It's not as hard as you think to pick the right telescope for your child. The trick is to find a telescope that is easy enough for your kids to use, but not so advanced that it frightens them off.

Buy a Bundle

A telescope alone is just not enough to really get your kids started in space exploration.  We recommend you purchase one of our exclusive Kids Pak telescope bundles.  Our Telescope Pro's have put together great packages for Kids, and you save 30-40% buying a bundle compared with buying all the accessories separately.  All our Kids Pak Bundles include:

• Laminated Moon Card (shows 100 features you can see on the Moon)
• Slooh.com Kids Space Activity Book
• Illustrated 48 page field guide to the stars
• Big Dipper Star Clock
• 30 Glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars

Ages 6 - 11

Six is a little young for a telescope, but kids of all ages like to look through the eyepiece of a telescope.  Hands down, this is our favorite telescope for young kids.

• AstroVenture 80mm Refractor Telescope -- The perfect starter scope for small children. It is small, portable, light weight, requires no experience or maintenance, and can be used day or night. -- $114.99
• AstroVenture 80mm Refractor Telescope Kids Pak -- $144.99

On a Budget? 

If the 80mm is little bit out of your price range, this telescope gets the job done for an entry level price.

• FirstView 50mm Telescope -- Features a full-size tripod, so this telescope grows with you. You'll still have great views of the moon, Saturn, Jupiter & Mars, plus you can use the telescope during the daytime for close-up views of anything. -- $59.99
• FirstView 50mm Telescope Kids Pak -- $89.99

Ages 12 & Up

By age 12, your youngster is ready to get serious about learning everything there is to know about space and astronomy. These telescopes are our favorites for older kids.

• AstroVenture 90mm Telescope -- The 90mm scope is a mixed-use day and night scope that really offers a nice balance between wildlife viewing and space exploration.  Very easy to use and virtually maintenance free, the AstroVenture 90mm provide great fun for years. -- $259.99
• AstroVenture 90mm Telescope Kids Pak -- $289.99

• AstroVenture 4.5" Telescope -- This telescope is a great deep space telescope value and is perfect for the child who is really ready to dive into astronomy. With incredible light gathering power, this telescope can be used to find deep space objects like nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. Plus, it's great for viewing the moon and planets too. This more advanced telescope has an EQ-type mount and can be upgraded to the hilt to include a single or dual-axis motorized drive. -- $174.99
• AstroVenture 4.5" Telescope Kids Pak -- $219.99

• Meade 4.5" Computer Controlled Reflector -- A great entry-level telescope that offers sharp imaging of space objects. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button. -- $479.99
• Meade 4.5" Computer Controlled Reflector Telescope Kids Pak -- $479.99

• Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory -- The premier traveling telescope! Complete with an expedition backpack designed specifically for the telescope, along with an ultra-portable, yet sturdy, lightweight aluminum tripod. Also includes the AutoStar Computer Controller which locates and points the telescope to over 1,400 celestial objects with just the push of a button. -- $354.99
• Meade 80mm Portable Computer Controlled Observatory Telescope Kids Pak -- $354.99

On a Budget? 

You can still get a great starter telescope for an older child.

• FirstView 3" Reflector Telescope -- This is a terrific telescope at a value price. Ideal for night use and really perfect for those astonishing views of the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter & Mars. Easy to assemble and light weight, it's a great value. -- $89.99
• Firstview 3" Reflector Telescope Kids Pak -- $129.99