Diving into the fascinating world of drones can be an exciting adventure for children, opening up a realm of creativity, learning, and endless fun. While there are many drones suitable for 10-year-olds, one drone stands out as the best beginner drone for 10-year old kids. The Ryze Tech Tello, a collaborative product from Ryze Tech, Intel, and DJI, is designed with young beginners in mind, making it the perfect gift for your 10-year-old explorer.
Why the Tello is the Ultimate Beginner Drone for Your 10-Year-Old Kids
There are a plethora of drones suitable for kids; they are all affordable and fun to operate. However, as a huge proponent of STEM education, I genuinely believe that the Ryze Tech Tello is the best beginner drone for 10-year-old kids.
The Tello distinguishes itself among beginner drones with its exceptional fusion of affordability, user-friendly features, and educational advantages.
This great drone introduces children to the Scratch programming language, a platform meticulously crafted by MIT. Developed specifically for young learners, Scratch enables children to grasp fundamental programming concepts.
and appreciate the multifaceted benefits of coding. By incorporating Scratch into the Tello’s functionality, children are empowered to explore the fascinating realm of programming, fostering their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. The Tello thus serves not only as an entertaining and engaging drone but also as an invaluable educational tool,
laying the groundwork for a strong foundation in coding and technological literacy.
While the programming aspect of the Tello drone is my main reason for being such a huge advocate of it, the drone also comes with some advanced features that make it enjoyable to operate.
Read my full review of the Ryze Tech Tello Drone.
Flight Performance
The Tello ensures a fantastic flight experience, providing stability and easy manoeuvrability for kids. The auto takeoff and landing capabilities make it simple to operate, while the low battery protection feature guarantees added safety. The drone has a flight time of 13 minutes, a top speed of 18 mph, and
an image transmission range of 100 meters.
The flight time and transmission range are probably the weak points of this drone; however, as it is primarily for kids and beginners, it should not be an issue.
Tello Drone Camera Quality
The main feature of any drone is its camera, and the Tello comes with a very good HD camera that can capture 5MP still images and record 720p video footage. It’s an exceptional camera (especially for its price) and allows users to capture great aerial footage. The camera has an electronic image
stabilization feature that helps reduce any shakiness from the videos and photos.
The drone comes with a feature called EZ Shots that allows users to record videos from certain angles at the push of a button.
There are other drones with similar or better camera features; however, the Tello drone’s camera is still impressive and is definitely one of the best drones for kids with a camera.
Programming Capabilities
The Tello’s integration of the Scratch programming language offers an educational component, enabling your child to learn coding basics while having fun.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the primary reason I advocate for this drone for beginners and kids. Programming is hugely beneficial and will help kids gain valuable skills that will aid them later in life.
Scratch is a visual programming language designed especially for beginners, particularly children and young learners. It uses colourful, draggable blocks that snap together to create programs or projects. Instead of writing code using text, users can build animations, games, and interactive
stories by connecting these blocks, which represent different commands and functions. Scratch’s easy-to-use interface encourages learning, creativity, and problem-solving, making it a fun and engaging way for people to learn the basics of programming.
Durability and Safety Features
The Tello’s lightweight and durable design promises longevity, and the protective propeller guards reduce potential damage. Its vision positioning system allows for stable indoor flights, catering to various environments.
It is a very light drone, so it should not be operated in any kind of windy conditions and should only be flown in wide open areas. This will minimize the risk of crashing into anything.
Comparison of the Ryze Tech Tello with Other Beginner Drones
When compared to other beginner drones at a similar price range, the Tello outshines its competition in essential features like flight performance, camera quality, and programming capabilities. Its blend of affordability and advanced technology makes it the perfect choice for kids.
However, while the Tello is my favourite drone for beginners and kids, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you would like more options, check out my article on the best drones for kids.
Rules & Regulations
Before your child embarks on their Tello adventure, ensure they follow safety guidelines and precautions. Help them troubleshoot common issues and create a pre-flight checklist. Encourage practice in a safe environment to build confidence and skill.
The Tello is a very lightweight drone, weighing less than 250 grams, which means that if you live in the USA, there is no need to register it.
However, you (if you decide to fly the drone as well) and your kid will need to pass the FAA TRUST exam.
This is a relatively new test devised by the FAA for recreational pilots; it’s a free test that is taken online and ensures that all recreational drone pilots are informed on safety and regulatory matters regarding drone flight.
In the UK, the rules are a little different; an adult guardian has to obtain an operator ID, and the kid must pass an online exam and get the Flyer ID. The test is relatively easy, and you are allowed to refer back to the Drone Code manual, which is the official CAA resource to help you pass.
Final Thoughts
The Ryze Tech Tello drone is a remarkable gift for a 10-year-old, offering a perfect balance of features and benefits. Its educational programming capabilities, exceptional flight performance, and camera quality make it the ultimate beginner drone. The drone will encourage kids to explore new heights and discover a world of creativity and learning with the Tello.