Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or editorial integrity. Learn more

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Kids Telescopes

Stars within reach. We compared kids telescopes for real moon craters and Saturn's rings versus blurry blobs—because nothing kills curiosity faster than disappointing optics.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Celestron

FirstScope Tabletop Telescope

4.5 (6,789 reviews)

The "actually use it" telescope. Tabletop design eliminates tripod frustration.

Aperture

76mm

Type

Reflector

Mount

Tabletop Dobsonian

Includes

2 eyepieces

Pros

✓ Perfect for moon craters
✓ No tripod hassle
✓ Portable and stable

Cons

✗ Limited to tabletop use
✗ Lower magnification
✗ Not for deep space

$55

View on Amazon

Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
FirstScope Tabletop Telescope Best Celestron	4.5	$55	View
Travel Scope 70 Value Celestron	4.3	$90	View
$Observer II 60mm Refractor$ Observer II 60mm Refractor Orion	4.4	$100	View
$70mm Refractor Telescope$ 70mm Refractor Telescope National Geographic	4.2	$80	View
$Infinity 60mm Refractor$ Infinity 60mm Refractor Meade	4.1	$75	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Celestron

FirstScope Tabletop Telescope

4.5 (6,789 reviews)

The "actually use it" telescope. Tabletop design eliminates tripod frustration.

Aperture

76mm

Type

Reflector

Mount

Tabletop Dobsonian

Includes

2 eyepieces

Pros

✓ Perfect for moon craters
✓ No tripod hassle
✓ Portable and stable

Cons

✗ Limited to tabletop use
✗ Lower magnification
✗ Not for deep space

$55

View on Amazon

Best Value

Celestron

Travel Scope 70

4.3 (12,345 reviews)

The portable package deal. Everything fits in a backpack—take it camping or anywhere with dark skies.

Aperture

70mm

Type

Refractor

Mount

Alt-azimuth tripod

Includes

Backpack, eyepieces

Pros

✓ Backpack included
✓ Works for land and sky
✓ Full tripod included

Cons

✗ Tripod flimsy at full extension
✗ Finderscope frustrating
✗ Needs patience

$90

View on Amazon

$Observer II 60mm Refractor$

Orion

Observer II 60mm Refractor

4.4 (4,567 reviews)

Smart features for beginners. The red dot finder is far easier than traditional finderscopes.

Aperture

60mm

Type

Refractor

Finder

Red dot

Mount

Altazimuth with slow-motion

Pros

✓ Red dot finder easier than optical
✓ Slow-motion controls
✓ Better build than price suggests

Cons

✗ 60mm limits fainter objects
✗ Learning curve
✗ Tripod adequate

$100

View on Amazon

$70mm Refractor Telescope$

National Geographic

70mm Refractor Telescope

4.2 (5,678 reviews)

The "gift that looks right" telescope. National Geographic branding inspires confidence.

Aperture

70mm

Type

Refractor

Mount

Alt-azimuth

Includes

Phone adapter

Pros

✓ Brand kids trust
✓ Smartphone holder
✓ Decent package for price

Cons

✗ Generic optics
✗ Tripod not stable
✗ Better options available

$80

View on Amazon

Budget Pick

$Infinity 60mm Refractor$

Meade

Infinity 60mm Refractor

4.1 (3,456 reviews)

Budget option from a real telescope company. Meade makes serious instruments.

Aperture

60mm

Type

Refractor

Finder

Red dot

Mount

Altazimuth

Pros

✓ Respected astronomy brand
✓ Red dot finder
✓ Decent for price

Cons

✗ 60mm limits capability
✗ Lightweight tripod
✗ Basic accessories

$75

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Kids Telescopes

Kids Telescopes: Avoiding Expensive Disappointment

The $30 Telescope Trap
Department store telescopes advertising "525x magnification!" are universally terrible. Images are blurry, tripods shake, kids conclude space is boring.

### What Kids Can Actually See
Moon: Craters, maria, shadows—genuinely impressive
- Jupiter: Disk with 4 moons nearby
- Saturn: Rings visible
- Star clusters: Pleiades, double stars

You won't see: galaxies in detail, colored nebulae, or Hubble-quality images.

### Aperture is Everything
Ignore magnification claims. What matters is aperture:
- 50-60mm: Bare minimum, moon and planets only
- 70-80mm: Good starter
- 100mm+: Serious amateur territory

### First Light Tips
1. Start with the Moon—it's big, bright, can't miss
2. Align finderscope during daytime
3. Low power first, then zoom in
4. Don't expect Hubble photos

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Telescopes

Why can't I find anything?

This is the #1 frustration. Start by aiming at the Moon (big, bright, can't miss). Align your finderscope during daylight.

Why doesn't space look like the pictures?

Hubble images are long exposures with enormous instruments. Your eyes can't collect light like cameras.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

Curated Recommendations

Real Customer Reviews

Specs Compared

No Paid Placements

Learn more about our methodology →