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10 Best Metal Detector For Kids 6 And Up 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, GoGonova Kids Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy Lightweight 8" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Junior & Youth Gold Detector

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,365
Weight
Ease of Use
Adjustable Shaft

Most important from
207 reviews

Weight
The adjustable shaft and lightweight design make it suitable and comfortable for young treasure hunters.
Ease of Use
The metal detector is impressively user-friendly for beginners while still capable of detecting deeper treasures.
Adjustable Shaft
The adjustable shaft and lightweight design make it suitable and comfortable for young treasure hunters.
Detection Depth
The metal detector is impressively user-friendly for beginners while still capable of detecting deeper treasures.
Durability
The waterproof search coil is great for use on beaches and in shallow water, expanding exploration options.

The GoGonova Kids Metal Detector is a solid choice for children around 8 years old and up, as well as beginners of any age. It’s lightweight enough for kids to handle comfortably, weighing about 5 pounds, and features an adjustable shaft that extends from about 39 to 51 inches, which means it can grow with your child for comfortable use. The detector offers two modes: 'All Metal' which detects any metal nearby, and 'Disc Mode' that helps filter out unwanted metals, making treasure hunting more focused and fun for young users.

With an 8-inch waterproof search coil, it can detect metal objects up to about 8 inches underground and is suitable for outdoor use, including beaches and shallow water (though the control box itself isn’t waterproof). The large LCD screen with backlight is designed to be easy to read, even in dim conditions, which is great for kids exploring in varied environments. Battery life is decent since it includes two 9V batteries, and extra features like anti-noise earphones and a small shovel add to the treasure-hunting experience. However, the shovel is only good for soft soil or sand, not for hard or rocky ground.

The detector’s plastic build and IP68 rating for the coil suggest reasonable durability for typical outdoor use, but care should be taken to avoid damaging the control box with water exposure. It scores well for accuracy and user-friendly design, though indoor use is not recommended due to interference, and very young kids under 6 might find the size and setup a bit challenging. This makes it a practical and fun tool for kids getting started with metal detecting, offering good value and features that encourage outdoor adventure and learning.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,365
Weight
Ease of Use
Adjustable Shaft

Most important from
207 reviews

Weight
The adjustable shaft and lightweight design make it suitable and comfortable for young treasure hunters.
Ease of Use
The metal detector is impressively user-friendly for beginners while still capable of detecting deeper treasures.
Adjustable Shaft
The adjustable shaft and lightweight design make it suitable and comfortable for young treasure hunters.
Detection Depth
The metal detector is impressively user-friendly for beginners while still capable of detecting deeper treasures.
Durability
The waterproof search coil is great for use on beaches and in shallow water, expanding exploration options.
#2

OMMO Metal Detector, Adjustable 27.5”-37.8” Metal Detector for Kids with Intuitive LCD Display, Lightweight Kids Metal Detectors with 6” Search Coil for Exploration Hiking

Rating
9.8
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use
Weight

Most important from
1996 reviews

Adjustable Shaft
The metal detector is perfectly sized and adjustable, fitting kids from ages 3 to 12 and even taller preteens comfortably.
Ease of Use
The lightweight design and straightforward controls allow kids as young as five to operate it easily and enjoyably.
Weight
The lightweight design and straightforward controls allow kids as young as five to operate it easily and enjoyably.
Detection Depth
It delivers accurate and reliable metal detection, making every treasure hunt exciting and rewarding for young explorers.
Discrimination
The detector’s beeping system intuitively guides users to the exact location of metal objects with varying beep speeds.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, and the device works well even in wet conditions, expanding where kids can explore.
Durability
While made from sturdy ABS plastic, the detector should be handled with care to avoid damage during rough play.

The OMMO Metal Detector is a lightweight and kid-friendly option designed for children aged 3 to 12, making it well suited for young beginners in metal detecting. Weighing just about 1.24 pounds, it’s easy for kids to hold and carry during outdoor adventures. The adjustable shaft can be set from 27.5 to 37.8 inches, which means it can comfortably fit kids of different heights as they grow. It features a fun puppy-themed LCD display that adds a playful touch, helping keep kids engaged.

The detector can sense metal objects up to about 4 inches deep, which is decent for casual treasure hunting like finding coins or small items. It does not have advanced discrimination features to separate different metal types, so it may beep for any metal detected without distinguishing between junk and valuable items. The device runs on a 9V battery included in the package. Durability-wise, it’s made from ABS plastic, a common child-safe material that's reasonably sturdy but may not withstand rough treatment or extreme conditions.

The kit also includes kid-friendly tools like a plastic shovel and rake, encouraging hands-on exploration. While it’s not a professional detector, this model balances ease of use, portability, and fun for kids just getting started, making it a good choice for family outings and casual treasure hunts.

Rating
9.8
Adjustable Shaft
Ease of Use
Weight

Most important from
1996 reviews

Adjustable Shaft
The metal detector is perfectly sized and adjustable, fitting kids from ages 3 to 12 and even taller preteens comfortably.
Ease of Use
The lightweight design and straightforward controls allow kids as young as five to operate it easily and enjoyably.
Weight
The lightweight design and straightforward controls allow kids as young as five to operate it easily and enjoyably.
Detection Depth
It delivers accurate and reliable metal detection, making every treasure hunt exciting and rewarding for young explorers.
Discrimination
The detector’s beeping system intuitively guides users to the exact location of metal objects with varying beep speeds.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, and the device works well even in wet conditions, expanding where kids can explore.
Durability
While made from sturdy ABS plastic, the detector should be handled with care to avoid damage during rough play.
#3

National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit for Kids - Kids Metal Detector with 7.4" Waterproof Coil & Trowel, Lightweight Gold Detector, Beach Detecting, Gift for Boys & Girls

Rating
9.6
Weight
Ease of Use
Adjustable Shaft

Most important from
724 reviews

Weight
Comfortable handle and lightweight design make it ideal for small kids.
Ease of Use
Accurate product description and easy battery replacement add to its convenience.
Adjustable Shaft
Built well and long enough for taller children, ensuring hours of fun without tiring their arms.

The National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit for Kids is a lightweight (1.2 pounds) and user-friendly device, making it ideal for young treasure hunters. Its adjustable shaft ensures a comfortable fit for different arm lengths, and the grip design allows children to use it for extended periods without discomfort.

The 7.4-inch waterproof coil permits exploration in shallow water, potentially adding to the fun of beach days. Its detection depth of up to 4 inches is suitable for casual treasure hunting. The simplicity of operation, with LED and audio alerts, makes it accessible even for young kids, encouraging independence and excitement in their treasure hunts.

Additionally, the included trowel and learning guide add educational value, teaching kids about metal detecting history and techniques. The company's commitment to high-quality educational toys and excellent customer service offers some reassurance. This metal detector kit is best suited for young beginners curious about treasure hunting, especially those who enjoy spending time outdoors at the beach or in the yard.

Rating
9.6
Weight
Ease of Use
Adjustable Shaft

Most important from
724 reviews

Weight
Comfortable handle and lightweight design make it ideal for small kids.
Ease of Use
Accurate product description and easy battery replacement add to its convenience.
Adjustable Shaft
Built well and long enough for taller children, ensuring hours of fun without tiring their arms.

Buying Guide for the Best Metal Detector For Kids 6 And Up

Choosing a metal detector for kids can be a fun and educational experience. It's important to find a model that is easy to use, lightweight, and safe for children. Additionally, the metal detector should be effective enough to keep them engaged and excited about their discoveries. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a metal detector for kids aged 6 and up.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the metal detector is. This is important because a heavy metal detector can be difficult for a child to handle and may cause fatigue quickly. Lightweight models are generally easier for kids to use and carry around. Look for metal detectors that weigh less than 2 pounds for younger children, and up to 3 pounds for older kids who can manage a bit more weight.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple the metal detector is to operate. This is crucial for kids, as overly complex devices can be frustrating and discouraging. Metal detectors with straightforward controls, clear displays, and simple settings are ideal. Models with one-touch operation or minimal buttons are perfect for younger children, while older kids might enjoy models with a few more features to explore.
Adjustable ShaftAn adjustable shaft allows the length of the metal detector to be changed to fit the height of the user. This is important for comfort and effective use. Metal detectors with adjustable shafts can grow with your child, making them a more versatile and long-lasting choice. Look for models that can be adjusted to a range of heights to accommodate different ages and sizes.
Detection DepthDetection depth refers to how deep the metal detector can sense objects underground. This is important for finding a variety of items and keeping the activity exciting. For kids, a detection depth of up to 6 inches is usually sufficient. Younger children might be happy with shallower depths, while older kids might enjoy the challenge of finding objects buried deeper.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the ability of the metal detector to differentiate between different types of metals. This is important to avoid digging up unwanted items like nails or bottle caps. Basic discrimination settings are usually enough for kids, helping them focus on finding more interesting objects like coins or jewelry. Look for models with simple discrimination features that can be easily adjusted.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the metal detector can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is important for uninterrupted play and exploration. Metal detectors with longer battery life are more convenient and reduce the need for frequent battery changes. Aim for models that offer at least 10 hours of use on a single charge or set of batteries.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the metal detector can withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions. This is important because kids can be tough on their toys and equipment. Look for metal detectors made from sturdy materials that can handle drops and bumps. Waterproof models are also a good choice for added protection and versatility in different environments.

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