15 Drones That Are Ideal For Kids [Including 3 Comparison Tables]

Table of contents

Drones for kids with camera – categories

3. 5+ Years
2. 9+ Years
1. 16+ Years

Today, I will do my best to portray you some of the best drones for kids that are most suitable for children of all ages. That’s why we have divided this kid friendly drones list into several different age categories so you can better understand the models available on the market.

In addition to that, we will also give you a couple of safety tips as well as a general introduction you should explain to your little ones before their first flying session. As I will mention several times going forward – drones are not a toy! With that being said, let’s take a closer look at drones for children.

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Best Drones for kids : 5+ year old

ImageNameAgeRangeTimePrice
5. Millenium Falcon5+60m7 minSee best offer
force1-scoot_table4. Force1 Scoot 25+10m8minSee best offer
holy-stone-hs210_table3. HStone HS2105+30m6minSee best offer
2. Potensic A30W5+30m6minSee best offer
potensic-u47_table1. Potensic U475+70m10minSee best offer

 

5. Air Hogs Millennium Falcon

Here we have another kid friendly drone made by Air Hogs. This time around we’ve slightly upped the price and size of our showcase drone. Millennium Falcon is a much bigger quad than Helix Ion. That’s why it’s not only suitable for indoor but outdoor use as well. Plus, I don’t need to remind you that we’re talking about one of the most popular spaceships in the history of cinematography. So, take all that into consideration while we move forward… We’ll try to find out whether or not this thing can still outrun Imperial Star Destroyers.

Specifications

When it comes to specifications, Air Hogs Millennium Falcon does itself justice. Especially when compared to Helix Ion. This birdie can provide with great speeds and agility, but retain somewhat of a stable flight. As far as its numbers go, it’s pretty solid too. Air Hogs Millennium Falcon can go as far as 60 meters away from its controller meaning you can easily go out of your backyard… unless you’re a millionaire and have a freaking golf course. Battery duration goes anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes. Even 8 if you are not going full speed all the time.

Camera and features

Just like Helix Ion, Millennium Falcon does not have a camera either. But, to compensate for it, this little bugger sports insane stability and intuitive controlling mechanisms. There’s no doubt kids will be able to fly this thing. But this is not all, there are several more aspects to this little bugger that I’m dying to tell you all about! Let’s start off with its sounds. Yes, this thing produces sounds, and I am not referring to its propellers. It is able to mimic the real sounds of Millennium Falcon just like in the old Star Wars movies.

With colorful LEDs and engine sounds, you’ll be thrown back to your childhood like never before. Last but not least, I should also say a thing or two about design of this drone for kids. It sports roughly the same foam-ish build which is highly impact-resistant and crash-proof. But all in all, if you want to share your Star Wars love with your kids, get them one of these buggers. You’ll both enjoy it, I can already tell… Now when we know what it the best drone for 6 year old kids, let see what is the best drone for 9 year old kids !

 

 

force1-scoot_full

4. Scoot 2 Kid Friendly drone

Force1 Scoot 2 is an affordable little bugger that’s meant for the youngest of audiences. It’s fully surrounded by a crashproof shell, which not only ensures the safety of the drone itself but those who operate it as well. Overall, for $30ish, it’s quite the bargain and well worthy of a spot on our list of the best drones for kids, ages five and up.

Camera and Features

Needless to say, Force1 Scoot does not come with a camera. It doesn’t need it, to be honest. Think of this drone as a training toy, posing as the ideal solution for kids who’ve never flown drones before. It’s simple to use, has some basic features such as 3D flips, and two-colored LEDs.

We’re talking about a miniature toy drone here that’s well and truly capable of indoor flights. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend flying it outside, especially on windy days, as this lightweight drone can easily be swooshed one way or another, usually resulting in a crash. It doesn’t come with a controller but doesn’t sport a smartphone app. How are you supposed to fly it then? Well, it’s all hands-free flying, meaning it’s controlled via all sorts of gestures.

Specifications

Force1 Scoot 2 doesn’t have the greatest specifications. Range-wise, there’s not much to talk about here since we’re talking about an indoor-only drone. Flight duration, however, goes up to 8 minutes, a pretty respectable number considering the price tag.

 

 

holy-stone-hs210_with_transmitter2

3. Holy Stone HS210

Meet Holy Stone HS210, a cute looking drone that’s set to be an absolute hit this Holiday season. This miniature drone is meant for kids and beginners, and no one else, really. It’s a starters drone, in every possible sense of the word starters. It’s small, ridiculously cheap, and even comes with three batteries so your flying session can last more than your trip to the toilet.

Camera and Features

You aren’t getting a camera with this one. After all, it costs just $25 so the camera isn’t really imperative here. It’s just a miniature drone that kids can use to practice flying. That’s its only task, to be honest, but it does a good job of keeping them safe, courtesy of the thick, integrated propeller guards.

It does have some basic features, though. For instance, it can fly! Jokes aside, Holy Stone Mini has headless mode, 3D flips, three flying speeds, one-key takeoff/landing and a gimmicky auto hovering feature. The latter is supposed to make flying this thing even easier, but it doesn’t always work as it should.

Specifications

With three batteries bundled together, you can get up to 15 to 18 minutes of flight time. In other words, you’ll be getting roughly 5 to 6 minutes per battery. The range is pretty good, come to think of it. I’ve been getting consistently over 30 meters, but even at such a short distance, HS210 is barely visible. All in all, if you’re looking for cheap drones for kids, Holy Stone HS210 is the champion of affordability, for sure!

 

 

potensic-a30w_with_transmitter

Drone with camera for kids

2. Potensic A30W

Potensic A30W goes for less than $50 but is able to provide an entertaining experience for both kids and beginners who’ve never had the chance to fly a drone before. It’s small, fun, pretty safe thanks to its prop guards, and even features a miniature camera; bringing forth the perfect balance of hardware and affordability.

Camera and Features

Starting off with the camera, if you were expecting anything more than a tiny 720p sensor, then I got bad news for you. Yep, who would’ve guessed this highly affordable drone primarily targeting kids and beginners sports a petty 720p camera. It’s good, though, but don’t expect to shoot Hollywood-looking aerial footage with it. It’s meant to serve as an introduction for aerial photography and FPV flying if anything.

Potensic A30W has a fair share of basic features like altitude hold (somewhat inaccurate), one-button takeoff/landing, three different flying speeds, and headless mode. As mentioned above, Potensic A30W supports FPV transmission, meaning your little ones will be off flying their drone as if they were sitting in the cockpit.

Specifications

A30W comes in two colors, blue and red, and can fly for around 4-6 minutes, depending on how fast you’re pushing it. The range is nothing spectacular either, especially FPV transmission, which cuts off at around 20 to 30 meters. Still, decent enough for the price tag as it’s one of the cheapest FPV-ready drones on the market.

 

 

potensic-u47_with_transmitter

The best drone for kids?

1. Potensic U47

Let’s start off with one of Potensic’s cheap drones for kids with camera. As you’ll soon find out, Potensic is one of the go-to brands for children’s drones, featuring a lineup of affordable drones that are easy to use and possess all the necessary safety features to prevent kids from hurting themselves or others around them. Potensic U47 is the perfect example! Let’s take a closer look and see why we believe it’s the best starters’ drone you can buy for kids this Holiday season!

Camera and Features

First things first, Potensic U47 features a basic 720p camera that will lead your little ones into the world of aerial photography. It doesn’t feature any advanced stuff like hardware or software stabilization, but it’s still good for basic aerial shots that might encourage your kids to pursue careers in the aerial photography industry.

Furthermore, Potensic U47’s camera also features first-person view, most commonly known as FPV. It works pretty well, but of course, it requires a smartphone to pair up and show the live transmission. FPV flying brings forth a completely different flying experience, making your kids think they’re right in the cockpit, flying their aircraft through thick and thin on their way to becoming the best pilot in the galaxy.

Specifications

70ish meters is what you can expect from this little bugger in terms of operating range. Not half bad considering the price tag, right? Last but not least, Potensic U47’s 1000mAh battery gives it around 10 minutes of flight time. It can go even longer than that, but that’s only if you fly in the lowest possible speed and don’t use FPV.

 

Best Drones for kids: 9+ year old

Table: Drones for children

ImageNameAgeRangeTimePrice
5. Holy Stone F181W9+70m8 minSee best offer
4. Snaptain S5C9+80m7 minSee best offer
3. Altair AA1089+100m10 minSee best offer
2. UDI U818Plus9+150m12 minSee best offer
potensic-d50_table1. Potensic D509+300m13 minSee best offer

Drone with camera for kids

5. Holy Stone F181W

9-yearolds will probably be satisfied with any of the 3 models featured above. But, if you really want to sweep them right of their tiny feet, you should consider going for one of these 2 baddies. First in line is Holy Stone F181W. This best drone for 10 year old kid comes with a great camera featuring FPV. Other than that, it also has bright LEDs and a console-styled controller. There’s no doubt the latter will be home territory for your kids… But there’s more to this drone than all this… let’s see what else can it do and why exactly should it be among your top options.

Specifications

As for specifications, Holy Stone F181W does not fail to deliver. This insanely popular entry-level drone for kids comes with a 1S 750mAh battery. It might not seem like a lot at the first glance, but trust me – it’s great. That’s partially so because it only takes an hour and a half to fully charge up and partially because it can produce anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes of flight time. On top of all that there is also operating range. Holy Stone F181W is sure to provide a good number here too since it can reach all the way to 80 meters.

Camera and features

First of all, let’s say a couple of things about this birdie’s camera. As you can see, this is not an integrated but a tight fitted one underneath its body. It is guarded by the legs which are, luckily, out of its 720p-capable sensor’s way. They don’t interfere with the image in any way. As I’ve told you above, Holy Stone F181W sports WiFi FPV. The distance is good, but nothing spectacular – around 20-30 meters. Furthermore, Holy Stone F181W incorporates adjustable flight speed, 3d flips, and one key return to home. It’s not powered by GPS though, so don’t expect pinpoint accuracy with this one. In the end, considering the price this little bugger goes for, there is no doubt in the fact that it’s well worth buying.

 

 

Snaptain S5C with Transmitter

4. Snaptain S5C

Snaptain S5C goes for around $60 to $70, but offers a great bundle with two batteries and a dedicated controller. Even though Snaptain isn’t such a well-known brand in the drone market, their S5C drone captivated the buyers with cca 2.5K reviews and 4.5-star average rating. If that doesn’t speak enough about the quality of this little bugger, then I don’t know what does.

Camera and Features

Snaptain S5C comes with a sweet bundle, but there’s a ton more good stuff regarding this gorgeous-looking toy drone. For instance, it comes packed with stuff like altitude hold, gravity sensor, and one key takeoff/landing. Combine that with VR headset support and you get a pretty decent deal! Keep in mind, though, a VR headset is not included in the bundle. S5C also features a miniature camera mounted on the bottom portion of the drone. It’s nothing special, a mere 720p sensor. However, it does feature FPV, a fine addition to an already well-versed package.

Specifications

Specifications of this sleek looking toy drone aren’t half bad either. You’re getting what you’ve paid for, that’s for sure! Snaptain S5C can fly as far as 80ish meters, half of that for WiFI FPV. Flight duration exceeded our expectations, constantly going over 5 minutes. Sometimes close to 7 minutes, but only when we weren’t pushing it too hard on the throttle and flying strictly line of sight.

 

Altair AA108 Novi

Drone with camera for kids

3. Altair AA108

Best drones for kids need to be simple, easy to use and easy to maintain… And all those traits come in one single model – the Altair AA108. Plus, it’s just been released so you can go ahead and grab it while it’s still in stock. I reckon it’s going to be in high demand so you might want to hurry up. Why should you buy this drone? Well, if those traits above didn’t sell it to you, perhaps the rest of its array of features (and specifications) will do the trick.

The first reason why kids will love this drone is not its performance. Nope! It’s the gorgeous design that will turn quite a few heads in its direction. However, the design is only the first thing kids will notice. Besides design, they’ll also experience an incredibly stable flight that will make them fall in love with drones. Plus, Altair AA108 has altitude hold (among other features) which greatly helps with stability too.

If your kids want a drone that can record aerial videos, Altair AA108 can provide with its 720p wide-angle camera. It’s capable of recording brilliant videos and snapping crystal clear photos that they’ll share with you all the time. The fun with this little birdie will last for approximately 10 minutes per charge. Don’t forget to warn your kids that this kid friendly drone, Altair AA108 can only fly up to 100 meters away from them. That will minimize the risk of them losing the drone and you have to buy a new one. All this considered, we can proudly say Altair AA108 is the best drone for 10 year old kid.

 

 

2. UDI U818Plus

Now we have reached a very popular drone made by one of the most known entry-level drone brands out there. As the title implies, I am referring to UDI and their U818Plus model. Let’s get one thing straight at the beginning – even though this is an entry-level drone, it sure can provide quite a lot of fun. It’s cheap too so it really delivers on all fronts… But, how good can it be considering its dirt-cheap price tag? Well, that’s what’s great about this one – it is both cheap and high quality… and we don’t see that very often these days.

Specifications

UDI U818Plus is one of those drones that can be used both indoor and outdoor. That’s thanks to great build quality and thick propeller guards that surround it at all sides, there is no way you can hurt yourself or others (or your property) with this drone. As for the actual numbers, I am sure UDI U818Plus won’t disappoint you. That is because of its 12 minutes of flight duration which is quite the feat in this section of the market. Not only that but it also has long-range, clocking in at roughly 150 meters.

Camera and features

As far as the camera is concerned, UDI U818Plus continues with its fair share of quality. We are talking about a solid 2mpx camera nicely tucked away in a needlessly large container. That’s probably to make it look like one of those expensive Zenmuse imaging solutions. Other than that, it’s also worth mentioning its WiFi FPV which works up to 50 meters… or less, depending on your smartphone. Features are not a downside either. With altitude hold, headless mode and one key takeoff/Landing, UDI U818Plus has a lot to keep you busy.

 

 

potensic-d50-with-transmitter

1. Potensic D50

Potensic D50 is the next drone on our bucket list for today. It’s a bit more expensive than the ones portrayed above but has the hardware to justify a slightly higher price tag. It looks sleek, flies pretty fast, and has a set of features that won’t disappoint you.

Camera and Features

This bad boy features a Full HD camera (that’s 1080p for you), that supports live FPV transmission. Of course, there’s jello and shakiness all across the board, but that’s to be expected at this price point since there’s no room for any kind of stabilization, hardware nor software. Potensic D50’s FPV works over 5Ghz WiFi so make sure you own a smartphone that supports the new WiFi industry standard.

On the bright side, Potensic D50 comes with a GPS module that packs a ton of useful features, making this among the best drones for kids you can buy at the moment. Return to home, follow me, altitude hold, and waypoints (the so-called, draw the dot mode).

Specifications

As stated earlier, this bugger comes with FPV support, and it can reach all the way up to 300 meters. That’s amazing coming from such a cheap drone. Furthermore, its flight duration is superb too. Potensic D50 comes with a 1500mAh LiPo that can handle 10 to 15 minutes of flight time, depending on several factors, such as flying speed and camera usage.

 

Best Drones for kids : 16+ year old

ImageNameAgeRangeTimePrice
5. HStone HS72016+0.8km25 minSee best offer
potensic-d88-table4. Potensic D8816+1.5km18 minSee best offer
3. Hubsan Zino16+4km20 minSee best offer
Parrot Anafi Table2. Parrot Anafi16+4km23 minSee best offer
1. DJI Mavic Air16+4km20 minSee best offer
Holy Stone HS720 with Transmitter

Kid friendly drone

5. Holy Stone HS720

Holy Stone HS720 is the next drone on our list, featuring fantastic features and brilliant performance at an affordable price tag. The latter is the key virtue of this model, making it one of the best price/value ratios and the best drone for kids (semi-pro) you can buy at the moment!

Camera and Features

First off, HS720 is the best drone Holy Stone has ever created. It’s their flagship machine, boasting with a proper full HD camera and potent 5GHz WiFi FPV. But that’s not all, folks! Holy Stone HS720 also possesses GPS, which brings forth lots of safety and autonomous feature. For instance, stuff like failsafe, auto return to home, follow me and similar. In essence, we’re talking about a proper smart drone here, unlike any other drone made by Holy Stone in the past. HS720 is the first high-end model from Holy Stone, but one bearing a mid-end price tag. What more could you want?

Specifications

The hardware in this bad boy is pretty good. HS720 sports brushless motors, foldable body, and can fly for around 25 minutes on a full battery. The range extends to around 800 meters, a fine distance by all means. And you can get all that for under $300. Well done Holy Stone… well done!

 

 

potensic-d88-with-transmitter

Drone with camera for kids

4. Potensic D88

We’ve already gone through several Potensic drones thus far, but D88 is the best of the bunch. It’s not meant to be the go-to drone for younger children, though. D88 possesses powerful hardware so it should be used by kids aged 16 and upward. What’s so powerful about this little bugger? Well, let’s find out!

Camera and Features

GPS, return to home, 5GHz FPV, optical flow positioning, and foldable design are the main features of Potensic D88. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the camera. Potensic D88 features a 2K camera which isn’t half bad. However, the footage it captures is plagued with jello because the stabilization is really poor.

While Potensic D88 does have plenty of awesome features and brilliant specifications, the camera is its biggest (and only) downside. I guess Potensic had to cut some costs because of such an aggressive price tag.

Specifications

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about Potensic D88’s specifications. They’re pretty good, I promise! The aforementioned 5GHz FPV works for roughly 200 to 300 meters, which is more than enough at this price point. Especially considering the communication range extends much further, going way over the 1-kilometer mark. Heck, I’ve seen reviews with people going close to 1.5 kilometers. And, given that the price tag is absolutely ridiculous, Potensic D88 is a proper attention-grabber if you’re looking for top-tier drones for kids with camera!

 

 

Hubsan Zino with Transmitter

3. Hubsan Zino

Now let’s get to the fun ones! We’re talking about pricier drones for kids that have the potential to captivate them and make them fall in love with stuff like aerial photography or good old drone racing. Drones have opened up numerous career opportunities and some of these flying buggers might do a world of good for your child’s future.

Camera and Features

Let’s start off with the newest drone by Hubsan. It goes by the name Zino and it’s the best-ever drone made by the well-known brand in the drone market. Hubsan has had plenty of success with their older drones, mainly the H501S which posed as an affordable GPS alternative to the former DJI high-end lineup.

Zino does the same thing, but packs an even greater punch and offers incredible value for money. This is a 4K-ready drone here with hardware stabilization ensuring state-of-the-art footage each and every time. I don’t want to name call here, but DJI could learn a thing or two from Hubsan when it comes to making affordable drones.

Features-wise, Zino will sweep you off your feet. GPS, follow me, headless mode, auto return to home, image tracking, orbiting, waypoints and more. This truly is a smart drone and a great entry ladder for teenagers who want to test their aerial photography prowess.

Specifications

Hubsan Zino’s spec sheet looks superb too. If you’re worried this thing packs the camera but can’t fly proper or has too short range, let me assure you, that’s not the case here. Zino can reach approximately 4 kilometers with FPV on, and flies for around 20ish minutes. You can even get more than that, but that’s only if you don’t use FPV and take thing a bit slower.

 

 

parrot-anafi-with-transmitter

2. Parrot Anafi

Parrot Anafi is a unique drone, well-versed for kids, but make sure you don’t buy it as a first drone. Yes, it is easy to fly, but it’s way too expensive to be given to a first-time flyer. That said, let’s take a closer look at it and check out the key virtue that sets it apart from all other drones out there.

Camera and Features

Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat – Parrot Anafi has a unique camera design that lets it shoot straight up. But why would anyone want their drone to shoot straight up? Well, this helps Anafi do a ton of demanding industrial work such as all sorts of inspections, but also brings forth a different perspective for cinematic pieces. Of course, Anafi sports a 4K HDR zoom camera with 3-axis stabilization that makes for brilliant aerial footage no matter the condition you’re flying in.

Features galore is the easiest way of describing Parrot Anafi. It really has it all – from global positioning systems and geofencing, excellent safety features for kids, to smart camera features like slow-motion mode, hyper-lapse and many more.

Specifications

Anafi’s specifications are much like those of DJI Mavic Air. In other words, you can expect around 4 kilometers of operating range thanks to the provided Skycontroller 3. Battery duration is slightly better than Mavic Air, featuring a few extra minutes. We’re talking cca 23 to 25 minutes, depending on how you’re flying.

 

 

DJI Mavic Air With Transmitter

1. DJI Mavic Air

DJI Mavic Air is one of my favorite drones by DJI. When it came out, it singlehandedly kick-started an avalanche of foldable drones. Mavic Air made foldable drones trending, and the situation hasn’t changed to this very day.

Camera and Features

What makes DJI Mavic Pro so special? Well, let’s start off with the design. It’s simplistic, sturdy, and foldable, meaning you can take your Mavic Air wherever you’re going. After all, the best camera is the one you always have on you… and Mavic Air passes that test with straight A’s thanks to its compactness and portability. Heck, you can even charge it on the go.

Needless to say, DJI Mavic Air sports all major DJI smart flight modes. It would take way too much space to list them all here, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. If it can be done, you can rest assured DJI Mavic Air can do it. Camera-wise, you’re looking at a powerful 4K sensor capable of shooting HDR stills and buttery aerial footage. Equip this bugger with proper ND filters and you’ll get that Hollywood-like cinematic footage you’ve always dreamed of.

Specifications

DJI Mavic Air can be purchased either standalone or in the so-called Fly More Combo. The Combo is a fair bit pricier but will get you a ton of useful stuff, like a dedicated controller, extra propellers, three batteries, and a carrying case. The controller is the crucial aspect here, as it allows DJI Mavic Air to fly further away, up to 4 kilometers. Lastly, the provided batteries will give you an hour of flight time in total, or roughly 20 minutes per battery.

 

Features that will make your first flights easier

  • HEADLESS MODE
    This mode is bound to help you a great deal during your first flight. If you have problems with controlling your drone for kids in a normal way, then try giving the headless mode a go. Once the headless mode is turned on, you don’t have to pay attention to your drone’s orientation. Instead, you only need to focus on where it’s going. If you jaw right, it will jaw right, if you pitch back it will pitch back… no matter where it’s currently orientated. It doesn’t get much simpler than this.
  • ALTITUDE HOLD
    This is another beginner-friendly feature that will make your flying a lot easier. The headless mode enables worry-free controlling and altitude hold enables worry-free elevation. It basically keeps your drone hovering at a constant altitude without you having to manually adjust the throttle stick. This feature is especially useful to aerial photographers as it allows them to take their minds off of controlling and onto taking the perfect aerial shot.
  • FPV
    Stands for First Person View; FPV enables you to see exactly what your drone’s camera is seeing. And in real-time! Just think about it – you can get an amazing flying experience by combining an FPV-ready drone with a specialized VR headset. Take full control over your drone and fly wherever you want. Keep in mind though – don’t turn on headless mode while flying in FPV as it will mess up your controlling scheme and give you a crash landing.
  • RETURN TO HOME
    In case your first flight ends up with your drone going out of your line of sight, I’m sure you’re going to be scared. Heartbeat will go up to a 100 and you’ll start worrying about the safety of your kid-friendly drone… and potential people below it. Having a flyaway drone is a true nightmare for all drone enthusiasts. But luckily, there is a feature that prevents it from happening. It is called Return to Home and, quite frankly, it does exactly what you think. It basically returns your drone to its takeoff location thanks to the onboard GPS module. So, if you happen to lose your drone during flight, simply push the RTH on your controller and it will return back to safety.

Are kids allowed to fly drones ?

Kids are allowed to fly kid friendly drones. There is no law that prevents them from doing so. Still, it might be a good idea for you, as a parent, to double-check with your country’s (state’s) UAV laws. If everything seems fine, I would still recommend you to follow certain safety tips to prevent your children or unsuspecting fellow citizens from going hurt.

Below, you can find a small safety tips section in which I mentioned the most common issues when it comes to best drones for kids. In addition to those tips, I’d also like to remind you that younger children (under 10 years of age) should always be under the supervision of their parents while flying drones. It’s just a safety precaution that should never be taken for granted.

 

Safety Tips regarding drones for kids with camera

The biggest safety tip is not to fly a drone for kids around unaware people. Even though modern-day drones are equipped with technology that prevents them from shutting down completely while in mid-air and crashing down onto unsuspecting citizens, there’s still a (small) chance of something going wrong. So, to prevent a potential disaster, make sure your kids fly their drone either in your backyard or somewhere far away from people.

 

In addition to that, make sure your children stay away from airports (at least 5 miles away) and that they don’t raise it higher than 400 feet in the air. Lastly, not all of the above-featured drones are outdoor-only. I placed a couple of smaller drones that are suitable for indoor use so your children can learn the basics of piloting without ever leaving their homes.

 

Read the manual!

I know for a fact that many of you throw away the manuals that come with drones. Not just drones but virtually any other product you purchase. While that’s ok in most cases, when it comes to drone it is a terrible practice. Why? Well, even though every drone functions in roughly the same manner, there are still significant differences between them. These are most often related to the controlling schematics or advanced functions and are extensively explained in the manual. That’s why I strongly recommend to take your time and read through it. Who knows what sort of useful information you’ll find there. One thing is for sure though – it will help you amaze your children with your brand new drone knowledge.

 

Don’t write off your kid friendly drone after the first malfunction

If your children are flying their drone around and it suddenly stops working, there’s no need for stressing. Or worse – I know for a fact that many people throw their drones away right after their first malfunction. And I am talking about almost fully functional drones which usually have an issue fixable in less than 5 minutes.

Most frequently, either ESCs or motors are the first hardware to take the fall. They are both easily replaceable and don’t cost a fortune. It requires a bit of soldering which can be a fun way of introducing your children to this process. Furthermore, perhaps the battery drained out. LiPo batteries can die if they’re left without a charge for too long. If you don’t plan on using them, make sure you charge them up at least once a month. What I’m basically trying to say here is – don’t throw away your drone after the first malfunction. Take it apart, identify the issue and see whether or not its worth fixing. In 90% of cases, the fix will require an $5 purchase and 10 minutes of your time. Take that as a great opportunity to bond with your children. You’re welcome!

Use drones for children as DIY learning tools

Paragraph above led me to writing this one. As I have previously mentioned, drones are not only entertaining but can also serve as great learning tools. In addition to 3-directional control, you can teach your kids a great deal on how drones actually work. Stuff like, how to connect motors to the flight controller or how to solder the camera, receiver and other interior electronic pieces. I know, I know… this isn’t the kind of stuff you can teach 5-year-olds. But, 9 and above are already well-capable of doing these tasks on their own, with just a little bit of help and supervision during the first couple of tries. Go ahead, try teaching them something new and I guarantee that they’ll form cheerful memories that will last forever.

 

Conclusion

In the end, I really don’t know what else is there left to be said… I’d just like to conclude this article with one simple sentence that’s been stuck in my mind since the very beginning – “Drones are not toys. They might look like they are, but guess what – they’re not!” Even the smallest ones can injure people if not controlled appropriately so it is important to teach your children how to fly them. Start off with smaller models and then learn your way to the top!

Larry Haller