Best Drones for Kids
By Elisabeth Christ
Published April 2024
Drones aren't just for adults; many models are perfect for kids who want to fly and explore from the sky. In 2024, drones for kids offer more than just basic flying; they come with enhanced safety features, beginner-friendly controls, and robust designs to withstand the occasional crash. We've picked a variety of drones that promise to deliver fun and safe flying experiences for young pilots. From ultra-light, no-registration-needed options to drones that help teach programming basics, there's something for every young flyer. Let's take to the skies and explore the best drones for kids this year, focusing on ease of use, safety, and educational value.
#1 Best for Kids with Drones Experiences: DJI Mini 2 SE
DJI Mini 2 SE
At $299, the DJI Mini 2 SE is an excellent entry-level drone for older children interested in more serious flying and basic photography. This drone's ultralight, foldable design makes it ideal for kids to carry and operate, meeting safety standards with a weight under 249 grams—meaning no FAA registration is necessary in the U.S. Its sleek, aerodynamic look appeals to young users, and the robust design ensures it can handle the outdoor elements.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The Mini 2 SE offers up to 31 minutes of flight time and includes beginner-friendly features such as one-tap takeoff and landing, making it less intimidating for first-time flyers. It supports QuickShot modes for automated aerial shots, adding a creative touch to every flight session. The 3-axis gimbal provides stable footage, which is great for capturing family outings or nature explorations in 1440p QHD video. Despite lacking 4K video capabilities, it maintains decent image quality suitable for young photographers starting out.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Best for Kids with Drones Experiences
✓ Lightweight
✓ 31 minutes flight times
✓ Up to level-5 wind resistance
✓ 3-axis motorized gimbal
#2 Best for Intermediate Kids: Ryze Tello
Ryze Tello
Priced around $139, the Ryze Tello is a budget-friendly drone that’s perfect for younger kids and beginners. Its ultra-compact design and lightweight construction make it highly portable and easy to handle, ideal for indoor flight sessions. The Tello’s durable plastic body is designed to withstand minor bumps and crashes, which is inevitable as kids learn the ropes of drone piloting.
Ryze Tello
The Tello stands out for its educational value, supporting programming with Scratch and offering fun flight modes controlled via a smartphone app. Although it only has a 5-megapixel camera and records 720p HD video, the quality is sufficient for kids to enjoy capturing aerial photos and videos. With a simple user interface and intuitive controls, the Tello also features a VR compatibility mode for an immersive flying experience, making it an exciting and educational tool for introducing children to the basics of coding and drone technology.
Ryze Tello
Best for Intermediate Kids
✓ Ultra-compact and lightweight
✓ Various pre-programmed flight maneuvers
✓ VR compatibility
✓ Scratch, Python, and Tello EDU app compatible
#3 Best for Newbie Practices: Holy Stone HS210
Holy Stone HS210
At $299, the DJI Mini 2 SE is an excellent entry-level drone for older children interested in more serious flying and basic photography. This drone's ultralight, foldable design makes it ideal for kids to carry and operate, meeting safety standards with a weight under 249 grams—meaning no FAA registration is necessary in the U.S. Its sleek, aerodynamic look appeals to young users, and the robust design ensures it can handle the outdoor elements.
Holy Stone HS210
The Mini 2 SE offers up to 31 minutes of flight time and includes beginner-friendly features such as one-tap takeoff and landing, making it less intimidating for first-time flyers. It supports QuickShot modes for automated aerial shots, adding a creative touch to every flight session. The 3-axis gimbal provides stable footage, which is great for capturing family outings or nature explorations in 1440p QHD video. Despite lacking 4K video capabilities, it maintains decent image quality suitable for young photographers starting out.
Holy Stone HS210
Best for Newbie Practices
✓ 3D flips maneuver
✓ 3 rechargeable Li-ion batteries
✓ Up to 21 minutes flight time
✓ Up to 30 meters control range
Best Drone for Kids
DJI Mini 2 SE
Best for Kids with Drones Experiences
✓ Lightweight
✓ 31 minutes flight times
✓ Up to level-5 wind resistance
✓ 3-axis motorized gimbal
Ryze Tello
Best for Intermediate Kids
✓ Ultra-compact and lightweight
✓ Various pre-programmed flight maneuvers
✓ VR compatibility
✓ Scratch, Python, and Tello EDU app compatible
Holy Stone HS210
Best for Newbie Practices
✓ 3D flips maneuver
✓ 3 rechargeable Li-ion batteries
✓ Up to 21 minutes flight time
✓ Up to 30 meters control range
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best drone for your child depends largely on their interest level and flying skills. For kids who are curious about aerial photography and videography, the DJI Mini 2 SE offers the best blend of user-friendliness and camera quality. If your goal is to introduce younger children to the basics of drone operation and programming in a fun, safe way, the Ryze Tello is an unbeatable option. For the youngest flyers or those just looking for simple indoor fun, the Holy Stone HS210 offers basic functionality at an affordable price, making it a great starter drone. Whatever your child's age or skill level, there's a drone on this list that can provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational flying experience, setting the stage for a lifelong interest in technology and aviation.
If you like to read more about Drone Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Air 3
The Best Drones for 2024
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