Microscopes are a fun way to encourage and develop your kids’ flair for the sciences and technology. With the highly magnified, close up view of their environment, your kids get to see, practically, all they are taught in class and appreciate the significance of life beyond perception. The right microscope for kids should be compact, lightweight, have decent magnifying power, come in an attractive design, and should be very easy to handle.
Best Microscopes for Kids
Below, we take a look at our top five microscopes for kids on the market based on their specified features to help you make the right choice for the next generation of geniuses.
1. AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope
First, on our list, the AmScope 120x-1200x microscope is the ideal gadget for your kids and comes with all the accessories they’ll need to get started right away. It comes with a single eyepiece backed with LED illumination for the brightest images and comes with excellent controls for easy operation. Once your kids are done for the day, its carrying case provides all the storage space and portability they’ll need.
- Impressive 120x-1200x power and extra accessories.
- Very compact and lightweight.
- Excellent image quality and controls.
2. My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope – MFL-06
This kids’ microscope boasts of impressive reviews and combines the high power of a compound microscope with the 3D imagery of a stereo microscope into one. It comes with a host of accessories and is very easy to use. It yields excellent 40x-400x magnification in 3 steps and will pull out the smarts in your kids in no time.
- 2-in-1 compound and stereo microscope.
- Simple, elegant design and easy controls.
- 40x to 400x magnification with extra accessories.
3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dual LED Student Microscope
This gadget is a proud product of National Geographic and sports the functionalities of a compound and stereo microscope. It boasts of binocular vision for added comfort and a bunch of accessories for out-of-the-box use. It comes in a simple yet durable design, is very easy to operate, and yields 20x and 50x power for the different usage modes.
- Simple design and easy operation.
- Comes with extra accessories and excellent controls.
- 2-in-1 function with high magnification.
4. GeoSafari Micropro 48-Piece Microscope Set
This microscopic set is designed to ramp up your kids’ interest in the world of science and packs a real punch with a 50x to 600x magnification. Included in its accessories are prepared slides and an activity guide to keep your young engaged. It leaves the realm of toys and gives your kids a feel of real-life science and is ideal for STEM education.
- Impressive magnification range for cells and crystals.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Battery-powered LED illumination and great flexibility.
5. Omano JuniorScope Microscope
The Omano JuniorScope Microscope pulls real-life magnification scales into a compact, lightweight optical instrument for your kids. It uses laboratory-grade lenses, combines the functions of a compound and stereo microscope, and comes with highly interactive activities to keep your kids engaged. Its beautiful design and extra accessories make it the ideal educational gift for your young ones.
- Compact and lightweight.
- 2-in-1 microscope with child-interactive activities.
- Beautiful design and extra accessories.
Microscopes for Kids Buying Guide
With the right microscope, you can nurture your kids’ flair for science and give them a practical feel of the microscopic world. It is also a great way for your young ones to develop their critical thinking skills through curiosity, experimentation, and observation. Choosing the right microscope for your kids requires you consider a number of factors we will now look at.
Our buying guide reviews the best microscopes for kids on the market based on their specified features, giving you a basis to compare them and make an informed choice quickly.
Compound vs. Stereo (Or Both)
Microscopes in general, come as either compound or stereo microscopes. Stereo microscopes feature smaller magnifications in the order of a few tens and are great for viewing objects like small insects, rocks, leaves, etc. They are also designed to yield a three-dimensional view of the object; giving the perception of depth, thanks to the orientation of their barrels. Their lesser magnification also results in a much wider field of view than compound microscopes.
Compound microscopes, on the other hand, have much higher magnifications and are great for viewing crystals and microorganisms. It is always a good idea to go for microscopes that combine the functionality of these two forms. That way, your kids can view a wide range of samples as they like.
Size
The size and ultimately, the weight of the microscope you’re getting plays a major role in how well it’ll serve your kids. Whether to go view some rocks, insects, and leaves at the backyard or take it along with them to the next science fair at school, it is always a great idea to go for a compact, lightweight unit they can move around easily.
Included Accessories
When buying binoculars for your kids, the included accessories go a long way to determine how quickly they’ll adapt to its use. The ideal microscope for kids should come with a very comprehensive manual and should be easy to set up. An activity guide is also a good accessory to look for as they ensure your young ones stay engaged and never get bored with the microscope.
Other accessories to look out for included prepared slides, forceps, pipettes, droppers, test tubes, etc. modeled after real-life science laboratories. A carrying case also gives added portability and makes for the perfect storage space when your kids are done for the day.