It’s no secret that kids love waving flashlights around. Everything becomes a thrilling adventure. How many of your flashlights have your kids broken or lost? It’s safe to say probably a lot. If your kids are anything like mine, they break everything they touch, so it’s important to have a toy as tough as they are.
Have no fear, we’ve researched several top brands and compiled a list of flashlights that will stand up to kid play. Read on to find the most durable and kid-friendly options. We’re confident you’ll find your child’s next flashlight on this list.
Best Flashlights for Kids
Lumenshooter Multicolored Tactical Flashlight
The LUMENSHOOTER Multi-Color Tactical Flashlight is definitely a winner with the option to color change the light color to either red, blue, green, or white. With the click of a button, your child can cycle through them and see the world in crazy colors.
Something else we liked about this flashlight is with a twist of the top, the beam will change between a broad and sweeping light to becoming narrow and focused. This tactical flashlight mimics Dad’s flashlight in looks but has the characteristics that any child would love.
Features and Benefits:
- Bright and vivid colors to switch between
- Light memory will keep the flashlight on the desired color every time you turn it on
- Equipped with belt clip to keep it attached at all times so it doesn’t get set down and lost
- Zoom in the light to concentrate the beam on one small spot
MECO Hand Cranking Rechargeable Flashlight
The MECO is a hand crank flashlight and ideal for those who don’t want to mess around with batteries. This is a perfect option for clipping onto your camping pack or for use in the tent.
Kids will love cranking the handle and watching the light get brighter. The great thing is that with a hand crank, you will never have to change the battery, it will always just work. Throw one of these in your child’s backpack or in your purse for emergencies.
One thing to keep in mind, the description states 1 minute of cranking equals 1 hour of light but reviewers pointed out that it was closer to 6 minutes of cranking for 1 hour of light.
Features and Benefits:
- Built-in rechargeable battery will store the cranking energy and illuminate for a long time
- Built-in durable carabiner clip will attach onto bags or belt loops
- Durable smooth design will withstand being tossed around by kids
Best Kids Camping Flashlights
While the Wakeman 3 in 1 LED Lantern works as a flashlight, lantern, or side panel light with 8 bright LED lights, the Dorcy Waterproof LED Flashlight works only as a flashlight but is waterproof which is convenient for camping.
Wakeman 3 in 1 LED Lantern
The Wakeman 3 in 1 LED Lantern would be a great addition to any camping trip or even for use if the power goes out. With its 3 lighting features including a flashlight, a side panel light, and a lantern light, its functionality is endless.
An easy three-way on/off button is located right on the handle for easy switching between the different modes. Its fun colors and smaller size make this more appealing for kids than a big, heavy full-sized lantern.
This requires 3 AAA batteries that are not included
Features and Benefits:
- The 3 light modes cover any lighting need your child may have
- Big, easy carry handle for little hands
- Multifunctional, use while playing or camping as well as for emergencies
- 8 LED lights will illuminate anything around you
Dorcy Waterproof Flashlight
The Dorcy Flashlight is great for the outdoors. If your kiddos enjoy camping, don’t forget this flashlight with its durable exterior it can stand up to rough kid play and outdoor adventures.
It’s waterproof and can even handle being dropped in the water so go ahead and take it fishing. The rubber grips make it easy for smaller hands to hold on to.
This requires 3 AAs that are included.
Features and Benefits:
- Rugged design and a rubber grip that can withstand being dropped
- Weatherproof and waterproof, can be left out in the rain
- 4 bulbs with 55 lumens of light are plenty for any activity
- Built-in carabiner for attaching to belt or bags
Coolest Flashlights for Kids
LED Gloves For Kids
These LED Light up Gloves will be the life of the party. They will fit your child ages 5-9. Slip them on and impress all your friends.
With a record of 6 different light modes (all color flashing, all color slow flashing, all color on, red and orange flashing, blue and white flashing, and green flashing), these will definitely be a favorite. The 5 led lights are embedded into the fabric, so you don’t lose any flexibility to move your hand naturally.
Features and Benefits:
- 6 light modes are great for any occasion or holiday
- Breathable cotton/polyester blend that will keep hands warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather
- Comes included with spare batteries so you don’t have to use your own
- Use as you would any normal gloves with the lights on or off
Trident LED Light Stick Dive Light-Blue
The Trident LED Light Stick is a fun one because it mimics the look of a mini lightsaber. Kids will have a great time waving this through the air in the dark to make light streaks for hours of fun.
This is a dive light which means it’s waterproof so it can safely be played with in the bathtub.
The Trident comes in one color only (aqua blue). Batteries come included and it will shine for over 50,000 hours.
Features and Benefits:
- High intensity led wand will illuminate an area or object around you
- Waterproof up to 100 meters makes this ideal for swimming pools and bathtubs
- Batteries included means you don’t have to raid your own battery stash
- Long bulb life of 50,000 hours, your child can leave this out in the rain for days and it will still work
Best Projector Flashlight for Kids
B. Toys Children’s Projector Flashlight
This Children’s Projector Flashlight is a fun and unique projector flashlight that comes equipped with 2 photo reels ready to light up your child’s bedroom ceiling. They will love showing their friends and clicking through the images.
The reels are safely stored at the base of the flashlight when not in use. An on/off switch is positioned nicely on the easy-to-grip handle for child-sized hands to easily use.
This flashlight would be a great addition to any sleepover, party, or just in a dark playroom.
Features and Benefits:
- 16 different cosmic and space photos to spark your child’s imagination
- Easy-to-grip handle fits easily in kid hands
- Comes included with 2 AAA batteries
- Storage compartment for the reels to keep them from getting lost
Best Headlamps for Kids
When comparing headlamps, we found that the PETZL Headlamp comes in bright colors with 3 different lighting modes with 20 lumens being the brightest; the Foxelli Headlamp has a rechargeable battery for up to 30 hours with 120 lumens for very bright lighting; and the Byte 90 Headlamp lights up with 100 lumens but also offers 3 lighting modes, including soft red night vision for sneaking around at night.
PETZL Headlamp
The PETZL brand is known for making quality flashlight products and this kids headlamp is no exception. With its bright colors and child-sized headband, this makes the perfect reading or play light for any child.
This headlamp boasts phosphorescence reflectors on the band, so you won’t lose it in the dark. Plus its fun and bright designs make it hard to lose in the daytime as well.
Comes with 3 modes, the brightest being 20 lumens which means it won’t hurt delicate eyeballs.
We found this to be the easiest headlamp to tighten and loosen with a child-friendly pull tab.
Features and Benefits:
- Comes in either blue or pink, pick your favorite
- Easily findable front button for all 3 modes
- Phosphorescent reflectors for easy finding in the dark
- Child-friendly band that will release and loosen with one pull
Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight
The Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight is a great solution if you don’t want to deal with dead batteries. This rechargeable beauty will stay lit for up to 30 hours on a single charge (4 hours of charge). A charging cable comes included and it’s so easy that even the kids can do it.
A great option for camping or just running around. While the wide strap will keep this snug and secure, it’s more suited for an older child’s head size.
You kids will have fun switching between the 2 light modes (bright white and night vision red). The lens will also tilt 60 degrees for a full range of brightness wherever they need it.
Another great feature is that this is one tough light! Drop it to the ground or fling it across the room, it can take it.
Features and Benefits:
- Fully rechargeable, forget dealing with batteries
- Extra bright at 160 lumens which will shed light up to 200 feet in front of you
- Durable, this headlamp was built to withstand tough weather and tough kids
- Only 2.4 ounces, so lightweight you’ll forget it’s on your head
- A 120-day money-back guarantee means you have buying peace of mind
Princeton Tec Byte LED Headlamp
The Princeton Tec Byte LED Headlamp with its sleek, adjustable headband is a smart choice for your child’s active hands-free play. Just secure it to their forehead and let them run.
It comes equipped with 3 brightness modes high, low, and a soft red night vision light. So your child can sneak attack in the dark. With the adjustable, tilting lens your child can direct the light where they want.
The adjustable band is sleeker than others for a comfortable feel on little heads and with a one-touch, easy-to-find button, this is a clear winner.
This headlamp only needs 2 AA batteries (which are included) rather than the 3 that most others require.
Features and Benefits:
- A very bright 100 lumens of Maxlight LED light is enough to light up a room
- Soft red night vision light for being discreet in the dark
- Very lightweight coming in at 64 grams, comfortable for young heads
- Only requires 2 AA batteries
- Weatherproof for use in the rain
Best Mini Flashlights for Kids
These mini flashlights include the WdtPro Super Bright Mini Flashlight with Lanyard which comes in a set of 6 with a variety of colors and 9 bright LED bulbs but also includes a lanyard to keep the light around your wrist; and the Tatuo Mini Flashlights with Keychain which is a set of 20 flashlights with 5 LED bulbs that come on a keychain to attach to a purse, backpack, or duffle bag.
WdtPro Super Bright Mini Flashlight with Lanyard
We liked the WdtPro Super Bright Flashlight for its simplistic design and bright, cheerful colors. Plus it comes in a pack of 6 so there is enough for everyone in the family. Each one requires 3 AAA batteries (not included).
A nice grip makes these easy to hold.
Features and Benefits:
- Very bright with 9 led bulbs
- With 6 colors, everyone can pick their own which means less fighting over them
- Skid-proof grip for less accidental dropping
- Lanyard to keep on your wrist so you never set it down and lose it
- Large on/off button is easy to push even for smaller hands
- The 2-year warranty gives you peace of mind against damage
BYBLIGHT Small Flashlight with Colored Band
The BYBLIGHT Small Flashlight with Colored Band is a perfect handheld flashlight for lighting the path in front of you or lighting up the ceiling while you lay in bed.
Each one has a different colored illuminated band for a little added color. This 150 lumen light has 4 different settings of brightness including a strobe feature that will no doubt delight children everywhere and annoy all the surrounding adults.
3 AAA batteries are needed but not included with these.
Features and Benefits:
- Comes in a 4 pack, enough to go around
- 150 lumens can illuminate up to 600 feet in front of you
- Glowing bands of light will entertain the kids at a party or in their room at night
- The durable aluminum casing can withstand rough kid play
- Small and portable in size with a wrist lanyard for safekeeping
Tatuo 20 Pieces Mini Flashlights Keychain
The Tatuo Mini Flashlights come in a 20 pack so there are plenty for each kid and all their friends or even as party favors.
We loved the fact that these are little keychains. Attach them to your purse or backpack for effortless use at any time.
No need to add batteries, they come already included. However, you have to unscrew the base and remove the protective plastic before it will turn on.
Features and Benefits:
- 5 LED bulbs are great for smaller jobs like digging through your purse or lighting the ground right in front of you
- Made with durable aluminum alloy for long-lasting play without wear and tear
- Comes in 5 colors so everyone can pick their favorite
- Small enough to stick in your pocket. These won’t get in the way if you attach them to your bag
- Easy click on/off button, no need to press very hard
Comparing Kids Flashlights
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Princeton Tec Byte LED Headlamp | 9.5 | 8.6 | 25.41 |
| PETZL Headlamp | 9.0 | 9.4 | 24.95 |
| Lumenshooter Multicolored Tactical Flashlight | 9.5 | 9.2 | 19.99 |
| Dorcy Waterproof Flashlight | 9.9 | 9.2 | 17.67 |
| Tatuo 20 Pieces Mini Flashlights Keychain | 4.8 | 8.4 | 14.99 |
| Trident LED Light Stick Dive Light-Blue | 6.7 | 9.0 | 14.98 |
| Wakeman 3 in 1 LED Lantern | 8.8 | 9.0 | 14.55 |
| Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp Flashlight | 9.7 | 9.4 | 12.97 |
| WdtPro Super Bright Mini Flashlight with Lanyard | 9.8 | 9.0 | 11.99 |
| B. Toys Children’s Projector Flashlight | 9.7 | 8.8 | 10.95 |
| BYBLIGHT Small Flashlight with Colored Band | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
| MECO Hand Cranking Rechargeable Flashlight | - | 9.2 | - |
| LED Gloves For Kids | - | 8.4 | - |
Buying Criteria for Kids Flashlights
Safety
This is probably the number one consideration when it comes to kids’ flashlights. If you’ve been blinded by a light-up toy that your child has shoved in your eyeball, then you know what I mean! Be sure to go through basic flashlight safety guidelines with your kids and set some groundrules. Also, look for lower lumens with less blinding power!
Durability
Let’s face it, kids are rough on their things. We needed a flashlight that could stand up to being played with over and over by children and withstand being tossed around, like the Dorcy brand one which was drop tested and lived to see another day.
It also needed to be tough enough to be able to withstand harsh weather and possible rain. While these ones listed do just that, the Trident Glow Stick is also fully submersible. We had to make sure that a little moisture didn’t do them in.
Appealing For Kids
Kids like special things just for them and these flashlights delivered. Most of them, like the Wakeman Lantern, is chid sized and also a funky, bright color. For most of them, if the outer part wasn’t brightly colored then the light itself had multiple colors to appeal to the child in all of us.
Functionality
We really liked the kid’s headlamps because they can be worn around the forehead and keeps your child’s hands-free to play. Another feature we looked for was the ability to keep them from getting lost, so ones with lanyards or clips were favored over those that didn’t have any way to keep them secure.
FAQs About Kids Flashlights
How bright does a kid’s flashlight get?
The average brightness for a mini flashlight is around 25 lumens, while the average for a full-size flashlight is between 50-100. Those are bright enough to illuminate the area in front of you. Some premium, higher-end flashlights can get up to 2000 lumens.
For kids though, between 25-100 lumens are plenty, especially because they will tend to shine them in people’s faces on accident. Always go over the safety rules with them first.
What if a flashlight gets wet?
Luckily most kids’ flashlights are weatherproof, meaning they can withstand rain and moisture for the most part. Some are fully waterproof, but, either way, yes they can get a little wet and still work just fine.
Why purchase a flashlight for your child?
Flashlights are a great toy for your child to play with. They can provide hours of entertainment. Anything from playing flashlight tag in the dark to creating light streams in the air using the glow stick to projecting images onto the ceiling at night. Taking a flashlight camping or playing hide-and-seek in the dark are just a few other options for flashlight fun. The possibilities are actually endless.
Why limit the fun to just your child? Invite their friends over for a late-night light fest. Flashlights are a classic toy that never gets old and will elicit shrieks of excitement every time. These kids’ flashlights will delight even the crankiest of children. For flashlights that are geared more for toddlers, check out these toddler-friendly options.
We are confident that whatever option you choose, you won’t be left in the dark.
