Your Guide to Finding the Best Beginner Telescopes for Kids

It's been estimated that there are around 300 billion stars in the Milky Way.

300 billion.

We don't need to tell you how absolutely incredible that is, not least of all because the great Douglas Adams already put it better than we ever could:

That sounds about right. There comes a time in everybody's life when they look to the stars and just can't believe it. It's an amazing moment. For many people, it's a defining moment. And for some people, it's the defining moment. The journey of the astronomer begins with that first true look of wonder at the stars, and it can come to different individuals at different ages.

But what happens if that moment occurs when you can't afford a telescope because you're too young to even begin to understand the world of employment?

You ask your parents, of course.

If your child has shown an interest in stargazing – and we mean a serious interest – it may be time to give in and buy them a telescope. Of course, this prospect can seem a little daunting. After all, telescopes are complicated, expensive and fragile, right?

Well... yes, actually. Telescopes are complicated tools – they rarely come cheap and they rarely come designed for children. But that's not to say there aren't any telescopes out there made with value for money and efficiency for beginner's in mind. In this list of the best telescopes for kids, we'll make the case for proper equipment for young stargazers – we hope it will convince you.

The Best Telescope for Kids

Price Check

Among the most celebrated telescopes for beginners is this portable creation from Celestron, a company generally considered to be at the top of the (admittedly fairly niche) telescope manufacturing business. It's one of those devices that seems determined to prove size isn't everything – kitted out with an aperture of 70 millimeters and a focal length of 400 millimeters, the images you'll receive through this refractor are as awe-inspiring as they come (at least in terms of most reasonably priced domestic telescopes).

What's included:

The cost includes the telescope, the tripod, two separate eyepieces, a small backpack designed to contain the telescope, and even a copy of TheSkyX, a sophisticated astronomy software great for those new to the world – or rather, the universe – of stargazing.

Here's why it's worth it:

It may seem a fairly large investment, but it really is one of the best telescopes for kids out there. Let's face it – to get a professional quality child's telescope, all the necessary accessories and even a software allowing for access to an enormous database of sky maps and other useful features for under 100 bucks (usually, prices are always subject to change) is a pretty amazing deal. If you still feel you'd like to avoid spending too much in case your child's stargazing interest turns out to be nothing more than a phase, it's worth noting Celestron also offer a 50 mm Travel Scope (a slightly less advanced version of the 70mm, including many of the same features without TheSkyX software) for a lower price-point.

Best Telescope Bundle: Telescope, microscope, & binoculars Kit

Yes, we know what you're thinking – you came here looking for a decent value telescope, and now we're pushing microscopes and binoculars your way too.

However, we can't ignore the fact that Levenhuk's science kit includes a pretty fantastic child's telescope – a refractor complete with a 50mm aperture and 600mm focal length, 5mm and 10mm eyepieces, 2 optical finders and an aluminum tripod, allowing for up to 120x magnification power.

The images you'll get here are pretty clear, if not as breathtaking as the ones you'll get with a more advanced model like the Celestron Travel Scope. And it's been argued that what this Levenhuk telescope lacks in technical sophistication, it more than compensates for in its age appropriateness, with adjustments to height and focus simple and easy to make, and a sturdy frame that should be able to withstand a few accidents.

For kids, binoculars are great for stargazing

Though it may not be binoculars you're specifically looking for, it's worth getting a pair if your child is interested in astronomy. Essentially a much more portable telescope, they're great tools for stargazing on the move, and the pair included in the Levenhuk set are a decent place to start. The binoculars that come with the set include a 30 mm aperture, a storage pouch, a carrying strap and a microfiber cleaning cloth for the lens – it's fairly comprehensive, to say the least. Though it's obviously not as powerful as the telescope, it's a great addition to your kid's astronomy set – small, light, and with a low (but not too low) magnification rate to avoid the risk of causing eye strain.

The microscope, though it's not exactly an important astronomy tool, is also worth having – if your kid is taking an interest in science, it's hardly inconceivable they'll become intrigued by microbiology at some point. And with this particular piece of equipment, capable of up to 900x magnification, it seems like an added bonus, giving you the opportunity to explore the world beneath our feet as well as the universe above our skies.

And check the price, when this review was first published this kit was the best value for the money. A fantastic introduction to the practice of astronomy, it's safe, sturdy and spectacular for science and stargazing.[/product]

Meade Instruments Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope

Infinity Refractor Telescope

Price Check

This refractor comes in a variety of apertures, from 60mm to 102mm. For the purpose of cost-effectiveness, we'll be talking about the 60mm telescope here.

Similarly to the Celestron Travel Telescope, this Meade invention comes with software providing users with access to star maps and astronomical guidance, making it an excellent piece of equipment for beginners who really want to get a grasp of how the field works. There's even an instructional DVD for kids who want to get to the real intricacies of the telescope.

Though it falls behind the Celestron Telescope in its aperture, it's superior in its focal length (800mm) and its technological features. An altazimuth mount gives you complete control over the direction of the telescope, while slow-motion controls and even a red dot viewfinder give you the ability to effectively track objects.

This probably sounds like something of an overcomplicated telescope to give an enthusiastic kid, but with a little supervision and a lot of practice, this could be the telescope to last your child through the years. At just under $50, it's an advanced, effective, and genuinely great value piece of equipment that could provide the perfect companion to your child's stargazing ambitions.

Can't Afford a Telescope?

Some libraries will let you check out telescopes, microscopes, and all sorts of stuff. Definitely start by calling your local library! You can also check if there is a local astronomy club in your area. There is one near my house and they meet at a park. Anyone can go and they'll share their telescopes and show things to you in the sky.

Also check for a local planetarium, they often have fun night sky classes!

Final thoughts

A good telescope for kids at an affordable price may seem like something of a pipe dream at first – after all, a telescope is a complicated piece of equipment, and finding a quality one for adults is difficult enough.

But astronomy doesn't need to be overpriced, and it certainly doesn't need to be exclusively for adults. As Douglas Adams said, space is big – really big. With a quality range of telescopes developed for beginners at great prices, your kids can happily pursue the enormous world of the stars in all its cosmic glory.

Space is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is.

— The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy [source]