Some kids are natural-born explorers. They thrive off searching for treasure and finding valuable loot for their collection. There’s one piece of equipment that will aid them on this journey of discovery: the metal detector. Whether they’re exploring the garden or combing the beach, this new hobby could lead them to become the next big adventurer.
We’ve put together this list of 10 of the best metal detectors for little beginners. To make sure we picked the best, we took recommendations from real people and buried any toys with fake online reviews. This list includes metal detectors for a variety of budgets, age ranges, and for indoor and outdoor play.
1Kidzlane Kid’s Metal Detector Wand (Best Budget Option)
This metal detector can be used in most areas and it is designed to detect various things like coins, jewelry, and various metals. Plus, it can be considered a handheld wand or a full-sized handle one. Finally, this metal detector also comes with both visual and audible alerts.
What we love
- It has an adjustable sensitivity to make it easier to use
- It can detect objects by up to 6" deep in most ground substances
What We Don't Like That Much
- This metal detector requires two AA batteries to run
2Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. Metal Detector (Best Quality Option)
This bounty hunter metal detector has three target ID categories and an easy to read battery life indicator. It also allows kids to access discrimination controls that help them eliminate unwanted items.
What we love
- The metal detector has a lightweight ergonomic design
- It has an adjustable aluminum stem
What We Don't Like That Much
- The search coil is water-resistant, but it shouldn't be left outside
3ExploreOne Metal Detector for Kids
This metal detector comes with built-in LED lights that will allow kids to have a better visual of what they are finding and the area they are searching through. It has an adjustable handle length, which makes it excellent for growing children to be able to continue to use it even as they get older.
What we love
- It is designed to help kids differentiate between various metals in the ground
- This metal detector is lightweight and water resistant
What We Don't Like That Much
- It requires a 9V battery that can be difficult to replace
4Matchbox Treasure Tracker Metal Detector Truck
This is one of the best metal detectors for kids due to its unique truck design. It will allow kids to track down their hidden treasure. It has a durable design and can be played with indoors or outdoors.
What we love
- It is made with durable plastic material
- It has an easy to activate button to turn it on and off
What We Don't Like That Much
- Only includes demo batteries with the purchase
5Kid Waterproof Handheld Metal Detector
This is one of the best metal detectors for kids because it is handheld and can be used underwater. It comes with a 360-degree search probe. Plus, it has three easy modes to switch through that make it a versatile option.
What we love
- It comes with a lanyard and holster to help ensure it is not lost
- It is fully waterproof for up to 16.4 feet
What We Don't Like That Much
- It can only detect metal up to 1 1/2"
6Allsun Beach Junior Metal Detector
This metal detector comes with an adjustable shaft that allows kids to continue to use it even as they grow. Plus, it has a flashlight attached to the handle to help kids illuminate the area that they are searching in, regardless of the time of day.
What we love
- It can be purchased in different color schemes
- It includes a power/sensitivity knob
What We Don't Like That Much
- The audio alarm could be louder
7NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector
This metal detector comes with a learning guide from National Geographic to ensure that kids not only think of the metal detector as fun, but also learn about the science behind it.
What we love
- It has a lightweight design
- The handle is adjustable to help ensure kids can continue to use it
What We Don't Like That Much
- Could come with accompanying headphones
8Kid Metal Detector Junior
This is an excellent metal detector that can be used in most situations due to it being waterproof. It is excellent for children and adults alike and it uses a buzzer vibration to help assure users that there is something metal under the detector.
What we love
- It is designed to be lightweight
- It is easy to use, which makes it excellent for most kids
What We Don't Like That Much
- The vibration can be a little jarring
9DR.ÖTEK Junior Metal Detector
This metal detector has a unique design and a disc-and-pinpoint mode that helps find the metal easier in the ground. It has a waterproof coil and the step is adjustable, which makes it easier to use as kids grow.
What we love
- It has a volume adjustment to make it easier to hear when something has been found
- It is made from entirely safe materials
What We Don't Like That Much
- The LED lights could be brighter
10RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Adults & Kids
This metal detector is classified as a high-accuracy model, which means that it will help you narrow down the area in which it will detect. It has a small waterproof LCD.
What we love
- It has a higher sensitivity than other models
- The LCD control box is designed to be more intuitive
What We Don't Like That Much
- It could benefit from more modes
