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10 Best Kids Telescopes 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Carrying Bag

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,319
Durability
Durability
Easy to assemble and great quality, offering excellent value for its price.

The SOLOMARK 80900 telescope features an 80mm aperture, which is excellent for capturing more light and providing clear, bright images of celestial objects. This is an advantage for kids and beginners, as it makes observing planets and other astronomical phenomena more rewarding. With a focal length of 900mm, this telescope offers decent magnification, coming with two eyepieces that allow for 45X and 90X magnification—suitable for getting a closer look at lunar craters and planets.

Its sturdy tripod with a Super Azimuth gimbal aids stability and ease of movement, which is ideal for young users who might find alignment challenging. The addition of clear altitude and azimuth scales further simplifies pointing and tracking, making this a user-friendly choice.

Portability is a major strength, as the telescope is compact and comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to transport. This feature is particularly beneficial for stargazing sessions in different locations. Furthermore, the telescope is straightforward to assemble, so kids and beginners shouldn't have any trouble setting it up.

However, while the telescope's focus type is fixed, which might limit the fine-tuning of images compared to telescopes with adjustable focus, its fully coated optics still promise good quality views. Durability seems to be well considered with an aluminum body, but it's essential to handle it with care, especially by younger users.

In conclusion, this telescope is a solid choice for kids and beginners looking to explore astronomy. It strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use, although the fixed focus might be a slight limitation for those looking for more detailed control.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,319
Durability
Durability
Easy to assemble and great quality, offering excellent value for its price.
#3

Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount, Telescope for Kids Beginners, Fully Multi-Coated Optics, Astronomy Refractor with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Backpack

Rating
9.7
Portability
Portability
The telescope is brilliantly packaged with a backpack, making it easy to transport and ideal for those starting their astronomical journey.

This telescope features a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, which are beneficial for observing both celestial and terrestrial objects. The larger aperture allows more light to enter, resulting in clearer and brighter images. The Altazimuth (AZ) mount type is easy to use and ideal for beginners, allowing simple up-down and left-right movements. Additionally, the fully multi-coated optics enhance image quality by increasing transmission and reducing glare, making it suitable for kids who are new to astronomy.

The telescope is designed with portability in mind, including a lightweight build and a custom backpack, making it easy to transport and set up anywhere. This is a significant advantage for families who want to explore various locations. The inclusion of a phone adapter allows for capturing and sharing images, adding an engaging element for tech-savvy young users. Durability-wise, the telescope is built with reliable materials, and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term satisfaction.

One potential drawback is the manual focus, which might require some patience and practice from kids. Also, while the magnification provided by the eyepieces (20X and 44X) is adequate for beginner level, more advanced users might seek higher magnification options. This telescope is a great gift idea for kids and beginner astronomers, promoting interest in science and exploration away from screens, but may require adult supervision to fully utilize its features.

Rating
9.7
Portability
Portability
The telescope is brilliantly packaged with a backpack, making it easy to transport and ideal for those starting their astronomical journey.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Telescopes

Choosing a telescope for kids can be a fun and educational experience. The right telescope can spark a child's interest in astronomy and science, providing them with a tool to explore the night sky. When selecting a telescope for a child, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, durability, and the level of interest the child has in astronomy. A telescope that is too complex or fragile may discourage a young astronomer, while one that is too simple may not provide enough of a challenge or learning opportunity. Understanding the key specifications of telescopes can help you make an informed decision that aligns with the child's needs and interests.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror, and it is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The more light a telescope can collect, the better it can show faint objects in the sky. For kids, a smaller aperture (around 60mm to 80mm) is often sufficient for viewing the moon and planets. If the child is more interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture (100mm or more) might be more appropriate. Consider the child's level of interest and the types of celestial objects they are most excited to observe when choosing the aperture size.
Focal LengthThe focal length of a telescope is the distance from the lens or mirror to the point where the telescope forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon in detail. However, it also means a narrower field of view, which can make it harder to locate objects. For kids, a moderate focal length (around 400mm to 700mm) offers a good balance, allowing them to see a variety of objects without too much difficulty in finding them.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up and down and side to side, making them intuitive and easy for kids to use. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which can be useful for tracking objects but may be challenging for beginners. For most kids, an altazimuth mount is a better choice due to its simplicity and ease of use.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and set up the telescope. A portable telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy for kids to carry and set up on their own. This is important if the child will be using the telescope in different locations or if storage space is limited. Look for telescopes that are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, and consider the child's ability to handle the telescope independently.
DurabilityDurability is important when choosing a telescope for kids, as it needs to withstand the occasional bump or drop. Telescopes made from sturdy materials and with solid construction are less likely to be damaged during use. Consider the age and responsibility level of the child when assessing durability. A more durable telescope can provide peace of mind and ensure that the telescope remains functional for a longer period.