Editor’s Note – This list of the best drone for kids was updated on March 31, 2023, to add newly listed products and improve content relevance and usefulness.
In the past, purchasing a drone for kids would have seemed like a far-fetched idea. Toy companies made a few attempts at creating flying toys, one of them being those tiny toy helicopters that were chaos. Recently, toy and tech companies have developed and designed a wide range of drones available to everyone, including your kids.
Our Top Picks
Rules and Regulations for Flying a Drone
Flying a drone is pretty straightforward when it comes to rules and regulations. The only time things get more complicated is if you’re using your drone for commercial purposes or if it weighs over 55 pounds.
Here are the basic rules to follow when flying your drone.
The rules mentioned above are mostly general, such as being considerate of others and mindful of potential hazards in your surroundings. However, it’s important to note and follow your state’s specific laws regarding drone usage.
A Word On Safety
Designated “no-fly zones” are areas where you cannot lawfully fly your drone. Your flying could interfere with the activities in your surrounding area and could be dangerous for all those involved.
Below we have listed a few no-fly zones:
– Airspace (Within 5 miles of an airport)
– Land owned by the National Park Service
– High-security areas, such as military bases, the White House, and so forth
– Marine protection areas
– Anywhere with a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)
If you are wondering about a permit for your drone for kids, you won’t need one for the drones on our list. However, simply follow local laws and regulations to avoid trouble with the authorities.
Our Top Drones for Kids
We’re not just interested in any old drone; we focus on the key features that matter – from connection range to flight time and camera resolution. Safety was also at the forefront of our minds, so we went the extra mile to ensure each drone had the necessary features to keep your kids safe and sound. Think emergency stop, low battery alarm, flexible propellors, automatic hovering, lift-off and landing buttons, multiple speed levels, and more. Plus, we included the recommended age for each drone, so you can be sure your little ones are ready to take on the skies!
1. Spacekey FPV
320 Feet
Recommended Age:
12 + years
Video Resolution:
1080p
Size:
5.4″ x 5.4″
Flight Time:
16 – 20 min
The Spacekey FPV Wi-Fi Drone is a versatile drone with several features suitable for beginners and experienced pilots. It comes with a 1080p camera that connects to your phone and transmits in real time, allowing you to take photos and videos on the go. The remote control has a phone holder, making it easy to see what you’re doing and where you’re going. The drone also has a 3D flip function allowing the pilot to perform astonishing tricks.
The maximum altitude of the Spacekey drone is 260–320 feet, and the real-time transmission range is 164 feet. The drone’s battery can be quickly recharged in 60 minutes using the USB charging cable provided. Additionally, the drone has a low battery alarm that starts blinking to alert you when the battery is low.
The Spacekey drone has three-speed options: slow, medium, and fast, suitable for different experience levels. Beginners should start with the slow-speed option and work their way up. The drone also has a one-key lift-off and landing feature, which makes it easier to use, with just one button for both functions. Younger children will love the drone’s LED lights, making them visible for nighttime adventures.
Moreover, the drone has a built-in barometer that provides stability when you reach a height you’d like to remain at and an automatic hovering feature that prevents the drone from falling if you lose control of the remote. Overall, the Spacekey FPV Wi-Fi Drone is an excellent drone option for kids due to its user-friendly features and reasonable price.
I appreciate this drone’s excellent build quality and user-friendly features, making it suitable for novice and experienced pilots. Additionally, the battery is effortless to remove and charge, so even a child could do it quickly. While the battery life may decline over time, it charges up quickly. As a helpful tip, leaving the battery partially charged for up to three to four days is best. Instead, charging the battery before taking the drone out rather than storing it away is advisable.
Overall, for the price paid, I’m VERY happy with this product and my son is learning to control it more and more every weekend. I may be buying another one because I get jealous watching him when he doesn’t wanna let me play.
Larry T.
Pros
Cons
2. Deerc D20
130 Feet
Recommended Age:
14 + years
Video Resolution:
720p HD
Size:
7″ x 4.7″ x 1.7″
Flight Time:
10 min
The D20 drone is a fantastic choice for pilots of all skill levels due to its versatile three-speed settings. It’s built with advanced safety features that automatically stop the drone from spinning when it collides with an obstacle, ensuring its longevity. Moreover, the D20 drone is straightforward to control, and its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for younger kids.
Featuring a top-of-the-line 720P HD Wi-Fi camera, the D20 drone allows users to capture stunning aerial photos and videos. The first-person view (FPV) transmission provides a live video feed to your smartphone via the app, enabling you to experience the skies from the drone’s perspective. Operating the drone is incredibly simple, with the one-key start and landing buttons. Additionally, the drone is equipped with a low-power alarm, emergency stop, and four propeller guards to guarantee a safe flight. Two easily rechargeable batteries support up to 20 minutes of flying time, with a charging time of 80 minutes and a transmission distance of approximately 130 feet.
The D20 drone offers unique features such as voice control and gesture selfie functions, allowing you to control the drone with simple voice commands such as “takeoff” and “land.” To take automatic photos or videos, show a V sign or palm in front of the camera. The altitude holds feature maintains the drone at a specific height, allowing for precise control and high-quality footage. Additionally, the drone for kids has a hover function that prevents it from rapidly losing control when you release the throttle stick.
If you’re simply looking for a small drone just to fly and possibly fly faster than your buddies larger drones, this would be a great choice.
Kevin R.
Pros
Cons
3. Sanrock U61W
320 Feet
Recommended Age:
14 + years
Video Resolution:
720p HD
Size:
3.5″ x 5.3″ x 7.6″
Flight Time:
14min
The Sanrock X105W drone is an excellent tool for children aged 14 years and up to practice flying, capture footage, and master landing skills. With advanced technology and an easy-to-use control system, you can quickly begin flying and capturing high-quality footage that will leave you breathless. This drone is a great stepping stone toward more expensive, powerful, and advanced drones. The Sanrock X105W drone is built with high-quality materials to withstand a few crashes and bumps.
This drone is packed with helpful features that make flying enjoyable and exciting. It has a flight time of 17 minutes and takes approximately 180 minutes to recharge after each flying adventure. The advanced 1080P HD camera captures surreal images and high-quality videos up to 260ft, easily saved on your phone or directly posted on your social media accounts.
The drone’s range of functions, including headless mode, LED lighting, 3D flips, and emergency stop, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience without the fear of damaging or losing the drone. With the FPV and gravity control, you can fly the drone using your smartphone’s vertical and horizontal positioning with the Sanrock app. You can also play augmented reality games where you can fly and shoot your enemies.
The Sanrock X105W drone for kids has protective propeller guards and landing gear, making it ideal for first-time pilots who need a few practice runs before perfecting their flying skills. If you want to purchase a drone for fun and entertainment, this drone is a perfect choice.
Grandson downloaded app on android smart phone and hooked it up to remote. Flies the drone everywhere while watching the flight in progress on phone screen. Decent quality picture. Highly recommend this for youngsters
Austin Cox
Pros
Cons
4. Drocon Ninja
290 Feet
Recommended Age:
8 + years
Video Resolution:
1080p
Size:
9.9″ x 7.1″ x 2.9″
Flight Time:
7 – 10 min
The Drocon Ninja Drone is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of drone flying. With a 280-300 feet operating range and HD 1080p video capture resolution, this drone can capture beautiful aerial shots and memorable moments. The 120-degree wide-angle lens captures stunning panoramic views, making it a perfect companion for travel, parties, sports, and adventures.
Equipped with advanced features such as an FPV real-time transmission range of 160 feet, an advanced barometer, and a 7.4v motor, this remote control drone offers an exceptional flying experience. The Gravity Sensor Mode allows the drone to follow the movement of the user’s phone, while the 360-Degree flips at the press of a button will amaze young users.
This drone offers stable flight and straightforward operation thanks to the 6-axis gyro flying control system and headless mode function. The altitude holds function, and one-key takeoff and landing make flying this drone a breeze for any skill level. This small drone is an ideal gift for children aged eight and above. This drone will provide hours of enjoyment with a charging time of approximately 60 minutes.
All in all, it’s a lot of fun to fly, small enough that the kids shouldn’t be able to do too much damage, just depending on what they crash it into! I highly recommend this little drone for those wanting to get a drone, have a lot of fun, without investing a lot of dough.
Kevin Adams
Pros
Cons
5. Sanrock X105W
320 Feet
Recommended Age:
14 + years
Video Resolution:
1080p HD
Size:
14.72″ x 9.02″ x 5.39″
Flight Time:
17 min
The Sanrock X105W drone is an excellent tool for children aged 14 years and up to practice flying, capture footage, and master landing skills. With advanced technology and an easy-to-use control system, you can quickly begin flying and capturing high-quality footage that will leave you breathless. This drone is a great stepping stone toward more expensive, powerful, and advanced drones. The Sanrock X105W drone is built with high-quality materials to withstand a few crashes and bumps.
This drone is packed with helpful features that make flying enjoyable and exciting. It has a flight time of 17 minutes and takes approximately 180 minutes to recharge after each flying adventure. The advanced 1080P HD camera captures surreal images and high-quality videos up to 260ft, easily saved on your phone or directly posted on your social media accounts.
The drone’s range of functions, including headless mode, LED lighting, 3D flips, and emergency stop, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience without the fear of damaging or losing the drone. With the FPV and gravity control, you can fly the drone using your smartphone’s vertical and horizontal positioning with the Sanrock app. You can also play augmented reality games where you can fly and shoot your enemies.
The Sanrock X105W drone for kids has protective propeller guards and landing gear, making it ideal for first-time pilots who need a few practice runs before perfecting their flying skills. If you want to purchase a drone for fun and entertainment, this drone is a perfect choice.
My son can’t wait to get the battery off the charger so he can drain it again! He has learned it so quickly, and flies it around the house, up and down the stairs, because it is so easy to control for him! Had an issue and the seller promptly replaced the product! Overall amazing purchase!
Philip J.
Pros
Cons
6. Potensic A20
100 Feet
Recommended Age:
14 + years
Video Resolution:
N/A
Size:
5.04″ X 3.74″ X 3.11″
Flight Time:
18 min
The Potensic A20 RC Nano Quadcopter is a top-tier drone that stands out due to its exceptional quality. This drone is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to pilot it, as it comes with a simple remote control and clear handling instructions. It has three-speed levels that allow children to learn at their own pace, making it an outstanding choice for an entry-level model.
This drone for kids is vibrant red, making it highly visible in the air. The drone’s sturdy rubbery plastic construction makes it lightweight while providing support during rough landings. It has a maximum altitude of sixty feet, ensuring a safe and stable flight.
The remote control is of superior quality and uses AAA batteries, making it stand out from other models on the market. The drone has three detachable batteries, each lasting 5 to 7 minutes. To increase your flying time, you can quickly swap out the flat batteries for charged ones. The batteries can be recharged using the provided USB cable, which takes only 40 minutes to charge fully.
Moreover, this drone comes equipped with a headless mode, allowing you to fly the drone regardless of its orientation, giving you more control and ease of use. This feature makes it entertaining and straightforward for adults and children. If you accidentally let go of the remote control, the drone will automatically hover in place, preventing any loss of control. The drone also features an emergency landing function.
All in all, this is a fun little toy for a beginner and family! I would buy again!
Aimee W.
Pros
Cons
7. DJI Mini SE
100 Feet
Recommended Age:
12+ years
Video Resolution:
1080p
Size:
5.4″ X 3.1″ X 2.28″
Flight Time:
30 min
The DJI Mini SE is an exceptional value drone that delivers outstanding quality at a mid-range price point. Its 30-minute flight time per battery charge and excellent hover capabilities make it easy for beginners to take breathtaking photos and videos. Although some higher-end features, such as active tracking, may be absent, the DJI Mini SE’s quality must be matched at a different price.
The DJI Mini SE is ultra-lightweight at only half a pound, allowing longer flying times than similarly priced options. Its stability is impressive, resisting winds of up to 23 mph and flying at high altitudes of up to 2.4 miles.
The DJI Fly app is user-friendly, with beginner-friendly templates that generate social media-friendly videos with just a few taps. With the QuickShot preset modes, such as Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Circle, you can easily take 12MP aerial photos.
The drone’s precision is impressive, with the ability to slow down its flight speed and movements in tight spaces. The included battery provides up to 30 minutes of flying time, and the charger can recharge multiple batteries simultaneously. Additionally, flying the DJI Mini SE drone requires no permits in the US or Canada.
This isn’t just a drone for beginners. I’m a licensed pilot and will definitely use this bird for certain shots. And yes, my next one will be a full grown Mavic. The SE has been the deciding factor and proven to be the best out of whatever else I’ve owned to date. Buy one today!
Mark Corby
Pros
Cons
8. Holy Stone Mini
320 Feet
Recommended Age:
6 + years
Video Resolution:
N/A
Size:
3.15″ X 3.15″ X 1.18″
Flight Time:
21 min
The HS210 Mini Drone is ideal for beginners, whether adults or children. This mini drone boasts multiple safety features, such as a propeller protection guard and motor protection, automatically stopping the motor upon collision with an obstacle. In addition to its safety features, the HS210 Mini Drone is loaded with fun features, such as Toss to Launch, Circle Fly, 3D Flips, and Auto Rotation, that will add to your enjoyment. One-touch start and stop buttons make it easy for beginners to get started, and the three batteries included in the package provide 21 minutes of flying time. Please note that this mini drone has no camera or video capabilities.
The HS210 Mini Drone’s three batteries provide seven minutes of flying time each, and they can be recharged in as little as 40-60 minutes. The drone’s basic remote control ranges up to 164 feet, giving ample room to fly. The Altitude Hold feature is perfect for beginners, as it allows the drone to hover at a fixed height, freeing you to focus solely on steering the drone forward, backward, left, or right. Headless Mode is another beginner-friendly feature that ensures the drone always moves in the direction relative to the pilot’s orientation.
With features like Toss to Launch, Circle Fly, 3D Flips, and Auto Rotation, the HS210 Mini Drone is a fun way to learn how to fly a drone. Depending on your skill level, the drone’s speed can also be adjusted to low, medium, or high. The propeller protection guard and motor protection features ensure the drone’s and the user’s safety, while the one-button start and stop the feature makes it easy for even the youngest drone flyers to take off and land safely.
This drone is a really great first drone for my 7 year old. He had just turned seven a couple months before getting this and he likes it a lot.
Carolyn M
Pros
Cons
9. Potensic Dreamer Pro
1.2 Miles
Recommended Age:
14 + years
Video Resolution:
30 FPS
Size:
4.25″ X 13.5″ X 8″
Flight Time:
28 min
If you’re an experienced drone pilot needing a top-of-the-line unit with exceptional video capabilities, look no further than the Potensic Dreamer Pro Drone. This drone boasts a powerful Brushless motor that can handle temperatures ranging from 32°F to 104° and fly up to 26 feet per second. The battery lasts up to 28 minutes and features an innovative charging system that automatically shuts off when fully charged.
Connect your phone to the remote control using the USB cable for even more control and possibilities. It provides an impressive control range of 1.2 miles, which means you can explore new heights. Remember that before flying this drone in the US, you must register with the Federal Aviation Administration. This drone also comes with a 32 GB SD card and a sturdy carrying case to ensure the drone stays safe and secure when not in use.
The 3-axis gimbal is a standout feature that keeps the camera steady, allowing for smooth and stable tilting, panning, or rolling. You can capture stunning action shots, sports events, or vlog videos with the top-of-the-line 4K camera and video capabilities. Moreover, the drone has cool multifunction features, including DIY Circle Flight, Waypoint Flight, Precise Altitude Flight, Follow Me, and more. You can take advantage of the ‘Find My Drone’ GPS feature to ensure you never lose your drone, and the live video transmission lets you see what the drone camera is seeing in real-time on your phone. With this powerful drone, there are no limits to where you can explore.
The Potensic Dreamer Pro is a delight to fly. This drone is a winner for the beginner as well as the pro, especially at the $400 price point.
Kenn K.
Pros
Cons
Types of Drones for Kids
There are several different types of drones for kids, each with unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular types of drones for kids include:
- Mini Drones: These small, lightweight drones are easy to control and perfect for indoor use. They often have LED lights and can perform fun tricks and stunts.
- Camera Drones: These drones have high-quality cameras that allow kids to capture aerial photos and videos. They are ideal for older kids who are interested in photography and videography.
- Racing Drones: These are fast, agile drones designed for competitive racing. They often come with the first-person view (FPV) technology that allows kids to see what the drone sees in real-time.
Overall, the type of drone best for a child will depend on their age, interests, and skill level. It is important for parents to carefully consider these factors when choosing a drone for their child.
Are There Any Developmental Benefits to Drones?
Drones offer a variety of benefits for kids, both in terms of their personal development and educational pursuits. Here are some of the key benefits of drones for kids:
- Enhancing Creativity: Drones can inspire creativity and imagination in kids. They can experiment with different flight patterns, angles, and perspectives to capture unique images and videos.
- Developing STEM Skills: Drones offer a hands-on way for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). They can learn about aerodynamics, coding, and electronics as they build and operate their drones.
- Improving Hand-Eye Coordination: Flying a drone requires hand-eye coordination and motor skills, which can be improved with practice. This can also help kids develop spatial awareness and balance.
- Promoting Outdoor Activities: Drones can encourage kids to spend more time outdoors and explore their surroundings. This can lead to a greater appreciation for nature and physical activity.
- Inspiring Future Career Paths: Learning about drones can open up new career paths for kids in engineering, aviation, and photography.
Drones can provide a fun and educational experience while promoting valuable skills and interests. Parents need to supervise their child’s drone usage and ensure they follow safety guidelines.
How Does a Drone Work?
You can think of a drone for kids as multiple parts that work together to make the whole. There are about six main components that allow the drone to function. These components create lift. Lift is essentially the drone creating a force greater than gravity to be able to ascend. To descend, the drone creates a force lesser than gravity.
Do You Need Adventure Ideas for Your Drone?
When it comes to drones, the possibilities are endless! If you’re starting with a basic drone that doesn’t have a camera, you can try racing games or create your obstacle course to practice your flying skills. You can also bring your drone along for family hikes or beach trips. Don’t forget about those family vacations, either!
For older kids interested in photography, you might consider getting a more advanced drone with a camera and video capabilities. Aerial photography can give you a fresh perspective and capture amazing action shots. Just imagine how cool it would be to capture footage of someone skiing, skateboarding, or biking from above! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even fly your drone over water to capture boats or water sports. The sky is truly the limit!
A Backyard Drone Obstacle Guide
A cool idea for you and your kids to try with your drone is a backyard obstacle course! It’s a great way for kids to learn to make the most of their drone’s abilities. You can either purchase a pre-made obstacle course or create your custom course.
If you’re feeling handy, you can get some PVC pipe from the hardware store to create obstacles or make shapes to fly your drone around. The possibilities are endless! You can set up stand-up hoops for the drone to fly through, cones in different shapes to follow like a car on a racecourse, or anything else you can come up with.
There are two great reasons to set up an obstacle course. Firstly, it’s a fantastic way to improve your drone flying skills by practicing maneuvering your drone left, right, up, and down in a low-pressure environment. And secondly, it’s just plain fun! You can time each other’s runs through the obstacle course and get creative with the obstacles. It’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy!
Things You Can Use In Your Course:
Scavenger Hunt
Hide small objects around your backyard or a nearby park and use the drone to search for them from above. See who can find all the objects the fastest!
Nature Exploration
Take your drone to a nearby park or hiking trail and explore nature from a new perspective. Fly your drone over lakes, rivers, and forests to see what you can discover.
Create a Music Video
Use your drone to film a music video for your favorite song. Get creative with your shots and angles to make an awesome video you can share with friends and family!
Drone Racing
Create a fun racing course in your backyard and see who can complete it the fastest. Please make it a competition and award prizes to the winner!
Ultimate Guide to Buying Drones for Kids: Everything You Need to Know
Drones have become increasingly popular with kids of all ages. They offer a fun and unique way for children to explore and learn about the world around them. If you’re considering buying a drone for your child, there are several factors to consider.
Age Appropriateness
The first thing to consider when buying a drone for your child is age appropriateness. Different drones have different age recommendations, so choosing a drone suitable for your child’s age and skill level is important.
You need to ensure they target the drone toward your kid’s age. Drones made for kids have the following features that can make them very easy to fly.
Safety Features
Another crucial consideration is safety features. You want to ensure that the drone you buy has features like propeller guards and a sturdy frame to prevent damage to the drone or harm to your child or others. Also, look for drones with an auto-landing and auto-return feature so your child doesn’t lose the drone if they fly it out of range.
Durability and Build Quality
When buying a drone for kids, choosing one that’s durable and well-built is important. Kids are bound to crash the drone a few times while learning to fly it, so you want to ensure it can withstand a few knocks without breaking.
Flight Time
Flight time is another important consideration. Some drones have a longer battery life than others, so you want to choose one that offers a reasonable amount of flying time.
Camera Quality
If your child is interested in photography or videography, you may want to consider a drone with a camera. The camera quality is an important factor to consider. Look for drones with high-definition cameras and other features like image stabilization for smoother video footage.
Ease of Use
Make sure the drone you choose is easy for your child to use. Some drones have remote controllers that may be too complicated for younger children, while others may have smartphone apps that make them easier to control.
Price
Finally, price is a crucial factor to consider when buying a drone for kids. Drones come at various prices, so budgeting before shopping is important. Remember that cheaper drones may have fewer features, while more expensive drones may offer more advanced features.
Durability
The best drone for kids can handle a few accidental hits without breaking. A key feature to look out for is blade guards, which prevent the blades from breaking if they bump into something. It’s also a great idea to check if the kid’s drone has extra blades, as bumps and accidents are inevitable for a first-time pilot. Another feature to watch is if the drone’s propellers stop moving automatically when it flies into something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easiest Drone to Fly?
All the drones on this list are easy to fly. They have simple controls, and a few have features that help you with take-off, landing, and stability. If we had to pick one, it’d probably be the Potensic A20 because of its easy-to-understand instructions, simple-to-use remote control, and three-speed levels. It is a breeze to use.
Are the Less Expensive Cheap Drones Any Good?
Budget-friendly drones can be a tremendous amount of fun. They are less expensive because they are smaller, have lower-quality video resolution and transmission, less advanced software, and are less costly materials.
However, with less expensive drones, you still get many benefits as they are effortless to fly, are much safer, and don’t have to worry about regulations and the added cost of permits. Budget-friendly drones are perfect for kids and adults who want an introduction to drones.
How Do You Fly a Drone for the First Time?
It differs from one model to the next. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions carefully. Keep the drone low to the ground and close to you until you get used to the controls. If you lose control, you can land it immediately with minimal damage. Many drones have one-key take-off and landing, which is very useful.
Update History
- 31/03/2023 – Updated listed products and added additional supplementary content to improve the usefulness for readers.