10 Best Drones for Kids: Safe and Fun Options for 2024
Drones have become increasingly popular among kids, offering an exciting blend of technology and outdoor fun. These flying gadgets provide a unique way for children to explore their surroundings, develop hand-eye coordination, and spark an interest in science and engineering. With safety as a top priority, many manufacturers now offer drones specifically designed for young users, featuring durable materials and user-friendly controls.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 drones for kids in 2024. We’ll look at options suitable for different age groups, from 5-year-olds to 12-year-olds, and highlight key features like cameras, obstacle avoidance, and smart controls. Whether you’re searching for an affordable starter drone or a more advanced model with video capabilities, this guide will help you find the perfect drone to match your child’s interests and skill level.
Holy Stone HS110D
The Holy Stone HS110D is a popular choice for kids and beginners looking to explore the world of drones. This affordable quadcopter offers a range of features that make it both fun and safe to fly.
HS110D Features
The HS110D comes equipped with a 1080P HD camera with a 120° wide-angle lens, allowing users to capture high-quality photos and videos [1]. It supports FPV (First Person View) flying, enabling real-time transmission of images to a smartphone. The drone also includes altitude hold, which keeps it suspended in mid-air when the joystick is released, making it easier for beginners to control [1].
HS110D Safety Measures
Safety is a priority with the HS110D. It features headless mode, which simplifies control by aligning the drone’s orientation with the pilot’s perspective [1]. The drone also comes with propeller guards to protect against collisions and minimize damage during indoor flights [2].
HS110D Price and Value
Priced at $89.99, the Holy Stone HS110D offers excellent value for its features [1]. It includes two modular batteries, providing up to 20 minutes of flight time [1]. With over 18,000 ratings on Amazon, this bestselling model has proven popular among users since its release in January 2018 [1].
DJI Tello
The DJI Tello is an impressive drone for kids and beginners, offering a blend of fun and educational features. This affordable quadcopter, priced at USD 99.00, packs advanced technology into a compact frame, making it one of the best drones for young kids [3].
Tello’s Educational Features
Tello supports block programming, allowing children to drag coding blocks on their smart devices to control the drone’s movements [4]. It’s compatible with Scratch, Python, and Swift, making it an excellent tool for learning programming basics while having fun [4]. The Tello Space Travel tutorial, available via the Swift Playgrounds app, offers an engaging way to learn coding [4].
Tello’s Durability
Despite its lightweight design, the Tello is built to withstand crashes. It features propeller guards that protect against collisions, making it ideal for indoor flights [3]. The drone’s robust construction allows it to handle minor accidents without sustaining damage, giving young pilots confidence as they learn to fly [5].
Tello’s Flight Performance
The Tello offers impressive flight capabilities for its size. It has a 13-minute flight time and a 100-meter flight distance [6]. The drone includes features like auto takeoff/landing, low battery protection, and failsafe protection for safe landings [6]. Its Vision Positioning System enables precise hovering, making it easier for beginners to control [6].
Potensic A20W
The Potensic A20W, also known as the Firefly, is a compact and affordable drone designed for kids and beginners. Priced at around $40, this mini drone offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for indoor flying and learning the basics of drone control [7].
A20W’s Compact Design
The A20W’s small size, measuring just 3.10 x 1.25 x 3.50 inches, makes it ideal for indoor use [8]. It features built-in propeller guards, which protect the drone during crashes and help extend the life of its brushed motors [7]. This design makes it a safe option for young pilots learning to navigate their surroundings.
A20W’s Camera Capabilities
Despite its small size, the A20W comes equipped with a 720p camera [7]. While not suitable for professional-grade videography, it allows young pilots to capture basic photos and videos, adding an extra layer of fun to their flying experience. The camera’s fixed position faces slightly downward, which may require some adjustment for optimal framing [9].
A20W’s User-Friendly Controls
The A20W features user-friendly controls that mimic those of more expensive drones [8]. It offers multiple speed settings, altitude hold, and headless mode, making it easier for beginners to master flight basics [7]. The controller includes a convenient cheat sheet, helping new pilots quickly learn the drone’s functions [7].
Snaptain S5C
The Snaptain S5C is a user-friendly drone designed for beginners and young pilots. It offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for kids learning to fly drones.
S5C’s Voice Control
This drone supports voice commands, allowing users to control it hands-free. Pilots can give verbal orders like “take off,” “landing,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” or “backward” [10]. However, some users report that while voice control works well for basic movements, it may not activate video recording [11].
S5C’s Altitude Hold Function
The S5C’s altitude hold feature ensures steady hovering at a specific height, making it easier for beginners to maintain control [10]. This function works effectively, with minimal drifting when the joysticks are released [11].
S5C’s One-Key Take-off and Landing
The drone features a convenient one-button takeoff and landing system. With a single press, the S5C will rise about four feet into the air and gently land when the button is pressed again [11]. This feature simplifies the flying process for young pilots, making it an ideal drone for kids.
SYMA X20
The SYMA X20 is a compact drone designed for indoor flight, making it an excellent choice for kids and beginners. Its built-in prop guards ensure safety during flight, protecting the drone from damage during collisions. The X20 offers impressive features for its affordable price point, including altitude hold, which keeps the drone stable at a specific height.
X20’s Headless Mode
The X20’s headless mode simplifies flight control, especially for novice pilots. This feature aligns the drone’s orientation with the pilot’s perspective, making it easier to navigate regardless of the drone’s direction.
X20’s 360-Degree Flips
With the ability to perform 360-degree flips, the X20 adds an element of excitement to flights. Users can execute these stunts with a simple button press, allowing for impressive aerial maneuvers.
X20’s LED Lights
The X20 features colorful LED lights that enhance visibility during flight. These lights not only make night flying possible but also add a visually appealing element to the drone’s performance.
Ryze Tech Tello EDU
The Tello EDU is an advanced version of the popular Tello drone, designed specifically for educational purposes. It offers enhanced programming capabilities, making it an excellent tool for learning coding while having fun with drones.
Tello EDU’s Programming Capabilities
Tello EDU supports block programming, allowing users to create flight commands by dragging and dropping coding blocks on a screen [4]. This feature simplifies the programming process, making it accessible for beginners. The drone is compatible with various programming languages, including Scratch, Python, and Swift, providing a versatile platform for learning to code [4].
Tello EDU’s Swarm Flying
One of the most impressive features of the Tello EDU is its ability to perform swarm flights. Users can program multiple Tello EDUs to fly simultaneously through a single device [4]. This feature allows for creative and complex flight patterns, pushing the boundaries of drone programming and control.
Tello EDU’s Compatibility with Scratch
Scratch, a programming language designed for children and teenagers, is fully compatible with the Tello EDU [12]. This integration allows users to create pre-planned missions or control the drone in real-time using Scratch, providing an interactive and engaging way to learn coding basics while flying a drone [12].
DEERC D20
D20’s Foldable Design
The DEERC D20 features a compact, foldable design that makes it easy to transport and store. Its arms fold inward, reducing its size for convenient carrying. However, users should be careful not to snag the propellers when folding the drone.
D20’s Multiple Flight Modes
This drone offers various flight modes to suit different skill levels. It includes altitude hold for stable hovering, headless mode for simplified directional control, and one-key takeoff and landing. The D20 also has three speed settings, allowing beginners to start slow and gradually increase speed as they gain confidence.
D20’s Gesture Control
The D20 supports gesture control, enabling users to take photos or videos by making specific hand gestures in front of the camera. This feature adds a fun, interactive element to the drone flying experience, making it an engaging option for kids interested in photography and videography.
Force1 Scoot XL
The Force1 Scoot XL is a hand-operated drone designed for users of all ages. This larger version of the original Scoot features a giant LED light that flashes in bright red, blue, and green colors, making it visually appealing for kids.
Scoot XL’s Hand-Controlled Operation
The Scoot XL uses sensors to detect hand movements, allowing for intuitive control. Users can change speed by moving their hands underneath the drone, with green indicating faster speed and blue for slower speed. To calibrate, simply move your hands back and forth near the drone.
Scoot XL’s Obstacle Avoidance
Equipped with five sensors – one on the bottom and four around the sides – the Scoot XL can detect and avoid obstacles. This feature enhances safety and makes it suitable for indoor use, especially for younger children learning to control drones.
Scoot XL’s Durable Construction
The Scoot XL boasts a kid-safe, crashproof shell designed to withstand numerous collisions. Its bouncy UFO-like shell offers enhanced crash protection compared to the original Scoot, making it one of the best drones for young kids who are still mastering their piloting skills.
Hubsan X4 H107C+
The Hubsan X4 H107C+ is a compact drone that offers impressive features for young pilots. This affordable quadcopter combines durability with user-friendly controls, making it an excellent choice for kids interested in drone flying.
H107C+’s HD Camera
The H107C+ comes equipped with a 2MP 720p HD camera, allowing young pilots to capture photos and videos during flight. While the camera quality may not be top-tier, it provides an exciting introduction to aerial photography for kids.
H107C+’s Precise Controls
This drone features a four-channel, 2.4GHz transmitter that offers responsive control. The H107C+ includes altitude hold functionality, which helps maintain a stable hover, making it easier for beginners to manage their flights.
H107C+’s Flip Stunts
One of the most exciting features of the H107C+ is its ability to perform flips and rolls. By quickly moving the control stick from one side to the other, pilots can execute impressive aerial maneuvers, adding an element of fun to their flying experience.
DROCON Ninja FPV
The DROCON Ninja FPV is a versatile drone that offers exciting features for young pilots. This affordable quadcopter combines user-friendly controls with advanced capabilities, making it an excellent choice for kids interested in aerial photography and videography.
Ninja FPV’s First-Person View
The Ninja FPV comes equipped with a 720p HD Wi-Fi camera that provides a 120-degree field of view. This camera allows users to capture high-quality aerial footage and photos. The drone supports real-time FPV transmission, enabling pilots to watch a live video stream on their smartphones [13].
Ninja FPV’s Altitude Hold
One of the Ninja FPV’s standout features is its altitude hold mode. When the left throttle is released, the drone will hover in place, making it easier to control and capture clear aerial photos and videos [13]. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners learning to navigate their drones.
Ninja FPV’s One-Key Return
The Ninja FPV includes a convenient one-key return function. With a built-in positioning system, the drone will automatically fly back to its takeoff point at the press of a button [13]. This feature enhances safety and helps prevent loss of the drone during flight.
Conclusion
The world of drones for kids has seen remarkable growth, offering a wide range of options to suit different ages and skill levels. From beginner-friendly models like the Holy Stone HS110D and DJI Tello to more advanced options like the Ryze Tech Tello EDU, these drones provide a blend of fun and educational features. They have an impact on children’s learning, sparking interest in technology, coding, and aerial photography while enhancing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting features and improvements in safety mechanisms. The drones highlighted in this article represent some of the best options available in 2024, balancing affordability, durability, and functionality. Whether you’re looking to get your child started with a basic model or to challenge them with more complex flying and programming tasks, there’s a drone out there to meet your needs. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when flying drones with kids.
FAQs
Can a 12-year-old legally operate a drone?
There is no minimum age requirement set by Congress for operating a drone under the exception for limited recreational operations. However, all operators are required to take and pass the TRUST examination successfully.
Is it permissible for a 10-year-old to own and operate a drone?
To use a drone or model aircraft, a flyer ID is necessary, which can be obtained by registering. If the operator is under 13, the registration must be completed by a parent or guardian. The child must also pass an online theory test, which is advisable to prepare for with adult assistance.
What is the simplest drone for children to operate?
As of 2024, some of the easiest drones for kids to fly include the DJI Neo, known for its lightweight and safe propellers, the DJI Mini 2 SE, a budget-friendly option for young photographers, the HolyStone HS210, HoverAir X1, BetaFpv FPV Cetus Kit, Holy Stone HS280, and the Ryze Tello.
Would a drone make a suitable gift for a child?
Drones can be an excellent gift for children, offering many hours of fun and opportunities for learning, from enhancing hand-eye coordination to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills. However, it’s important to choose drones that are appropriate for the age and skill level of the child.
