10 Best Metal Detector For Kid 2026 in the United States

The National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit is a solid choice for kids interested in treasure hunting. Weighing just 1.2 pounds, it's lightweight enough for children to carry around without tiring easily, making it perfect for long days of outdoor fun. The adjustable shaft allows for a comfortable fit, ensuring that kids of different heights can use it without issue. Its waterproof 7.4" dual coil is an excellent feature, enabling use at the beach or near shallow water. The detection depth of up to 4 inches is decent for young explorers, allowing them to uncover various hidden treasures.

One of its standout features is the ease of use. Kids can simply turn it on and start searching, with LED and audio alerts to indicate when they’ve found something. This simplicity encourages independence and excitement in the treasure-hunting process. Additionally, the included heavy-duty trowel and learning guide enrich the experience, teaching kids about metal detecting and making digging up finds easier.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The detection depth might be limited for more serious treasure hunters, as advanced models can reach deeper targets. Also, while the kit is designed for kids, its construction may not withstand rough handling over extended periods, so supervision might be needed during more adventurous outings.

The GoGonova Metal Detector is a solid choice for kids aged 8-12 and adults wanting to explore metal detecting together. It features an adjustable shaft ranging from about 39 to 51 inches, making it easy to customize for different heights, which is great for comfort during long hunts. At roughly 5 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side compared to some kids’ models but still manageable for most juniors. The detector includes two main modes: All Metal for detecting all types of metal and Discrimination mode, which helps filter out unwanted metals, making it easier for young users to focus on specific treasures. The 8-inch search coil offers a decent detection depth of around 8 inches underground, enough for typical backyard or beach exploration.

One highlight is the IP68-rated waterproof coil, allowing use underwater in shallow areas like streams or sandy beaches, though the control box itself isn’t waterproof, so caution is needed around water. The large, backlit LCD screen simplifies reading results, making it user-friendly for beginners. Included accessories like a carry bag, shovel, and earphones add value, but note the shovel is suited for soft soil and sand, not hard ground.

Durability seems reasonable with metal materials and waterproof coil, but the control box’s lack of waterproofing limits rough use in wet conditions. This detector balances ease of use, adjustability, and useful detection features well for kids starting out, especially families wanting shared outdoor fun, although younger kids might find the weight slightly challenging and users should be mindful around water with the electronics.

The SUNPOW Metal Detector MD13 is a solid choice for kids and families interested in treasure hunting. Weighing only 1.4 pounds, it’s light enough for children to carry comfortably during outdoor adventures. Its adjustable shaft allows users of varying heights—both kids and adults—to find a comfortable fit, making it versatile for family use. The detector offers four detection modes, including pinpoint and memory modes, which help users identify and locate metals with better accuracy and avoid unwanted targets, adding to its ease of use. The big LCD screen is easy to read even in dim light, which is helpful for beginners still learning to interpret the signals.

The 8-inch waterproof coil expands the places you can explore, such as shallow streams or damp soil, which is a fun feature if you want to try water-based treasure hunting. The device is designed with stability and interference resistance, so it should give reliable results even in tricky environments. Durability-wise, it’s made from sturdy plastic and comes with accessories like a digging shovel and headphones, enhancing the overall experience.

While the detector has good features, it may not reach the deepest detection depths compared to professional models, which means very deep or small targets might be missed. It requires batteries, so you need to keep extras handy for longer sessions. Its simplicity and price point make it less suited for serious adult hobbyists but ideal for beginners and kids just starting out. This metal detector balances user-friendly features and decent performance, offering a fun and accessible way for kids and families to explore metal detecting without overwhelming complexity.