Finding The Perfect Metal Detector For Kids
Metal detecting can be a fun and exciting hobby for kids, as it allows them to explore the outdoors and potentially discover hidden treasures.
However, it's important to choose the right metal detector for your child to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Metal detecting is a great activity for siblings to bond.
When choosing a metal detector for your child, it's important to consider their age, interests, and experience level. Some metal detectors are more complex and may be more suitable for older kids or those with more experience.
It's also a good idea to set some ground rules and guidelines for your child so that they understand the ethics to follow while metal detecting, such as obtaining permission before searching on private property and respecting other people's property.
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Reasons Why Kids May Enjoy Metal Detecting
Metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for kids, and with the right metal detector, they can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Kids will have a blast exploring the great outdoors and discovering hidden treasures. They’ll also be learning valuable skills like problem-solving and patience while continuing to be persistent with their goal to find goodies.
Even the littlest treasure make for exciting moments when kids are metal detecting!
Below, I have listed my top 6 metal detectors recommended for kids:
6 Recommended Metal Detectors for Kids
1. Nokta Makro “Mini” Hoard
Looking for a fun and exciting way to get your kids outside? The Nokia Makro “Mini” Hoard metal detector is a perfect option and is my number 1 pick when it comes to finding the perfect metal detector for kids!
The Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is a pint sized detector that packs a powerful punch and is very user-friendly for young treasure hunters.
Durability: The “Mini” Hoard is one of the only “kid-rated” metal detectors that is fully waterproof (up to 3ft), making it one of the most durable detectors on the market geared towards kids.
Compact: It has a retractable shaft, making it easy to adjust for any kid, carry, and to pack away and take on family trips.
Weight: It is lightweight, making it suitable for younger ages.
User Friendly: The “Mini” Hoard has a super kid-friendly LCD screen and features 2 audio tones; 1 for a good signal (dig it!) & 1 for a bad signal (don’t dig), making it very easy for them to understand what the detector is telling them.
If you are looking for a metal detector for kids, Nokta Makro metal detectors are one of the BEST options on the market and they have a wonderful customer service team.
2. Nokta Makro “Midi” Hoard
Just like the “Mini” Hoard, the “Midi” Hoard is another great option from Nokta Makro, however the “Midi” comes with a few more bells and whistles that would be better suited for kids that are age 8 and up.
Waterproof: Like the “Mini" Hoard, the “Midi" Hoard is also fully waterproof (up to 3ft) with an IP68 rating.
Durability: It has the same kid-friendly build quality as the “Mini” Hoard and very durable.
Multiple Modes: Additional features such as a Discrimination Button, Pinpoint Button, LED Indicator and Depth Indicator will help your kid to find, discriminate and pinpoint metals just like some of the more advanced metal detectors on the market.
3 Audio Tones: The Midi Hoard adds an additional audio tone (3 in total) to help your kid decide whether to dig a target or if it’s possibly trash.
3. National Geographic Pro Series Metal Detector
The National Geographic Pro Series metal detector is a little more on the expensive side compared to some of the other “kid” rated metal detectors, but perhaps for good reason. Every sale donates a portion of proceeds to the nonprofit organization of the National Geographic Society, which is a learning opportunity for kids in its own right.
Advanced Features: The National Geographic Pro Series metal detector is a higher-end option that is suitable for kids who are more serious about metal detecting.
Multiple Settings: It has a range of advanced features and 3 different detection modes, including ground balance, depth indicator, and multiple sensitivity settings.
Waterproof Coil: The Pro Series also comes with a waterproof search coil, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments.
Weight: It is extremely lightweight and portable, making it suitable for kids.
You do get what you pay for with this detector as it does offer some advanced features that other cheaper models may not have equipped.
The Pro Series is also extremely lightweight and very portable which are both huge advantages when it comes to selecting a metal detector for kids.
4. Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. Metal Detector
I like the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. as it is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for kids just starting out with metal detecting and is a good metal detector for a few reasons:
Design: It is specifically designed for kids, with a smaller size and lightweight design that is easy for children to handle.
Simplicity: It has a simple and intuitive interface with a large LED display that shows the type of metal being detected, with just a few buttons that are easy to use.
Visual & Audio Display: It also has a built-in speaker that makes it easy for kids to hear the beep when metal is detected., and a visual display that shows the type and depth of the metal object being detected.
Price: It is reasonably priced, making it a good budget option for families who want to introduce their kids to metal detecting.
Overall, I think the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is a good choice for children who are interested in metal detecting as a hobby, or for families who want to try it out as a fun outdoor activity without breaking the bank.
5. Striker z60 Metal Detector
The Striker z60 is a good entry level metal detector for kids ages 7 & up. Some features that make the Striker z60 a good metal detector include:
User-friendly interface: The Striker z60 has a simple, intuitive interface with a large LCD screen that displays the type and depth of the metal object being detected. It also has a built-in speaker that produces a loud beep when metal is detected, making it easy for kids to know when they have found something.
Lightweight and portable: The Striker z60 is lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for kids to use for an extended period of time. It is also portable, making it easy to take on the go and use in a variety of locations.
Waterproof search coil: The Striker z60 comes with a waterproof search coil, making it suitable for use in wet or humid environments. This is especially useful for kids who like to search for metal in streams or other bodies of water.
Adjustable sensitivity: The Striker z60 has adjustable sensitivity settings, allowing kids to customize the detector to their specific needs. This can be especially useful for searching in areas with a lot of trash or other metal objects that might produce false signals.
The Striker z60 is a good metal detector for kids as it is lightweight, portable, has several adjustable settings, and can be used in a variety of environments, making it a great choice for kids ages 7+ that are curious or looking to get into the hobby of metal detecting.
6. Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector
The Garrett Ace 300 is a great option for older kids (ages 10+) that are looking for a metal detector with a few more advanced features and settings. Some things that make the Garrett Ace 300 a good metal detector include:
Multiple Search Modes: A digital display with 5 various search modes to choose from including all-metal, jewelry, and coin, that shows the depth of the metal object being detected and its probable identification, allowing kids to tailor their search to their specific interests.
Headphones: A headphone jack for private listening and to assist in being able to hear faint targets without the background noise of the environment.
Adjustable Settings: Adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings, allowing kids to filter out certain types of metal and focus on finding specific objects.
Waterproof Coil: A waterproof search coil, making it suitable for use in wet or humid environments. This is especially useful for kids who like to search for metal in streams or other bodies of water.
Name Brand Warranty: Durable, high-quality materials built to withstand rough handling. It is also backed by a 2-year warranty, ensuring that it will last for many metal detecting adventures.
I recommend the Garrett Ace 300 for older kids (ages 10+) due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability.
It has a user-friendly interface and a variety of search modes which will allow your kid to really explore and learn the technical side of using a metal detector.
Make Metal Detecting Fun For Kids
Metal detecting can be a fun and educational activity that can help kids learn and explore the world around them.
As a parent myself, I enjoy going out in to the yard and hiding various coins and metal objects in the grass to challenge my kids to go out and find.
This is a great game to play with them to help them practice and learn their new metal detector. But you might be wondering, is metal detecting even a good hobby for kids? Check out the next article linked below:
Final Thoughts
The 6 metal detectors that I mentioned in this article are all excellent choices for kids and are sure to provide hours of entertainment while potentially helping them find some valuable treasure along the way!
Metal detecting is a great activity to get your little one outside exploring and playing in the world around them. They will get to learn how to use new pieces of technology as well as a bit of history whether they want to or not.
Next time you step out the door with your kid, make sure to do it with a metal detector!
Do You Have A Question About A Metal Detector?
Whether you have a question about a metal detector for your kid or even for yourself, let me know!
