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Children of all ages are interested in flying toys just as much as us adults if not more, that’s why we’re reviewing the best drone for kids! Remember, we’re all children at heart! The most important factor we consider in this article is the trust of the company selling the product. We’ve found over the years that drones are pretty similar across the entire marketplace, but what really matters is that you purchase from a drone company that you TRUST and that will provide service before and after the sale as well.
DRONETHUSIAST.COM: EDITOR’S CHOICE KIDS DRONE HOLIDAYS 2022
BEST DRONE FOR TEENS
818 Green Hornet SE ($50 OFF)
- Camera:2K HD Live View
- Range:100 Meters
- Time:10 Minutes
The marketplace of drones for kids is full of international sellers, there are a lot of sellers on amazon and other places that are actually from China. These sellers will definitely provide the lowest price on the market but you’re not going to get very good service. We’ve included a few of these in the list but we’re really recommending that you buy from American companies because that way you know you can reach them if you need to return the drone or ask any questions.
We like to recommend Altair drones because it’s a company out of Nebraska (learn about Altair) and they really take care of their customers! If you’re searching for a drone for someone under 10 check out the Altiar Hornet, if you’re shopping for kids who are 14 years old or older we suggest the Altair 818 Hornet which comes with 2 batteries and is easy to handle.
BEST BUDGET DRONES FOR KIDS
#1 FOR 6+
Altair AA108
- Camera:720P Realtime FPV
- Range:100 Meters
- Time:10 Minutes
#1 FOR Teenagers
Dagger 4K ($125 OFF)
- Camera:4K Camera
- Range:300 Meters
- Time:15 Minutes
BEST PRO DRONE FOR KIDS
#1 Pro
DJI Mavic Air
- Camera:4K 12 MP
- Range:10 Kilometers
- Time:21 Minutes
Here we have our initial list of the best drones for kids for easy reference.
Informational Table of Contents
Drones for Small Children
As promised, we scoured online to find the best drones for small children, and based our reviews on the amount of stars on Amazon, which had to be at least 4 or higher, user reviews, safety ratings, features, our own experiences, you name it.
The first few drones are the best for all ages. After that, we’ll move on into particular age groups.
#1 Altair 818 Hornet Kids Quadcopter
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
The 818 Plus is a drone that’s perfect for all age groups. It’s a little more expensive than the Falcon (which we will talk about next), but the 818 has a larger frame that make it very stable and great hovering, which is perfect for young drone enthusiasts in windy areas or who want to get the hang of flying more slowly.
The main selling point of the 818 is it’s 15 minute flight time. You won’t find many other drones for this age group that has that long of a flight time. This will allow you to spend more time flying and less time charging your batteries!
This drone also has larger landing gear and thicker prop guards than its predecessor, the U818, which makes it a lot more durable even after multiple crashes.
You won’t be disappointed when you pick up with 818 Hornet Drone for Kids. The battery life is fantastic and you have a pretty good flight range on this drone as well. However, if you want to find something just a little bit cheaper, take a look at our review of the Falcon.
The Falcon is a bit cheaper and has less range and flight time but it is still a really solid drone. I still go with the 818 Hornet over the Falcon because of the incredible 15 minute flight time!
The following is a list of the specifications:
• 1 Lithium Ion battery in the drone, 4 AAAs in the remote
• Wide angle 720p HD camera
• 2.8 pound shipping weight
• 15 minute flight time
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Long-lasting battery
• Durable design
• Very easy to keep in the air
Cons:
• More expensive than the Falcon
#2 AA108 Easy to Fly Kids Drone
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
What makes the AA108 great for kids is how easy it is to fly. With features such headless mode and altitude hold, this drone allows any pilot to have a stable flight. You don’t have to worry about losing control while using this drone.
Plus, it’s compact size makes it perfect for those younger pilots. Larger drones can be intimidating but don’t worry, the AA108 is the perfect small size and won’t leave you feeling overwhelemed. Check out the AA108 in action below:
The AA108 comes with not one, but two batteries which doubles the flying time, and the fun. Another awesome thing is that the AA108 has battery alarms so you never have to worry about your drone dying. Beeps and blinking lights will indicate it’s time to land your drone.
Features
• 2 rechargable batteries
• Wide angle 720p HD camera
• 8-10 minute flight time
• Low Battery Alerts
• Headless mode
• Altitude hold
Pros:
• Flight modes make it easy to fly
• Affordable price
• High-quality camera captures fun footage
Cons:
• Somtimes struggles in windy conditons
The AA108 makes a great gift and is perfect for children just getting started with drone flying. Take a look at our article on other Gifts for 10 Year Old Boys by clicking here.
On a budget this year? Find the best money saving cheap drones with Dronethusiast!–>
Drones for Smaller Children
EACHINE E010 Mini
Read Reviews About EACHINE E010 Mini UFO
Drones don’t get much more affordable than the EACHINE E010 Mini, an easy-to-use beginner UAV that’s even capable of a few spins and flips!
• 150mAh 3.7V for drone
• 30 to 50 minutes for charging
• Weighs 1.76 ounces
• Wingspan of 4”
• Built-in gyroscope
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Great for beginners to learn and master the skills needed for flying a drone
• Can do 3D flips and rolls
• Very durable and capable of withstanding multiple crashes
Cons:
• No automatic hover function
The EACHINE E010 Mini Quadcopter for kids is a great way to get kids under 10-years- old to get involved and learn to love drones. With very little effort required to learn how to use it, it’s great fun for kids of all ages.
JJRC H20H Nano
One look is all you need to see that the JJRC H20H quadcopter for kids is something very special. Unlike our last entry, the H20H’s six propellers give it an an excellent steady hover even outdoors, and one-button course reversal lets you pull back from potentially dangerous situations in the blink of an eye.
The following is a list of specifications:
• 150 mAh 3.7V battery for drone and 3 AA batteries for the remote
• 45 minutes for charging
• Weighs 11.7 ounces
• Wingspan of 6″
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Very difficult to crash, very stable in the air
• 3D tumbling in 4 direction
Cons:
• Not the most durable quadcopter for kids – not recommended for younger children
With an awesome design complete with snazzy LED lights, this is the perfect toy for first-time fliers who are old enough to handle a more serious flier.
Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout
Read Reviews About Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout
While this isn’t necessarily an aerial kid friendly drone, it’s still a drone and a pretty awesome one at that. Nerf is one of the best manufacturers when it comes to toys that shoot things, and this drone is no exception. It can shoot targets up to 45 feet away and walks on all different types of terrain. The head rotates 360-degrees and moves in all directions with an adjustable blast angle.
• 9.6V NiMh battery for the drone and 4 AA batteries for the remote
• Live video feed
• Weighs 9 pounds
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• A great choice for kids who want something that is both a drone and a gun
• Has multiple angle, rotation, and firing options
• Able to walk and move around
• Moves at an impressive 215 feet per minute with a full battery
Cons:
• Requires an SD card to take photo and video
• Only comes with 18 darts
This is a great kid friendly drone for any age range, especially if your kid is a fan of combat toys.
Cheerson CX-10 Mini
Read Reviews About Cheerson CX-10 Mini Quadcopter
Compact drones are always pretty interesting to see, and this one is definitely a cool one. It’s got features that any kid can take advantage of, especially ones that are as young as 7-years- old and up.
The following is a list of specifications:
• 3.7V 120mah and 2 AAA batteries
• 25 minute charge time
• Weighs 15g
• Wingspan of 2″
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Comes with 3 flight speed modes
• Has an LED light for low light flying
• Has a low voltage alarm
• Is a great compact kid friendly drone for indoor and outdoor flight
Cons:
• Not very durable at all, so avoid crashes
• Can be difficult to control, you must read instructions very thoroughly
This is a fantastic choice for parents who want something that their kids can enjoy mainly inside, but be careful it doesn’t get too beat up.
Childrens Drones for Ages 8 and Up
Now onto the small drones for kids that are best for children aged 8-years- old and up. Following the guidelines for certain age groups is the best way to get the most out of a kid friendly drone, so if your child is this age, or relatively around it, consider one of the drones here. In truth both of these drones are great for the age ranges of 8 to about 12 and 14. They’re great for beginners and intermediates skill experiences alike!
Top Race Dragon Drone – Ages 8+
Read Reviews About Top Race Dragon Drone
If you’re looking for a drone that has a protective ring for whatever reason, maybe because your child has never flown a professional drone before but wants one, this one is definitely one to consider. It’s got the ring, a cool design, and everything you’ll want in a drone for children.
• 2 AAA batteries
• 20 to 30 minute charge time
• Weighs 1.2 pounds
• Protective guard
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• One of the best starter RC helicopters for kids
• Comes with 3 speed modes, headless mode, and one-key return features
• Can perform stunts
• Added protection with the ring
Cons:
• Short battery life, only up to 6 minutes total
This is a great drone that teaches kids how they work, how to properly gain control over one, and lots more. Plus, you simply cannot go wrong with that protective ring.
#11 JJRC H36 Mini
Read Reviews About JJRC H36 Mini Drone
This is another example of superb RC helicopters for kids. The H36 is a cheap mini quadcopter that is child safe (as long as they don’t put their fingers in the propellers while they’re spinning) and which comes with all the features a beginner drone pilot could possibly want.
• 3.7V 150mAh LiPo and 2 AA batteries
• 30-50 minute charge time
• Weighs 22.5 grams
• 3.74” x 3.74” x 1.96” dimensions
• 6-axis gyro
• Carbon fiber and foam
• LED lights
Pros:
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Can perform 3D rolls at the touch of a button
• Does not require FAA registration
• One of the cheapest kids’ drones for sale
Cons:
• No camera included
• Not the most durable drone
A lot of RC helicopters can be difficult for kids to control, but this one knocks those drones completely out of the park. With a decent battery life and some interesting features paired with the look, it’s definitely one of our favorites.
Drones for Kids Ages 14 and Up
Now we move onto drones for kids of older ages, ranging from around 14-years- old and up. These drones are better suited for more advanced ages where kids can really grasp the concept of more thorough, complicated controls.
#12 Force1 UFO 3000 Quad
Read Reviews About Force1 UFO 3000
Drones don’t always have to be serious or a solid color, they can also be fun, vibrant, and light up a kid’s life in more ways than one. This one has the looks, the features, and the specs to be something your kid will love.
The following is a list of specifications:
• 2 3.7V LiPo and 4 AAA batteries
• 1 hour and 50 minute charge time
• Weighs 1 pound
• Wingspan of 7”
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Comes with a bonus battery
• Flies for up to 9 minutes on a single charge
• Uses vibrant green and blue LED lights for maximum visibility
• High and Low modes for speed
• Performs 3D stunts and tricks
Cons:
• Problems with the motor have been reported
• The batteries only last 7 minutes each, so you’ll need to have both with you
#13 Force1 X5C Quadcopter
Read Reviews About Force1 X5C Quadcopter
Just because it’s a high-tech drone, doesn’t mean it’s not for kids! Force1 is a drone manufacturer that knows what both kids and adults want, especially when it comes to this drone. It’s a great drone with camera for kids that can lay the necessary foundation for moving on in the future to more professional drones.
• 3.7V 500mAh LiPo and 4 AA batteries
• 30 to 40 minute charge time
• Weighs 3.8 ounces
• Wingspan of 3”
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Elastic frame and plastic
Pros:
• Includes useful features, such as headless mode and a low battery alarm
• Able to perform 360° tricks and flips in the air
• Has LED running lights and a signal light for the remote
• The remote uses an LCD screen for full flight status
• Includes a 1280x720p HD resolution camera
• Comes with 2 3.7V 500mAh LiPo batteries for extended flight time
Cons:
• Potential engine failure
Drones for youth don’t have to be low-tech, or even anything basic, they can be just as exceptional as the pros!
#14 Hubsan X4 H107C
Read Reviews About Hubsan X4 H107C
For kids who are breaking into the more serious world of advanced drones, Hubsan is a great place to start. This drone is a step up from beginner and sits between the level of intermediate and expert. It has great features and options to offer for all.
• 3.7V 500mAh LiPo battery
• Depends on the battery used
• Weighs 1.1 pounds
• Wingspan of 5.75”
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Has a built-in camera with 0.3MP recording
• Includes a Micro SDHC card
• Can flip 4 different ways during flight, performs tricks
• Great to master controls for the more advanced drones
Cons:
• Camera isn’t the greatest quality wise and it does not move
• You will need to purchase your own Micro SD card for saving purposes
If your kid is more concerned with the flight aspects of their quadcopter for kids, and doesn’t really care about the camera part, then this is a great drone to get. It’s simple and easy to use.
#15 Wonder Chopper RC Stunt Drone
Read Reviews About Wonder Chopper RC Stunt Drone
This crash proof foam stunt drone is a great choice for active kids ages 14+ who really want to see what kind of cool tricks their quadcopter is capable of.
• 3.7V 300mAh LiPo and 6 AA batteries
• 60 minute charge time
• Adjustable settings
• 6 minute flight time
• 6-axis gyro
• Durable and crash proof frame with screw-reinforced 3 bladed propellers
• LED lights
Pros:
• Cheap
• Good battery life for the price
• Adjustable settings allow this drone to be used by all experience levels
• VERY durable and crash proof
Cons:
• No camera included
• Kind of a long charge time
If your child is looking for a beginner drone but doesn’t want to get stuck with something that’s too basic, this is a great drone that they can really “grow into” as they get better at flying.
#16 GooIRC Mini UFO RC
Read Reviews About Mini UFO RC Quadcopter
This mini drone is super cool. It has all the gear and features that a future tech guru could ever want, and it’s very cheap for what you’re getting. Definitely a good choice for older kids looking to seriously get into the art of flying a drone.
• 3.7V 150mAh LiPo and 2 AA batteries
• 50 minute charge time
• Weighs 4.6 ounces
• Wingspan of 1200mm
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Built-in 0.3MP camera
• Can fly in multiple directions
• Records through an SD card
• Multiple modes and flight options to make it fun
• Protection on the propellers for crashes
Cons:
• SD card is not included
• Camera is not adjustable and cannot turn
This is another great drone with camera for kids that focuses more on the flying experience rather than the quality of the camera, but you can still get some decent shots with it.
#17 TDR Spider Stunt Quadcopter – Ages 14+
Read Reviews About Spider Stunt Quadcopter
If you’re looking for a drone that can perform some pretty cool tricks in the air, this one is it. It can be used inside and outdoors and is more for kids that have more of an advanced grip to drone controls.
• 3.7V 380mAh LiPo and 4 AAA batteries
• 60 minute charge
• Weighs 14.1 ounces
• Wingspan of 5.75”
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Performs 5 different stunts in the air
• Able to fly in windy conditions outside
• Has multiple modes to make flying and returning easier
Cons:
• Very long charge time compared to the 5 minutes of flight time you get
For a kid who just wants to mess around and do some tricks with a drone, this is the perfect one to get.
#18 Blade Nano QX BNF Quadcopter – Age 14+
Read Reviews About Blade Nano QX BNF
This one comes with a FREE crash kit that will allow you to make any repairs needed.The drone itself is pretty great, too, of course. It’s packed with plenty of features, modes, and some great flying characteristics.
• 3.7V 150mAh LiPo and 4 AAA batteries
• 30 minute charge
• Weighs 0.58 ounces
• Wingspan of 2.25m
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Very durable
• Stable in windy conditions outside
• Great charge time
• Easily controlled and great for beginners
• Multiple modes and features to play around and have fun with
• Includes a crash repair kit
Cons:
• Short flight time and range/distance
For a simple yet surprisingly advanced drone for the older kids, we highly recommend this one.
Drones with Camera for Kids
Not all kids want to play with your run of the mill drone, some want one that has a camera that can deliver to mediocre or great shots. Whichever it may be, we have some seriously cool drones that have quality cameras on board available, so let’s get to it.
#19 Holy Stone F181 RC Black Quadcopter
Read Reviews About Holy Stone F181C
This camera drone for kids comes with a 720p HD camera and lots of high-tech features that make it easy for beginners to fly. It’s one of the most popular beginner camera drones around, and when you take a look at the features it’s not hard to see why:
• 3.7V 750 mAh LiPo battery
• 80 minute charging time
• 14.1 ounce weight
• 7-10 minutes of flight time
• 3-axis gimbal
• 4 channels
• 720p HD camera
Pros:
• 4-directional flips
• 4 flight modes make this drone great for beginners and advanced fliers
• High definition camera
Cons:
• Short battery life
• The controls on this drone are not the most intuitive, particularly with the over-sensitive throttle
#20 JJRC H11WH FPV RC Quadcopter
JJRC is a company known for making great beginner drones, and the H11WH is their newest and most advanced model. This drone is a great gateway into serious flying gateway into serious flying and it comes with some very impressive features for the price.
• 3.7V 1100mAh LiPo and 3 AAA batteries
• 2.5 hour charge time
• 7 minute flight time
• 120 meter operating range
• 6-axis gyro
• Rubber frame
• 4 channels
Pros:
• Comes with beginner features like Headless mode
• Can take 720p High Definition video
• Highly durable and stable
Cons:
• Very long charge time
• Very short flight time
#21 Syma X5C Quadcopter with HD Camera
Read Reviews About Syma X5C Quadcopter
As far as camera drones for kids go, this one is one of the best currently available. It has everything you’d want in a drone plus an HD camera to get some shots during flight.
• 3.7V 500mAh LiPo battery
• 100 minute charge
• Weighs 2.1 pounds
• Wingspan of 15”
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• 2MP HD camera which takes some good quality shots
• 2.4GHz remote controller
• LED remote and lights for night flying
• Two different modes for added control and fun
Cons:
• If you are not an experienced pilot, the video may come out pretty shaky
• Battery only last for up to 7 minutes
As a starter camera drone, this one definitely takes the cake is a great choice for kids who are at an intermediate flying level.
#22 Hubsan X4 FPV Quadcopter
Read Reviews About Hubsan X4 FPV
This drone is definitely for kids who have mastered controlling a drone, or those who are nearly there. This FPV camera drone is pretty advanced and has a much better camera, and a higher cost, than the drone previously mentioned.
• 3.7V 380mAh LiPo and 4 AAA batteries
• 30 minute charge
• Weighs 7 ounces
• Wingspan of 5.75”
• 6-axis gyro
• 4 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• First person video drone capability
• 4.3” screen transmitter
• Quick charge time
• Can fly both indoors and out
• 480p camera
Cons:
• Camera is in fixed position, cannot move or tilt
• Record quality can come out spotty in certain conditions
For a more advanced camera drone we highly recommend this one!
Quadcopter Drones for Teenagers
Teenagers are using drones more often these days. Whether it’s for a hobby or for a serious future interest in the business, we have checked out some of the coolest drones that are great for teenagers ages 16-years- old and up.
#23 Syma Toys X5C-1 Explorers – Ages 16+
Read Reviews About the X5C-1 Explorers
This durable anti-collision drone controls like a dream and comes with a decent amount of flight time. If your teenager is a first-time drone buyer, this isn’t a bad place to start.
• 3.7V 500mAh Li-Po battery
• 1 hour and 40 minutes charging time
• 1.6 pound weight
• 17.5 inch wingspan
• 6-axis gyro
• Plastic frame
• 4 channels
Pros:
• Very stable
• Can be flown at night
• Comes with 4 replacement propellers and a 2 GB micro SD card
Cons:
• Long charge time
• Camera is only 2 megapixels
If you’re worried about crashes, this is one of the most durable drones for kids available. It’s well worth the asking price!
#24 DJI Mavic Air – Ages 16+
Read Reviews About the Mavic Air
This is a much pricier quadcopter than the other entries on this list at a price of nearly $800 USD. However, DJI is known for making some of the best drones out there and the Air is their newest and arguably most advanced portable offering. If your child wants to take their drone skills to the highest possible level, this is the drone to buy.
• MAVIC AIR Intelligent Flight Battery
• 55 minute charging time
• 430 gram weight
• 213mm (unfolded) wingspan
• 3-axis gimbal
• 20 channels
• Plastic and aluminum frame
Pros:
• Foldable and extremely portable
• Great flight time
• Great flight range
• Amazing camera with a huge field of view
Cons:
• The most expensive drone on this list
• A complex drone that may not be suitable for first-time pilots
We know not everyone can afford to buy a drone at this price, but trust us – you will get your money’s worth for sure.
#25 Yuneec Typhoon H – Ages 16+
Read Reviews About Yuneec Breeze
For a professional-quality drone that’s still easy to fly, you just can’t beat the Yuneec Typhoon H. With 8 autonomous flight modes, the drone pracitically flies itself, and the extra propellers of this hexacopter make the Typhoon H one of the most stable drones around. This is in addition to many other high-end features listed below.
• 4S 14.8V LiPo Battery (POWER 4) battery
• 1 hour charging time
• Weighs 3.75 pounds
• Wingspan of 310mm
• 4K Ultra HD camera
• Plastic and carbon fiber frame
Pros:
• Incredible video and photography capabilities
• Easy-to-use with 8 speed modes that let you work out to advanced flight
• Extremely stable 6-propeller design
• Great obstacle avoidance features
Cons:
• Costs $899 USD
This is an especially good choice for teenagers who have an interest in photography or in filming videos. It’s rare to see a 4K camera on drones that cost less than $1,000 – never mind less than $500!
#26 DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter – Ages 16+
Read Reviews About DJI Phantom 4
DJI is another insanely popular drone company, and for a very good reason. They are constantly dishing out quality stuff, including what you are about to see. While it may be expensive, DJI produces nothing but the best, so it’s well worth the price.
• 15.2V 5.350mAh LiPo batter
• 80 minute charge
• Weighs 8.8 pounds
• Wingspan of 559mm
• 2-axis gyro
• 8 channels
• Plastic
Pros:
• Has a control system that is incredibly user-friendly
• Very stable and flexible
• Easily controlled
• Over 20 minutes of flight time
• Comes with beneficial features and modes to take advantage of
• Has an obstacle avoidance system
Cons:
• As it moves away from the 5k range limit the image quality goes down
DJI makes fantastic drones for both beginner and expert drone users, and this one sits right in the middle. We highly recommend it!
Live Video Drones for Kids
Most drones on this list already have a live video camera. You rarely come across a drone nowadays that doesn’t include a camera. We have searched through the marketplace though and found the best video drones for kids to include and we recommend picks number 1 and 2 for that choice. The Altair video drones include live real time first person view video that you can stream directly to your phone or tablet.
Live video drone streaming is something that’s super fun to use because you can see what the drone is seeing live, in real time. Check out the Altair 818 Hornet, Outlaw or the Falcon to get the best live video drone for children.
How to Find Kid Friendly Drones
When searching for a kid friendly drone, there are some features that you should look for that will ensure that is a great option for a younger pilot.
Since kid pilots are just learning, autonomous flight modes can really help them. Altitude hold is a great feature to consider when buying a kid’s drone as it autonomously holds the drone’s altitude making it easier for a kid to fly. Another great flight mode is automatic return-to-home which will bring the drone back to where it took off at the push of a button, if the battery is low, or if the drone loses connection. These are kid-friendly drone features that will help them get started in the hobby.
Other kid-friendly features to be on the lookout for include a drone with about 10-15 minutes of flight time or drones that come with two batteries. This helps get kids in the air exploring all of their drone’s features and helps them improve their flight skills.
Note that most kids must be 14 years or older before operating a drone, and an adult should always be present while they are flying. This is for safety reasons in case the drone loses control or something else happens.
If you have a younger child who wants a flying toy, there are kid-friendly mini toy drones available that aren’t as high powered and may not require a remote control. These are often much easier to use and are great for starting off with. Then as your child gets older they can learn to operate a larger drone.
A great kid-friendly drone is the Altair Falcon because of its unique autonomous hovering and positioning system that holds the drone in place making it one of the easiest drones to fly.
Drone Child Safety
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Deciding which drone is the best drone for kids and which is the safest is extremely important for many reasons. Obviously there are fast moving parts that could hurt little fingers, eyes, etc. There can be sharp edges to consider and small parts that could be choking hazards.
It is your responsibility to make sure the drone is age and developmentally appropriate and to keep drones designed for older children out of reach of younger ones. It goes without saying that closely supervised children are safer children! As with all toys, only you the parent/caregiver will know what’s best for your child. Also, you are responsible for making sure drones are flown in appropriate places, so please be aware of current and new laws concerning the use of drones in your area. Whichever one you buy, make drone child safety and everyone else’s safety paramount.
All drones listed are to be used at your own discretion, obviously the best drone for kids list is to help you see what’s out there and provide you some safety guidance. It is your responsibility to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safe use of whichever drone you purchase. The ages we have suggested for each of the drones are a guide only. These are just some of many drone toys available today. I’m sure we have missed some other great options, so if you have good experiences with other products, that you can recommend to others, please feel free to leave a comment below about our best drone for kids article! There are just too many to list!
Remember if you get your kids interested in drones young, someday maybe they’ll end up starting a drone business with one of the Phantom drones from DJI and you’ll get to fly it too!
Toy Drones for Kids & Drone Toys
In this article we didn’t recommend any actual drone toys. Toy drones consist of a type of drone that is so low cost that you can’t trust that’s it’s going to last more than a month or two. You play with toy drones and you crash into the wall once or twice and it’s destroyed. The sellers of drone toys are almost all Chinese sellers, which in and of itself isn’t a bad thing but you’re not going to be taken care of by these sellers if something breaks on your toy drone.
We recommend more hobby grade drones rather than toy drones. We find that toy drones for kids just aren’t built to a standard of quality that we would recommend on Dronethusiast.
FAQs on Drones for Kids
There are a lot of frequently asked questions when it comes to the topic of owning and flying a drone, so we figured it’d be a good idea to highlight some of them for you in case you personally had any.
Most drone users will already know these questions and the answers to them, but if you’re a parent who has little experience with drones and have questions, keep reading.
Can I fly a drone through my neighborhood?
This is a very common question that both kids drone users and neighbors of drone users ask, and for very good reason. There really is no straight answer for this question, unless you are flying over restricted airspace which is more than illegal to do, which is by the Federal Aviation Administration has crafted requirements that all recreational drone users register their aircraft.
Where private property is concerned, however, no one really knows. Landowners,which include homeowners, obviously, have a degree of say of the airspace over their homes. Shooting drones down has happened before once they go into someone’s airspace above their home, mostly for the fear of spying and taking pictures, but that is not technically legal either.
Therefore, we recommend that drone users fly in open fields, their own backyards, and never through their neighborhood as it can cause some serious disputes between homeowners and their private space.
Then where can I safely fly a drone?
As previously mentioned, flying in random fields or your own private space is your best bet when flying a drone. However, specific guidelines from the FAA must be followed, one of which being that a residential drone cannot exceed the height of 400 feet in the air. You will also be expected to be at least 5 miles away from any airport while flying your drone.
What if my drone gets away from me?
If your drone should randomly fly away from you, which happens quite a bit believe it or not, the range of the controller is what will kick it back. Depending on the drone you have, it will go into return to land mode and go back to the last location recorded as your location in the internal GPS.
Knowing Your Remote Control Drones for Kids
Depending on the drone’s category there are multiple names and terms for each. Not all drones are called drones, but have different names and classifications, which are listed out for you below.
• Drone: Underwater or unmanned aerial vehicle and closely associated with the larger UAVs that are used by intelligence systems and the military for the purpose of conducting surveillance, launching missiles, or dropping bombs. However, residential drones are used for hobby and recreational purposes.
• UAV/UAS: Short for “unmanned aerial vehicle”, UAV, and “unmanned aircraft system” UAS, which are terms for aerial devices that do not have a pilot inside and are controlled internally through a battery and from the ground.
• Quadcopter: A common sUAS with four rotors that are horizontally oriented to appear as a helicopter, able to hover and remain stable in the air, and can go up to eight rotors total.
• sUAS: Short term for “unmanned aircraft system” that describes aircraft powered by batteries for the purpose of flying, and are usually large enough to be picked up by two people minimum.
There are many different types of drones out there, but the ones listed above are generally used for recreational and hobby purposes, so we will only list those for the time being. Whether it’s remote control drones for kids, such as drones for 6-year- olds or remote control boats for kids, we’ve got you covered.
The Range and Battery Life of Drones
Each drone has a different range and battery life, so not all will be the same. For example, the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced drone has a range of 3 miles, while the Quadcopter Condor has a battery life of up to 90 minutes long.
You can decide which kids drone for you based on the range, battery life, etc. Some shopping around will definitely be needed, which we can help you with!
FAQ Section for Kids & Drones
What is the best drone for kids?
There are many great drones for children available – and the “best” option will vary quite a bit depending on the age and interests of your child. If you’re looking for a drone with camera for kids, the 818 Hornet listed at the top of our guide is an excellent choice. Listed above we have several drones for different age groups so you can find drones for 8 year olds, for 10 year olds, for 12 year olds, and for 14 year olds.
What is the best drone for 5 year olds?
Though we’re often asked about drones for 5 year olds, this is in our opinion much too young to be flying drones. Children at 5 years old lack the fine motor control necessary to fly a vehicle of this type and are not likely to appreciate the hundred dollar toy you buy for them. We suggest waiting until your child is at least 8 or 10 years old before introducing them to the hobby!
What is the best drone for kids?
There are many great drones for children available – and the “best” option will vary quite a bit depending on the age and interests of your child. If you’re looking for a drone with camera for kids, the 818 Hornet listed at the top of our guide is an excellent choice.
What age is appropriate for a drone?
Drones are appropriate for ages 8 and up, but you should be very hands on helping them fly if they are under 12 years old. Drones can be dangerous because the spinning propellers can cut skin easily, so it’s important to be careful. Additionally LiPO batteries used in drones need to be properly cared for.
How do you know what makes a kid friendly drone?
A kid friendly drone should be durable and easy to replace or repair. It should have a lot of features that make it easy to fly (as most children under 10 years old lack the fine motor control necessary to perform difficult flying feats). There also are also some fantastic rc cars for kids and mini rc cars for sale if you’re looking for something you can use on the ground.
Are there camera drones for kids?
Most drones (kid friendly or otherwise) come with cameras, but the quality of the camera will depend on the price you pay for the drone. You can get anything from a super basic cheap camera that will make blurry photographs up to 1080p HD cameras in DJI drones.
A drone with camera for kids is generally recommended for children aged 10 years old-12 years old and older.
What is a toy drone?
A toy drone for children is typically anything in the under 200$ range, these drones have range of up to 1000 meters at the high end, and typically fly for about 15 minutes or less before the battery needs recharged.
What is a quadcopter for kids?
A quadcopter is a drone with 4 propellers. It is the most common type of drone for children, although you might also see a hexacopter or hexa drone, which has 6 propellers.
Additonal Resources
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