When using drones in early education, kids have the chance to explore their world through new eyes. Drones are one of the most engaging (and fun!) ways to fuel the interest in STEM in the classroom. But even if teachers know this, starting a drone curriculum program – and even finding drones for kids – can be a challenge. 

So, what specific types of drones should you look for when teaching kids? There are a few things to consider: features, product reviews, education level, and more. Here’s what you need to know.  

Best Features of Drones for Kids

Depending on the age group of your students, you can find drones that serve as basic educational toys or opt for more advanced drones designed for ages 13+. Whichever classroom you’re leading, here are some top features to look for. 

Must-Have Drone Features

First thing’s first. What overall features do kid drones absolutely need?

“Nice to Have” Features for Drones With Kids

Beyond the basics, here’s what features make drones even more fun and educational.

Note: Drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds or 250 grams need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). And unless you’re flying a drone for recreational purposes only, you may need a drone license. When flying drones with kids for education, look for lightweight, small-sized drones that don’t require registration or licensing.

Best Kid’s Drone

What drone is best for kids? It depends on the purpose of the drone and the age of the drone pilot-in-training. 

You want a drone that’s entertaining and versatile enough for kids to stay engaged, but not so advanced that kids can’t fly it. There are quadcopters, UFO drones, and more– some equipped with cameras, gauges, measuring devices, and other educational perks.

To get started with basic drone lessons in STEM, look for good battery life (especially when sharing among groups), durability, ease of use, and customizable flight settings.   

Kid Drone Reviews

Ready for real examples of kid-friendly drones? Here are some reviews of the most popular models for students ages six and up. 

Ryze Tello Mini Drone

The Ryze Tello Mini drone is easy to maneuver and extremely lightweight (80 grams). Its best-known feature is its image processing capabilities, with a camera capturing HD 720p videos and photos.

Visual learners get the most out of Tello mini, being able to observe what the drone “sees” during flight. Also capable of cool flips and tricks, the Tello mini entertains and educates all at once. 

There’s also a programming option with the Scratch system compatibility. This is ideal for STEM education and introduction to coding with drones. 

Other drone features: 

Potensic A20 Pocket Drone

An affordable pocket drone for kids, the Potensic A20 is ideal for beginners. It’s extra durable and offers safeguards to prevent propeller injuries. This mini quadcopter weighs 190 grams. 

This drone is small and safe enough to fly in a classroom, or you can fly it outdoors on a clear, calm day. The remote control is a straightforward design and offers an emergency stop button.

Other drone features: 

Holy Stone Mini Drone

This top-selling, remote-controlled drone for beginners. Costing under $45, it’s one of the most lightweight drone toys for kids weighing only 44 grams. It’s full of fun tricks and shortcuts kids want, whether outdoors or indoors.

This drone is a great introduction for kids who aren’t super tech-savvy. Another perk: when you let go of the remote control toggles in auto-mode, the drone stops moving and hovers. Before learning how to safely crash or land a drone, kids can use this feature to get used to the navigation. 

Other drone features:

Parrot Maclane Mini Drone

The Parrot indoor/outdoor mini drone has a sleek, robot-like head with an embedded camera and two headlights with adjustable flash. It’s shock-resistant, giving kids a smooth and fun experience for commanding tricks and flips during flight. 

While not a common option for the daily classroom, this nighttime drone gives summer camps or evening STEM programs a chance to inspire kids with drones in a whole new light. 

Other drone features: 

DJI Mini SE Drone

For older kids (13+), the DJI Mini SE is a more sophisticated drone with less of a “toy” feel. It’s one of the more costly drones and isn’t as durable as many other kids’ drones, but ideal for students who want to take on more responsibility and learning.

Weighing just under the FAA limit at 242 grams, this is a compact drone that functions similar to professional drones. It takes stunning videos and allows creative edit templates for kids or teens engaged in viewing or measuring projects. 

Other drone features:

Drones for Kids in the Classroom

Getting started with drones for kids in the classroom doesn’t have to be hard. Knowing which features you need is the first step to setting up an amazing drone learning experience for your students. If you’re ready to bring the magic of drones to your education program, contact Drone Legends. With a love of drones, we’re helping teachers just like you make legends every day.