Going to the bead with your kids can be great fun. The breeze, waves, and the sun make the whole experience better. Nothing tops it off the adventure better than hunting for treasure. That is why you should equip your young champs with the best metal detector for kids.
Equipping your children with a kid metal detector will keep you children engaged in the fun whenever they are outdoor in the beach, park, or field. Treasure hunting for children creates lasting memories that not only bring smiles to the children’s faces but yours as well. The lure of the unknown is exciting! You have never known what to find as you hunt for coins, jewelry, silver, and more.
Metal detectors for kids are pretty simple and easy to use. It is fun for the child and can turn into a lifetime hobby. Some metal detectors can be quite expensive. However, that shouldn’t stop you and your kids from getting started with an affordable metal detector to take your outdoor activities to the next level. Check out what is in store when it comes to the best metal detector for kids!
IN THIS POST
- 1 Best Metal Detectors for Kids
- 1.1 1. RM RICOMAX Junior Metal Detector
- 1.2 2. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector
- 1.3 3. Garrett ACE 200
- 1.4 4. DR. ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector
- 1.5 5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series
- 1.6 6. RM RICOMAX GC-1037 Professional
- 1.7 7. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
- 1.8 8. RM RICOMAX 10 – Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- 1.9 9. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior
- 1.10 10. RM RICOMAX GC-1003 Metal Detector for Kids
- 2 What to Consider When Buying the Best Metal Detectors for Kids – Buyer Guide
- 3 FAQs Kids Metal Detectors
- 4 Conclusion
Best Metal Detectors for Kids
1. RM RICOMAX Junior Metal Detector
The detector comes with a 7.4 – inch waterproof search coil that makes treasure hunting more sensitive. With the search coil and stem waterproof, your kids can detect in shallow waters, beaches, parks, gardens, and other locations seamlessly.
The metal detector delivers high accuracy and Clear detection of all metal courtesy of its 20% larger coil. With this coil, you will experience a quick cover of hunting ground. All you need to do is wave the detector over the ground to detect all buried metal objects up to 4 inches.
It features an adjustable stem, which extends from 24 to 35 inches in height. As such, it adopts by both kids and adults. The lightweight nature and foldable coil make it easy to travel and store with ease.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 7.4 – Inch Waterproof Coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 1x 9V Alkaline Battery
- Weight: 2 Pounds
What We Like
- Waterproof search coil
- Detects all kinds of metal
- One-Press simple operation
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Short life battery
2. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector
It comes with a telescoping arm that provides length adjustment and a padded arm strap that offers a comfortable grip to make the detector easy to use for different kids. Besides, it has a foldable coil and removable arm support. It measures 24-inches but can extend up to 39-inches in length. Kids can use it at home or packed up for easy transportation to any of their treasure hunting spots.
For an easy finding of buried treasure, the detector is equipped with a 7.5-inch waterproof dual coil. The coil comes with adjustable sensitivity to help avoid false positives. The metal detector beeps and flashes an LED light when a treasure is detected. Also, it locates the depth of the metal up to 6-inches for small coins and metal objects.
If you want a high-quality metal detector for the best treasure hunting experience, then consider the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior metal detector.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search Coil: Waterproof 7.5-Inch Dual Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: AA Battery powered
- Weight: 1.4 Pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight and portable
- Value for money
- Adjustable volume
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Weak extension arm
3. Garrett ACE 200
It features a one-touch operation display that allows turn it on and hunt. Of course, you will have to select the mode and adjust the sensitivity. It comes with a preset ground balance in average conditions. You can choose the four sensitivity levels to reduce the erratic behavior of the detector when interfered with by trash or high mineralized soil.
It comes with a Target ID that young kids can learn to rely on. The numeric scale ranges from 0-99 that works closely with Target ID. The Target ID comes with 5 segments for quick identification. It comes with non-adjustable discrimination while the search modes have fixed notching.
The ACE 200 has no electric pinpoint. Therefore, a handheld pinpointer may be needed. It offers a greater opportunity to teach your kid the code of ethics for digging the smallest hole that can easily re-filled after retrieval of the target. To top it off, the ACE 200 is simple to use a metal detector for kids.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 9-Inch Waterproof Coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
- Weight: 5.09 Pounds
What We Like
- Three search modes
- Excellent target ID
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Fixed discrimination
What We Don’t Like
- No Pinpoint
4. DR. ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector
It comes with a large LCD that is easy to read. It is a backlight to let you work even in the dark without a hassle. The 3 display modes make it easy to identify the kind of metals you detect. Moreover, the LCDs digital image and sound with multiple settings to allow for customization.
It features a 9.8-inch search coil that is quite powerful to locate a quarter coin buried up to 10-inch underground. Larger metal objects are detected at even deeper lengths. The search coil is waterproof, thus can work in shallow waters.
The adjustable depth allows you to adjust the depth of different objects in 2, 4, 6, and 8 inches with a plus or minus. The sensitivity is also adjustable for easy fine-tuning for objects, and ground conditions with the exceptional 5-grade sensitivity control. As such, your kid gets maximum control over accuracy that is not in lesser designs.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 9.8 – Inch Waterproof coil
- Volume: No adjustable volume
- Battery: 1 9V Battery
- Weight: 4.34 Pounds
What We Like
- Ergonomic design with cushioned armrest
- Pinpoint function
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Highly accurate
- Adjustable sensitivity
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks volume control
5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series
It features a fully adjustable stem that makes it easy to adjust to the right height for your kid. Besides, it is lightweight thus won’t tire the kid even at long hours of treasure hunting. With the simple and intuitive LCD, the Pro Series detector is easily accessible to not only kids but adults and beginners with little detecting skills.
It features a larger 10-inch waterproof design coil that allows you to cover hunting ground quickly. The 4 sensitivity level and 3 detecting modes allow you to detect treasure up to 12 inches underground. The audio alert detection and volume adjustment function allows you to hear the sound signal loud and clear.
With the telescopic design, the detector becomes so portable that the kids will never want to leave it behind whenever they go outdoors!
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Waterproof coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
What We Like
- Intuitive LCD
- 4 sensitivity modes
- High performance with simple operation
- 3 discrimination modes
What We Don’t Like
- Not 100% accurate
6. RM RICOMAX GC-1037 Professional
It comes with a 10-inch waterproof search coil that features a plastic shield for easy maintenance. The search coil fits into an aluminum shaft that allows easy cleaning and is rust-free. Besides, the large search coil allows quick sweeping to cover more ground.
The detector features a large LCD screen that allows you to view the various settings you set on the metal detector. With nine brightness adjustment settings, you can use your metal detector regardless of the lighting situation.
It features an All Metal Mode that alerts whenever any metal is detected. The discrimination mode allows you to discriminate against any metal you don’t want to focus on. The Pinpoint function comes in handy when detecting accuracy is required.
With the adjustable volume and headphone jack, you can adjust the volume to your liking. It will help you save on the 2x 9V battery life while you hear audio signals more clearly and efficiently.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10–Inch Waterproof Searchcoil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 2x 9V Batteries
- Weight: 2.31 Pounds
What We Like
- User-friendly design
- Hyper digital display
- All Metal Mode
- Discrimination
What We Don’t Like
- No ground balance
7. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
The detector comes with a strength meter display instead of the digital display in high-end models. The meter display offers easy to read experience as it moves when a metal object is detected. It is easy for children to interpret the target signals, thus making the better detectorists even at a tender age.
It features an excellent automatic ground balance that enables kids to take the difficult adjustments out. With adjustable sensitivity that can be done through the knob, you can also adjust for discrimination of trash targets with the exceptional trash elimination knob.
It has a 7 – inch search coil that helps your kids detect all targets with sniper precision. The detector functions at 6.6kHz, the Gold Digger becomes the real coin shooter. You can increase sensitivity to ensure greater depth, small objects, and all kinds of treasures.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 7 – Inch Weather Resistant Coil
- Volume: No Volume Control
- Battery: 2 9V Alkaline Batteries
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
What We Like
- Power and sensitivity control
- Headphone included
- Automatic tuned ground control
- Trash eliminator control
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks target ID
8. RM RICOMAX 10 – Inch Waterproof Search Coil
It is equipped with a bigger 10-inch waterproof search coil that delivers high accuracy. The search coil can detect up to 8-inch depth below the ground, which is conducive to detecting efficiency. Moreover, the waterproof coil and stem will allow your kid to hunt treasure in shallow waters along the beaches and wetlands.
It features a control box with an LCD that makes reading a lot easier. You can know the kind of detection mode, the depth of the target, battery condition, sensitivity, and volume level at a glance.
The Pinpoint function and distinctive audio prompt allow you to find the exact location of targets without guessing. It is easy to use this detector regardless of how old and inexperienced your kids are. In the package, a shovel and a carry bag will accompany the metal detector.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- Volume: Adjustable Volume
- Battery: 2x 9V Batteries
- Weight: 2.31 Pounds
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Distinctive audio tone
- Pinpoint function
- Adjustable modes
What We Don’t Like
- Prone to the false alarm
9. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior
It features a 6-inch weather resistant coil that is close in a rustproof plastic. The detector comes with a discrimination control that helps in eliminating iron and unwanted metals. As such, you will focus on the specific treasures you want.
It comes with a target indicator meter that measures the signal strength. The increase in the volume of strength means you are getting closer to the target. The metal detector can detect up to 5 inches deep for coin-sized objects, while the large objects are detected up to 3 feet deep.
It has a knob that allows for sensitivity adjustment when increasing the depth of detection. However, if the detector behaves erratic, turning down the sensitivity can help clear out the false signals or chatter.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 6.5-Inch Closed Weather Resistant Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 2x 9V Batteries
- Weight: 1.8 Pounds
What We Like
- Discrimination control
- Adjustable volume
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- No headphone jack for headphones
10. RM RICOMAX GC-1003 Metal Detector for Kids
It features Clear detection by buzzer and LCD that once you detect a metal object, an arrow and a signal symbol will appear on the screen while the detect sounds. And the closer you get to the target, the stronger the strength and the sound will be. The volume settings are excellent for your child will never miss hearing a treasure whenever detected.
It features All-Metal-Mode to detect all kinds of metals like gold, silver, coins, jewelry, coins, and keys. You can detect metals in the park, beach, garden, and other outdoor places frequented by people. You can adjust the stem from 24 to 35 inches in height making it extremely adaptable to both kids and adults.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 7.4-Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 1x 9V Alkaline Battery
- Weight: 2 Pounds
What We Like
- Height adjustable stem and waterproof search coil
- One-Press Simple operation
- All-metal Mode
- Lightweight design and easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- High price point
What to Consider When Buying the Best Metal Detectors for Kids – Buyer Guide
When shopping for metal detectors for kids, you want to buy the best on the market. Knowing what to look for is very important because that will tell apart the real metal detector from a toy.
Therefore, things such as performance, weight, ergonomic design, and ease of use top the list. After all, what you want is a real metal detector, not a toy gadget! So, what more can you look at?
Age of the Kid
Before buying a metal detector for your kids, it is important to know the age and size of the kid. The market is flooded by several models designed for young kids and is very easy to use. For instant, they come with a few easy to use buttons and settings. However, older kids won’t have issues with using a metal detector with more buttons and settings.
Height
Considering the height of the kid to use the metal detector is important. That way, you won’t end up buying a way too big or too small for the kid. Moreover, consider buying one with adjustable height so that they can adjust to their comfort.
Weight of the Detector
Most metal detectors for kids vary in weight from 1.5 pounds to 4 pounds. Most young kids may have an issue with maneuvering a heavier metal detector. However, a 4-pound metal detector can be manageable for most kids.
Control Simplicity
Kids’ detectors must come with minimum, simple features and control settings to ensure kids have the shortest learning curve. For instance, it should come knobs that are easier for them to control. However, some come with buttons and touch screens. Whichever features they come with, they should be simple for the kids to control the detector.
Preset Features
Metal detectors for kids should come with notable preset features.
- Preset Ground Balance: It should feature preset Ground Balance so that the kid doesn’t have to keep setting the GB when hunting for treasure.
- Preloaded Search Modes: High-end models come with multiple search modes with customizable programs to enable fine-tuning of the detector to parameters on different hunting grounds. Kid and other entry-level metal detectors come with All Metal Mode, thus detecting all kinds of metal to make it hard to hear a specific response signal. In this case, a Pinpoint function will come in handy as a search mode.
- Audio Tones: Kids detectors have at least one audio tone. But if you want more, it will be just three tones; low, medium, and high. However, check the detector before buying to know how many audio tones the metal detector has.
- Fixed Discrimination: Most kid detectors come with fixed discrimination, while high-end ones come with adjustable discrimination. If the metal detector has several search modes, the discrimination may be set to the search modes and cannot be adjusted.
FAQs Kids Metal Detectors
Q: How Much is a Metal Detector for Kids?
A: Real metal detectors for kids come at around $50. But these come with basic functions and features. Quality detectors for kids come at $100 with excellent features. However, you have to show your little one how to use them.
For older kids, you can spend between $100 to $200 for an entry-level model featuring quality features that will allow them to grow with them. After all, you intend to instill the passion for treasure hunting, and quality models will go a long way than a mere toy can.
Q: What is a Good Starter Metal Detector?
A: A good starter metal detector is entry-level in quality and one that fits within your budget. For instance, Bounty Hunter is an excellent brand as it designs its detector models with affordability and starters in mind.
The best beginner detector with an analog system would be the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. If you need an upgraded one with a digital display for your younger kids, the Garrett ACE 200 or the National Geographic Pro Series may be great picks.
Q: Are Kids Metal Detectors Just Toys?
A: Some metal detectors for kids are toys while some are real. Nonetheless, they all come at the same price range of under $100. As such, it can be hard to differentiate a toy detector from a real one. In this case, you have to look at specific features such as performance and setting controls that feature authentic metal detectors. A toy detector version will lack even the simplistic controls featured in authentic metal detectors.
Q: Are Cheap Metal Detectors any Good?
A: It boils down to what you are looking for, where you want to treasure hunt, and how you will want to be using it. Reasonably priced or cheap metal detectors give an entry-level quality and detection of all kinds of metals. Cheap metal detectors are excellent when used in terrains with low-mineralization and preset settings that enable the newbie detectorists to hunt with ease. Therefore, cheap metal detectors are better for beginner detectorists on a budget.
If you want exceptional results and experience in treasure hunting, you have to outgrow the cheap detectors. On the other hand, expensive metal detectors come with excellent features or specialized functions that deliver an exceptional detecting experience. You can hunt in high-mineralized grounds, underwater and harsh terrains without a hassle.
Conclusion
If you are enthusiast detectorists, you certainly know how exciting it is to share your treasure hunting passion with others. But, who better to share your detecting passion than you kids? There is no better way to teach your children treasure hunting than letting them learn with their metal detector.
Metal detectors for kids are affordable, simple to operate, and lightweight enough for children to treasure hunt without a hassle. Buying any of the metal detectors we reviewed above will give your child a great deal of experience in the field of metal detecting.
