There are objects and organisms in our environment that can't be seen with normal eyesight, but with the best microscopes for kids these tiny worlds become visible. Microscopes use light to enlarge objects as small as cells under one or more lens. We can explore parts of our world that are out of our reach with them.

While microscopes are only used by scientists and researchers, the average person can use them to explore their world. People of all ages can enjoy looking at objects with a microscope. They are a great way for kids to learn about scientific concepts that are outside of what they see regularly and to get creative in how they see their environment. There are specific models of microscopes for kids.

How do you know which one is the best? Selecting the right microscope requires sifting through thousands of options that cater to different types of activity and budgets. It is important for kids to think about the microscope's longevity. A model that can be used outdoors and indoors is what you want. You want something that is fun to use and that comes with lots of experiments to get your kids excited about science and learning.

Live Science has done all the research for you. Many of the options for children of all ages are offered at a deep discount in our guide to the best microscope for kids. Check it out now!

Best microscopes for kids overall

AmScope microscope for kids - this is the best one overall

(Image credit: AmScope)

The AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope Kit is at the top of our list. The compound microscope for kids is more than just a tool, it is a complete kit. The set comes with a brine shrimp experiment and all the accessories your child will need to get started.

The toddling demographic should start with the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope. The microscope will keep your child entertained for hours.

The National Geographic dual led student microscope is more of a tool than a toy. Learning has never been more accessible with the bundle of over 50 scientific accessories.

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope - an excellent choice for biology

(Image credit: My First Lab)

It is best to view dissection experiments, internal cell structures, plants, rock and minerals. In the hands-on learning department, the My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope has a lot to offer. This 50-piece kit comes with all sorts of scientific accessories, including blank slides, a plastic test tube, and an experiment guide and operating manual.

The monocular eyepiece allows up to 400X magnification for whatever the next experiment entails, and the lightweight design is durable enough for outdoor use. It is more expensive than other microscopes on this list, but it is also a higher-quality tool, and the metal and plastic body is built to last. This could be the first mini-lab for preteens with a serious interest in science.

Best budget microscopes

Carson MicroBrite LED pocket microscope for kids - cheap and fun

(Image credit: Carson)

It proves that backyard exploration doesn't have to break the bank and is great for viewing coins, plants, seashells, rocks and minerals. The MicroBrite Plus is an excellent case in that it is small enough to fit in a pocket, and the battery-powered light illuminates objects up to 120X in the palm of your hand. The aspherical lens system is robust, which makes it bright and clear.

This is a great complement to your next nature hike. The MicroBrite Plus has a lighted pocket microscope.

SkyBasic wireless digital microscope for kids - a great, tech-integrated option

(Image credit: SkyBasic)

The Skybasic Digital Microscope is as portable as it is versatile, and it doesn't have the bulky adjustment knobs and dial that you'd expect from this technology. The 50X to 1000X microscope is designed to work with your iOs device. No wires are required for this clever little tool that streams magnified images to your phone from up to 33 feet away.

The built-in lights can be adjusted for proper brightness levels, and the camera has a 2-megapixel resolution. The controls for this microscope are easy to use, which means your child will probably figure out how to use it quicker than you will.

Best microscopes for pre-schoolers

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking microscope for kids - so simple and effective to use

(Image credit: Educational Insights)

A classroom in a box is what the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope is. This novel microscope features the narration of a young Australian woman named Bindi Irwin, who teaches your child more than 100 interesting factoids about plants and animals through an integrated microphone.

There are 20 slides in the built-in storage compartment, which can be used for Fact or Quiz. In the former mode, the microscope identifies the images out loud, while in the latter mode, Bindi quizzes your child on their general knowledge of each slide.

The standard model has English, Spanish, French and German audio options, while a second model has Japanese, Korean and Mandarin.

One of the best microscopes for kids is the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope. They will be busy for hours on end.

Kidzlane microscope for kids - this microscope is fun for toddlers

(Image credit: Kidzlane)

The Kidzlane Microscope Science Toy for Kids was built with the younger crowd in mind. This beginner microscope, which is meant for ages 3 and up, is bound to spark their curiosity as they examine everyday objects in fine detail. You don't have to worry about sharp edges here for younger children with small hands.

The Kidzlane Microscope comes with a plastic scalpel and pretend spider and lizard specimen to make your kid feel like they have their own lab, and they will build hand-eye coordination as they position objects beneath the viewfinder.

Best microscopes for students

National Geographic Dual-LED microscope for kids - excellent for older kids

(Image credit: National Geographic)

National Geographic is more than just a magazine. In fact, much more. One of our top picks is the dual led student microscope from the wildlife brand.

This microscope fills the bill for a tech toy that encourages a higher level of education in four disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It comes with over 50 accessories for learning, including 10 nature slides, a petri dish, a mini geode, two sets of optical lens, and a comprehensive learning guide. You can use this microscope to view slides or 3D objects with the flip of a switch.

This microscope comes with its own brine shrimp experiment, complete with shrimp eggs and a hatchery station. They won't realize how much knowledge your kid is absorbing.

AmScope microscope for kids - a microscope with amazing magnification

(Image credit: AmScope)

Is your child a genius? Maybe you should upgrade their lab. The OMAX82ES10 40X MD-2000X Digital LED Compound Microscope looks professional for high-school students who are ready to take their experiments to the next level. The binocular head has a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera that is compatible with both Mac and Windows, allowing the microscope to take pictures and video clips of various projects.

There are two knobs for coarse and fine focusing, and the mechanical stage is easy to adjust, and the microscope has eight levels of magnification, from 40X to 2000X. The microscope can be adjusted to virtually any face size, thanks to the sliding interpapillary distance adjustment.

For the price, it would have been nice for OMAX to throw in a carrying case, but if you are raising the next Doogie Howser, your child's eyes will light up like an LED bulb. This one is perfect for dissection experiments.

Best beginner microscopes

Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club microscope for kids.

(Image credit: Educational Insights)

The best microscopes for kids come with a lot of extras. The Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Microscope is a colorful option that gets high user reviews. The microscope gets that ball rolling with a 22-page activity journal, which is all about data collection.

The microscope has an impressive range of 30X to 400X magnification, which is perfect for getting up close and personal with all the rocks, plants and bugs in your backyard. Let the collection begin!

Omano JuniorScope Microscope for Kids

(Image credit: Omano)

The JuniorScope is a great gift for grade-schoolers. It is most useful for plants, insects, rocks and minerals. It is more durable and heavier than many microscopes for kids. Young students can use this fantastic microscope to look at rocks and plant cells in crystal clarity.

The JuniorScope comes with batteries that are pre-installed, so it is ready to use right out of the box. Students can use the microscope with a variety of scientific tools to aid in their studies.

The microscope comes with five experiment cards to help your child learn how to use it.

How to choose the best microscopes for kids

Consider the factors before introducing your family to insects and plants.

Most kid-friendly microscopes have a price point of $50 or less, but there are plenty of premium picks that cost $75 or more. You can get a cheap microscope for under $30, and low-end models usually have weaker magnifications, cheaper build quality and fewer accessories. Weak magnification is preferred for preschool-level microscopes.

For small humans, magnification and focus can be counter productive. The younger the child, the lower the magnification. Kids under the age of 10 are recommended for magnifications between 5X and 400X. Older investigators should consider microscopes with more powerful optics.

For magnification levels greater than 1000X, binocular microscopes are a necessary investment.

Sturdy build materials include aluminum alloy and heavy-duty plastic. If the microscope is for someone under the age of 10, you'll want one that can take abuse. Some microscopes can be used by explorers of all ages, while others can only be used for tiny fingers. For children under 5, look for features like rounded edges and padded eyepieces.

High-power microscopes are useful for viewing opaque objects, while low-power microscopes are useful for viewing a 3D view. There is only one light source to produce a flat-plane view, which is why high-power microscopes are meant for viewing translucent materials.

The most common light sources for microscopes are fluorescent, halogen and LEDs. When it comes to microscope hardware,LED lights are popular. If your microscope uses more than one bulb, you should check to see if it comes with any replacements.

Some microscopes come with just the basics, but the best microscopes for kids include useful accessories, such as activity books, specimen slides, carrying cases, sample experiments and science tools.