10 Best Kids Telescopes 2026 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope is designed with kids and beginner astronomers in mind, offering a solid starting point for exploring the night sky. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide good light-gathering capability, making it easier to see celestial objects like the moon and stars clearly. The fully coated optics enhance image quality, which is essential for an enjoyable stargazing experience. With two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, users can effectively increase magnification, making it versatile for different observations.

The adjustable aluminum tripod is a notable feature, allowing for comfortable viewing positions, and it comes with a carry bag that enhances portability. This is especially appealing for families who want to take the telescope on trips or to local parks for stargazing. Additionally, the inclusion of a smartphone adapter and wireless remote makes capturing images and sharing experiences straightforward, which can be a fun aspect for kids.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The manual focus can be a bit tricky for younger users or those unfamiliar with telescopes, potentially leading to frustrations while trying to get clear images. The 5x24 finderscope, while helpful, may require some time to learn how to use effectively for locating objects in the night sky. Additionally, while it’s lightweight and portable, some users might prefer a more robust build for durability during outdoor use, especially in windy conditions.

The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope offers a large 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, which is a solid size for viewing the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. Its optics are fully coated, helping to deliver clear and bright images, which is great for young users eager to explore the night sky. The telescope comes with three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing magnification levels from 24x up to 360x. This range lets kids experiment with different zoom levels, though very high magnifications can sometimes make images shakier and harder to focus.

The altazimuth mount is simple and intuitive, making it easier for beginners to move the telescope up/down and left/right, which helps kids learn how to track objects naturally. The adjustable aluminum tripod is sturdy and can be set to a comfortable height, but at 18 pounds and with dimensions around 38 inches long, it’s not the most portable or lightweight option for younger children to carry around easily. The telescope uses manual focus, which is straightforward but might require some patience at first.

It is durable and designed to be user-friendly without needing tools for setup, which suits beginners well. While it’s marketed for adults, curious kids with some adult guidance would also find it rewarding. If portability and ultra-lightweight design are top priorities, this model might feel a bit bulky, but for home use and backyard stargazing, it offers a strong mix of power and ease of use.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is a fantastic kids' telescope that leverages modern technology to make stargazing accessible and fun. One of its standout features is the integration with the StarSense app, which works with your smartphone to guide you through the night sky. This is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it requires no prior telescope experience. The app also provides a list of the best celestial objects to view based on your location and time, making it easier to find planets, nebulae, and star clusters even from the city. The telescope boasts a 114mm Newtonian reflector, which is substantial for a kids' model, allowing clear visibility of lunar craters, planets, and some deep sky objects.

The manual altazimuth mount with a slow-motion rod ensures smooth tracking and easy alignment, which is great for young users. Weighing just 10.4 pounds and with a compact design, it's relatively portable and can be set up in different locations with minimal effort. However, its manual focus and mount may require some patience to master, and the durability of its components could be a concern if handled roughly by younger kids. This telescope is ideal for kids who are passionate about astronomy and willing to spend time learning how to use it. While not the most robust option out there, its blend of technology and ease of use makes it a great introductory telescope.