Best Metal Detector for Kids by Age and Height (2026)
The best metal detector for kids is light enough to swing for an hour, short enough to fit your child’s height and simple enough that the beeps make sense on day one. This guide compares kids metal detectors by age, height, weight, waterproofing and price, and explains where kids can actually go detecting.
Last updated: October 31, 2026. By Chris, editor at Toy Hobbyist, who compares toys, tech and gifts for kids. We compared metal detectors using each brand’s published specs, shaft lengths, coil sizes and Amazon buyer feedback. Prices, stock and ratings were checked on Amazon (US) on October 31, 2026.
Quick answer: The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is the best metal detector for kids overall. It weighs 1.1 lb, extends to 27 inches and uses happy and sad face icons to tell treasure from junk, for $69.00. For a waterproof coil and pinpoint mode, get the National Geographic kids detector. For teens, get the Nokta FINDX Pro.
Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D.
A 1.1 lb kids metal detector that extends to 27 inches, with a 6 inch coil, three target categories and happy and sad face icons that tell coins from junk. Finds objects up to about 5 inches deep. Sold by its maker with a 1 year warranty.
| Best For | Kids ages 5 to 9, first detector |
| Price | $69.00 (Oct 31, 2026) |
| Discount | Sold and shipped by the maker |
| Promotion | Rated 4.2 by 10,734 buyers |
What is the best metal detector for kids in 2026?
The best metal detector for kids in 2026 is the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. ($69.00) for ages 5 to 9. The National Geographic detector is the best pick for ages 8 to 12, the RM RICOMAX suits the youngest kids, the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is the family pick and the Nokta FINDX Pro and Minelab GO-FIND 44 suit teens.
| Metal detector | Best for | Weight | Coil | Water | Price (Oct 31, 2026) | Amazon rating | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. | Best overall, ages 5 to 9 | 1.1 lb | 6 in | Not waterproof | $69.00 | 4.2 (10,734 ratings) | 4.6 / 5 |
| National Geographic Metal Detector for Kids | Best for ages 8 to 12, pinpoint mode | 1.4 lb | 7.4 in waterproof | Coil only | $64.99 | 4.4 (677 ratings) | 4.5 / 5 |
| Bounty Hunter Tracker IV | Best family detector, ages 10 and up | 2 lb | 8 in waterproof | Coil only | $71.00 | 4.4 (14,846 ratings) | 4.5 / 5 |
| RM RICOMAX Kids Metal Detector | Youngest kids, ages 4 to 7 | 2 lb | 7.4 in waterproof | Coil and stem | $59.99 | 4.4 (1,462 ratings) | 4.4 / 5 |
| Nokta FINDX Pro | Best for teens and the beach | 2.6 lb | 11 in waterproof | Fully submersible | $219.00 | 4.4 (529 ratings) | 4.4 / 5 |
| Minelab GO-FIND 44 | Teens who want a phone app | 2.3 lb | 10 in waterproof | Coil only | $149.99 | 4.3 (333 ratings) | 4.3 / 5 |
What size metal detector does my child need?
Your child needs a metal detector whose shortest shaft setting lets the coil rest just above the ground while their arm hangs relaxed. In practice that means a short kids detector under about 30 inches for ages 4 to 8, a kids model that extends to around 48 inches for ages 8 to 12 and an adult detector for teens.
Kids metal detector fit check (citable table): age labels on the box are a rough guide, so we lined up each detector’s listed length and weight by age group. Height matters more than age. If your child is tall for their age, move up one row.
| Age (rough height) | Detector length to look for | Max weight to swing comfortably | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 (about 40 to 46 in tall) | About 24 to 30 in | Under about 2 lb | RM RICOMAX Kids Metal Detector | 24 to 35 in stem, simple arrow display |
| 5 to 9 (about 43 to 52 in tall) | Up to about 27 to 30 in | Under about 1.5 lb | Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. | 1.1 lb, 27 in extended, face icons |
| 8 to 12 (about 50 to 60 in tall) | Adjustable up to about 48 in | Under about 2 lb | National Geographic Metal Detector for Kids | 1.4 lb, extends to 48 in, pinpoint |
| 10 and up, with a parent | Full-size adjustable shaft | About 2 lb | Bounty Hunter Tracker IV | Real 3-mode detector the whole family can share |
| 13 and up (teen) | Adult shaft, 25 to 52 in | 2 to 3 lb | Nokta FINDX Pro or Minelab GO-FIND 44 | Adult depth and waterproofing, still light |
How did we choose these metal detectors for kids?
We started with the best-selling and best-rated kids and beginner metal detectors on Amazon US and kept models with real target discrimination, an adjustable shaft and a light weight. We then compared length, weight, coil size, waterproofing, buyer feedback and price, and dropped toy detectors with few ratings.
We also looked at the Nokta Midi Hoard, a well-reviewed kids detector that metal detecting sites recommend for ages 8 to 12, but it was not sold on Amazon US when we checked, so it is not on this list. Prices, stock and ratings for every detector here were checked on Amazon (US) on October 31, 2026.
Which metal detector for kids should you buy?
Buy the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. for most kids ages 5 to 9. Pick the National Geographic detector for ages 8 to 12 and beach trips, the RM RICOMAX for preschoolers, the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV if parents will detect too, and the Nokta FINDX Pro or Minelab GO-FIND 44 for teens who want a real detector.
1. Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. (Best Overall)
The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is the kids detector we would point most parents to first. It weighs just 1.1 lb, so a young child can swing it for a whole afternoon, and the telescoping rod extends to 27 inches. Instead of numbers, the screen shows a happy face for coins and other good targets and a sad face for iron and junk.
It sorts targets into three categories, has a 6 inch coil and finds coin-size objects up to about 5 inches deep. Bounty Hunter is a long-running US detector brand, and this listing is sold and shipped by its maker, First Texas Products, with a 1 year warranty.
Buyers rate it 4.2 out of 5 from 10,734 ratings. They say it works well as a beginner tool for treasure hunting, that it is light and easy for children to use, and that it makes for good family time outdoors. One buyer notes it performs well down to about 4 inches.
The soft cons: accuracy gets mixed feedback, with some buyers finding plenty and others reporting trouble detecting, and the coil is not waterproof, so keep it out of the surf. At 27 inches extended, kids taller than about 4 ft 6 in will likely outgrow it.
- Only 1.1 lb, the lightest detector here
- Happy and sad face icons are easy for young kids
- 10,734 ratings, sold by the maker
- 27 inch extended length suits ages 5 to 9
- Coil is not waterproof
- Short reach for tall kids
2. National Geographic Metal Detector for Kids (Best for Ages 8 to 12)
The National Geographic Metal Detector for Kids is the pick for older kids and beach trips. It has a 7.4 inch waterproof dual coil, adjustable sensitivity, three detection modes and an LCD screen, and detects objects up to 6 inches deep. The telescoping arm extends to 48 inches, so it grows with a child.
What sets it apart from most kids detectors is a pinpoint function: once a beep finds a target, pinpoint mode narrows down exactly where to dig, which means smaller holes and less frustration. It weighs about 1.4 lb and comes with a trowel and a learning guide on the history of metal detecting. It is sold and shipped by Amazon.com.
Buyers rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 677 ratings. They say it is easy to use and hold and a great gift for young kids, and one calls it a good way to break into the hobby without breaking the bank.
The soft cons: build quality and accuracy get mixed feedback, and some buyers say it beeps nonstop until the sensitivity is turned down. Only the coil is waterproof, so keep the control box dry.
- Pinpoint mode for finding the exact spot to dig
- 7.4 inch waterproof coil for wet sand and streams
- Extends to 48 inches for ages 8 to 12
- Trowel and learning guide included
- Sold by Amazon.com
- Can beep constantly until sensitivity is lowered
3. Bounty Hunter Tracker IV (Best Family Detector)
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a full-size beginner detector that a 10 year old and a parent can share. It has an 8 inch waterproof coil, three modes (all metal, tone and discrimination) and simple analog knobs, and it weighs 2 lb. It is made in the USA with a five year limited warranty.
At $71.00 it costs about the same as the kids models but is a real adult detector, which makes it the one families keep using after the first summer. It is the #6 best seller in Metal Detectors on Amazon and is sold and shipped by Amazon.com.
Buyers rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 14,846 ratings, the most on this list. They call it a great beginner tool that is fun for the whole family at the beach or in parks, and good value, with one buyer saying it paid for itself on the first day.
The soft cons: accuracy gets mixed reviews, with some false readings, and there is no screen, so kids learn targets by tone instead of icons. It was down to 3 left in the base version when we checked.
- Most ratings on this list at 14,846
- 8 inch waterproof coil
- Three modes including discrimination
- Made in USA, five year limited warranty
- No screen, tones only
- Heavier and longer than kids models
4. RM RICOMAX Kids Metal Detector (Best for Young Kids)
The RM RICOMAX Kids Metal Detector is the easiest first detector for preschoolers and early grade schoolers. The stem adjusts from 24 to 35 inches, there is nothing to assemble, and one button turns it on. When it finds metal, an arrow and signal bars appear on the screen and the beep gets louder as you get closer.
It has a 7.4 inch coil, and both the coil and the stem are IP68 waterproof (the screen is not). It finds objects up to about 4 inches deep, weighs about 2 lb and comes in yellow, blue or green. RICOMAX lists a lifetime warranty.
Buyers rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 1,462 ratings. They find it fun and easy to use, especially for 5 year olds, like the included carrying bag and digging tools and say it works well for finding old metal in the backyard.
The soft cons: it is a simple detector with shallow depth, so older kids may get bored, and one buyer mentions finds at about 1.5 inches deep. It is also heavier than the Bounty Hunter Junior.
- 24 to 35 inch stem fits young kids
- Waterproof coil and stem
- Simple arrow display, one button
- Carrying bag and digging tools
- Shallow depth for older kids
- About 2 lb
5. Nokta FINDX Pro (Best for Teens)
The Nokta FINDX Pro is the detector to buy a teen who is serious about the hobby. It is a full adult detector, yet it weighs only 2.6 lb and the shaft adjusts from 25 to 52 inches, so a 13 year old can use it now and keep it for years. It has an 11 inch waterproof DD coil and four search programs.
The whole detector is IP68 waterproof and, per Nokta’s manual, can go underwater to 5 meters (16 ft), which makes it the best pick here for the beach and shallow water. It runs on a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts about 12 hours, so there are no AA batteries to buy.
Buyers rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 529 ratings. They call it an excellent entry-level detector that works well, is easy to use and is good value for money, especially for beginners.
The soft cons: at $219.00 it is the most expensive detector here, depth and build quality get mixed reviews, and one buyer points out that the headphones are not waterproof. It is sold by ValueGroupie and ships from Amazon, with 17 left when we checked.
- Fully waterproof to 16 ft per Nokta
- 25 to 52 inch shaft grows with a teen
- Rechargeable battery, about 12 hours
- 11 inch DD coil and four programs
- $219.00
- Headphones are not waterproof
6. Minelab GO-FIND 44 (Best With an App)
The Minelab GO-FIND 44 is a light, foldable beginner detector for teens who like tech. It weighs 2.3 lb, collapses to fit in a backpack, and has a 10 inch coil that is waterproof to 2 ft. Five Treasure View LEDs show red for trash and green for treasure, with pinpoint mode and three find modes.
It connects over Bluetooth to wireless headphones and to the free GO-FIND app, which shows detector info, helps identify common coins and logs finds on Google Maps. That turns each outing into a treasure map a teen can share. It is sold by Minelab and ships from Amazon.
Buyers rate it 4.3 out of 5 from 333 ratings. They say it works right out of the box, is easy to use and folds small enough to fit in a car.
The soft cons: it needs 4 AA batteries that are not included, only the coil is waterproof, and at $149.99 it costs more than double the kids models.
- Folds to fit in a backpack
- Bluetooth app logs finds on a map
- Pinpoint mode and 10 inch waterproof coil
- 2.3 lb
- AA batteries not included
- Only the coil is waterproof
Where can kids go metal detecting?
Kids can go metal detecting in their own backyard, on most public beaches, in many city parks and on private land with the owner’s permission. Metal detecting is not allowed in US national parks, and many state parks and some cities require a permit, so check the local rules before you go.
The easiest first hunt is your own yard or a grandparent’s yard, where kids often find old coins, keys and toys. Beaches are great after a busy weekend or a storm. Teach kids to fill every hole they dig and to carry out any trash they find, and pair detecting with other outdoor gifts from our best walkie talkies for kids guide for a full treasure hunt kit.
Is a metal detector a good gift for a kid?
Yes. A metal detector is a good gift for kids ages 5 to 14 who like being outside, collecting or treasure stories, because every outing has a real chance of finding something. Kids metal detectors cost about $60 to $70 on Amazon, which fits most Christmas and birthday budgets.
It pairs well with other collecting gifts, like the rocks and gems in our best crystals for kids guide. For more ideas by age, see our best gifts for kids list, and if you are planning a budget, our guide to Christmas spending per child shows what families typically spend.
What should you buy with a kids metal detector?
You should buy a small digging trowel, a pouch for finds and spare batteries with a kids metal detector. A pinpointer helps older kids find small targets in the hole, and headphones keep the beeping from bothering others at the beach. Check what is in the box first, since some kits include a trowel.
The National Geographic detector includes a trowel, and the RM RICOMAX includes a carrying bag and digging tools. For the Bounty Hunter Junior and Tracker IV, add a plastic trowel and a sand scoop for the beach. If your child likes gadgets that work outdoors, our best RC car for 10 year old guide has more ideas.
FAQ
What is the best metal detector for kids?
The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. is the best metal detector for kids. It weighs 1.1 lb, extends to 27 inches, uses happy and sad face icons to separate coins from junk and costs $69.00. It is rated 4.2 out of 5 by 10,734 Amazon buyers. For ages 8 to 12, the National Geographic detector adds pinpoint mode.
What age is a metal detector good for?
Most kids can start metal detecting at about age 5 with a light, short detector like the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. or RM RICOMAX. Ages 8 to 12 do best with an adjustable kids detector that reaches about 48 inches, and teens can use a light adult detector like the Nokta FINDX Pro.
How deep do kids metal detectors go?
Kids metal detectors usually find coin-size objects about 4 to 6 inches deep. The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. lists up to 5 inches, the National Geographic detector up to 6 inches and the RM RICOMAX up to about 4 inches. Larger objects can be found deeper, and wet or mineral-rich soil reduces depth.
Can kids use a metal detector at the beach?
Yes, kids can use a metal detector on most public beaches, but pick one with a waterproof coil, such as the National Geographic, RM RICOMAX or Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. Keep the control box dry. For wading or shallow water, the Nokta FINDX Pro is fully waterproof to 16 ft per Nokta.
How much does a good kids metal detector cost?
A good kids metal detector costs about $60 to $70 on Amazon in October 2026. The RM RICOMAX is $59.99, the National Geographic detector $64.99 and the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. $69.00. Teen detectors cost more, at $149.99 for the Minelab GO-FIND 44 and $219.00 for the Nokta FINDX Pro.
