Where to find the best telescope for kids plus outer space activities? – Review
While studying to become a teacher over 15 years ago, I quickly discovered the value of interest-based play for childhood development and learning. No matter what age your child is, using interest-based activities to teach and educate little ones both at home and at school is a great idea.
Today I’ll be sharing how you can use a telescope to teach kids about outer space and the universe. We will be reviewing the Vega360 refractor telescope from Word United, an online store full of fantastic educational toys and products for kids.
A Children’s Telescope
When we visited New Zealand in the summer, I was able to show my daughter the Southern cross star constellation and teach her a little about the stars in the sky. This sparked an interest in the night sky and I began my search to find the best telescope for kids so we could do some star gazing here in the UK.
Space activities for kids don’t have to be boring or expensive and investing in a kids telescope is one fun way to discover more about the night sky with kids.
The Geo Safari Vega 360 Refractor Telescope Review
The Geo Safari Vega 360 Refractor telescope is a fantastic discovery telescope for kids. When we received our telescope we were excited to test it out and see what this children’s telescope could do.
This fantastic kids telescope is a lightweight children’s telescope that is great for introducing kids to scientific exploration and discovery.
The GeoSafari Vega features a 50mm achromatic objective lens, rack and pinion for clear and close-up viewing and has magnification capabilities from 20x to 80x. This magnification allows kids to enjoy this children’s telescope both in the day and at night time.
This beginner telescope for kids is a great refractor telescope and is ideal for children aged 8 years and over.
How Does A Refractor Telescope Work?
Reflector V Refractor telescope.
If you want to know which is better the reflector or the refractor telescope and how a refractor telescope works then look no further.
A refracting telescope works by using two lenses to focus the light as it travels. These lenses are convex shapes and bend light making an object look closer than it really is.
A reflecting telescope on the other hand is a mirror style telescope where the light will bounce off the mirror to focus an image into a smaller area.
A refracting telescope is a great telescope for children because it is resistant to misalignment and the convex glass surfaces inside the telescope tube are sealed meaning they will not need cleaning.
How To Use The Geo Safari Vega Telescope
Kids can use this fantastic telescope in the daytime to view, birds, wildlife and scenery. They can also use the telescope at night to observe the moon and stars.
This kids telescope is fantastic as it comes with a tabletop tripod which makes it sturdy when in use. The finder scope is a great refracting telescope for beginners or kids to explore the sky.
Your child can use the interchangeable eyepieces on the Vega 360 Telescope to view different objects and environments.
This is certainly one of the best beginner telescope for kids and it’s super easy to use.
This product was gifted and our review is honest and our own opinion.
More Outer Space Activities Kids Will Enjoy
If you’re looking for fun galaxy themed or outer space science activities for kids, if you are planning an outer space themed unit study or are wanting to further your child’s interest in the night sky then why not try this super fun Galaxy jar craft!
We also have a easy galaxy playdough recipe. galaxy themed chocolate bark and plenty of Star Wars themed ideas here on The Inspiration Edit. Enjoy!
About Angela Milnes
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in Preschool and Kindergarten teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and is passionate about kids crafts and having fun as a family. Angela has also taught cooking skills and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Inspiration Edit. Follow her on Pinterest!
My boys love looking at the stars. I think they need to bring a telescope to their next camping trip.
This would be great to take camping…what a fab idea!
My kids would love this telescope! My oldest is really into science and the galaxy.
awesome. 🙂
This is so helpful. I would want to get my kids something that actually worked but not something so fragile and delicate that they would break it.
yes, it’s a great kids telescope and very sturdy!
wow! I’ve never thought about it, but it would be a perfect gift for a teenager!
Will definitely be checking out this telescope. My kids asked last year for a telescope, but I didn’t have the foggiest notion as to what I needed to look for and most of the ones I found were for adults.
my son got one last year and believe it or not he used it all the time! a hit!
Awesome. Sylvia is enjoying her one.
This would make an excellent Christmas gift! I know my kids would love it!
I have two boys that are very scientifically minded and think this would be a perfect gift. Thanks for the tips on how to get the most out of this telescope!
When my son was younger, he wanted a telescope and we bought one which didn’t work….thank you for sharing this one, it looks like a great gift!
These are some great choices. We bought my daughter’s telescope on Amazon and she loves it!