What age is appropriate for a drone?

In general, “children above the age of 8 are capable enough to fly a beginner drone,” says Ghosh. However, whether your child is ready or not will depend on their level of maturity and their ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines. Manevich also recommends that caregivers “avoid getting an expensive or too powerful drone for a beginner. Kids should progressively move up based on experience.” If your little one is dying to play with a drone, you can always start them off with a basic model that will teach them the basics of flying, such as the Force 1 Cosmo Indoor Drone or the HASAKEE Q9 Drone . Keep in mind that children should always have adult supervision when flying drones, especially outdoors.

Do recreational drones need to be registered with the FAA?

Recreational drones under 8.8 ounces (250 grams) do not need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, there are rules that should be followed when flying your drone outdoors: Fly only for recreational purposes. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft. Keep your drone below 400 feet above the ground (this is called uncontrolled airspace). Avoid flying your drone near airports; even at ground level, these areas are considered “controlled airspace.” Other government facilities and sensitive areas may also be off-limits. Be sure to check the FAA’s B4UFLY app for interactive maps of controlled airspace areas and additional resources. The FAA also requires that recreational flyers complete an aeronautical knowledge and safety test that can be taken online.

Can all drones fly outdoors?

All drones can fly outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they should—at least not all the time. Most beginner drones are very lightweight basic models and are not equipped with wind resistance gear. If flown outdoors, they may be blown away by the slightest breeze. These models are better off indoors, but if you do decide to take them out for a spin, make sure that there is no wind. Drones designed to be flown outdoors will list their wind resistance level on a scale between 1 and 12, with level 1 indicating wind speeds of 1-3 miles per hour and 12 reaching speeds greater than 73 miles per hour. Range is another important factor to consider and refers to the maximum distance at which the controller will be able to communicate with the drone. Although the range may be listed as hundreds of feet, keep in mind that the FAA recommends that recreational flyers maintain a “visual line of sight,” which means that you should always be able to see your drone when flying.

How much does a drone cost?

The price of a recreational drone for kids can range between $20 and hundreds of dollars depending on the features and quality. If you’re buying your kid’s first drone, you might want to start experimenting with basic models, such as the Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter , which is very user-friendly and affordable. As their skills advance and they show more interest, a drone with a camera and broader range, like the Ryzo Tech Tello Quadcopter , might be worth the investment.

The 10 Best Drones for Kids of 2023

If a drone is on your kid’s holiday, birthday, or just-because wish list, you’ll want to learn more about these fun interactive toys before you shop. Whether they are looking to be a breakout photo or video director, a programming guru, or just want to have some fun with a new toy, there’s a drone on the market that’ll fit their needs. Our guide can help you find the best drone for your kid’s lifestyle, budget, and expectations.

Drones can be very entertaining and educational STEM-focused toys that will keep your kids active and playing outside. Drones can also be expensive, have a steep learning curve, and come with some serious safety guidelines that always need to be followed. We analyzed dozens of options on the market and spoke to two experts to find the best options.

Here are the best drones for kids.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

DJI Mini SE at Amazon

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Best Budget:

HASAKEE Q9 Drone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

EMAX Pilot Beginner Drone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Younger Kids:

Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Teenagers:

Ryze Tech Quadcopter Boost Combo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Camera:

AirSelfie Pocket Drone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Stunts:

DEERC Mini Drone for kids at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mini Drone:

Snaptain Mini Drone at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best for Indoors:

Force 1 LED Indoor Drone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Fimi Drone at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for in Drones for Kids
FAQ
How We Selected the Best Drones for Kids
Why Trust Very Well Family

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High-quality camera
Relatively easy to operate
Access to the DJI App
Level 5 wind resistance

Cons

Only one battery
Not for young kids

For older kids or those with drone experience, this is a high-quality drone that gives your pilot (and wallet) a great value and exciting features. The DJI Mini has excellent hovering abilities, smooth controls, high wind resistance (level 5, for winds up to 24 miles per hour), and a top-notch camera. It also has a return home button, which is very useful given this drone’s wide travel radius. The one thing it doesn’t have is propeller guards, so it should not be used by younger children.

The DJI Mini kit includes an app that provides tips, lessons, comprehensive tutorials, and access to an engaging flight school. The app also allows you to select from a number of preset types of photo shots and has an easy-to-use editing feature. The drone comes with its own remote, but there is an option to add a smartphone as a remote to access additional features.

Price at time of publication: $299

Amazon

Pros

Affordable beginner drone
360-degree flip button
Propeller guards
Intuitive remote control

Cons

Indoor use only
Short battery life

Affordable and fun, this quadcopter is a perfect starter drone for younger kids. The remote is very easy to use, and in addition to your basic steering controls, it also features dedicated takeoff, landing, and return home buttons. The four propellers (with guards and LED lights) help the HASAKEE Q9 do 360-degree flips and rotations and fly at three speeds. The kit includes two rechargeable batteries that each last for about 7 minutes of flight time. The remote control requires three additional AAA batteries (not included).

This drone is best suited for indoor use only, as it is very sensitive to winds. While this may be a dealbreaker for some, setting up an indoor space for young pilots (a playroom, bedroom, etc.) can help create a safe area for your kiddo to play and have fun.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

Pros

Three difficulty levels
Included FPV googles allow users to see perspective from the drone’s cockpit
Intuitive remote control

Cons

Short flight time
Indoor use only
Only one battery

A fun starter drone, the four-propeller EZMAX EZ Pilot is great for beginners. The enclosed propellers help ensure safety, and the remote control has intuitive joysticks, so maneuvering this drone is easy and a good experience for first-timers. The drone offers three difficulty levels: level one helps kiddos learn flying basics, level two activates both joysticks but maintains the self-leveling feature, and level three gives users the freedom and tools to do flips and fly at faster speeds.

This drone includes a set of first-person view (FPV) goggles that allow the pilot to see what the drone sees and give them the experience of sitting in the drone’s cockpit. Keep in mind, however, that beginner pilots should get comfortable with the remote control before wearing the goggles. This drone is best for indoor use only. The main drawback is the short flight time and lack of backup batteries, so it might be a good idea to purchase additional batteries to extend playtime.

Price at time of publication: $156

Amazon

Pros

Three rechargeable batteries included
Low battery alarm on remote
Throw-and-go feature
Intuitive remote

Cons

Indoor use only
No lights

One of the most user-friendly picks on our list, the Holy Stone is ideal for younger kids who are learning the basics of drone flying. This quadcopter-style model features a one-button start to get the drone off the ground, but your kiddo can also use the “throw and go” function to launch it from the air. It has altitude hold and land functions, as well as commands for 3D flips and circle flying.

We love that it comes with three batteries, so while each lasts about 7 minutes on a full charge, it’s easy to swap them out and continue flying. A low battery alarm on the remote gives you some warning, so playtime isn’t abruptly cut short. This is an indoor-only drone without a camera, so it’s recommended for the younger set, but the added features and tricks ensure it’s still fun for older kids.

Price at time of publication: $37

Amazon

Pros

Three batteries included
High-quality camera and video capability
Extra propellers and propeller guards included
Integrated Scratch programming tool
Longer battery life

Cons

No remote control, uses smartphone
Tello app must be downloaded to use
A bit of assembly is required

Tech-savvy or experienced drone flyers will definitely appreciate the full capabilities of the Ryze Tech Tello Quadcopter. Begin flying the drone by gently tossing it in the air. If tricks are your thing, the drone can fly, circle, and do 8D flips. The high-quality camera can be used manually or with pre-programmed functions like circle, "up up and away" filming, or 360-degree shots. All the videos and photos are editable on the app. While this drone may seem advanced, it’s pretty easy to fly and maneuver, especially for today’s tech-savvy teens

One unique feature of this drone is that it doesn’t have a remote control, so pilots will need to use a smartphone as the remote and download the Tello app to fly the drone. From a STEM learning perspective, this drone is a great teaching tool. The Tello app supports the kid-friendly programming language known as Scratch. Within the app, teens use Scratch to move coding blocks which then command the drone to perform all types of movements and tricks. Beyond coding, there are challenging leveled games that teach programming skills and utilize the drone’s full capability. The kit includes the aircraft, two sets of four propellers, propeller guards, a charging hub, and three rechargeable batteries.

Price at time of publication: $149

What the Experts Say

“These drones offer drone programming using block codes and can be used for a wide variety of activities and challenges.” — Sergei Manevich, owner and drone expert at ArenaSTEM

Amazon

Pros

Multiple photo and video capabilities
Built-in social media sharing
Wide angle and zoom shots
Small enough to fit in a pocket

Cons

Built-in battery can’t be swapped out to charge
Not made for tricks

The AIR NEO Pocket Drone can best be described as an aerial camera. In fact, all of its features and capabilities are focused on capturing the best shots and video. This pocket-sized drone uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track movement, recognize faces, and frame subjects, and it can automatically zoom, set wide angles when necessary, shoot 360-degree video, and more. And after it captures that perfect picture or video, it automatically returns to you.

This high-tech drone doesn’t have a remote, so a smartphone with the AirSelfie app is necessary to fly the drone. The app is pretty intuitive and has both manual and auto-fly modes. Keep in mind that this drone isn’t really made for tricks, so if your kid wants to expand their trick skills, you may want to consider a different choice. Unlike other options on our list, the battery is not removable, so when it’s time to recharge, the entire drone is out of commission while it charges.

Price at time of publication: $160

Amazon

Pros

Two rechargeable batteries included
Longer flight time
HD camera
Can follow voice commands

Cons

Camera can only be adjusted manually
Outside flight only possible in calm conditions

The DEERC D20 Mini Drone is a solid choice with lots of fun features. It can perform cool tricks, like 360-degree flips and rolls in any direction, and if you let go of the joystick controllers, its altitude hold function kicks in, and the drone hovers in place. It also has a takeoff and landing button and an emergency stop function when it hits objects.

For young photography or video aficionados, the D20 is equipped with a high-definition Wi-Fi camera that gives them first-person view (FPV) of what the drone sees via the DEERC app on their smartphones. In addition, the camera can recognize hand commands when taking selfies, such as the “V” signal to start shooting video or a palm in front of the camera to take a photo. The app also enables the user to dictate voice commands or create flight courses that the drone will then follow on its own. The kit includes the drone and controller, two rechargeable batteries, four extra propellers and guards, and a charging cable.

Price at time of publication: $60

Walmart

Pros

Propellers are fully enclosed
Three batteries included
One button return
Intuitive remote control

Cons

Indoor use only
No camera

The Snaptain Mini Drone might be small, but it is quite mighty. First of all, the entire drone is covered by a protective guard, including the four propellers, which makes it a little more difficult to break or bump than other options out there. It is controlled by an intuitive remote similar to those used in video games, so your child will probably already be familiar with how it works.

The Snaptain Mini also has many of the same features seen in larger drones, such as altitude hold (to hover in place), headless mode (which allows the drone to go in any direction regardless of where the front is), a 3D flip function, three speeds, and one-key return. In addition to the drone and remote control, the set includes three rechargeable batteries, four replacement propellers, and charging cables.

Price at time of publication: $32

Amazon

Pros

Hand toss launch
Fully protected propellers
LED lights

Cons

Short flight time
No additional batteries

Specifically designed to be used indoors, this Force 1 Scoot Cosmo LED Drone features the protection of a webbed shell that makes it a bit more durable and easy to use. This fun toy doesn’t require a remote; your kiddo can simply turn it on, toss it in the air, and watch it fly. Built-in sensors keep it from bumping into walls and objects and also allow users to move their hands to control it. Wave your hands in front of it to change directions, place your hand underneath to make it rise, swipe a hand under to do 360-degree flips, and catch it gently to make it stop.

The drone is also equipped with LED lights that make it especially fun to play with at night. One major downside to this fun little toy is that flight time is only 5 minutes, and the battery can’t be replaced, but it will take you only 45 minutes to charge it up again.

Price at time of publication: $25

Amazon

Pros

Professional grade photos and videos
Long flight time
Wind resistant (level 8)

Cons

For advanced flyers

Experienced drone flyers and older teens who are ready to step up their game will appreciate this professional-level drone. While certainly an investment, this drone is a high-quality machine. It’s larger than other options, but it folds into a palm-size bundle.

When flying, this drone can go up to a distance of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph). Where it really wows is the flight time—pilots will get over 35 minutes of flying time with one charge. This is a major upgrade from many other (and less expensive) drones. Besides being able to fly fast and far, it’s extremely wind resistant (level 8, for winds up to 46 miles per hour). The camera is also quite impressive, with 3D digital zoom and 4K video capabilities. In addition to the remote control, users can download the app to access additional features and control the drone via Wi-Fi. GPS real-time tracking rounds up this very complete drone.

Price at time of publication: $494

What Our Experts Say

"The new Fimi X8SE 2022 is an excellent drone in this category as it comes with a 48MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor paired with a large f/1.6 aperture lens, which results in better low light performance. The drone also features a rainproof and snowproof design." — Samik Ghosh, sales expert in the aerial department of B&H Photo and Video.

What to Look for in Drones for Kids

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a drone. They all will have different features, price points, and are made for a range of flyers, so consider these essentials when shopping for drones.

Battery

Look for drones with “a battery life of 10 minutes or more,” says Samik Ghosh, sales expert in the aerial department of B&H Photo and Video. Battery life that’s too short will severely limit your flying ability and will not be much fun for the drone pilot. Many, like the Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter, come with multiple rechargeable batteries, so a quick swap is easy to execute.

Remote control

Ghosh advises parents who are buying drones for young kids to “look for a dedicated remote controller with a stop button.” For younger kids, it’s much easier to stay focused with a remote control that is made solely for the drone. More advanced drones may connect or rely on a smartphone for access. Smartphone connections are less precise, can be an interface they need to learn, rely on Wi-Fi, and may be an overall distraction.

Camera

A camera is not necessary to have fun with a drone, but it’s a feature many kids enjoy, especially the older set. For most drones, adding a camera will increase the price and complexity of flying. In the interest of cost savings and safety, it may be best to purchase an initial drone without a camera; you can always upgrade if your kid excels and enjoys flying.

Safety features

“We recommend propeller guards to everyone with their first drone. Once they get used to flying and are confident enough to fly following all safety rules, they might fly a drone without propeller guards,” says Ghosh. Additionally, Sergei Manevich, owner and drone expert at ArenaSTEM, advises parents to be careful with long hair and drones. “Kids with long hair can get their hair stuck in the propeller if they get too close, so a guard can help prevent that and is recommended,” he says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is appropriate for a drone?

In general, “children above the age of 8 are capable enough to fly a beginner drone,” says Ghosh. However, whether your child is ready or not will depend on their level of maturity and their ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines. Manevich also recommends that caregivers “avoid getting an expensive or too powerful drone for a beginner. Kids should progressively move up based on experience.”
If your little one is dying to play with a drone, you can always start them off with a basic model that will teach them the basics of flying, such as the Force 1 Cosmo Indoor Drone or the HASAKEE Q9 Drone. Keep in mind that children should always have adult supervision when flying drones, especially outdoors.
Do recreational drones need to be registered with the FAA?
Recreational drones under 8.8 ounces (250 grams) do not need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, there are rules that should be followed when flying your drone outdoors:
- Fly only for recreational purposes.
- Keep your drone within the visual line of sight.
- Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
- Keep your drone below 400 feet above the ground (this is called uncontrolled airspace).
- Avoid flying your drone near airports; even at ground level, these areas are considered “controlled airspace.” Other government facilities and sensitive areas may also be off-limits. Be sure to check the FAA’s B4UFLY app for interactive maps of controlled airspace areas and additional resources.
The FAA also requires that recreational flyers complete an aeronautical knowledge and safety test that can be taken online.
Can all drones fly outdoors?

All drones can fly outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they should—at least not all the time. Most beginner drones are very lightweight basic models and are not equipped with wind resistance gear. If flown outdoors, they may be blown away by the slightest breeze. These models are better off indoors, but if you do decide to take them out for a spin, make sure that there is no wind.
Drones designed to be flown outdoors will list their wind resistance level on a scale between 1 and 12, with level 1 indicating wind speeds of 1-3 miles per hour and 12 reaching speeds greater than 73 miles per hour.
Range is another important factor to consider and refers to the maximum distance at which the controller will be able to communicate with the drone. Although the range may be listed as hundreds of feet, keep in mind that the FAA recommends that recreational flyers maintain a “visual line of sight,” which means that you should always be able to see your drone when flying.
How much does a drone cost?

The price of a recreational drone for kids can range between $20 and hundreds of dollars depending on the features and quality. If you’re buying your kid’s first drone, you might want to start experimenting with basic models, such as the Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter, which is very user-friendly and affordable. As their skills advance and they show more interest, a drone with a camera and broader range, like the Ryzo Tech Tello Quadcopter, might be worth the investment.

How We Selected the Best Drones for Kids

To select the best drones for kids, we researched dozens of beginner drones available on the market and selected those that offer the best value, are easy to fly, provide fun features, and have a good range and battery life. We also spoke to two recreational drone experts who provided us with insights and product recommendations:

Sergei Manevich, owner and drone expert at ArenaSTEM
Samik Ghosh, sales expert in the aerial department of B&H Photo and Video.

Why Trust Very Well Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter. Her oldest son had a very low-quality drone go missing over a fence at a big field many years ago, and she wants to make sure your child doesn’t go through the same frustrating experience. She routinely researches toys and products for the family, always looking for the best value and quality.

Best Overall

DJI Mini SE Camera Drone

Best Budget

HASAKEE Q9 Drone

Best for Beginners

EMAX EZ Pilot Beginner Drone

Best for Younger Kids

Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter

Best for Teenagers

Ryze Tech Tello Quadcopter Boost Combo

What the Experts Say

Best With Camera

AirSelfie AIR NEO Pocket Drone

Best for Stunts

DEERC D20 Mini Drone for kids

Best Mini Drone

Snaptain Mini Drone

Best for Indoors

Force 1 Scoot Cosmo LED Indoor Drone

Best Splurge

Fimi X8SE 2022 Drone

What Our Experts Say