GoPros and other action cameras are particularly hot these days because they allow you to capture high-quality point-of-view video (POV video) with a compact, rugged, waterproof, mountable video camera. Getting your child their own little video camera can encourage creativity and an interest in technology. But many action cameras aren’t cheap so if your child wants an action camera you might be hesitant to drop several hundred dollars on the best GoPro on the market. Luckily there are now some affordable and easy to operate action cameras for kids that fit the bill.
Here are some of the best action cameras for kids:
Spy Go Action Camera
This action camera for kids comes with a head strap mount, a clip mount (for attaching to bike handlebars, scooters, skateboards, or just about anything else), and more. It’s marketed as “spy gear for kids” but this action camera can be used for a variety of uses. The Spy Go Action Camera runs off a rechargeable battery (included) and can record up to 15 minutes of standard definition video or up to 1500 still photos (no memory card required). It has three different simple modes: video with sound, still, and burst mode which captures a flurry of high-speed photos to capture fast action. Note that this model doesn’t have a screen and you’ll need to sync it with your computer to view the footage your child records. Recommended for age 6 and up.
VTech Kidizoom Action Cam
Here’s an action camera for the active outdoorsy kid in your life. It comes with a waterproof case that can be brought in swimming pools, ponds, lakes, or the ocean up to 6 feet deep and also comes with a variety of mounts for attaching the camera to bikes and other things. It comes with two mounts to attach to bikes, skateboards, and other items. Another handy feature of this action camera is its hand strap which makes it harder to lose while on the go. This model has a 1.4 inch LCD screen on the rear which allows you to preview shots or review footage and still photos. The fun photo effects mode allows your child to add decorations to the photos they take. You’ll need a microSD card (sold separately) but once you’ve got that it records up to 240 minutes of standard definition video with sound or 278,000 photos. This action camera for kids features a rechargeable battery and also a USB cable to connect to your computer and offload footage or photos.
Recommended Age: 4 and up
Available Colors: Camouflage, Purple, Yellow
PROGRACE Waterproof Kids Action Camera
This is a great option if you want a GoPro for kids. PROGRACE makes this action camera with young hands in mind. With easy to push buttons, this durable camera comes with a waterproof case to make it adventure safe and protected up to 90 feet underwater. If your child wants to film their own action videos, they will appreciate the included mounting kit.
The built-in rechargeable battery allows for 90 minutes of video recording time. If you purchase a separate 32 GB MicroSD card, you can store up to 480 minutes of video. With the wide-angle lens and 2 inch LCD screen, your kid will be able to make amazing videos.
Recommended Age: 4 to 12 years old
Photo Resolution: 5MP
Video Resolution: 1080p
Available Colors: Blue, Pink, Green Camo, Red, Yellow
Ourlife Kids Waterproof Camera
The Ourlife camera is perfect for kids on the go who want to express themselves artistically through video or photos. Whether they dream of being a Youtuber or just documenting their life, this camera has all the features a child needs in an action camera. This waterproof camera has all the standard features, including a bike/helmet mount, 1.77″ LCD screen, and a built-in rechargeable battery. With 1.5 hours ofcontinuous recording time, your child can take videos or photos. It has built in filters including 7 colors for video and 6 graphic frames for still photos.
This camera supports micro SD cards up to 32GB and even comes with an 8GB memory card to start with. This is great for kids and pre-teens as a starter action camera that the whole family can enjoy.
Recommended Age: 4 to 12 years old
Available Colors: Blue, Navy, Pink
Image Specs: HD 720p video, 5.0 MP photo
VTech Kidizoom DUO Camera
If you’re looking for more of a handheld camera or video camera for kids, the VTech Kidizoom Duo camera might fit the bill perfectly. It has both a front and a rear camera (for taking selfies) and a 2.4-inch color screen on the reverse. With both a photo and a video mode, the Kidizoom Duo also has a 4x built-in zoom, a flash, and even 5 built-in games that your child can play on the rear screen. Takes videos in standard definition and offers fun color effects that can be used in both photo and video modes. Although this model has 256 mb of internal built-in memory, we’d recommend adding a microSD card (sold separately) so you’re not constantly stuck plugging it into your computer to offload footage and photos to make space for new ones. Also includes a digital voice recorder mode a speaker for reviewing footage or voice recordings.
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Available Colors: Pink, Blue, Camouflage
Other Notes & Factors to Consider
When you’re shopping for a waterproof or sports camera for your children, you’ll want to keep the following points in mind:
Age suitability – All the action cameras in this list are specifically designed as action cameras for kids so if you’re buying an action camera for a teenager you might want to choose a more advanced model like a cheap action camera under $100.
Whether the camera takes SD cards or has built-in memory – There are advantages to both, but some parents may find memory cards too easy to lose in which case they might opt for a model that uses built-in memory (like the first or last items on this list). On the other hand, those models store much less video and fewer photos than the models that use removable microSD cards, sold separately. All in all, we’d recommend considering using an action camera with removable memory cards.
The form factor of the camera – Some of these action cameras for kids are shaped like GoPros and others have a more traditional point and shoot camera design to them. Whether or not your child is likely to want to mount their camera to something like a bike will help you decide which form factor will work better.
Related:
Fitness Trackers for Kids
Science & Weather Gift Ideas for Kids & Aspiring Meteorologists
Art Gifts for Kids & Aspiring Artists
Gift Ideas for Aspiring Young Writers
Space and astronomy gifts for kids