What's the best telescope for kids?
It's advice parents and grandparents have given children for centuries. And what better way to inspire your children to dream big than to show them all the possibility the universe has to offer through the hobby of astronomy. Shoot for the stars. Aim high. Dream. |
Buy a child a book about the Milky Way and they'll learn a lot of facts about planets, solar systems and stars. Buy a child a telescope, and they'll see it first-hand--the beauty, the intrigue, the inspiration. They'll dream. They'll wonder. They'll literally set their sights on the stars. And who knows, they could even be the next Neil Armstrong or Sally Ride. There are, of course, a lot of telescopes to consider. Here are three things to keep in mind to help make sure you buy the best-suited telescope for your child or grandchild: |
Price A good "starter" telescope for a child doesn't have to be expensive. One of the nice things about astronomy for kids is that it is a relatively inexpensive hobby--but the lessons it teaches are limitless. When selecting a "starter" telescope, make sure not to overpay or underpay. Most telescopes well-suited for kids range in price from around $60 to $600 while some more advanced starter models can be more than $1,000. Paying too little will get you a telescope of questionable quality. Paying too much could get you a telescope that's too complicated for a beginning astronomer to use. |
Look for a telescope that costs between $60 and $300. You'll get quality parts. Your child will get breathtaking views of the universe. And you won't break the bank getting into astronomy for kids. |