4 Best Drones for Kids That Are Actually Worth Buying
Looking for the best drones for kids? Whether your child is a first-time flyer or ready to level up, these kid-friendly drones are safe, fun, and easy to use—handpicked by an engineering teacher who knows which ones can actually hold up to real use.
Drones are a huge hit with kids right now—and for good reason! They combine outdoor fun with a bit of STEM learning, and there are plenty of options that are safe enough for even younger kids to enjoy. If your child has been begging for a drone, we’ve rounded up the best drones for kids that are beginner-friendly, affordable, and (most importantly) durable enough to survive a few crash landings.
My husband is a high school engineering teacher who teaches a drone class, so he gets the chance to test out a lot of drones for kids and drones for teens. His students are rough on drones, so he is always looking for drones that are sturdy enough to hold up to “student drivers” (flyers?) but have good enough technology to fly reasonably smoothly so kids have a good experience.
I asked him what his top drone picks are right now for kids, and these are his current favorites. These are always changing, so check back. His recommendations may change (sooner or later, a student will crash a drone, and he’ll see how well it can handle a crash).
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Compare the Best Drones for Kids
I picked my engineering teacher husband’s brain about the best drones he’s used with his students, especially the ones that have held up to repeated use (and the occasional crash landing). These are his favorites for kids: easy to fly, durable, and a ton of fun.
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Most Affordable
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Advanced Flying Experience
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Smart Safety Features
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4K Video
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Our Rating:
4.4
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Our Rating:
4.9
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Our Rating:
5.0
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Our Rating:
4.6
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$39.99
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$751.41
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$439.00
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$289.00
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Holy Stone Mini Drone: Affordable, Durable, and Perfect for Beginners
The Holy Stone Mini Drone is surprisingly durable (my engineering teacher husband was impressed!), and at under $40, it’s one of the most affordable starter drones out there. It comes in really fun colors, so it’s a fun option for kids.
This drone is beginner-friendly, with features like Toss to Launch, 3D flips, and auto-hovering. It comes with three batteries for up to 21 minutes of flight time and built-in propeller guards for added safety—a budget-friendly way to introduce kids to flying drones without sacrificing quality, and at this price point you won’t have to panic if your kid lands it in a tree.
DJI Neo: A High-End Drone That’s Easy Enough for Beginners
If you’re ready to level up from toy drones, the DJI Neo packs serious features into a compact, beginner-friendly package. At just 135g, it’s regulation-friendly and doesn’t require FAA registration—but it still delivers stabilized 4K video, auto-follow, subject tracking, and palm takeoff. You can fly it with your phone, your voice, or no controller at all. With three batteries and a two-way charging hub included, you’ll get up to 54 minutes of flight time. It’s an investment, but for the features and quality, this drone is absolutely worth it.
DJI Flip: A High-End Drone That’s Still Kid-Friendly for Beginners
The DJI Flip (RC-N3) may be packed with pro-level features, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly—making it a great option for older kids or teens who are ready to move beyond toy drones. It’s lightweight (under 249g), so there’s no need for FAA registration, and it comes with smart safety features like full propeller guards and auto return. Kids will love the palm takeoff, subject tracking, and stabilized 4K video that makes their footage look amazing right out of the box. With up to 31 minutes of flight time, this one gives them plenty of time to learn and explore.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: A Beginner-Friendly Drone Packed with Pro Features
The DJI Mini 4 Pro may be one of the pricier drones on this list, but it’s a great fit for older kids or teens who are ready for a more advanced flying experience. It weighs under 249g, so you don’t need FAA registration, and it’s built with features that help beginners fly safely—like obstacle sensing in all directions and auto return. The high-quality 4K video, 48MP still photos, and up to 34 minutes of flight time make it easy to get amazing shots without much learning curve. This one’s an investment, but it’s designed to grow with your child’s skills and is durable enough for long-term use.
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Benefits of Drones for Kids
Drones aren’t just fun—they can actually be really beneficial for kids (and not just because it gets them off their screens for a bit).
- STEM learning without the pressure – Flying a drone naturally introduces kids to basic physics, engineering, and even coding (some drones let kids program flight paths!). It’s hands-on learning in disguise.
- Boosts hand-eye coordination – Controlling a drone helps kids develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness, especially when learning to maneuver through small spaces or land safely.
- Encourages outdoor play – If you’re tired of asking your kids to play outside, hand them a drone. It’s a great excuse to head to the park or backyard.
- Builds confidence – There’s something empowering about mastering the controls of a flying object. Kids get to feel independent while still in a safe environment.
- Sparks creativity – Camera drones let kids capture their world from a whole new perspective. Whether they’re filming backyard adventures or planning aerial shots, it opens up a range of creative possibilities.
Just make sure to choose a drone that matches your child’s age and experience level so they can enjoy the process instead of getting frustrated.
Drones are such a fun way for kids to explore, learn, and get creative—and there’s a great option out there for every age and skill level.
My kids have had hours of fun flying drones and using them for photography. They have learned so many skills with drones and been able to increase their skills by using a very basic drone for kids then moving up to a more advanced drone over time.
Our experience has been that young kids are going to crash these, so start with something affordable, and then invest in something more expensive as their flying skills improve. I love the Holy Stone drone as a beginner option because it is such an affordable option, but it still gives kids a good flying experience, unlike a lot of the cheaper drones on the market.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable beginner drone or something with more advanced features for an older child or teen, the right drone can spark hours of outdoor fun and even open the door to STEM learning. Just be ready, they might get better at flying than you are!
