Our grandkids love flashlights. Leave one lying around and it’s sure to show up in a child’s hands. They love using flashlights or headlamps to go on grand adventures, both real and imagined. So with 6 young boys on our hands, we go through a lot of kids flashlights and kids headlamps, and pretty much a lot of other stuff. We are always on the search for the best kids flashlight.
As you know, kids have an amazing knack for losing and breaking stuff. So when it comes to hiking and camping, we are looking for the trifecta! That means we want cheaper children’s headlamps and flashlights that are also durable and of good quality. You also want a lot of color choices – right? Then everyone can have their own flashlight with no fighting. (Yes, you just heard a big sigh!)
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Here are some things we’ve learned in the process and several excellent choices for children’s flashlights.
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Choosing your Kids Flashlight and Headlamp
Choosing the best headlamp for kids is not an easy process. If you’re looking for cool flashlights for kids, there are several features to consider; weight, durability, waterproof, power sources, burn time, cost price, lumens, beam distance, red lights and more. Right after this list of our top choices for the best flashlights for kids, you’ll find the details on several important features to look for when shopping.
Best Kids Flashlight
Dorcy 55 lumen Floating Waterproof LED – Floating Flashlight
EverBrite 9-LED Flashlight – Lightest Torch
Your children can use them to tell ghost stories around the campfire, for reading in bed, evening walks on the beach, or for scavenger hunts in the dark. At just 12 cm in length, this kid’s flashlight is pocket-friendly too! I personally carry one of these in my purse because of its super small size. And I once found a little boy hiding in the closet hugging this perfectly sized flashlight that he quietly borrowed for exploring. You can also get the EverBrite in an 18 pack that would be perfect for a campout party!
LUX PRO LP395 Gels Glow-in-the-Dark LED Flashlight – No more lost kid’s flashlights
EverBrite Kids Flashlight, Mini LED Torch – Easy to Grip
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Flash Firefly Bug Flashlight – No battery drain
Sunny Patch Flash Firefly Bug Flashlight is Designed by Melissa & Doug, known for their high-quality children’s toys, so you are certain to have a fun flashlight that will survive your next trip! The only thing you won’t like is the weight on this little joy coming in at 3/4 of a pound. It will be great for a camping trip but not so much fun to carry home on a long hike.
VTech Spin & Learn Color Flashlight – The perfect toddler flashlight
Mini LED Flashlight Pack of 4 Camping Flashlights
Sun Company Lifelight Animal Carabiner Flashlight
Best Kids Headlamp Descriptions
Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight – Economical Rechargeable Battery
Energizer LED Headlamp for Kids – Durable and Bright
PETZL TIKKID – Best Quality For Busy Kids
The PETZL TIKKID has a great hybrid design that works with AAA batteries but can be replaced by the CORE rechargeable battery. It’s the best headlight for kids as the phosphorescent reflector helps you keep an eye on them when they’re looking for critters at the edges of the campsite or out in the back garden in the dark.
COB LED Headlamp Flashlight – Ultra LightWeight and a Super Deal
At just 1.35 oz, your kids won’t even feel it on their heads. Plus, at under $20 for a set of 4, you won’t mind too much if your kid uses this headlamp for target practice or as a weapon (not that it ever happens that way, lol!).
Dinobryte LED T-Rex Dinosaur Headlamp – For the Truly Adventurous Child
The kids’ dinosaur headlamp is IPX4 waterproof and there’s a protective lens over the headlamp that prevents breaking. Kids just love them, be it for camping, playing fort, hiking, reading, exploring or as a night light. Better make sure you’re okay with the noise before buying it because it has a mighty roar!
More Animals in the Zoo! Here are a couple more fun headlamps that kids will love:
Best Kids Camping Lanterns
Vont 4 Pack Camping Lantern Flashlights – Nearly Indestructible
No matter what children’s flashlight you give your kids, potty runs might prove to be a problem. That’s when a headlamp or a lantern comes in more handy for outdoor use. Cue the Vont Camping Lanterns! Having your hands free to reach for that tissue roll does make a difference!
These collapsible flashlights are made from a waterproof metal alloy and are water and weather-resistant. The 146-lumen fantastic flashlight can be opened more or less depending on the amount of light you need. They weigh 5.3 oz and are sturdy and durable. At $14.99 for a set of 2, they are perfect for adults too!
Wakeman 3 in 1 Lamp – The perfect toddler flashlight
Features to Look For in Children’s Flashlights and Headlamps
Here are a few things to consider before you select a flashlight or headlamp for your child if you want it to last and for them to enjoy it.
Durability
A flashlight for kids needs to be durable enough to withstand being dropped or bumped around. Look for a flashlight that is made from tough, impact-resistant materials.
Brightness
A flashlight for children should be bright enough to light up the area around them, but not so bright that it will hurt their eyes. Look for a flashlight with adjustable brightness settings.
Size
A child’s flashlight should be small enough to fit comfortably in their hands, but not so small that it will be easily lost. We’ve included several flashlights and headlamps that are perfectly sized for toddlers. And you’ll see in our list several that will carry a hiker all the way into adulthood.
Battery life
The best flashlights have a long battery life, ideal for kids, as they may not remember to turn it off. For toddlers, you want a battery case that they can’t open, usually requiring a screwdriver to get to the battery compartment, so they don’t swallow one.
Weight
Kid’s flashlights should not be too heavy, as this can make it difficult for them to carry around.
Safety
A flashlight for kids should have safety features such as a soft, rubbery coating to prevent it from slipping out of their hands, and an automatic shut-off feature to prevent them from accidentally leaving it on and draining the batteries.
Clips or Hooks
Really great kids flashlights will have a clip or hook to hang it from their belt or backpack. That will help you keep from tracking it down all the time!
A Few Last Thoughts about the Best Flashlights and Headlamps for Kids
While you are out, don’t forget to take care of your furry children too! Check out this list of the Best Lighted Collars for your Dog.
And check out our reviews of the Best Hiking Headlamps for adults too! We also have a complete guide to selecting the Best Hiking Flashlights with some really cool rechargeable torches that you’ll love for yourself!
So that’s our list of the best headlamps and kids flashlights that your kids and grandkids will love. With so many options, it can be hard to know which headlamp or flashlight is best for your child. If you’re looking for a gift idea that’s sure to please any little adventurer in your life, look no further than our list of kid-friendly lights. We’ve got something great for every kind of outdoorsy child – from those who are always camping and hiking to kids who love playing with flashlights at home! So whether they want to light up the trail or keep their flashlight handy for nighttime reading, we’ve found them the perfect match.
This article was originally published on September 19, 2019. We updated it on June 22, 2021, to provide the most current information.