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10 Best Kids Telescopes 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,144
Portability
Mount Type
Portability
Assembling the telescope is quick and straightforward, making it easy to transport and use on trips.
Mount Type
The phone mount is a great addition, although the tripod could be sturdier.

The EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope seems well-suited for kids and beginner astronomers. With a large 80mm aperture, it captures ample light, delivering bright and clear images, making it ideal for observing celestial bodies. Its high transmission optics lens enhances light transmittance, reducing reflection, which is beneficial for clear sky viewing. The focal length of 600mm provides a good range for both near and distant objects, suitable for varied astronomical experiences.

One of its strengths is the altazimuth mount that allows for easy adjustment of altitude and azimuth. This feature can be particularly helpful for beginners, as it simplifies the process of aligning the telescope with objects in the sky. It includes two eyepieces offering 30x-66x magnifications, and a 5x24 finderscope to assist in locating objects, which enriches the user experience.

Portability is another highlight, as the telescope comes with an adjustable tripod and a carrying backpack. This makes it convenient to transport and use during trips, adding to the enjoyment of astronomy as a family activity. The telescope is easy to assemble, supported by clear instructions, making it accessible for those with little experience.

However, the manual focus might require some getting used to, especially for younger users, but it can also serve as a learning experience. Durability is assured with waterproof features, though it's not specifically highlighted, suggesting it might be robust for regular use.

In essence, if you're looking for a capable and portable telescope suitable for kids and beginners, the EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope should make a promising choice, providing educational value and family fun in stargazing adventures.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,144
Portability
Mount Type
Portability
Assembling the telescope is quick and straightforward, making it easy to transport and use on trips.
Mount Type
The phone mount is a great addition, although the tripod could be sturdier.
#2

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Carrying Bag and Designed Phone Adapter

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Portability
Aperture
This telescope delivers clear and impressive views of the moon and planets, making stargazing accessible and exciting for beginners.
Portability
Its portability makes it easy to take on outdoor trips, enhancing the overall astronomy experience.

The SOLOMARK 80900 refractor telescope offers an 80mm aperture, which is quite good for a beginner’s telescope and lets in plenty of light to produce bright and clear views of the moon, planets, and some stars. With a focal length of 900mm, it provides decent magnification options using the included 10mm and 20mm eyepieces, giving you 90x and 45x zoom levels, which are suitable for kids just starting out in astronomy. The altazimuth mount is simple and intuitive to use, allowing easy up-down and side-to-side movements, though it’s not as precise as more advanced mounts might be. This makes it a good choice for kids and beginners who want straightforward handling without complex settings.

Portability is a strong point thanks to the included carrying bag and relatively lightweight setup, making it easy to take outdoors for star-gazing trips or travel. The telescope is easy to assemble, and the added phone adapter enables snapping pictures through the telescope, which can be a fun extra for kids. On the downside, the telescope uses manual focus, which might require some patience for young users to get sharp images. The aluminum tripod is stable but not heavy-duty, so it should be handled carefully to avoid damage.

This telescope represents a solid choice for kids or beginners who want a portable, easy-to-use instrument with good optical quality, while those seeking more advanced features or motorized tracking options might find it limiting.

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Portability
Aperture
This telescope delivers clear and impressive views of the moon and planets, making stargazing accessible and exciting for beginners.
Portability
Its portability makes it easy to take on outdoor trips, enhancing the overall astronomy experience.
#3

80mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope for Adults and Kids Beginners w. Pro Tripod, Phone Adapter, Portable Backpack

Rating
9.8
Portability
Portability
The included backpack is a thoughtful addition, enhancing portability by allowing the entire setup to be easily transported.

The HOROX 80mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope is well-suited for kids and beginners who are keen to explore celestial bodies. The 80mm aperture is a significant strength, providing a larger and clearer field of view compared to smaller apertures, and the 500mm focal length ensures detailed observations of the moon and stars. Its multi-coated optical lenses further enhance light transmission, reducing chromatic aberration and offering impressive clarity. This makes it easy for users to capture intricate details of the lunar surface and other celestial objects.

The telescope comes with two Kellner eyepieces that offer a magnification range from 25x to 55x, providing versatility in viewing different celestial features. Setup is user-friendly, taking only about 15 minutes, and the included backpack enhances portability, allowing users to easily transport the telescope for outdoor viewing sessions. The altazimuth mount type is suitable for beginners, providing simple left-right and up-down movements, although it may not offer the precision of more advanced mounts. Durability is backed by a lifetime warranty upon registration, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

Manual focus and operation might require some practice for younger users, and the product’s weight of 3.12 kilograms might be slightly heavy for young children to carry alone. However, as a gift, it appeals to a wide range of ages and offers an enriching educational experience. The HOROX telescope offers a balance of quality viewing experience, ease of use, and portability, making it a solid choice for young astronomy enthusiasts and beginners.

Rating
9.8
Portability
Portability
The included backpack is a thoughtful addition, enhancing portability by allowing the entire setup to be easily transported.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Telescopes

Choosing a telescope for kids can be a fun and educational experience. The right telescope can spark a child's interest in astronomy and science, providing them with a tool to explore the night sky. When selecting a telescope for a child, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, durability, and the level of interest the child has in astronomy. A telescope that is too complex or fragile may discourage a young astronomer, while one that is too simple may not provide enough of a challenge or learning opportunity. Understanding the key specifications of telescopes can help you make an informed decision that aligns with the child's needs and interests.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror, and it is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The more light a telescope can collect, the better it can show faint objects in the sky. For kids, a smaller aperture (around 60mm to 80mm) is often sufficient for viewing the moon and planets. If the child is more interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture (100mm or more) might be more appropriate. Consider the child's level of interest and the types of celestial objects they are most excited to observe when choosing the aperture size.
Focal LengthThe focal length of a telescope is the distance from the lens or mirror to the point where the telescope forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon in detail. However, it also means a narrower field of view, which can make it harder to locate objects. For kids, a moderate focal length (around 400mm to 700mm) offers a good balance, allowing them to see a variety of objects without too much difficulty in finding them.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up and down and side to side, making them intuitive and easy for kids to use. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which can be useful for tracking objects but may be challenging for beginners. For most kids, an altazimuth mount is a better choice due to its simplicity and ease of use.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and set up the telescope. A portable telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy for kids to carry and set up on their own. This is important if the child will be using the telescope in different locations or if storage space is limited. Look for telescopes that are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, and consider the child's ability to handle the telescope independently.
DurabilityDurability is important when choosing a telescope for kids, as it needs to withstand the occasional bump or drop. Telescopes made from sturdy materials and with solid construction are less likely to be damaged during use. Consider the age and responsibility level of the child when assessing durability. A more durable telescope can provide peace of mind and ensure that the telescope remains functional for a longer period.