Treasure Hunting

Top 3 Best Metal Detector for Kids

When considering metal detectors for kids there are several things to bear in mind to make their experience not only an enjoyable and regarding one, but safe too.

It is very important to encourage children to learn. Instead of letting them play with their phones all day long, wouldn’t you rather them learn some interesting things? Better yet, wouldn’t you like for them to go out and find something valuable? There is a good way to do both: by giving your kids a metal detector.

You should understand that we are not talking about one of those toy metal detectors. Most of these cheap metal detectors for kids are completely useless and are not intended to actually locate anything. They function as entertainment devices that might be able to locate some coins in a leaf pile (if you’re lucky). Don’t waste your time with anything like that.

Of course, you should understand that you are trusting a child with a fairly expensive piece of equipment. If your child is not mature enough to be trusted to this degree, this idea might not be a good one for you.

If you are interested in this idea, it can probably be assumed that you have already instilled a certain level of discipline in your children. Without a little bit of foundational instruction, giving your child a metal detector may not end well. Still, this can be a great activity for children that can handle the responsibility.

Why Metal Detecting Is a Good Hobby for Kids

There are quite a few reasons why metal detecting can be a good hobby for kids. First of all, it gets the kids out of the house. The possibility of finding “buried treasure” is exactly the kind of thing that will motivate a child to get out in the woods and get some exercise.

Metal detecting usually involves a lot of walking if you expect to find anything. There is no doubt that walking is one of the healthiest activities known. It may not be a particularly strenuous form of exercise, but walking can do an awful lot to improve the health of a sedentary child. For an obese child, walking is sure to be difficult. Nevertheless, it is probably the easiest way to get them in shape.

Another good reason to give your child a metal detector is that it will encourage a natural fascination with technology and science. Kids are generally not interested in the drier and more exact aspects of science. The last thing that most of them want to do is stick their nose in a book. However, the practical side of science can be a lot of fun.

On top of all that, there is at least a small chance that your kids will find something good with their metal detector. It might be something rare and valuable that can be sold for a high price, or it may just be something interesting that starts a lot of conversations. Even if you find nothing of value whatsoever, the whole thing still makes for a great family outing. Either way, it’s great entertainment for all ages.

Metal Detectors For Kids

What Kinds of Metal Detectors Are Suitable for Kids?

If you want to get metal detectors for kids, you must first determine which kind of metal detector to buy. Finding the best metal detectors for kids can be difficult because most of your easiest options are bad options. As we already mentioned, don’t go with a metal detector that looks like a toy, or which is marketed as a toy. These are generally just diversions that won’t actually work with any real effectiveness.

You also want to avoid the cheapest versions, as cheap metal detectors for kids tend to be inferior in many ways. We will talk more about that later. What you want is to find a simple and reliable model that is reasonably priced, and which seems to be as durable as possible.

Why Budget Metal Detectors Aren’t Always the Best Choice

Let’s talk a little more about budget metal detectors. You may have seen these at a flea market or a department store, and they might seem like a tempting option. After all, the packaging will normally claim that these devices are just as good as the high-end models. Of course, this is a complete lie, and you are an idiot if you fall for this lie. You should know better than to believe everything you are told!

These budget metal detectors might seem like a great choice for a kid because they are so simple. However, this is probably the only requirement that will be met by this product. Simple does not always mean better. In this case, it will usually amount to a lack of features. You don’t want all the bells and whistles for a kid’s first metal detector, but there is one thing you truly need, and that is a discriminator control.

The discriminator control allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the detector. Some cheaper models will claim that their product does not require this adjustment, as if it will adjust itself. Once again, this is all hype. Without discriminator control, the detector will get all kinds of false positives, which will lead to a lot of disappointment.

You also want to avoid the cheapest versions, as cheap metal detectors for kids tend to be inferior in many ways. We will talk more about that later. What you want is to find a simple and reliable model that is reasonably priced, and which seems to be as durable as possible.

Things To Know Before Buying A Metal Detector For Kids:

Here are some factors you need to know when considering a metal detector for your child: 

  • Ease of Use

The best metal detectors for kids should always be easy to use. It should not have any complicated functions that would confuse them when using the device.

The weight should just be enough for the kids to carry. Kids cannot go around with something heavy on their arms or one that they cannot hold properly because they would lose interest and get tired quickly. They are also always running, so the device should be very light.

  • Display

The screen should also have an easy-to-understand display. Although the parents are always there to accompany their children, it is better if they can use the metal detector without anyone’s intervention.

  • Design

The design is also an essential factor. For adults, having a modern design is enough to capture their interest. For kids, though, they need something a bit more colorful. The design should also be good enough to win the interests of the children.

  • Price

As for the price, it would be best not to purchase anything too expensive. These metal detectors are amazing, but your children might not use them often or destroy them in the long run.

Comparison Chart

Best Metal Detector for Kids: Brief Reviews

RM Ricomax is fairly new in this industry, but it is known as one of the best manufacturers of metal detectors. Its creation, the RM Ricomax Metal Detector for Kids, is ideal for kids and beginners, but it can also be used by adults.

Product Highlights

The LCD display on this metal detector is very easy to understand. There is an LED light being emitted on the LCD screen that would allow you to use it comfortably in dark places. This product doesn’t need any assembling; you can just fold and unfold it anytime you want.

It also features a 20% larger coil, which would allow you to detect metals deeper into the ground. In addition, this detector has a 7.4-inch waterproof search coil so that you can use it on shallow bodies of water for treasure hunting. However, take note that the LCD display is not waterproof, so do not submerge it in water.

What’s to like about the Ricomax Metal Detector for Kids

Convenience is one of the best features of the RM Ricomax Metal Detector for Kids. You don’t need to assemble complicated parts, and you can use it straight out of the box.

What’s not to like about the Ricomax Metal Detector for Kids

The only concern we had with this metal detector is its weight. This weighs around four pounds, which might be quite heavy for kids to carry around for hours.

Pros:

✔ Durable

✔ Affordable

✔ Waterproof coil

✔ Made for all ages

Cons:

✘ A little bit heavy

The RM Ricomax GC-1003B Metal Detector is also one of the top products of RM Ricomax. It provides amazing features that you and your kids would love.

Product Highlights

The 7.4-inch search coil and the adjustable stem on this metal detector are both waterproof, so you can use them in shallow waters. The adjustable stem can be extended up to 35 inches, so it can be used by both adults and children.

It also has a clear detection feature wherein an arrow will appear on your screen if a metal object is found. The sound will get louder, and the signal will be stronger as you approach the target.

The design of the RM Ricomax GC-1003B Metal Detector is made with children in mind. How so? It also includes two sand shovels as well as a carry bag.

What’s to like about the Ricomax GC-1003B

This metal detector is extremely easy to use that even small children can operate it without any problems. It is also very lightweight, weighing only around two pounds, which means that even small children can carry it around all day.

What’s not to like about the Ricomax GC-1003B

There are instances wherein the metal detector will not function properly or won’t detect nearby metals. Although, this happens to most metal detectors, and it will depend on the mineralization of the soil.

 

Pros:

✔ Lightweight

✔ Easy to Use

✔ Durable

✔ Affordable

Cons:

Not meant for serious treasure hunting

This SUNPOW Metal Detector was included on the list as most of their products are catered to families. What does this metal detector offer that the others don’t?

Product Highlights

This metal detector only weighs around two pounds, so your children can easily carry it around with them. It also features a large eight-inch coil that will provide a larger search area.

This search coil can detect objects up to 6.5 inches deep. It is also waterproof, so it can be used in shallow waters. This device also has an audio prompt to tell you if you found a metal underground.

This metal detector has two modes. The “Disc” mode will eliminate the target objects that you don’t need, and the “All-Metal” mode would allow you to detect all the metals around you.

What’s to like about the  SUNPOW Metal Detector for Kids

The control interface of the SUNPOW Metal Detector for Kids is suitable for kids. All the knobs are very easy to understand, and the kids can make the adjustments themselves without any hassle.

What’s not to like about the SUNPOW Metal Detector for Kids

It’s great for children and adults, but it is not advisable for mineralized grounds. Your children would have a hard time operating it, so you will still need to learn how to use its functions properly.

 

Pros:

✔ Lightweight

✔ Perfect for kids

✔ Very accurate

✔ Affordable

Cons:

✘ Not accurate on mineralized grounds

Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for the best metal detectors for kids, it is not enough that you have a list of products to choose from. You should know what to look for in a metal detector to make sure that your children will have a great experience. Here is a simple guide to help you.

 

1. Weight

This is a very important factor when looking for a metal detector for kids because they don’t have the capability to carry heavy devices. This means that your metal detectors should not exceed three pounds. If it goes beyond that, they might have a hard time using the metal detector.

However, the weight will also depend on the age of your children. Metal detectors weighing four pounds or more can still be a good choice if they are around 10 years old and above.

2. Design

Children love cute designs. They don’t care about the features at all as they only care about the appearance of the metal detector. If you want your children to be interested in exploration and treasure hunting, the design of the metal detector must also fit the style of your kids.

There are metal detectors with kiddie designs, and there are also colorful ones available. Look for something that would capture your child’s interest.

3. Ease of Use

The best metal detectors for kids should always be easy to use. Children learn very quickly, but if the metal detector is too complicated, they won’t even play with it. The device should be easy to understand and, if possible, it should be fun to use.

There are some metal detectors that are made and designed specifically for children as the interface, or the control buttons are easy to understand. If you are going to buy a metal detector, check if the controls can be understood by your children and that they can operate it without any help from adults.

4. Price

You don’t need an expensive metal detector. You can find metal detectors for kids that are very affordable. Besides, they won’t be used for serious gold or treasure hunting. Instead, they are meant for leisure and fun activities.

5. Battery Life

Children don’t care much about battery life, or they do not completely understand how it works. They will just use the metal detectors and charge them once it stops working. However, your children won’t enjoy the device if the battery runs out pretty fast.

Look for a metal detector that won’t eat up too much power from the battery so that your child can enjoy exploring and playing with it longer.

6. Controls

You have to check the controls of the metal detectors and make sure that your kids won’t have a hard time operating the device. We all know that kids nowadays know how to use mobile phones and advanced gadgets, but you have to check if the control is user-friendly.

It is fine to look for metal detectors with knobs as it is easier to operate. If the metal detector has an LCD display, then you have to check if your kids can understand how to use it.

7. Screen

The screen is also important to check, and you have to guarantee that all of the controls in the metal detector can be seen on the screen. Kids will only care about visuals, so if a certain function is not present on the screen, they won’t know about it.

F.A.Q.

If you don’t know anything about metal detectors for kids, it is best to check out our short FAQs list. Here are the things that you have to know.

1. Are metal detectors safe for kids?

Yes, metal detectors are safe for kids as long as they are not too heavy. You just need to look for the best model, and don’t buy the ones that are meant for adults.

2. Is metal detecting profitable?

In a way, you might earn a fortune if you are lucky enough to find gold and other valuable items, but the chances of doing so are very low. If you want to make a fortune from metal detecting, then go for it. However, it won’t give you a stable income.

3. How deep do most metal detectors go?

If we are talking about the metal detectors for kids, they are very shallow. They can only reach about eight to 12 inches into the ground.

4. Where is it legal to metal detect?

If the kids are doing it, there is no problem doing metal detecting in parks. However, some parks prohibit metal detecting as it is usually accompanied by digging, especially when the metal detector found something. It is illegal to do it on private properties as well as federal and state lands.

5. What do metal detectors detect?

Metal detectors can detect almost all types of metal. If you are looking for coins, jewelry, or even more valuable stones, like gold, silver, and more, metal detectors can also locate them.

Final Verdict

In general, the best metal detectors for kids are the ones with a simple and robust design. A design like this will amount to less confusion and less chance of breakage. You also want a small and lightweight model that will suit the smaller size of a child. As long as you avoid the bargain-basement options, and follow these two rules, you should end up with a device that will captivate your children and provide hours of entertainment.

As a final note, we should say a few words about metal detecting safety. We would be doing a disservice to you, the reader, if we did not give you this list of safety tips:

  • Children under ten should never be left unattended with a metal detector
  • Children should be told to avoid all strangers when out metal detecting
  • Older children metal detecting in the woods should bring a knife or large dog for protection
  • Children should be educated about local wildlife and how to avoid dangerous creatures
  • Children must be advised never to trespass while metal detecting

Have fun out there, and we wish you and your family all the best.