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10 Best Kids Metal Detectors 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OMMO Metal Detector, Adjustable 27.5”-37.8” Metal Detector for Kids with Intuitive LCD Display, Lightweight Kids Metal Detectors with 6” Search Coil for Exploration Hiking

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,360
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use
Detection Depth

Most important from
1995 reviews

Adjustable Shaft
Adjustable handle is perfect for kids and even taller preteens.
Ease of Use
Perfect for kids! Easy use for our 5-8 year olds and absolutely legitimate metal detector.
Detection Depth
Works extremely well and the metal detection is spot on.
Battery Life
Great first time metal detector! Easy to use, great value for the price, and has good battery life.

The OMMO Metal Detector is designed with kids in mind, featuring a lightweight build and adjustable shaft that ranges from 27.5” to 37.8”, making it suitable for children of various heights. The device weighs just 1.24lbs, ensuring it's easy for small hands to manage while out exploring. Setup is straightforward with just three steps, making it user-friendly even for young children. The fun puppy LCD display adds an engaging element, making treasure hunting a more enjoyable activity for kids.

It can detect objects up to 4 inches deep, which is adequate for youngsters just starting their treasure hunting adventures. The metal detector also comes with essential accessories like a 9V battery, plastic shovel, and rake, providing a complete package for beginners. However, it lacks advanced features such as a discrimination function, which could make it challenging to differentiate between valuable items and common metal debris. Additionally, the durability is sufficient but may not withstand rough handling over time.

The battery life is dependent on the single 9V battery, which may require frequent replacements depending on usage. This metal detector is best suited for young children aged 3-12 years, offering a balance between ease of use, portability, and basic functionality for educational and recreational purposes.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,360
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use
Detection Depth

Most important from
1995 reviews

Adjustable Shaft
Adjustable handle is perfect for kids and even taller preteens.
Ease of Use
Perfect for kids! Easy use for our 5-8 year olds and absolutely legitimate metal detector.
Detection Depth
Works extremely well and the metal detection is spot on.
Battery Life
Great first time metal detector! Easy to use, great value for the price, and has good battery life.
#2

GoGonova Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, Kids Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy Lightweight 8" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Junior & Youth Gold Detector

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use

Most important from
207 reviews

Ease of Use
The metal detector impresses with its performance and user-friendly design, making it perfect for beginners.

The GoGonova Metal Detector is a solid choice for kids aged 8-12 who want to dive into treasure hunting. One of its biggest strengths is the adjustable shaft, which extends from 39.3 to 51.3 inches, making it suitable for both children and adults. This feature allows families to share the experience together. The unit is also lightweight, enhancing portability, which is ideal for young explorers.

The metal detector offers two operational modes: All Metal and Discrimination, allowing users to easily identify and select the type of metals they want to find. The intuitive LCD display is user-friendly, designed for beginners, and even includes a backlight for low-light conditions, making it easy to use any time of day.

Another highlight is the IP68 waterproof search coil, which enables usage in various outdoor settings, including beaches and creeks. However, it's important to note that while the search coil is waterproof, the control box is not, which limits underwater use to the coil only. On the downside, some users may find the detection depth of 8 inches to be somewhat limited when compared to more advanced models. Additionally, while the included shovel is handy for soft materials like sand, it isn't effective for harder surfaces, which could be a drawback in certain environments. The battery-powered design means you’ll need to keep spare batteries on hand, as it requires two 9V batteries.

The GoGonova Metal Detector is an excellent entry-level option that combines ease of use with a great set of features, making it suitable for kids and families looking to explore the fun of treasure hunting together.

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use

Most important from
207 reviews

Ease of Use
The metal detector impresses with its performance and user-friendly design, making it perfect for beginners.
#3

Metal Detector for Kids, Waterproof Kids Metal Detector, 7.4 Inch Search Coil with LCD Dispaly, 24 Inch to 35 Inch Adjustable Stem Buzzer, Vibration Sound, 2 Pounds Lightweight Easy to Use

Rating
9.7
Weight
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use

Most important from
5171 reviews

Weight
Lightweight design makes it comfortable for children to carry during outdoor activities like beachcombing.
Adjustable Shaft
The adjustable shaft fits a range of heights, making it versatile for both kids and adults.
Ease of Use
The detector is impressively easy for kids to use and can detect metal objects up to 8 inches deep.
Detection Depth
The detector is impressively easy for kids to use and can detect metal objects up to 8 inches deep.
Discrimination Feature
Sensitivity adjustment helps filter out random signals, improving detection accuracy.
Durability
While it has a somewhat flimsy feel, normal casual use does not affect its durability.

This kids’ metal detector is designed with young treasure hunters in mind, offering a lightweight build at just 2 pounds, which makes it easy for children to carry and handle during outdoor adventures. The adjustable shaft, extending from 24 to 35 inches, allows the detector to comfortably fit kids of different heights as well as adults, which is a nice feature for family use. The waterproof 7.4-inch search coil adds to its versatility, letting kids explore various environments like parks, gardens, and beaches without worry.

Detection is made simple with a clear LCD screen and buzzer that increases in volume as the detector gets closer to metal objects, making it intuitive for kids to understand when they've found something. The device is powered by one 9V battery, which should provide decent playtime but might require carrying spares for longer outings. While it offers basic discrimination through signals on the screen, it does not include advanced discrimination features that more expensive models might have, meaning it may detect all metals rather than filtering specific types.

The build uses safe, sturdy ABS plastic and has an IP54 rating, indicating good resistance against dust and splashes, though it’s not fully waterproof except for the coil and shaft. This detector is a great entry-level tool to spark curiosity and outdoor activity in children aged 8 to 12, though those needing deeper detection or advanced filtering might find it somewhat limited.

Rating
9.7
Weight
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use

Most important from
5171 reviews

Weight
Lightweight design makes it comfortable for children to carry during outdoor activities like beachcombing.
Adjustable Shaft
The adjustable shaft fits a range of heights, making it versatile for both kids and adults.
Ease of Use
The detector is impressively easy for kids to use and can detect metal objects up to 8 inches deep.
Detection Depth
The detector is impressively easy for kids to use and can detect metal objects up to 8 inches deep.
Discrimination Feature
Sensitivity adjustment helps filter out random signals, improving detection accuracy.
Durability
While it has a somewhat flimsy feel, normal casual use does not affect its durability.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Metal Detectors

Choosing the right metal detector for kids can be a fun and educational experience. It's important to find a model that is easy to use, lightweight, and safe for children. The right metal detector can spark a child's interest in outdoor activities and history, while also providing a sense of adventure. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a metal detector for kids, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor when selecting a metal detector for kids. A lightweight detector is easier for children to handle and carry for extended periods. Generally, metal detectors for kids should weigh between 1 to 3 pounds. If the detector is too heavy, it can cause fatigue and make the experience less enjoyable. Choose a weight that your child can comfortably manage based on their age and strength.
Adjustable ShaftAn adjustable shaft allows the metal detector to be lengthened or shortened to fit the child's height. This feature is important because it ensures that the detector can be used comfortably without causing strain on the child's back or arms. Look for a model with a good range of adjustability to accommodate growth and different users. For younger children, a shorter shaft is ideal, while older kids may need a longer one.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple and intuitive the metal detector is to operate. For kids, it's best to choose a model with straightforward controls and minimal settings. Basic models often have a single button or dial to turn on and start detecting, which is perfect for beginners. More advanced features can be confusing and may detract from the fun. Ensure the detector has clear instructions and is user-friendly.
Detection DepthDetection depth indicates how deep the metal detector can sense objects underground. For kids, a detection depth of 6 to 8 inches is usually sufficient. This depth allows them to find small treasures like coins and jewelry without needing to dig too deep. If your child is more experienced or interested in finding larger objects, you might consider a detector with a greater detection depth. However, deeper detection can also mean more complex settings.
Discrimination FeatureThe discrimination feature helps the metal detector distinguish between different types of metals, such as iron, gold, and silver. This is important because it can reduce the number of false signals from unwanted items like nails or bottle caps. For kids, a basic discrimination feature that can filter out common trash items is useful. More advanced discrimination settings can be overwhelming, so choose a model with simple discrimination options.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the metal detector can withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions. Kids can be tough on their equipment, so it's important to choose a model made from sturdy materials that can handle drops and bumps. Look for metal detectors with reinforced coils and waterproof components, as these features can extend the life of the detector and ensure it remains functional during outdoor adventures.
Battery LifeBattery life is the amount of time the metal detector can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. For kids, a longer battery life means more uninterrupted playtime. Look for models that offer at least 15 to 20 hours of use on a single charge or set of batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be a convenient option, but make sure they are easy to replace or recharge. Consider how often and how long your child will be using the detector to determine the appropriate battery life.

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