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10 Best Telescopes For Kids 2025 in the UK

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

Aperture: 80mm
Magnification: 25x to 55x
Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: Includes backpack for easy transport
Ease of Use: Setup in 15 minutes
Durability: Sturdy build
Accessories: Tripod, phone adapter, backpack

Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope Kit with Backpack, Black

Aperture: 70mm
Magnification: 20mm, 10mm eyepieces
Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: lightweight, custom backpack
Ease of Use: simple, intuitive
Accessories: tripod, SkyPortal app, software
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#1

Winner

Mijiao Telescope for Kids, Astronomical Telescope Zoom 90X HD Outdoor Monocular Space Telescopes Portable Refractor Spotting Scope With Tripod, Telescope for Adults, Kids and Beginner

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,349
Magnification
Mount Type
Portability
Magnification
The 90X zoom provides a clear view of the moon and stars.
Mount Type
Included tripod adds stability for better observation.
Portability
Portable enough to take outdoors for stargazing.
Ease of Use
Easy to set up and lightweight, perfect for young beginners and adults alike.

The Mijiao Telescope for Kids is designed to be a great first telescope for children, beginners, or even casual adult users. With a 50mm aperture and a focal length of 360mm, it provides a good amount of light collection and clarity for its size. The telescope offers a maximum magnification of 90x with its included eyepieces, making it suitable for observing the moon, planets, and various terrestrial objects.

The altazimuth mount is straightforward, allowing for easy adjustment both vertically and horizontally, which is helpful for young astronomers learning to track objects in the sky. Portability is one of the telescope's top strengths; it is lightweight at 680 grams and comes with a foldable tripod and carrying bag, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations. This makes it ideal for outdoor use and spontaneous stargazing sessions.

Ease of use is also a significant advantage—it's designed to be assembled without any tools, and the intuitive setup process is great for beginners. On the downside, the 50mm aperture is on the smaller side, which limits the telescope’s capability to gather more light and may restrict the clarity of distant celestial objects. Additionally, the manual focus might require some practice for young users to get the best view. Durability seems adequate, but the lightweight materials may not withstand rough handling. The package includes useful accessories such as a moon mirror and different eyepieces, adding to the value. The Mijiao Telescope for Kids is a practical and educational tool for introducing children to astronomy, balancing ease of use, portability, and decent optical performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,349
Magnification
Mount Type
Portability
Magnification
The 90X zoom provides a clear view of the moon and stars.
Mount Type
Included tripod adds stability for better observation.
Portability
Portable enough to take outdoors for stargazing.
Ease of Use
Easy to set up and lightweight, perfect for young beginners and adults alike.
#2

Telescope for Astronomy, 200X Pro 400/70 FMC Glass Optical Refractor Telescopes, With Adjustable Tripod Phone Adapter Barlow Lens Moon Filters Carrying Bag for Kids Adult Beginners

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Magnification
Mount Type
Aperture
Offers clear views of the moon's craters, enhancing the stargazing experience.
Magnification
While the 6mm lens can be challenging, the overall performance is impressive for the price.
Mount Type
The tripod can be a bit wobbly when fully extended, especially in windy conditions.
Ease of Use
An excellent choice for beginners with its user-friendly design.

The BEBANG 200X Pro Telescope is crafted with kids and amateur astronomers in mind, offering an accessible entry into the world of astronomy. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length promise clear and detailed views, which are essential for budding stargazers. With magnification options of 16x and 66x, it can be used comfortably for observing the moon, planets, and even star clusters.

The adjustable tripod enhances usability, allowing for various viewing angles, though its portability might be slightly hindered by the weight of 1.8 kilograms. The manual focus could pose a learning curve for younger users, but it encourages engagement with the device, fostering a learning experience. The package includes useful accessories like a smartphone adapter and moon filters, which add value and functionality, enabling photo capture and enhanced viewing of celestial bodies.

This telescope is lightweight and easy to set up, eliminating the need for complex tools, making it a convenient option for children. Its design and durability appear well-suited for beginners. It delivers decent performance for casual stargazing and educational use, and while more advanced users might find the magnification and optical capabilities limiting, it is likely to be appreciated as a gift for its engaging and educational potential. Considering its place in the market, it is reasonably ranked, reflecting decent customer satisfaction and reliability.

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Magnification
Mount Type
Aperture
Offers clear views of the moon's craters, enhancing the stargazing experience.
Magnification
While the 6mm lens can be challenging, the overall performance is impressive for the price.
Mount Type
The tripod can be a bit wobbly when fully extended, especially in windy conditions.
Ease of Use
An excellent choice for beginners with its user-friendly design.
#3

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

Rating
9.6
Ease of Use
Portability
Ease of Use
The telescope is easy to set up and provides clear views once properly focused, making it ideal for beginners.
Portability
The included backpack is a pleasant surprise, allowing easy transport of all parts for outdoor stargazing adventures.

The 80mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope is a great option for kids and beginners who are interested in stargazing. It boasts an 80mm aperture which allows more light to enter, providing a clearer and wider view of celestial objects compared to smaller apertures. With its 500mm focal length, the telescope is equipped to reveal intricate details of the moon and planets. The included multi-coated optical lenses enhance light transmission and reduce color distortion, ensuring brighter and sharper images.

The telescope offers two Kellner eyepieces that provide magnification levels from 25x to 55x, making it versatile for observing a variety of celestial bodies. Setting up the telescope is straightforward and can be done in about 15 minutes with the help of the provided instruction manual. Its portability is enhanced by the included backpack, making it easy to carry for outdoor adventures. The Altazimuth mount is user-friendly and suitable for beginners, allowing smooth movement to track objects in the sky. Durability is also a plus, with a sturdy build that can withstand regular use.

The package includes a tripod, phone adapter, and other accessories, making it a comprehensive kit for young astronomers. On the downside, manual focusing might take some practice for kids to get used to, and the tripod may not be as stable on uneven surfaces. However, its lifetime warranty and technical support ensure long-term satisfaction. This telescope is an excellent gift choice for children and families who want to explore the night sky together.

Rating
9.6
Ease of Use
Portability
Ease of Use
The telescope is easy to set up and provides clear views once properly focused, making it ideal for beginners.
Portability
The included backpack is a pleasant surprise, allowing easy transport of all parts for outdoor stargazing adventures.

Buying Guide for the Best Telescopes For Kids

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. When selecting a telescope, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, durability, and the type of celestial objects your child is interested in observing. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking the best telescope for your child.
ApertureThe aperture is the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the brightness and clarity of the images. For kids, a smaller aperture (around 60-80mm) is usually sufficient and easier to handle. Larger apertures can provide better views but may be more cumbersome and expensive. Consider your child's age and strength when choosing the aperture size.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much larger the telescope can make objects appear. While high magnification might seem appealing, it's not always better. Too much magnification can make images blurry and difficult to focus. For kids, a telescope with a magnification range of 20x to 50x is typically adequate. It's more important to have a clear, stable image than to zoom in too much.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope steady and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, making them simpler and more intuitive for kids to use. Equatorial mounts are more complex and better suited for tracking objects across the sky, but they can be challenging for beginners. For kids, an altazimuth mount is usually the best choice.
PortabilityPortability is important if you plan to take the telescope to different locations. Lightweight and compact telescopes are easier for kids to carry and set up. Consider telescopes made of durable materials that can withstand some rough handling. A portable telescope encourages more frequent use and exploration.
Ease of UseA telescope that is easy to set up and use will be more enjoyable for kids. Look for telescopes with simple assembly instructions and minimal adjustments. Some telescopes come with user-friendly features like red dot finders or smartphone adapters, which can make locating objects easier. The simpler the telescope is to use, the more likely your child will enjoy using it.
DurabilityKids can be rough on their belongings, so a durable telescope is a must. Look for telescopes made from sturdy materials that can withstand drops and bumps. Protective features like lens caps and padded cases can also help extend the life of the telescope. A durable telescope will last longer and provide more value over time.
AccessoriesSome telescopes come with additional accessories like extra eyepieces, star charts, or educational materials. These can enhance the learning experience and make stargazing more fun. Consider what accessories are included and whether they add value for your child's interests. Extra eyepieces can provide different magnification options, while educational materials can help guide their exploration of the night sky.