It is no secret that children have curious minds and idle hands that need something to do. Metal detecting may be just the hobby they are looking for as it comes with an element of discovery. Kid’s metal detectors are educational, fun, and enables them to spend more time outside exploring.
Unfortunately with children, it can be hard to decipher what kind of metal detecting toy is right for their needs. Especially when there are so many options available in the market. Fortunately, we have done the hard part and curated a list of the finest metal detecting devices that parents from all over the world have raved about.
What To Consider When Buying
Children crave to know how the world works. They are so eager to know more about their surroundings and explore. During this exploration, they are bound to pick up a great many treasures that they will keep as souvenirs of a wonderful memory.
Metal detecting gives them a hobby that combines their love of exploration with the excitement that comes from finding something new. It can be a great investment that will get them up and moving outside so you don’t have to worry about them sitting around the house all day.
Some things to consider when looking into the right metal detecting toy for your child are:
- Child age
- Interest level
- Easy-to-understand learning curve
- Headphone option
- LCD displays
You must also ensure that the device is waterproof especially if you take your child to the beach or if you live near a lake. If you’re going to spend the money you want to make sure it won’t break within a few uses and waterproofing can help combat that.
Best Kids Metal Detectors
1. Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. Metal Detector
Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D is one of the simplest metal detecting devices available as it only consists of a meter and two buttons. The button on the right offers discrimination which enables your child to ignore unwanted or inferior metals. The button on the left not only helps turn the gadget on and off but also adjusts its sensitivity.
The device is versatile and can help kids locate smaller coin-sized objects that are buried 5 inches deep, or larger objects that are even deeper. And thanks to the device’s target ID categories, your child will be able to tell what type of treasure is buried beneath.
In addition to the convenient functionality, the TID Metal Detector is incredibly compact and lightweight. This means your child will be able to carry it around with them with ease. It’s also quite durable as well, which is helpful for rambunctious kids.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Incredibly lightweight
- A simple display that shows the target
Cons
- Comes with only a one-year warranty
- Only the search coil is water-resistant
All in all, the Junior TID is an excellent metal detecting device for your young detectorist. It’s easy to use, lightweight and quite convenient.
2. Bounty Hunter GOLD-PL Gold Digger Metal Detector
Bounty Hunter GOLD Digger : For anything that’s metal or shiny, this is just the detector that your little explorer will appreciate. Not only does it detect coins and iron relics, but it also detects precious metals such as gold and silver. Which means every find will be exciting.
The readings are easy to understand from the device’s control interface, which is also equipped with a speaker that lets the user know if they have found any precious metal hidden in the ground.
It even comes with a neat set of headphones which will make your kiddos feel even more like actual treasure hunters. These headphones are especially helpful in crowded areas so that your child can focus on their target instead of being distracted by the public.
Furthermore, this metal detector is lightweight and quite small for your child to carry around on the beach or in the streets as they look for their special treasures.
Pros
- It can be used to search for valuable metal and iron relics
- Can identify coin-sized objects inches deep
- Smart discrimination feature helps detect only metal objects
- Comes with headphones
Cons
- Not exactly as durable as other expensive models
- Doesn’t have a lot of other metal detecting options
The Gold Digger is simplistic and effective in its functions even though it falls a little short in other aspects.
3. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector
For the younger kids under the age of eight, this model is the right option for them. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it’s also incredibly easy to use. It even comes with an adjustable arm for kids of different heights.
It operates on one mode which is a beeping sound, easily letting your child know when they’re near a valuable piece of metal. Once your child gets closer to their target, the beeping will start getting faster to signal they are right on it!
Much like the other entries on our list, it’s discrimination mode prevents your child from detecting any unwanted metal or material. It is able to detect coin-sized objects that are 5 inches deep and larger objects that are 3 feet deep.
In terms of durability, the metal detector is made up of a material that is able to withstand any kind of fall and virtually any weather. Its compact size and lightweight body allow your child to carry it around without a struggle.
Pros
- Incredible searching depth
- Amazingly lightweight
- Extremely easy use for kids
Cons
- Comes with a limited one-year warranty
- Only the search coil is water-resistant
Made of an incredibly durable material and being lightweight is what makes this metal detector an easy buy for parents.
4. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
The Bounty Hunter TK4 : Although it isn’t as kid-friendly as the Junior T.I.D. – since it uses an analog control panel interface instead of a digital one – it comes with plenty of features. The control interface is quite simple with two knobs for discrimination and sensitivity, followed by a display feature for the strength of signals that’s quite easy for a child to get accustomed to.
There is still a bit of a learning curve that comes with the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. For instance, the sensitivity control helps your child optimize false signals with increased depth. And the discrimination button allows them to avoid worthless finds like iron and lead.
Pros
- Two-tone audio mode
- Discrimination and sensitivity adjustment
- Easy to use
- Commendable performance at an affordable rate
Cons
- No visual target ID
- Doesn’t include notch discrimination
What it lacks in quality and sometimes more sophisticated functionality, it makes up for in its simple design, great sensitivity, and affordable price tag.
5. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
The Fisher F22 : If you desire a professional metal detector for your older children that is both waterproof and affordable, then you can’t go wrong with the Fisher F-22 Waterproof Metal Detector. This one is especially suitable for young adults who are just opening up to treasure hunting.
For around 200 bucks, you can use it for virtually any of your metal detecting pursuits, this includes finding coins, relics as well as jewelry.
It has 10 adjustable sensitivity levels and can detect items that are buried 9 inches deep, given the proper conditions. It provides 2-digit numeric target identification, which can go from 1 to 99.
Despite its relatively steep learning curve and unimpressive waterproofing, the F-22 does come with plenty of features for discrimination and targeting, in addition to its relatively affordable price rate.
Pros
- Features 10 adjustable sensitivity levels
- Can detect items 9 inches deep
- Comes with two-digit numeric target identification
Cons
- Despite being advertised as waterproof, only the coil is waterproof.
- A fairly low operating frequency that won’t find smaller pieces of gold.
Final Thoughts
Metal detecting is a great hobby for children, although it can be hard to choose a proper device given that so many options exist. But rather than buying your child a toy metal detector which they will eventually grow tired of, it would be better to give them a “real” detector that appeals to their interests.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on any high-end metal detecting equipment, especially if you don’t know whether your child will enjoy this endeavor in the long run. The models that we have showcased are not only great in performance, but also quite durable so you can invest without breaking the bank.
