Meade ETX-80BB Backpack Observatory Telescope

The Meade® ETX-80BB Backpack Observatory Telescope is a portable, lightweight telescope that comes with a durable backpack that has room for the telescope and all its accessories. It also includes the Autostar Computer Controller system which lets you browse and automatically locate more than 1,400 celestial objects.

Discovery Sky & Land Telescope

Another entry for the best kids' telescope is the Discovery Sky & Land Telescope. It boasts a 70mm aperture which is wide enough to allow good views of moon craters, the rings of Saturn and even far away objects like quasars and nebulae. The telescope looks pretty cool, too with illuminated dials, a star chart light, a hinged lens cap that's practically impossible to lose and a sturdy aluminum tripod which extends to a comfortable 55" viewing height. The tripod also collapses neatly to fit in the light-weight, padded shoulder bag that comes with the telescope. Because of its cool design, ease of use and affordability, the Discovery Sky & Land Telescope gets my vote as one of the best children's telescopes on the market.

How to Choose the Best Kids' Telescope

Generations of parents have spent countless nights gazing at the stars through their kids telescope.

What's the best kids' telescope to buy? The aperture (or diameter) of a telescope determines how much your see and in what detail. Power (or magnification) is secondary.

A stable telescope mount is also important or you'll be fighting to stabilize your telescope on a dim point of light. Many telescopes now have powered mounts that track planets and stars. The Meade® DS-2130ATS-LNT Telescope comes with a built in computer that can give you a guided tour of the night sky.