10 Best Telescopes For Kids 2025 in the UK

The Mijiao Telescope for Kids is designed to be a great first telescope for children, beginners, or even casual adult users. With a 50mm aperture and a focal length of 360mm, it provides a good amount of light collection and clarity for its size. The telescope offers a maximum magnification of 90x with its included eyepieces, making it suitable for observing the moon, planets, and various terrestrial objects.

The altazimuth mount is straightforward, allowing for easy adjustment both vertically and horizontally, which is helpful for young astronomers learning to track objects in the sky. Portability is one of the telescope's top strengths; it is lightweight at 680 grams and comes with a foldable tripod and carrying bag, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations. This makes it ideal for outdoor use and spontaneous stargazing sessions.

Ease of use is also a significant advantage—it's designed to be assembled without any tools, and the intuitive setup process is great for beginners. On the downside, the 50mm aperture is on the smaller side, which limits the telescope’s capability to gather more light and may restrict the clarity of distant celestial objects. Additionally, the manual focus might require some practice for young users to get the best view. Durability seems adequate, but the lightweight materials may not withstand rough handling. The package includes useful accessories such as a moon mirror and different eyepieces, adding to the value. The Mijiao Telescope for Kids is a practical and educational tool for introducing children to astronomy, balancing ease of use, portability, and decent optical performance.

The 80mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope is a great option for kids and beginners who are interested in stargazing. It boasts an 80mm aperture which allows more light to enter, providing a clearer and wider view of celestial objects compared to smaller apertures. With its 500mm focal length, the telescope is equipped to reveal intricate details of the moon and planets. The included multi-coated optical lenses enhance light transmission and reduce color distortion, ensuring brighter and sharper images.

The telescope offers two Kellner eyepieces that provide magnification levels from 25x to 55x, making it versatile for observing a variety of celestial bodies. Setting up the telescope is straightforward and can be done in about 15 minutes with the help of the provided instruction manual. Its portability is enhanced by the included backpack, making it easy to carry for outdoor adventures. The Altazimuth mount is user-friendly and suitable for beginners, allowing smooth movement to track objects in the sky. Durability is also a plus, with a sturdy build that can withstand regular use.

The package includes a tripod, phone adapter, and other accessories, making it a comprehensive kit for young astronomers. On the downside, manual focusing might take some practice for kids to get used to, and the tripod may not be as stable on uneven surfaces. However, its lifetime warranty and technical support ensure long-term satisfaction. This telescope is an excellent gift choice for children and families who want to explore the night sky together.

The Celestron 22007 Travel Scope 60 DX is a great starting point for kids interested in astronomy. With a 60mm aperture, it offers decent light-gathering ability for viewing celestial objects. The telescope features fully coated glass optics, which help in providing clearer images. Although the magnification isn't specified, the inclusion of two eyepieces (20mm and 8mm) and a 3x Barlow lens allows for flexible viewing options, likely catering well to both lunar and planetary observations.

The Altazimuth mount, which is manual, makes it easier for beginners to navigate and track objects in the sky using an intuitive pan handle. This simplicity in adjustment can be crucial for young users who are still learning the ropes. The telescope's portability is highlighted by its lightweight design (1.5 kg) and the inclusion of a custom backpack, making it suitable for on-the-go adventures, whether it's stargazing in the backyard or at a camping site.

The durability of the Celestron 22007 seems reasonable, with a 2-year warranty providing some peace of mind. However, it's worth noting that it may not be water-resistant, so care should be taken in humid or wet conditions. The addition of a smartphone adapter is a smart feature, enabling users to capture and share their findings easily, which can be particularly exciting for kids.

On the downside, the telescope's manual focus might present a slight challenge to some younger children, requiring a bit of practice to achieve clear images. Also, while the accessories are a boon, the total package might need some adult assistance in initial setup and alignment.

In essence, this telescope is a well-rounded, beginner-friendly option that balances usability, portability, and features, making it an enjoyable educational tool for budding young astronomers.