10 Best Telescopes For Kids

The Celestron 11068 NexStar 6SE is a computerized telescope designed to be beginner-friendly while still offering features that can satisfy more experienced young stargazers. Its 6-inch (150mm) aperture is quite large for a kids' telescope, allowing it to gather plenty of light and show detailed views of planets, the moon, and some deep-sky objects. The telescope has a 1500mm focal length, which translates into good magnification when paired with the included eyepieces.

This model stands out for its fully automated GoTo mount, which can automatically find and track over 40,000 celestial objects. This feature is great for kids and beginners who might struggle with manual searching, making stargazing more fun and less frustrating. The computerized single fork arm mount is sturdy and fairly easy to set up, supported by Celestron's SkyAlign technology for quick and accurate alignment.

While the telescope is more compact than many other 6-inch models, it still weighs about 9.5 kg (21 lbs) with tripod, so it might be a bit heavy for very young children to handle alone. The telescope breaks down into parts for transport but is better suited for use at home or on short trips rather than frequent carrying over long distances. Assembly is straightforward but may need some adult help. Durability is solid, given its steel tripod and robust design, though care should be taken with the computerized mount and optics. The manual focusing system is simple and effective but requires some practice to master. Extras include a built-in StarPointer red dot finderscope and free Starry Night software, which can help kids learn the night sky interactively. If you want a kid-friendly telescope that will grow with their interest and provide reliable computerized tracking, the NexStar 6SE is a strong option. It may not be ideal if you need something very lightweight or super simple without electronics.

The Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70 is a portable refractor telescope designed with kids and beginners in mind. With an aperture of 70mm, it provides decent light-gathering capability for observing both celestial and terrestrial objects. The inclusion of two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) allows for varying magnifications, making it versatile for different viewing scenarios. The Alt-Az mount is simple and intuitive, ideal for young users who are new to telescopes, though it may limit more advanced tracking of objects in the sky.

One of its standout features is the lightweight frame and custom backpack, which enhances its portability, making it easy for kids to carry and set up the telescope wherever they go. The manual focus and built-on StarPointer red dot finderscope further add to its user-friendly design, enabling easier targeting of objects. However, a potential drawback is its durability; while it is designed to be lightweight, it may not withstand rough handling as well as some more robust models.

The included accessories, such as the full-height tripod, SkyPortal app, and Starry Night Basic Edition software, add considerable value, providing educational resources. The Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70 is a solid choice for young astronomers, offering a good balance of ease of use, portability, and educational value, though it might require careful handling to ensure longevity.

The EACONN 80mm refractor telescope is a solid choice for kids and beginners interested in astronomy. Its 80mm aperture is quite good for a beginner’s scope, allowing it to gather enough light to show clear and bright images of the moon, planets, and some brighter stars. The included magnifications (30x to 66x) are suitable for starting out but won’t reveal very fine details, which is normal at this price and category. The alt-azimuth mount with rough adjustment and gimbal positioning makes it straightforward to aim and track objects, which is helpful for younger users still learning to navigate the night sky.

Portability is a strong point here: the telescope comes with an adjustable tripod and a carrying backpack, making it easy to take outdoors or on trips. Assembly is simple with clear instructions and video help, which lowers the frustration often faced by beginners. The package also includes useful accessories like two eyepieces, a 5x24 finder scope for easier object location, and a phone adapter for capturing images through the lens.

Durability seems reasonable for casual use, and the telescope is waterproof, adding some protection against the elements. However, the fixed focal length and center focus design mean fine focusing might require patience, and the optical quality, while good, won’t match more advanced or expensive models. Also, the mount lacks motorized tracking, so manual adjustments are necessary. This telescope suits kids and beginners who want a portable, easy-to-use starter telescope with decent optics and accessories. It’s great for moon and planet observation and can double as a travel scope. Those seeking deeper space views or advanced features might find it limiting, but for a first-time astronomy gift, it offers good value and enjoyable family stargazing experiences.