10 Best Telescopes For Kids, Tweens And Teens
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If your children have a love for learning all about the night sky and the history, science and legends associated with it, finding the perfect telescope will give them infinite possibilities for learning.
Getting kids interested in STEM has never been easier. While some children may shy away from the idea of physics and maths-related learning, there is nothing like stargazing to demonstrate how these principles come to life.
This is where a telescope can come in handy. Whether you're looking for a model that fits easily on a desk and can be folded away for storage, or a more complex telescope for older kids, we've searched far and wide to find the best option for every budget.
From four year olds to teenagers, there is something for every budding astrologer on this list!
For more inspiration to get kids learning through play, take a look at these STEM toys for kids and these kids' desks.
Kidadl's Top Pick
We think that all of the telescopes for kids on this list are great, but this is our top pick based on its range of features, making it the best telescope for viewing planets, and its great reviews from fellow parents.
1. Celestron 114AZ Newtonian Telescope
With rave reviews online, this unassuming telescope has much more to it than first meets the eye. Equipped with an 3x Barlow lens for focus, sturdy tripod and a nifty red dot finder scope, the Celestron 114AZ is the perfect beginner's telescope that the whole family will want to try too.
While it probably needs to be assembled with parental help, once set up this telescope is perfect for viewing planets, moon craters and other celestial objects.
Main Features
- Price: £149.99
- Age: 10+
- 250x magnification
- 3 eyepieces included
- One of the best telescopes for beginners
- Fully extendable tripod
- 2 year manufacturer's guarantee
Best For Families On A Budget
2. Discovery Adventures Channel 40mm Telescope
Kids can get to grips with all that outer space has to offer with this simple, portable telescope. Super lightweight and easy to use, this 40mm telescope is great for beginners and children alike.
It's also easy for young children to use with parental supervision. The affordable price makes this a perfect option for kids who want to dip their toe into the world of astronomy, but without the commitment that comes with buying expensive equipment.
Main Features
- Price: £25
- Age: 3+
- 25-50x magnification
- Great for beginners
- 1 year manufacturer's guarantee
Best For Under 10s
3. Iadong Kids Astronomical Telescope
For younger kids who are looking to get started with astronomy, the Iadong telescope for children is both easy to use and robust enough to pack up and go.
While it is marketed as an educational toy rather than a powerful telescope, this option still packs a punch, with a 1.5x Barlow lens and enough magnification for kids to get a good look at the moon and stars in the sky, as well as objects on earth.
One of the best first telescopes for kids, the Iadong makes a great gift or educational toy for at home learning.
Main Features
- Price: £27.99
- Age: 6+
- Easy to assemble and pack up for travel
- Simple to focus
- Comes with a moon mirror to see the moon more clearly
- Maximum focal length: 360mm
Best For Under 5s
4. Geosafari Jr My First Telescope
If you're looking for the best children's telescope for younger kids, look no further than the Geosafari Jr. With bright, stimulating colours to engage even young children and a comfy mould to fit their faces, this telescope toy is lots of fun for little explorers to take out and about.
While it's definitely more of a toy than a working telescope, it's great for getting smaller kids interested in STEM activities and exploring the sky above them, and will certainly kick playtime up a notch.
Main Features
- Price: £30
- Age: 4+
- 10x magnification
- Ergonomic design
- Activity guide included
- Multiple colour options available
Best For Kids On The Go
5. National Geographic 50/400 Children's Telescope
With a shorter focal length than the 50/600 AZ model above, the 50/400 version is portable and made to store and travel with ease. Kids will be able to view the moon, terrestrial objects and perhaps even a planet or two!
For a great kids' telescope that doesn't break the bank, you can't go wrong with this sleek and smart option.
Main Features
- Price: £49.99
- Age: 8+
- Quick and easy assembly
- 5 year warranty
Best For Lightweight
6. GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope
Looking for an ultra lightweight telescope so the kids can check out the moon up close? The GeoSafari Vega 360's tripod not only has an altazimuth mount (which means it can be adjusted to move horizontally and vertically), but also comes with multiple eyepieces so kids can get that perfect focus.
This easy to use telescope will be sure to spark an interest in your kids.
Main Features
- Price: £45.99
- Age: 8+
- Aluminium optical tube and tripod
- Maximum magnification range: 20x to 80x
Best For Tweens
7. National Geographic 50/600 AZ Telescope with Mount and Tripod
This bright and bold refractor telescope is great for National Geographic lovers and novice astronomers alike. One of the best telescopes for kids who are interested in outer space, this telescope is suitable mainly for older children.
With a moon filter included to get a clear view of our nearest neighbour, as well as a sturdy tripod for that 'classic telescope' look, this option makes a great gift.
Main Features
- Price: £41.99
- Age: 8+
- 100x magnification
- Comes with two eyepieces
- Maximum focal length: 600mm
Best For Teens
8. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
For a great compact, desktop telescope for use while studying, the Orion 10015 is ideal. It comes pre-assembled so all you need to do is unbox and you're ready to go!
If you're looking for a low maintenance product with a high quality output, this is the telescope to go for. A great intermediate option for older kids and teens as they develop their learning.
Main Features
- Price: £175.99
- Age: 13+
- Maximum focal length: 450mm
Best For Budding Scientists
9. Celestron Astro-Fi 5 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
If your teenager sees a future for themselves in science, physics or astronomy, the Celestron Astro-Fi 5 is a brilliant investment option.
It sits in the middle of the price range between basic and more specialist telescopes, and offers a huge range of features. Some of our favourites include the built-in WiFi, and an option to use a downloadable app where you can select objects in the night sky and the telescope will guide you there automatically.
With an 120,000 object database included, there is no shortage of celestial locations to explore with the Astro-Fi 5.
Main Features
- Price: £499
- Age: 13+
- Built-in WiFi
- Maximum focal length: 1250mm
- No tool setup
- 2 year manufacturer's guarantee
Best Portable Option
10. Celestron 21023-CGL Cometron Firstscope Telescope
With a compact design that adapts to desktops, window sills or any other stable surface, the Celestron 21023-CGL is a great option if you're often on the move, or don't have space to fit a large tripod-style telescope.
You will get a great view of the night sky with this little gadget, and kids will have a great time looking at the moon's craters.
Although it may not be powerful enough to examine planets in detail, this telescope is great for beginners and children alike.
Main Features
- Price: £69.99
- Age: 8+
- Easy, no-tool assembly
- Lightweight and compact
- 2 year manufacturer's guarantee
- Two eyepieces included for different magnification options
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for best STEM toys then why not take a look at our list of the best microscopes for kids, or for something different take a look at our list of the best kids sliders.
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Diploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
Sarah HallamDiploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
With a Diploma in Education specializing in Fine Arts (Painting) and a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media from the University of Arts London, Sarah previously was a London-based teacher who brought her passion for art and culture to the classroom. Her creative endeavors include painting classes and experimenting with new recipes. She draws inspiration from the world around her and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others while sipping a cup of tea.
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