one of the best telescopes for kids, and you will not regret buying it. It features quality optics, a 400mm focal length, and a 70mm diameter/aperture. In addition, the optic glass lens is fully coated, and the high transmission coatings create stunning images and protect your eyes.

It features two replaceable eyepieces and a single 3 times Barlow lens which trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. It is easier to locate objects with the 5 by 24 finder scope with a mounting bracket and cross-hair lines. This kids' telescope also comes with a wireless camera remote and a smartphone adapter. The wireless camera lets your child explore nature and even take celestial images.

Because your child is still growing, this telescope has features that favor them, like the adjustable aluminum alloy tripod that they can use at different angles even as they grow. In addition, a carry bag comes with this package and makes it easier to carry and transport the telescope and tripod.

  • Pros
  • High transmission lens coating
  • Comes with a smartphone adapter and remote camera
  • It includes multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens
  • It is easy to assemble and use
  • Adjustable tripod
  • Cons
  • Does not come with a manual
  • Many pieces which can easily get misplaced during shipment

2. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope Portable Refractor Telescope

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Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - BONUS Astronomy Software Package
  • SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 70mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.
  • POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
  • LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
  • BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, AND SOFTWARE: Take your Travel Scope anywhere in the included travel backpack.The scope and tripod are easy to set up and use. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

Like the Gskyer telescope for kids, the Celestron telescope has superior optics, with a 70mm objective lens diameter. It also features fully coated glass optics, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry the whole package. You can view terrestrial objects during the day and celestial objects at night without trouble. The telescope features two high-quality eyepieces, 20mm and 10mmto provide low and high power views.

Celestron refractor telescope for kids has a large objective lens to provide your child with enhanced and brighter views. It does that by adding very little weight as it is light. Setting and using it is also easy so that your child can do it without assistance. It comes with a full-height tripod, bag, and software, which you can take anywhere as it is portable. Another free accessory is the astronomy software program.

The manufacturer provides you with a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to tech support, so you will always have your telescope in good hands.

  • Pros
  • Comes with a backpack for portability
  • It is portable
  • The objective lens is large
  • East to set up and use
  • Cons
  • The tripod is not very stable

3. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Reflector Telescope for Beginners

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Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope - Reflector Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package
  • POWERFUL TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMY BEGINNERS: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian reflector is ideal the telescope for beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
  • NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the AstroMaster 130EQ can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, the Moon's craters, and more.
  • EASY TO SET UP AND USE: This is a great telescope for kids and adults to use together. It features a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

If you search well, you will find the best telescope for kids like this Celestron Astromaster, which has a powerful reflector. This beginner telescope is suitable for kids as it features high quality 130mm glass optic objective lens. You can even make precision adjustments due to the two slow-motion control knobs.

Setting up this 130 EQ telescope for beginners is s easy as 1,2,3 as it does not require any tools. Moreover, its frame is lightweight to make it easier for a smooth and more accurate pointing so that your child can enjoy the view without struggling with the telescope during setup.

This Celestron model comes with many accessories like two eyepieces, with a diameter of 20mm and 10mm, a travel tripod, and a star-pointer red dot finderscope. Among the accessories is a free download of top-rated astronomy software programs like the Starry Night software.

When you buy a product, you expect to use it for a long, and that is why the telescope has a 2-year warranty and unlimited technical support.

  • Pros
  • It is portable
  • It is compatible with the Starry Night astronomy software
  • Assembling and using it is easy
  • It is ideal for beginners
  • Cons
  • It is not a good choice for viewing terrestrial objects
  • It is heavy

4. Orion 09007 Space Probe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope (Black)
  • This 5.1" aperture reflector telescope gathers an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon, as well as brighter galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters
  • Compact optical tube design for easy portability and fast f/5 focal ratio for pleasing wide-field performance makes the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ a very versatile telescope the whole family can enjoy
  • Sturdy equatorial telescope mount and adjustable tripod allows manual slow-motion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky
  • Complete assembled telescope weighs just 28 lbs. for convenient transport
  • Includes two 1.25" Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), smartphone camera adapter, DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260, collimation cap, and more!

You and your child can have great views with this 5.1-inch aperture reflector telescope as it gathers enough light so you can see well. It has a 24-inch long-short tube for easy portability and a fast focal ratio for pleasing wide-field performance. So every family member can enjoy using it to watch distant objects like star clusters, the solar system, and other celestial objects.

This kids' telescope features a sturdy and adjustable tripod that allows you manually and slowly track celestial objects in the night sky. Once the telescope is fully assembled, it weighs roughly 27 pounds, and this makes it easier to transport than heavier ones.

This model of reflector telescopes has two-1.2 inch Sirius Plossel eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), 6 by 30 finder scope, 1.2-inch rack and pinion focuser, collimation cap, tripod accessory tray, and Starry Night astronomy software. These features make it possible for your child to learn about the universe whenever they want.

  • Pros
  • An adjustable and sturdy tripod
  • Designed for easy portability
  • They provide a better view
  • Easy to use
  • Cons
  • None

5. Emarth Kids Telescope 70mm/360mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope

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Telescope, 70MM Aperture Kids Telescope with 2 Eyepieces, 360MM Refractor Portable Telescope for Kids with Tripod & Finder Scope, STEM Toys Astronomy Gifts for Children
  • [Meaningful Gift Telescope for Kids 8-12] 360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings creates stunning images with increased brightness and clarity, protect your eyes, perfect refracting telescope for beginners or kids to explore sky, nice telescope for kids 5-7
  • [The Immense Universe Is Under My Nose] The interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x Barlow lens increase viewing power, 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket, erect-image diagonal, and two bigger focus eyepieces(K10mm:40X ,K25mm:16X) make locating objects easy, a great kids telescopes for 7 year old
  • [The MarvelousToys For Kids, Easy Set Up] This telescope is quick and easy to set up, it also come with the manual, it will encourage kids to love learning about space, great holiday or birthday gift idea & Outdoor Toys for kids who love science and astronomy
  • [Adjustable Tripod] This kids telescope 10 years old allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod, suitable for daily bird wathching, wildlife wathching, or moon watching, stargazing
  • [Emarth VIP Customer Service] - Have an Emarth telescope Now, Emarth offers lifetime VIP customer service, you can get 24/7/365 technical support.

The best telescope for kids needs to have quality optics, exactly what the Emarth telescope has. Its focal length is 360mm and 70mm aperture with a fully coated optical glass. The coatings create stunning images with improved brightness ad they look even clearer. They also protect your eyes during viewing. Emarth is the best telescope for kids who love science and astronomy.

This refractor telescope comes with a tripod that you can easily adjust to view the sky from different angles or to fit people of different heights. The tripod is made of aluminum, and you can use the telescope for wildlife watching, bird watching, stargazing, moon watching, among other activities.

The eyepieces are interchangeable with a 3 times Barlow lens that increases viewing power so you can see clear images. You can easily locate objects with the help of 5 by 24 finderscope with a mounting bracket, two bigger focus eyepieces, and an erect-image diagonal. When setting up the telescope, you will not need any tools, and you will set it easily and quickly as doing so is not complicated.

  • Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Great image quality
  • User-friendly
  • Cons
  • Lacks starry night software

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Telescope for Kids

The best telescopes for kids have certain features and characteristics that other telescopes do not have. It is such features and qualities that make them superior and better. If you are looking for the best kids telescopes, you may need to consider certain factors before finally buying the one you have wished for. Some of the most important factors that you should consider are discussed below. Keep reading to understand more about the important factors to keep in mind.

(a). Accessories

You don't have to buy a telescope with so many features if you buy it for your child. It is because a child does not need some of the many features. If a telescope has many accessories, it will be more costly than one with fewer accessories. A telescope eyepiece with two to three eyepieces. An eyepiece with low magnification power is enough to view the nebula and other celestial objects.

Barlow lens

A Barlow lens can help to magnify objects. For example, if you place a Barlow lens before the eyepiece, the magnification will be doubled or even tripled.

Color Filter Kit

Filters can allow and block certain wavelengths of light. Filters also filter how you or your child sees the same object. Different filters enhance different features, and one three-color filter set is perfect.

(b). Price

The price of telescopes varies, and it mostly depends on the features tap. Therefore, before buying an item, you need to ensure that it will give the most value for your money. It is also important to note that buying the most expensive telescope does not entirely mean that it is the best quality. Therefore, check if the price and ensure that you are not being overcharged. Also, ensure that the telescope's price is within your budget and don't buy overpriced products.

(c). Reasons for Buying

When buying a telescope for your kid, knowing the purpose helps you make an easier decision. Of course, you already know that it is not a professional telescope; however, knowing why you are buying it will also help you know which type to buy. There are three types, and choosing the type according to how the child will use it will save you some time.

(d). Lightweight

Your child's little hands may not be able to operate a heavy telescope. Therefore, depending on the child's age, you will need a telescope that they will handle without straining. A lightweight telescope is easier to carry and maneuver even as they try to change the angle.

(e). Easy to operate

If setting up the telescope takes too much time, the child can easily lose interest in it. However, if assembling it is easy, even the child can do it themselves with only a little help. The same applies to using it, so if it is easy to use, the child will be more excited to be in charge than when using it is hard, and he has to get help doing everything.

If you happen to have a young astronomer in the house, help them buy a kids telescope to get to see what they only learn in the classroom. Seeing the planets will also make your child remember as it will not only be theoretical, but they would have done it practically.

About the Author Tom Brewer

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