Best Drones for Kids in 2024

Various models of kid friendly drones have been gaining popularity in recent years. Different in size, color, shape, and functions, these devices offer children of all ages an exciting introduction to aerial photography. Drones for children differ from the professional ones we are used to with their additional safety features and convenient control, making them an ideal choice for small users.

Buying a flying toy for your child opens up a world of possibilities for adventure and creativity, as these toys develop piloting skills and provide an exciting aerial photography experience. This article will discuss the best drone with a camera for kids in 2024. Find out what you should pay attention to when choosing such a device and how Luminar Neo can be useful for processing photos taken by your child from a flying toy.

How to Select the Best Drone for Kids

Remember that being expensive does not mean being good for a child. There is no need to buy prestigious models for status. Depending on the child's age, the device should be interesting and practical for your child's needs.

Kid-Friendly Drone Features to Look For

A children's quadcopter should be bright, have a whimsical design, and preferably have a camera firmly hidden in the body. A child needs features — the ability to fly independently, a wide range of outdoor play, a long battery charge for nonstop fun, a cool design, and the ability to take photos and videos in flight.

Durability and Safety

Propeller protection will guarantee safety for the child, surrounding people, and the drone itself. After all, learning to drive will invariably be accompanied by falls and collisions. The protection can be removable or stationary. There are also models whose propellers are securely hidden in the case, and such flying toys can be caught with bare hands. Pay attention to the case's impact resistance. The lighter the quadcopter, the easier it can withstand falls and bad landings. The first landing place for a children's drone is the room, so pay attention to the mini and micro models.

Ease of Control

Like any toy, it should make you want to play with it. Its management should also be simple. Otherwise, the child will lose interest if he cannot manage it independently.

Camera Quality for Young Photographers

A higher-quality camera is always better, but the final decision will depend on your budget, age, and the child's needs. Either way, a drone camera will allow your child to explore creativity and develop photography skills.

Editor’s Picks: Best Drones for Kids by Category

We have divided the best models currently on the market into categories for your convenience. It will help you find the device that best suits your needs.

Best Drone for Family Activities

The best option for the family is to have a reasonably good camera, convenient controls, and sufficient battery life. Of course, the age of children must also be taken into account, but if adults are also included in the process, then you can consider more universal options.

Best Overall Kid Drone

It is impossible to say which model is the best, but let's consider one of the most optimal options based on the abovementioned characteristics.

1. Ryze Tello: Specifications, Pros & Cons

This ultra-lightweight flying toy is suitable for flying both indoors and outdoors. Its camera takes five-megapixel photos or 720P video. Don't expect a smooth cinematic image, but it's good enough for a toy. The device can do tricks and flips, and it's easy to control with additional features on your phone.

Pros:

• Quality camera.

• The radius of action is up to 100 m.

Cons:

• Does not have GSM.

• Flight time: 13 minutes.

2. DJI Mini SE: Specifications, Pros & Cons

It is difficult to call this device a toy. However, it is great for older kids with smartphones and their parents. The quality of photos and videos from its camera is as good as most phone cameras. You can even take a selfie of the whole family in orbit, which will bring joy from using this device. Check also the article about the best drones for travel and for checking variants of devices for family trips.  

Pros:

• Good GPS camera.

• Smooth video quality.

• Flight time 28 min.

• Great software

Cons:

• Requires careful handling.

• Depends on the phone as live-view.

Top Toy Drones for Playful Learning

When it comes to the best toy drones, their stability, and safety are more important than the quality of the camera.

3. Potensic A20: Specifications, Pros & Cons

It can be called the best toy drone for kids starting to fly with a remote control. It is compact, shockproof, and has body protection that is safe for both the device and the child.

Pros:

• Compact.

• Reliable protective shields.

• Ideal for a child's first introduction to flying.

• Has a spare battery included.

Cons:

• Awkward battery slot.

• The flight time is only 8 minutes.

• Suitable only for indoor and windless weather.

Leading Follow-Me Drones for Adventurous Kids

An interesting toy will be a device that can follow a child and autonomously shoot video.

4. HoverAir X1: Specifications, Pros & Cons

This flying toy has a safe construction, unique design, and artificial intelligence. It follows you and can take off and land in the palm of your hand. Your child can simultaneously record while doing any activity, such as running, cycling, dancing, etc.

Pros:

• Closed propellers.

• Great design.

• The function of automatic tracking and video recording.

Cons:

• Requires phone on first use.

• Suitable for older children.

• Price.

Ideal First FPV Drone for Aspiring Pilots

The best variants of Drones for Beginners must be easy to control. Otherwise, the child may be discouraged from using it. They should also be safe and resistant to shocks and falls.

5. BetaFpv FPV Cetus Kit: Specifications, Pros & Cons

The microdrone's exciting control is like a video game. It's an interesting toy for both children and their parents. You can use the remote controller with your computer to play drone simulators while the battery is charging. It also has a built-in hang sensor. The tiny  flying toy won't take much damage if it falls and won't hurt a child.

Pros:

• Small size and weight 35g

• Includes familiar game-like controller and goggles.

• Includes optical flow hover.

• Price.

Cons:

• Goggles do not record video.

• Flight time: 5 min.

Most Durable Drones for Rugged Use

Choose a durable device for your child that is resistant to falls, has a good camera, and has simple controls.

6. Holy Stone HS280: Specifications, Pros & Cons

It's a sturdy, smart device with a good camera, perfect for kids. It needs to be connected to the phone as a monitor, but it is light and has a long flight time. Its weight of 151 g makes it safe even if it hits a person. It will not physically harm the child. It can recognize gestures for taking pictures.

Pros:

• One-key takeoff/landing.

• 1080P camera.

• Fairly strong and replaceable propellers.

Cons:

• Limited flight range.

• Works in the absence of wind.

Special Feature: Luminar Neo and Drones

Whether you're shooting breathtaking landscapes, family stories, travel, or adventures from above, online image editor Luminar Neo enhances your drone photography workflow. Unleash your creative potential by processing aerial photos of your child, or you will create them together. Involve children in the photo editing process as well, teaching them to turn play into art.

Why Luminar Neo is a Game-Changer for Drone Photography

Whether a professional photographer or a child takes photos with a mediocre drone camera doesn't matter. Luminar Neo, one of the best alternatives to Photoshop, has advanced editing tools that allow you to enhance the images and preserve the bright moments, revealing your child's creativity. Features based on artificial intelligence easily and qualitatively enhance details, correct colors, and eliminate distortions. So you will get a photo in better quality than the original. With Luminar Neo as an HDR photo editor, even your child can unleash their creative potential and achieve professional-quality results quickly and easily, independently of the camera quality on the flying toy.

Advantages of Using Luminar Neo with Kid-Friendly Drones

Luminar Neo's intuitive interface and automated editing tools make it accessible to children. So kids can learn to improve their drone photos and share them on social networks. Artificial intelligence features can unleash creativity and simplify photo editing for your kids. Even beginners will be able to take stunning shots. Luminar Neo is compatible with various drone file formats, making it easier to work with the software. Help your kids turn flying toy play into art and explore the world from their unique perspective.

Buying Guide: Tips and Considerations

Let's look at a few points that you should consider when choosing a kid-friendly drone:

Price vs. Quality: Finding Balance

Kids, especially little ones, don't need expensive premium devices. Buying a costly device can save money no matter how much you love your child. It is better to choose simpler models as a walking experience of aerial photography. However, remember quality. Cheap devices can be dangerous and break easily. Look for optimal options to make the right choice. Most Expensive Drones are not a good decision to buy for a child. However, you can choose a professional model for yourself.

The Importance of Compact Size and Portability

The mini and micro models are ideal for children's temperaments and can easily fly around the room. Such  flying toys are reliable when falling and will not harm the child or other participants in the game. So, for a good flying toy, check out the smaller models.

Spare Parts and Maintenance

Like any toy, the drone will break. Models with spare parts will be your salvation because you will not have to buy them separately immediately or repair the device yourself. The presence of spare batteries in the set is also a plus. All drones have a short flight time, so replaceable batteries are a great way not to interrupt the game for constant charging.

Conclusion

Summary of the Best Drones for Kids in 2024

The DJI Mini SE is known for its compact design and impressive camera capabilities. It is perfect for kids who want to take amazing aerial photos.

The Holy Stone HS280 has simple controls and a solid construction. It is the perfect choice for children looking for a fun and safe flight.

Ryze Tello offers the perfect balance of affordability and features. It's a great choice for kids interested in drone flying and photography basics.

BetaFpv FPV Cetus Kit has all the necessary functions for beginners (altitude hold and one-key takeoff/landing). Thus, children can easily practice their flying skills while getting the best experience.

Potensic A20 is a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-control drone suitable for young children who are learning aerial photography for the first time.

HoverAir X1, with its tracking function, is an interesting solution for active children and family leisure.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Drone

Choosing the best drone with a camera for kids is relatively easy. Consider the child's age, skill level, device safety features, and your budget. The best solution is devices with easy controls, solid construction, and built-in safety mechanisms. They are sure to provide a positive and pleasant flight experience. Thanks to a properly selected flying toy, children can reveal their creative potential while having fun. Remember the importance of instructing the child on safety rules, respecting other people's personal space, and taking care of the equipment. Also, involve your child in the basics of post-processing drone photos. It will help the child develop his style and vision of beauty and have a pleasant time together.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Drones for Kids

At What Age Can Kids Safely Fly Drones?

In general, children as young as 8 years of age can safely operate basic devices under close adult supervision.

How to Ensure Safe Flying Practices?

Ensure safe flights by teaching children to fly drones in open areas away from obstacles, people, and wildlife. Emphasize the importance of following local regulations, maintaining line of sight, and avoiding restricted airspace.

Best Practices for Drone Maintenance

Regularly inspect flying toys for any signs of damage or wear and perform routine maintenance such as cleaning propellers, tightening screws, and calibrating sensors.

What are the best Educational Drones for Kids?

Some popular educational drones for kids include the DJI Tello, the Parrot Mambo, and the Holy Stone HS210. They often have features like programmable flight paths, obstacle avoidance, and coding capabilities, making them ideal for STEM education.

How to Teach Kids Responsible Drone Flying Habits?

Establish clear guidelines for safe flying, emphasizing the importance of respecting the privacy and property of others. Encourage children to make responsible decisions and always put safety first.

Are There any Drone Models Specifically Designed for Girls or Boys?

Drone models are generally not designed for girls or boys, as they appeal to children of all genders. Instead, choose a device that matches your child's interests, skill level, and learning goals, regardless of gender.