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As a dad who loves flying drones, I’ve had the chance to test out many different kids drones and toys over the years.
Recently, I’ve focused my attention on finding the best drones for kids and childrens drones in 2023.
With both my professional pilot perspective and a dad’s desire for fun, I look for toy drones and drone toys that are affordable, easy to fly, and capable of capturing cool aerial videos and photos.
Over the past week, I’ve been zipping around some top kid-friendly drones with my own children ages 7 to 12 years old.
We’ve tested out flight time, ease of controlling, and taken them out on windy days to push their flying limits.
In this guide, I’ll share the best toy drones, and drones for kids that I’ve found based on criteria like durability, battery life, flying range, and overall fun.
I’ll cover some of the best kid-friendly toy drones with cameras that won’t break the bank but will lead to hours of entertainment. I’m excited to recommend the best drones for 5 year olds, drones for 7 year olds, 10 and 12 year olds that provided the most enjoyment and functionality per dollar spent.
My best drones for kids 2023 list are perfect for new pilots of all ages.
With parental supervision, they allow kids ages 5 and up to experience the thrill of flying their own drone toy with camera without too many crashes.
Even as an experienced pilot myself, I had a blast putting these kid-sized toy drones and childrens drones through their paces with my own children.
We tested stability, range, and capturing aerial footage together.
So whether you’re looking for your child’s first drone toy with camera, or want to find one that the whole family can enjoy, I think you’ll find an affordable, durable and fun drone toy or childrens drone on my 2023 list. Let the family drone adventures begin!
TOMZON A24 Battle Drone | 2-Pack Of Drones
TOMZON A24 Mini Drone 2-Pack
Best Drone For Kids & Adults Alike
The TOMZON A24 2-pack offers one of the best kids drone options for drone flying fun. At a budget-friendly price, you get not just one but two mini kids drones for battling head-to-head right out of the box.
When looking for one of the best toy drones and drone toys for kids and childrens drones, the TOMZON A24 2-pack stands out as a top pick. At an incredibly affordable price, you get not just one but two durable mini drones that are perfect for new young pilots ages 6 and up.
Despite the budget-friendly cost, the A24 impresses with its lightweight yet resilient build quality. The protective blade guards help make these great beginner drone toys for kids that can withstand inevitable crashes as they learn to fly.
The controls are designed to be very easy and intuitive for kids to use, with ergonomic buttons on the remote for flips, spins, emergency stop, and a cool battle mode feature.
After charging up the modular batteries, my kids ages 7 and 10 couldn’t wait to take the A24 drone toys for test flights around the house. The one-touch buttons make smooth takeoff and landing a breeze even for beginner kid pilots.
The altitude hold feature keeps the toy drones steadily hovering at a constant height, which is really useful for kids still learning to control the drone toy. Even at faster speeds, the A24s feel quick yet controllable thanks to the 6-axis gyro technology.
One of the most fun features for kids is the inter-drone battle mode – you can “shoot” IR beams from one drone toy to force the other to automatically land.
My kids loved battling each other with these drone toys, trying to be the last one still flying!
Getting two durable toy drones in the box means double the flying and battling action. For parents, this provides great value without having to buy two separate drone toys.
With around 8 minutes of flight per charge, the battery life is ample time for kid pilots. Plus, you get 3 batteries total, allowing up to 25 minutes of fly time before needing to hot-swap them out.
For an incredibly affordable price, the TOMZON A24 2-pack offers a super fun way for kids ages 6 and up to start flying drones. The cool battle mode feature is a blast, and getting two drone toys in one set means non-stop action! If you’re looking for one of the best kid-friendly toy drones, the durable A24 is easily a top budget-friendly pick.
Pros
- Comes in a 2-pack for head-to-head battling
- Durable and can withstand crashes
- Easy to fly and control, even for beginners
- Altitude hold provides stable hovering
- Battle mode is unique and fun
- Removable modular batteries are easy to swap out
- Provides 3 batteries for 25 minutes of fly time
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Battery life could be longer (8 mins per battery)
- Only comes with 1 micro USB charging cable
- The charging cable is required, normal USB won’t work
- Lacks a camera
Cheerwing U61S | Kids Drone With Camera
Cheerwing U61S
Best Drone For 12 Year Olds
- Affordable starter Kids drone
- Easy to fly and control, even for beginners
- 720p camera for aerial photos/videos
- Altitude hold and multiple speed modes
- Comes with 2 batteries for 14 mins of flight time
As a dad who flies drones and has kids ages 5, 7, and 10, I was excited to test out the Cheerwing U81S as an inexpensive starter drone they could learn on. Despite the super budget-friendly price, it still has great features for beginner kid pilots.
After unboxing this drone, my youngest 5 year old was eager to fly it right away. Its ultra compact size makes it one of the most portable drones for kids. They can easily throw it in a backpack and fly anywhere.
The built-in 720p camera let my kids get good aerial photos and videos to start exploring drone photography. Really impressive camera quality for such an affordable kids drone!
I had no trouble connecting my phone for the WiFi live video feed. This gave my kids a live view from the drone for easier flying and framing shots.
Takeoff and landing is straightforward with the one-button control, perfect for my beginner kid pilots. The altitude hold feature keeps it steady, which built their confidence learning to fly.
I put it in the lower speed modes first as my kids got the hang of flying. Even at full speed, the controls stay smooth and stable, letting them progress their skills.
The more advanced features like follow mode and flips took practice, but were fun challenges to master as their flying improved. Great for keeping older kids engaged as they advance.
The 7 minute battery life is typical for mini drones. The extra battery included let us extend the fly time, with enough warning to swap them out.
Despite inevitable crashes as my kids practiced, the prop guards kept the drone protected. It seems durable enough for beginner kid pilots.
Overall, the Cheerwing U81S drone packs in great features for the incredibly low price point. My kids had a blast starting to learn drone flying on this starter quadcopter. I’d highly recommend it as a first drone for kids based on our experience!
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Compact and lightweight design for indoor flying
- 720p camera takes decent photos/videos
- One-touch takeoff and landing
- Altitude hold keeps it hovering steadily
- Multiple speed modes for different skill levels
- Gesture controls and voice commands
- 3D flips and maneuvers are fun
- Comes with 2 batteries for extended flight time
Cons
- Short 7 minute battery life per battery
- WiFi FPV range could be better
- Frame rates can be low on FPV video
- Lacks sensors and obstacle avoidance
- Not suitable for outdoor flying
- No dedicated charger, charges via USB
- Can struggle flying in windy conditions
HOLYFUN | Affordable Fighter Jet Drone
Holyfun F100 Mini Drone
Best Drone For 10 Year Olds
- Unique and stylish fighter jet design
- Smooth, stable flight performance for kids
- Altitude hold keeps it hovering steadily
- Easy stunts like flips and rolls
- Includes 3 batteries for 18 mins of fly time
Taking the Holyfun F100 out of the box, my kids were immediately excited by its cool fighter jet style design – it looks really slick for a budget kids drone!
Despite the tiny size, it felt well-built and sturdy. This inexpensive beginner drone doesn’t feel like a flimsy little toy.
The simple one-key takeoff and landing made getting this drone up in the air super easy for my young pilots.
The altitude hold function let my kids get the hang of making it hover steadily – a great help when learning to fly a starter drone.
I had my 7 year old start flying it around outdoors – the controls were smooth and responsive enough for him to pick up quickly. It can move fast but stays easy to maneuver thanks to the gyro technology.
Doing flips and rolls with the dedicated button was my son’s favorite part! The headless mode also helped as he got the hang of piloting this fun budget drone.
We tried out the 3 speed modes so my kids could learn at the right level. Being able to adjust the speed built their confidence with the controls.
The LED lights made it easy to keep visibility on this mini drone even from far away – helpful for maintaining control.
Battery life was about 6 minutes per battery, which is great for small drones my kids can handle. Having 3 batteries included gives them 18 minutes of fly time before I have to recharge.
The extra batteries let my kids get plenty of practice flying this fun starter drone before needing a break to swap them out. The modular design makes that a breeze.
Overall, the Holyfun F100 was a hit with my kids as an easy and fun budget drone for beginners. The cool jet design, smooth performance, and multiple batteries make this an awesome affordable starter quadcopter. I’d definitely recommend it as a first drone for kids based on their experience!
Pros
- Unique and cool fighter jet styling
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Simple one-key takeoff/landing
- Altitude hold for stable hovering
- Smooth and responsive controls
- LED lights for night flying
- 3 speed modes for different skills
- Headless mode good for beginners
- Includes 3 batteries for long fly time
- Fun tricks like flips and rolls
Cons
- Lacks a camera
- Batteries can be tricky to remove
- Short 6 minute flight time per battery
- No advanced autopilot features
- WiFi FPV would be nice
- Not suitable for outdoor flying
- No sensors for obstacle avoidance
- Remote control feels a bit cheap
Magic Flying Orb | Gesture Controlled Drone
Magic Flying Orb Mini Drone
Best Drone For 5 Year Old Kids
- Intuitive hand control flying method is easy to learn
- Lightweight, portable orb design can be taken anywhere
- Durable construction withstands crashes
- Simple to operate right out of the box
- Provides carefree flying fun for both kids and adults
Right out of the box, my kids were fascinated by the unique orb design of the Magic Flying Orb drone toy. With concealed propellers, it seemed like a safe budget pick for beginner kid pilots. Charging it up was simple using the included USB cable.
Getting this inexpensive drone toy airborne takes an upward hand motion rather than a traditional remote control – very intuitive for little ones! It took a few tries to smoothly launch but once up, the Magic Orb hovered steadily thanks to the altitude hold.
My kids could guide the childrens drone left, right, up or down just by gesturing with their hands – no remote required with this innovative toy drone!
The durable orb shape protects it from crashes into walls or furniture.
One fun trick is quickly flipping your palm to make the drone toy rapidly ascend. My 5 year old loved playing catch with it after launching the mini quadcopter.
Flight time is about 8-10 minutes per charge, typical for these small toy drones. The LEDs blink when the battery is low letting us know it’s time to land the drone toy.
I do wish the on/off switch was easier to access for quick emergency shutoff if needed when my kids are flying this budget-friendly drone toy.
One neat thing about the Magic Orb as a mini drone is how crazy portable it is. The whole thing can fit in your palm and weighs nothing. We can toss it in a bag and take it anywhere for impromptu flying.
While it doesn’t have advanced features like pricier drones, the Magic Orb is perfect for letting kids easily experience flight. The hand control method offers a more engaging experience than a traditional remote.
Both my kids and I found this inexpensive drone toy easy to pick up yet still challenging as we kept it airborne and aimed through obstacles. For an affordable introduction to drones focused on fun, the hand-controlled Magic Orb is hard to beat as a drone toy for kids!
Pros
- Unique hand control flying method is intuitive and easy to pick up
- Lightweight, compact orb design great for portability
- Propellers concealed for added safety when flying indoors
- Sturdy construction withstands crashes
- Fun for both kids and adults
- Simple operation right out of the box
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Short 8-10 minute flight time per charge
- No advanced features like camera, gestures, tricks
- Difficult to access small on/off switch
- Hand control method has learning curve
- Lack of remote control limits capabilities
- Not suitable for outdoor flight
- No propeller guards or sensors
Pterosaur Dinosaur Drone | Unique Dinosaur Design
Pterosaur Dinosaur Drone
Best Drone For 7 Year Olds
- Unique dinosaur pterodactyl design stands out
- Smooth, stable flight performance indoors
- Durable construction withstands crashes
- Intuitive controls simple enough for kids
- Modular battery provides good flight time
As soon as I unboxed the Pterosaur drone toy, I knew my dinosaur-loving kids would think it’s awesome.
The unique pterodactyl design really makes it stand out from other kid’s drone toys. After charging it via the included USB cable, we headed outside to fly this prehistoric budget quadcopter.
Getting airborne was simple using the one button takeoff, perfect for my beginner kid pilots. The altitude hold function kicked in great to keep the Pterosaur toy drone steadily hovering.
We started in the lower speed modes so my 5 year old could practice controlling it. Moving up to faster speeds provided a nice challenge as his skills improved. The headless mode was super helpful for him directing this cool dino drone toy.
I was really impressed by how smoothly the Pterosaur handled thanks to the 6-axis gyro system. The controls were very responsive, allowing my son to deftly navigate around trees and obstacles.
The battery delivered about 10 minutes of fly time before needing a recharge which is awesome for a mini drone toy.
Durability is excellent – this fun cheap drone toy shrugged off some minor crashes as my kids learned to fly it. The flexible blades help ensure it withstands beginner mishaps.
For the very affordable price, the Pterosaur dinosaur drone toy packs great features. The intuitive controls and fun dino design make it perfect for getting kids into drones. Experienced pilots may want more tricks and a camera. But for basic flying fun, it can’t be beat as a drone toy.
Overall, I’d highly recommend the Pterosaur as a unique budget quadcopter, especially for kids who love dinosaurs like mine. The smooth performance, durable build, and awesome dino styling provide an engaging flying experience that makes learning the controls enjoyable and rewarding for young pilots.
Pros
- Unique pterodactyl drone design
- Smooth, stable indoor flight performance
- Altitude hold enables steady hovering
- Responsive controls and 3 speed modes
- Headless mode good for beginners
- Modular battery provides up to 10 mins of flight
- Withstands crashes well due to durable construction
- Easy for kids to fly and control
- Very affordable price point
Cons
- Short 10 minute maximum flight time
- No advanced features like camera or tricks
- Plastic material feels a bit cheap
- Not suitable for outdoor flight
- Remote control design is very basic
- Can’t customize or program flight patterns
Indoor Swoop Drone | Low Budget Compact Drone
Swoop Mini Drone
Super Fast Speed Children’s Drones
- Smooth flight and easy maneuvering indoors
- Fun features like flips, headless mode, speed settings
- Long 30 min flight time with 3 batteries
- Durable and protective propeller guards
- Extremely affordable
Despite its small size, this budget-friendly drone toy packs a punch when it comes to performance.
I took it for a test drive outdoors with my kids ages 5, 7, and 10 to see how this cheap quadcopter would handle open areas and obstacles. The drone toy responded quickly and smoothly to commands from the controller.
I was able to easily maneuver the best drone for kids around trees and fences thanks to its ultra compact size. Even at high speeds, it remained stable and under control thanks to the 6-axis gyro technology.
One of my kids’ favorite things about this inexpensive drone toy is how fun it is to fly. The 360 degree flips and rolls it can do midair add an exciting element that delighted my kids. It almost feels like an airshow!
I also love the headless mode which makes controlling the direction of this affordable childrens drone much simpler for beginner pilots like my 7 year old son.
With just a push of a button, you can switch into headless mode and focus on steering rather than having to constantly re-orient yourself to which way the cheap drone toy is facing.
In terms of performance, the altitude hold function allows this budget-friendly UAV to hover steadily in place which is great when passing controls between myself and my kid pilots or framing shots.
The one key takeoff and landing also helps smooth out the flying experience for my beginner kid pilots.
Having 3 modular batteries that can be easily swapped out is a huge plus. With about 10 minutes of flight time each, you can enjoy up to 30 minutes of fly time before needing to recharge.
My kids love that having multiple batteries really extends the excitement without ending the flight prematurely which is perfect when sharing toy drones with impatient kid pilots!
In terms of durability, the foldable design and propeller guards make this inexpensive drone toy a great choice for beginner kids ages 5-10 learning to fly.
It has withstood some minor crashes as they gain experience.
The soft guards help protect the propellers and make it safe to fly these drone toys around little ones.
Overall, this foldable mini drone toy absolutely delivers when it comes to performance and fun with its smooth handling and exciting tricks. The features cater well to beginner kid pilots. With 3 swappable batteries, you can really maximize flight time with this budget-friendly quadcopter. Despite its small size, it packs a punch thanks to great maneuverability and speed control. I would highly recommend this as one of the best affordable starter drone toys for kids.
Pros
- Compact and portable design perfect for indoor spaces
- Easy to control with intuitive controls
- Three speed settings for different skill levels
- Headless mode simplifies directional navigation
- Fun tricks like flips and rolls
- Long battery life from 3 modular batteries
- Durable propeller guards for added safety
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Short 10 minute flight time per battery
- No camera for filming footage
- Smaller size means more susceptible to wind outdoors
- Doesn’t come with a carrying case
- Recharging multiple batteries can be time consuming
- Not suitable for outdoor use or in windy conditions
2 In 1 Drone & RC Car | Transforming Cheap Drone
LANSAND 2-in-1 Mini Drones
Best Drone For Racing Obsessed Kids
- 2-in-1 drones can fly and drive on ground
- Fun racing car styling stands out
- Altitude hold enables stable hovering
- Performs flips, spins, and other tricks
- Modular batteries provide long fly time
As a dad of three kids ages 5, 7, and 10, I’m always on the lookout for new tech toys to keep them entertained. I was excited when I came across the innovative LANSAND mini drones that can double as drones or fast remote control cars.
With their cool racing car shape, I knew they would be a hit, especially with my 7-year-old who loves anything cars.
After charging up the modular batteries via USB, it was time to unleash these transforms ble drones. My youngest had no trouble getting it airborne with the one-key takeoff button.
The altitude hold kept it steadily hovering as she got used to the controls. When he switched it to land mode, it zipped across the yard, with the three speed settings allowing her to go from slow and steady to racing speeds.
My 10-year-old was thrilled he could make it do 3D flips and stunts midair with the flip of a switch.
Despite some minor crashes as they learned to fly, these lightweight drones held up great. The LED lights made it easy for them to keep track of orientation, even at top speed in car mode.
They had a blast racing them around the yard through the obstacle course we set up. With 4 batteries providing about 8 minutes each, I could keep them entertained for a good 30 minutes before needing a recharge.
The batteries swap out easily, though I do wish the power button was more accessible on the body.
Overall, these transformable drones double the fun thanks to the integrated flying and driving modes. With some practice, my kids got the hang of controlling them smoothly. The tech like altitude hold and 3D flips gives them capabilities beyond basic cheap drones. If you’re looking for a starter drone that will provide versatile play, I definitely recommend these innovative LANSAND mini drones for kids.
Pros
- Unique 2-in-1 drone transforms into RC car
- Racing car styling sets it apart
- Smooth, stable flight performance
- Altitude hold, headless mode good for beginners
- Responsive controls and 3 speed modes
- Does flips, rolls, and other fun tricks
- Bright LED lights aid orientation
- Comes with 4 batteries for long fly time
- Can control 2 drones simultaneously
Cons
- Accessing the power switch is tricky
- Still lightweight and lacks outdoor durability
- Short 8 minute flight time per battery
- Camera quality and range are basic
- No advanced automated flight features
- Can’t customize controls or programs
- Lacks propeller guards for added safety
Key Factors When Buying Drones for Kids
Purchasing a drone for a child pilot?
There are a few important considerations to ensure you select a model that’s both safe and fun for novice flyers.
Durability
Kids will crash as they learn to fly, so durability is essential. Look for protected prop guards to limit damage from bumps. Replaceable components like rotors make repairs easier without replacing the whole drone.
Safety Features
Beginner modes like altitude hold and headless mode will help first-time pilots. Speed modes allow them to start slower and progress as skills improve. Prop guards are a must to prevent potential injuries.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor drones are lighter and more maneuverable for tight spaces. Outdoor models fly faster with longer range but require more open room. Consider your kid’s age and environment.
Flight Time
Flight duration ranges from 5-15 minutes per battery. The mAh rating indicates capacity. Extra batteries extend fly time. Quick-swap modular batteries allow for easy exchanges.
Controllers
Simple and ergonomic remote controls are ideal for little hands. Avoid complex pro-level transmitters. Responsiveness is key to keep up with a child’s inputs.
Features
Kid-friendly features add to the fun. Look for ones like stunts (flips, rolls), follow-me to keep up with your kid, and other interactive modes to hold their attention.
Prioritizing safety, ease of use, and durability will lead you to the right beginner drone to delight your new young pilot! Just be sure to verify it meets regulations in your area.
How Headless Mode Helps Kids Learn to Fly
Headless mode is a beginner-friendly feature found on many drones for kids. It makes controlling the drone much easier for young pilots still learning the ropes.
With headless mode enabled, kids can steer the drone based simply on control stick movements, without worrying about the drone’s changing orientation.
Pushing up on the stick will send the drone away from the child pilot, regardless of which direction the nose is pointing.
This prevents disorientation when the drone gets farther away and the child loses perspective on its front vs back. Rather than having to reposition the drone, headless mode allows them to just focus on the stick inputs to fly the direction they want.
Controlling a drone takes a lot of coordination for novice flyers. They have to process the drone’s orientation while also manually directing its movements.
Headless mode removes the orientation component so kids can better master the physical stick motions needed to maneuver around objects and control the drone.
As their spatial skills and drone proficiency improve, children can disable headless mode and learn to fly based on the drone’s front-facing perspective. But for young beginners, it provides a valuable tool to grasp the basics of directing its flight path without becoming overwhelmed. That’s why headless mode is a key feature for safely introducing drones to kids.
Why Prop Guards Are Essential for Children’s Drones
If you’re new to operating drones, here are some useful beginner tips to help you get started safely with an inexpensive model:
- Start by practicing indoors in a large, open room free from obstacles. Work on mastering takeoffs, landings, and basic controls at slow speeds before moving outdoors.
- When first flying your cheap drone outside, pick open areas away from crowds, trees, and low-hanging obstacles. Keep the drone in your line of sight at all times.
- Start off using beginner-friendly features like altitude hold and headless mode to get a feel for how the drone handles. Don’t attempt flips, high speeds, or long distances until you’re comfortable with the basics.
- Keep your first few flights low to the ground, under 30 feet. Gradually increase altitude and speed over time as you gain confidence maneuvering the cheap quadcopter.
- Refer to local ordinances regarding any drone regulations like maximum altitudes and distances. Use common sense and courtesy when flying near people or animals.
The key is taking it slow at first while you learn how your specific cheap drone handles and responds to controls. Don’t expect expert maneuvers right away. With open space practice, you’ll be able to gradually push the limits of height, speed, distance and flight time. Patience and small steps will pay off with experience!
Safely Flying Drones with Kids
Choosing the Right Location
When your kids are eager to start piloting their first indoor drones, taking some basic safety precautions will ensure it’s an enjoyable learning experience. To get them off the ground safely, start off in a large open room in your home with soft furnishings and away from fragile items. Kitchens or finished basements typically work well for those initial test flights.
Taking Proper Precautions
Be sure to review the basic controls together before the first flight and have them start with simple takeoff and landing maneuvers. Show them how the prop guards surrounding the blades keep fingers safe but warn not to intentionally touch the guards mid-flight. Also demonstrate how to properly carry the lightweight drone with the props pointed away from the body to avoid accidental scrapes.
Make sure kids maintain a safe distance from the drone when flying and don’t try to grab it out of the air. Given the indoor setting, any light household breezes or AC vents could affect stability at first. Consider using a tether as an added precaution to prevent crashes and fly-aways during the learning process.
Stay close by to provide guidance during those important initial flights and let the kids progress at their own pace from hovering in place to directional flying.
Set clear expectations for remaining within room boundaries to avoid walls, furniture, and valuables. And remind them to always be aware of their surroundings while piloting the indoor drone. Taking this gradual approach with ground rules will build key skills safely. With practice, you’ll soon have pro indoor drone pilots ready for solo flight!
