For kids flying with a parent, the best drone is the DJI Neo: 135 g, full propeller guards and palm takeoff for $186. DJI rates the Neo for ages 16 and up, so with a younger child the parent should be the one in charge of the flight. Teens who want to make videos will get more from the DJI Flip, which adds fold-out guards and a much better camera. For a teen who wants to learn real stick flying on a budget, the DJI Mini 2 SE is the pick. All three weigh under 250 g, so no FAA registration is needed for recreational flying.
Our picks
| Drone | Best for | Camera | Rated flight time | Weight | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Neo | Kids with a parent, selfies | 1/2", 12 MP, 4K/30 | 18 min | 135 g | From $186 |
| DJI Flip | Teen creators | 1/1.3", 48 MP | 31 min | 249 g | From $483 |
| DJI Mini 2 SE | Learning stick flying | 1/2.3", 12 MP | 31 min | 249 g | From $307 |
DJI Neo: best for flying together with a parent
- Full propeller guards that cover the props.
- Palm takeoff and landing, so no landing pad or open lawn is needed.
- Simple modes. It can follow, circle and do short automated shots from a phone or by itself.
- Built-in limits. In palm and phone control, DJI limits the Neo to 30 m high and 50 m away, which keeps flights close.
Note: the standard Neo kit has no controller. For stick flying, the Fly More Combo adds an RC-N3. It's also the cheapest way into DJI FPV with goggles. See best FPV drone for beginners.
DJI Flip: best for teen creators
- Fold-out full guards around the propellers.
- Much better camera than the Neo, with a 1/1.3-inch 48 MP sensor for sharp video and photos.
- 31 minutes of rated flight, nearly double the Neo.
- Comes with the RC-N3 controller, so it's ready for stick flying.
DJI Mini 2 SE: best for learning sticks
- GPS hovering and Return to Home make it forgiving for a new pilot.
- Low price for a real camera drone with a controller.
- No prop guards, so it suits older teens who fly outdoors in open spaces.
Rules for kids and teens
- No minimum age to fly recreationally in the US. Every pilot takes the free TRUST test and carries the certificate.
- Registration: these drones are under 250 g, so recreational flying needs no registration. If a drone does need registering, the person registering must be 13 or older; a parent registers for younger kids. See how old do you have to be to fly a drone.
- Paid work: a teen selling photos or video needs Part 107, which requires age 16.
- Where to fly: check the airspace and park rules. Many parks restrict drones.
Safety tips for parents
- Do setup and charging yourself for younger kids, and store batteries safely.
- Start in a big open field, away from people, roads, pets and trees.
- Use slow modes first and set low height and distance limits in the app.
- Teach the "land now" habit: if anything looks wrong, land.
- Keep fingers clear of propellers, even with guards.
- Add DJI Care Refresh where available. First crashes are common.
Common mistakes
- Buying a cheap toy drone with no GPS that drifts away on the first breeze
- Flying indoors near people's faces
- Skipping the TRUST test because "it's just a kid's drone"
- Flying at the local park without checking its rules
Quick answers
What age can a child fly a drone? The FAA has no minimum age for recreational flying. Check the age guidance in your drone's manual, and start when your child can follow safety rules reliably, with an adult present.
Do kids need a license? No. For recreational flying they only need the free TRUST certificate.
Should my teen get a Mini 4 Pro instead? If they're serious about photography and fly carefully, it's a big step up. See best drones for beginners.
Ready to pick? Start with the DJI Neo or the DJI Flip.
Related guides
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