If you are searching for a good drone that is suitable for kids, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of drones that are available, fortunately, we have done the work for you. Drones designed specifically for kids offer an engaging and exciting way to learn about technology, develop hand-eye coordination, and spark creativity. In this article, we will discuss key topics to consider when choosing the perfect drone for your child and provide a detailed overview of some of the best drones available on the market.
For kids, for beginners, for anyone looking to purchase a drone for fun and one they can also learn with, the Tello is drone is my no.1 choice.
The Ryze Tech Tello is an affordable and beginner-friendly mini-drone designed specifically for kids and those new to drone flying. It features a 720p HD camera that allows kids to capture aerial photos and videos, and it can be programmed using the Scratch coding platform. This educational aspect encourages kids to develop their coding skills while having fun with their drone. The Tello offers a stable flight experience, with a flight time of up to 13 minutes and a range of 100 meters. Additionally, it supports VR headset compatibility for an immersive flying experience.
The Tello drone's compatibility with the Scratch coding platform makes it an excellent educational tool for kids. Scratch is a visual programming language developed by MIT, designed to teach coding concepts to children and beginners in an engaging and interactive way. By programming their Tello drone, kids can learn about programming logic, loops, variables, and more, while gaining hands-on experience with real-world applications of coding. This combination of fun and learning makes the Tello drone a valuable resource for promoting STEM education and fostering computational thinking skills.
- Easy to fly, making it perfect for kids and beginners
- 13-minute flight time
- 720p HD camera for aerial photography and videography
- Programmable with Scratch, promoting STEM learning and coding skills
- VR headset compatibility for an immersive experience
- Limited range (100m)
- No GPS, which may affect the drone's stability and precision during flight
The DEERC D20 is a mini-drone designed with kids and beginners in mind. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry and store, while its features like altitude hold, one-key takeoff and landing, and headless mode ensure a user-friendly flying experience. The D20 has a 8-10 minute flight time and comes with two modular batteries, which extend the overall flying time. Additionally, it has a built-in 720p HD camera that allows users to capture aerial photos and videos.
- Easy to fly with beginner-friendly features
- Foldable design for portability
- 8-10 minute flight time per battery
- 720p HD camera for aerial photography
- Gesture & voice control
- An affordable option for kids (under $50)
- Limited range (40m)
The DEERC D20 is a mini-drone designed with kids and beginners in mind. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry and store, while its features like altitude hold, one-key takeoff and landing, and headless mode ensure a user-friendly flying experience. The D20 has a 8-10 minute flight time and comes with two modular batteries, which extend the overall flying time. Additionally, it has a built-in 720p HD camera that allows users to capture aerial photos and videos.
- Easy to fly with beginner-friendly features
- Foldable design for portability
- 8-10 minute flight time per battery
- 720p HD camera for aerial photography
- Gesture & voice control
- An affordable option for kids (under $50)
- Limited range (40m)
The Holy Stone HS190 is a foldable, pocket-sized drone designed for kids. It offers features such as headless mode, altitude hold, and one-key takeoff and landing, making it easy for kids to operate. The drone has a 5-7 minute flight time and comes with two batteries, ensuring extended playtime. The HS190 can perform 3D flips and rolls, providing an engaging and fun flying experience for kids.
- Easy to fly with beginner-friendly features
- Portable, foldable design
- 5-7 minute flight time per battery
- Capable of performing 3D flips and rolls
- Cheap drone under $30
- Limited range (40m)
- No camera
The Force 1 UFO 300 is a beginner-friendly drone designed for indoor use. Its enclosed propeller design and infrared motion sensors make it safe for kids to operate hands-free. The UFO 300 has a 5-7 minute flight time and comes with two batteries, allowing for longer play sessions. It also features LED lights, adding a fun visual element to the flying experience. There are two other drones in the Force 1 UFO series, they are the UFO 4000 and UFO 5000, they come with similar features but have different designs
- Safe for indoor use with an enclosed propeller design
- Hands-free control with infrared motion sensors
- 3D flips
- 5-7 minute flight time per battery
- LED lights for added fun
- An affordable option for kids (under $40)
- Only suitable for indoors
- No camera
The Force 1 Scoot is a compact and durable hand-controlled drone designed for kids. Its enclosed propeller design and infrared motion sensors make it safe for indoor use and allows users to control the drone with hand motion. The Scoot Pro has a 5-7 minute flight time and comes with a USB charging cable for easy recharging. Its colourful LED lights add a fun visual element to the flying experience.
- Safe for indoor use with enclosed propeller design
- Hand control with infrared motion sensors
- Durable construction
- 5-7 minute flight time
- LED lights for added fun
- Under $30
- Limited outdoor use
- No camera
The Holy Stone HS420 is an entry-level drone designed with kids in mind. It features altitude hold, headless mode, and multiple speed settings, catering to different skill levels. The drone has a 6 minutes of flight time and comes with two batteries which allows kids to enjoy extended flying sessions. Its built-in 720p HD camera lets kids capture aerial photos and videos, and the drone can perform 3D flips and rolls for added excitement. The drone has propeller guards for added safety and has one-button take-off/landing.
- Easy to fly with beginner-friendly features
- Durable construction
- 6-7 minute flight time
- 720p HD camera for FPV
- Capable of performing 3D flips and rolls
- Limited range (50-70m)
The Holy Stone HS210 is a mini-drone designed for kids and beginners. It offers user-friendly features such as headless mode, altitude hold, and one-key takeoff and landing, making it easy to operate. The HS210 has a 7-minute flight time and comes with three batteries, allowing for extended playtime. The drone also has a low battery alarm and an out-of-range alarm, which help kids fly the drone safely and responsibly.
- Easy to fly with beginner-friendly features
- Durable construction
- 7-minute flight time per battery
- Low battery and out-of-range alarms for safety
- Under $40
- Limited range (50m)
- No camera
I was hesitant on whether to include this drone, it is the most advanced and expensive drone on this list. However, after some careful consideration, I decided to include it. However, the drone is only suitable for older kids of 14+ years and should not be given to anyone younger.
The DJI Mini SE is a lightweight and portable drone that weighs only 249 grams, making it convenient to carry around. Its compact design does not compromise on performance, as it boasts a high-quality 2.7K Quad HD camera capable of capturing stunning aerial photos and videos. The Mini SE has a maximum flight time of up to 30 minutes, allowing kids to enjoy longer flights without needing to change batteries frequently. The drone also comes with comes with a range of advanced features such as GPS automatic return to home, Quickshots and a video transmission range of 4km. It’s a very fun drone to operate but should only be given to responsible older kids.
- Easy to fly with an intuitive app interface
- Long flight time (up to 30 minutes)
- High-quality 2.7K Quad HD camera for impressive aerial photography and videography
- 3-axis gimbal stabilisation
- Quickshots for easy video creation
- GPS return to home
- 4km transmission range
- Pricier than other options
- Not specifically designed for kids
Benefits of Drones for Kids
Flying a drone can provide numerous benefits for kids, these include honing problem-solving skills, improving hand-eye coordination, and encouraging creativity. Drones also offer a unique opportunity for kids to engage with nature and learn about photography and videography.
However, as a staunch advocate of STEM education, I firmly believe that one drone presents a unique and engaging opportunity for kids to develop essential STEM skills.
This is the Tello drone that has been developed by Ryze Tech in partnership with DJI, it is my no.1 choice on this list.
By offering hands-on learning experiences that integrate multiple disciplines, the Tello drone can help children understand the real-world applications of STEM concepts. They encourage kids to explore programming, foster creativity, and promote collaboration and communication.
Another benefit of drones is they can inspire curiosity in subjects such as geography and environmental science through aerial photography and videography. The development of critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills gained from flying drones not only builds confidence but also prepares children for future career opportunities in the ever-evolving STEM fields.
By providing a fun and exciting learning platform, drones can ignite a lifelong passion for STEM and pave the way for a brighter future for our children.
Types of Drones for Kids
There are various types of drones available for kids, including mini-drones, camera drones, racing drones, and stunt drones. Each type offers a unique flying experience, catering to different interests and skill levels.
Age-Appropriate Drones
When selecting a drone for your child, it’s important to consider their age and skill level. Ensure the drone you choose is easy to operate, safe, and suitable for their abilities. For example, younger kids may benefit from simpler, more durable drones, while older kids may enjoy more advanced options with extra features.
Key Features to Consider When choosing a drone for your child, consider the following features:
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Safety features (e.g., propeller guards)
- Flight time
- Range
- Camera capabilities
Drone Safety and Regulations
When introducing your child to drones, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines and adhering to local regulations. This includes registering the drone if required, staying away from no-fly zones, and maintaining a safe distance from people, animals, and property.
For example, all the drones on this list do not need to be registered with the FAA as they all weigh under 250 grams and they will only be used for recreational purposes. However, anyone who flies’s for recreational purposes must pass the FAA TRUST exam, TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test and applies to both adults and kids. Click here to find out more about the TRUST exam.
If you live in the UK, you will need to obtain an Operator ID from the CAA, and anyone who is going to be operating these drones will need to obtain a Flyer ID which requires them to pass an online exam. Click here for more information on how to operate drones legally in the UK.
Tips for First-Time Flyers
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your child, start by teaching them basic flight controls and practicing in a safe, open space. Encourage them to progress at their own pace and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Drone Accessories and Add-Ons
To enhance the drone-flying experience, consider investing in accessories like extra batteries, carrying cases, and spare propellers. These items can help extend flight time and protect the drone during transport and storage.
Drone Maintenance and Care
Prolong the lifespan of your child’s drone by storing it properly, cleaning it regularly, and replacing damaged parts as needed.
Final Thoughts
Drones offer a unique and engaging way for kids to explore the world, develop valuable skills, and have fun. By considering factors such as age, skill level, and desired features, you can select the perfect drone for your child. With the right guidance and support, your child will be well on their way to becoming a confident and responsible drone pilot.
