11 Best Microscopes for Kids: Reviews and Buying Guide

Microscopes make great gifts for kids and are a must-have for your homeschool. Here are the best microscopes for kids that will get your children interested in the world around them.

Best Microscope for Kids

Buying one of the best microscopes for kids can prove just as helpful in inspiring your little ones to engage in STEM projects for the first time as it can for encouraging your budding Einstein’s ongoing passion for science.

Whatever the reason, with a host of options available, it can sometimes be challenging to choose precisely which beginner microscope is worth your hard-earned money.

To help you out, we’ve reviewed dozens of this year’s top sellers to bring you the ten microscopes we feel are the very best.

Top 10 Best Microscopes for Kids 

1. Omano JuniorScope Microscope for Kids

JuniorScope Microscope for Kids

If you spend any amount of time pouring through kids’ microscope reviews, it’s pretty much inevitable that the Omano JuniorScope Microscope for Kids will feature in the conversation sooner rather than later. 

That’s partly because it offers three different magnification settings: 40x, 100x, and 400x, which is excellent for examining objects in incredible detail.

We also like the fact that it comes with two different power settings. 

The low-power option is ideal for investigating solid objects such as bugs, leaves, or even food. In contrast, the high-power option turns up the intensity so that they can examine transparent things like bacteria or blood cells.

Pros:

  • It comes with “The Amazing Microscope Adventures” experiment set with pre-written experiments to try.
  • Includes accessories such as a petri dish, test tube, slides, and forceps.
  • choice of battery or AC power for greater flexibility. 

Cons:

  • It lacks a stop to prevent the 40X zoom from touching the slide, so care must be taken when using it with younger children.
  • Doesn’t have a protective storage case. 

2. KiwiCo Microscope Exploration Set

Kiwico Microscope Exploration Set

The Microscope Exploration Set from the KiwiCo store comes with the microscope, other tools for learning about the world around you, and an illustrated instruction foldout explaining how to use the microscope. Your kids will learn about magnification and gain a deeper understanding of why the microscope can zoom in on objects.

The set also comes with six activity cards, including fun projects you can do with the microscope beyond simply looking at specimens.

Pros:

  • Includes a dropper, tweezers, petri dishes with lids, and six biological specimen slides.
  • Six activity cards with projects such as growing crystals.
  • Booklet containing instructions
  • Great for people on a budget.

Cons:

  • The zoom is not as powerful as some other microscopes.
  • The microscope is made of plastic and wood.

3. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope isn’t a real microscope like others on this list. It’s an interactive toy in which your little ones will learn many fascinating facts about plants and animals while working their way through the set of 20+ included slides.

Yet that’s not to say that this isn’t great in its own right.

The simple design and bright, vibrant colors make this attractive to kids aged 3+, meaning it’s a great choice if you’re looking to spark their interest in science for the first time. 

The microscope also features a cameo from wildlife expert and TV personality Bindi Irwin, whose voice lists facts and asks questions about whatever is on the slides your kids are looking at.

Last but not least, the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope comes in an English+Mandarin/Japanese/Korean version and an English+Spanish/French/German version. This is great for multilingual families like mine, who want to expose our kids to as many foreign languages as possible!

Pros:

  • Includes 60 full-color images plus 100 facts and questions to teach children about animals and plants.
  • Very easy to use, even for toddlers.
  • Includes two interactive modes (Fact Mode and Quiz Mode) to keep kids entertained and engaged.
  • Comes in two versions with different language options.

Cons:

  • Only works with included slides.
  • Slide draw can become defective after repeated use.

4. AmScope 40X – 100X Beginners Microscope Kit 

AmScope 40X-1000X Beginners Microscope Kit for Kids

AmScope is one of the biggest names in beginner-friendly microscopes and STEM kits, so don’t be surprised to see them pop up multiple times in this list. 

Of all their best-selling options, the AmScope 40X – 100X Beginners Microscope Kit proves to be our favorite simply because it really is ideal for beginners. 

Indeed, while the brand makes microscopes with higher zoom options (which we’ll come to later), the 40x – 100x is more than good enough for the kind of elementary-level science projects you’d find in your average STEM subscription box.

Pros:

  • It comes with “The World of Microscope” book featuring step-by-step instructions for making the most out of their first microscope.
  • Includes 5 x biological specimens and 5 x blank slides to get started.
  • A complete package of tools includes petri dishes, test tubes, and more.

Cons:

  • It is expensive compared to other microscopes on this list.
  • Some users report that the instruction manual was missing from their package.

5. AmScope 120X – 1200X Kid’s 85+ Piece Premium Microscope Kit

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If you like the AmScope brand, but our last option was too basic for your kids’ level, the AmScope 120X – 1200X Kid’s 85+ Piece Premium Microscope Kit may be more to your liking. 

A huge step up from the beginner level is perhaps better suited for older kids passionate about science.

For those children, there’s a whole lot to offer here, including enhanced 120x—1200x magnifications, precision focus optics, an 85+ accessory kit, and a handy carry case to keep their favorite STEM toy safe and protected.

Pros: 

  • It comes with a color digital USB 2.0 eyepiece camera to connect the microscope to a computer or iPad.
  • Includes experiment and project ideas.
  • It comes with specimen samples and blank slides.

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for younger children and those who aren’t fascinated by science.
  • Higher price tag compared to non-AmScope models.

6. Emarth Microscope for Kids

Emarth Microscope for Kids

The Emarth Microscope for Kids is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a children’s microscope that will grow with them as they get older and develop their interest in science. 

The six magnification levels (40x, 100x, 250x, 400x, and 100x) offer a level of flexibility that others can’t match. At the same time, the 52-piece accessory kit makes it just as suitable for beginner-level projects as it is for the kind older children might start to engage with at school. 

Pros: 

  • Dual light LED illumination is perfect for looking at both solid and transparent objects.
  • 6 different color filters eliminate the need to stain slides.
  • a 360°degree rotatable monocular head provides a better view and allows for sharing.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come with a protective case.
  • The plastic casing may not offer the same durability as a metal microscope. 

7. The Magic School Bus: Microscope Lab

The Magic School Bus: Microscope Lab

If your little ones love the animated adventures of Miss Frizzle and her class, they’ll love The Magic School Bus: Microscope Lab.

Although the microscope itself may not be as powerful as some others on this list, that’s not really why you’d buy this one. 

This isn’t about buying a super-powerful, super-serious science kit; it’s about making learning fun and using their favorite Netflix series to engage them in science activities, and to that end, we really can’t fault it.

Pros: 

  • Includes a “data notebook” for kids to track down their learning.
  • Features experiment and project ideas.
  • Includes Petri dishes, test tubes, and other accessories.

Cons: 

  • The microscope doesn’t boast as many magnifications as others.
  • Experiments may be too basic for older children.

8. AmScope 120X – 1200X Kid’s 52-Piece Beginner Microscope

AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope

AmScope makes so many kids’ microscopes that it was almost inevitable that they’d appear on this list again, this time with the AmScope 120X – 1200X Kid’s 52-Piece Beginner Microscope.

There’s a good reason this ranked so highly in our guide to the best STEM toys for kids.

It combines the beginner-friendly simplicity of the 40X—100X Beginners Microscope Kit we looked at earlier with the enhanced magnifications and accessories you get with the premium kit. 

Pros:

  • The metal body ensures lasting durability.
  • The rack-and-pinion focus mechanism makes it easy to use.
  • Comes with a 52-piece accessory kit in a protective case.

Cons: 

  • Expensive price tag.
  • Doesn’t have as many accessories as the Premium kit.

9. Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope 

Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope

At first glance, the Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope looks more of a plaything than an actual scientific tool.

However, look a little closer, and you’ll find a 400x magnification, 30x-400x light, and easy-to-use focusing feature, which makes it more than suitable for STEM projects aimed at children aged 8+. 

Pros: 

  • It comes with a 22-page activity journal to track learning.
  • Includes a 26-piece accessory set.
  • Affordable price.

Cons:

  • It is battery-powered and batteries can drain quite quickly.
  • Limited magnification settings.

20. Thames & Kosmos Kids First Big & Fun Microscope Science Experiment Kit

Thames & Kosmos 634032 Kids First Big & Fun Microscope

Much like the Talking Microscope we looked at earlier, the Thames & Kosmos Kids First Big & Fun Microscope Science Experiment Kit isn’t a real microscope but is more of a slide viewer with a science-specific focus.

Not that this is a bad thing. 

Designed with early learners in mind, the toddler-friendly kit helps spark their interest in STEM activities from a young age through vibrant, storybook-like experiments and a vast assortment of colorful slides.

Pros: 

  • Includes 72 different color slides.
  • Offers 8x magnification.
  • Comes with a 32-page experiment guide.

Cons:

  • Limited use as a “real” microscope and only really works with the in-built slides.
  • Battery-powered, which is off-putting for some parents.

11. Carson MicroMini 20x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Carson MicroMini 20x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Last but by no means least, we come to the Carson MicroMini 20x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope, a solid budget-friendly option that proves that low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality.

Though the Carson MicroMini doesn’t have all the bells, whistles, and bonus features of the other microscopes on this list, it boasts a compact, pocket-size design. 

This makes it the perfect choice for taking out into nature so that your little ones can better explore the natural world around them. It would also make a great addition to any nature-based backyard project.

Pros: 

  • The smooth focusing dial makes the microscope easy to use.
  • Build-in standalone UV and LED flashlight and LED light.
  • Build-in keychain attachment.
  • Low-cost pricing.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come with slides, workbooks, or other bonus features.
  • It doesn’t come with protective storage.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Kids Microscope 

In truth, any of the top ten kids’ microscopes listed above would make a worthy addition to your STEM setup, but deciding which one to buy isn’t exactly easy.

With that in mind, here are a few key factors to consider that will help you choose the right microscope for you and your little ones. 

Age Appropriate

Whether you’re buying a beginner microscope or a brand-new climbing toy, age appropriateness should always be a key factor in your purchasing decision. 

If you’re getting toddlers and early learners engaged in STEM, for example, you’ll be looking at very different products for your friends with older kids who love science.

Number of Accessories 

As you’ll note from our guide above, kids’ microscopes that came with accessory sets tended to rank highly. Most sets include an average of around 50 pieces, though some pack in as many as 85 and some as few as 20+.

That’s not to say that more is always necessarily better. If your kids are young and only have a fleeting interest in science, you probably don’t need to spend all that money on an 85-piece set. 

Construction Quality

Cheap children’s microscopes tend to be just that: 

They’re cheap, often made from plastic parts, and not exactly built to last, especially when you consider how rough and tumble our little ones can get.

As such, we prefer microscopes with a metal base or—even better—an entire metal body, which ensures they’ll last much longer. 

Ease of Use

Learning can be very fun, but it can also be instantly sapped when tools and toys are too difficult to use. 

As such, ease of use plays an important role, though not all things are created equal here.

What’s easy for a 3-5-year-old may be too dull for a 7-9-year-old, while a 9-year-old’s favorite microscope may prove too challenging for their younger sibling. 

Final Thought: What is The Best Microscope for Kids to Buy?

Honestly, choosing the best microscope to buy for your kids all depends on them.

If your child is young and not yet all that engaged in STEM and you simply want a fun toy to inspire their curiosity, the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope is as fun and engaging as they come. 

If they’re older and developing a real passion for science, the deluxe AmScope 120X – 1200X Kid’s 85+ Piece Premium Microscope Kit comes with everything you’ll need to really encourage them to pursue that passion further. 

However, if you’re simply looking for the best kids’ microscope money can buy, then the multiple magnification settings, dual power settings, and range of accessories make the Omano JuniorScope Microscope for Kids a clear winner. 


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