Turntables are making a comeback, but not just for adults—kids are jumping on the trend too! DJ turntables and record players for kids are more popular than ever, offering a mix of fun and learning that helps boost creativity and spark an early interest in music. Whether your child is a toddler or school-aged, finding the right turntable can provide hours of screen-free entertainment while fostering valuable skills like hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and even an introduction to basic DJing.
In this guide, we’ll explore why turntables are an exciting option for kids, what features to look for, and the best options available—so you can pick the perfect turntable for your little music lover.
Why Buy a Turntable for Kids?
Turntables for kids aren’t just a fun toy—they’re a great educational tool that can help young minds develop important skills. Here are just a few reasons why buying a turntable for your child is a great idea:
- Develops Hand-Eye Coordination and Motor Skills: Turning knobs, pushing buttons, and scratching records all help fine-tune hand-eye coordination, especially for younger children. The physical actions of manipulating a turntable boost motor skills, making it a great tool for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Encourages Creativity and a Love for Music: Whether your child is creating beats on a DJ set or playing their favorite tunes on a record player, turntables help foster a deeper connection to music. Kids can experiment with sounds, rhythms, and mixing, tapping into their creative side.
- Screen-Free Entertainment: In a world where screens dominate playtime, a turntable is a refreshing way to keep kids entertained without the need for a tablet or TV. It’s an interactive, hands-on experience that allows kids to learn through play.
- Inspiration for Future DJs: DJing has become a popular career path, and introducing your child to a DJ turntable early on can spark an interest in music mixing. Even if they don’t end up behind a professional DJ booth, they’ll still gain valuable skills and a deeper understanding of music.
Turntables come in various styles and age-appropriate designs. From toddler-friendly options to more advanced DJ turntables for older kids, there’s something for every child’s skill level and interest.
Features to Look for in a Kids' DJ Turntable
Not all turntables are created equal, especially when it comes to selecting one for kids. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when shopping for the best turntable for your child:
- Durability: Kids can be rough on their toys, so durability is key. Look for a turntable that’s made from sturdy materials and designed to withstand the inevitable drops and knocks that come with playtime. You want something that won’t break after the first spin!
- Ease of Use: For younger children, simple controls are a must. Turntables with large, colorful buttons, levers, and knobs make it easy for toddlers to engage with the toy. For older kids, you can opt for turntables that offer a bit more complexity, such as pitch control or sound effects, while still being user-friendly.
- Interactive Features: The more interactive, the better! DJ turntables that come preloaded with sound effects, music loops, and light displays will keep kids entertained for hours. Some turntables even allow children to record their own beats or scratch over pre-recorded tracks.
- Music Integration: Many turntables for older kids feature Bluetooth or AUX connections, allowing them to mix their favorite songs from external devices. This feature can be a big hit for kids who want to DJ along with their favorite tunes.
- Safety: For younger children, safety is a top priority. Make sure the turntable is free of small, detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard. Also, ensure it’s made from non-toxic, kid-safe materials.
Best Turntables for Toddlers and Preschoolers
If you’re looking for the perfect turntable for younger kids, you’ll want something fun, colorful, and easy to use. Enter the Fisher-Price Toy Turntable for Toddlers.
This toy turntable is designed specifically for toddlers, with bright, chunky buttons that are easy for little hands to press. It comes preloaded with music and sound effects, allowing toddlers to explore beats and rhythms at their own pace. The design is sturdy enough to withstand rough play, and it’s perfectly safe for younger children, making it an excellent introduction to music.
Other great options for toddlers and preschoolers include interactive music sets from eKids that feature similar simple controls and playful designs.
Best DJ Turntables for Older Kids
As kids get older, they’re ready for more advanced features in their turntables. If your child is a budding DJ, you’ll want to look for a DJ turntable set for kids that offers additional sound mixing options, adjustable tempo, and pitch control.
- DJ Turntable Set for Kids: Look for sets that come with built-in speakers, sound effects, and the ability to connect to an external device like a smartphone or tablet. These sets often have cool light displays that sync to the beat, adding an extra level of fun for older children.
- eKids DJ Turntable Sets: eKids offers a variety of DJ turntables designed for older kids, with more advanced features like crossfaders, looping, and the ability to scratch. These sets are perfect for kids who want to create their own music or play along with their favorite songs.
With these features, older kids can experiment more with sound, learning the basics of DJing and even creating their own mixes!
Record Players for Kids: Introducing Vinyl
Record players are back in style, and introducing your child to vinyl records can be a fun, nostalgic way to teach them about music. Many companies are now creating record players specifically designed for children, with simpler controls and colorful designs.
- Why Record Players are Fun for Kids: There’s something magical about placing a needle on a record and hearing the music play. For kids, it’s a novel experience that also teaches them about how music is made and played. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to different genres of music that they might not find on streaming platforms.
- Best Record Player for Kids: Look for record players with built-in speakers, simple controls, and a child-friendly design. These record players are typically smaller, lightweight, and durable, perfect for young vinyl enthusiasts.
Tips for Choosing the Right Turntable for Your Child
When it comes to picking the best turntable for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider Age: For toddlers and preschoolers, simple, interactive toys like the Fisher-Price turntable are ideal. As kids get older, you can introduce more advanced features that allow them to experiment with DJing.
- Look for Interactive Features: Turntables that include sound effects, lights, and the ability to connect to external music sources will keep kids entertained longer and engaged in learning.
- Durability is Important: Kids aren’t always gentle with their toys, so make sure the turntable you choose can handle some wear and tear.
- Balance Budget and Features: While there are plenty of affordable turntables out there, be mindful of what features your child will actually use. If your child is older and interested in DJing, investing in a more advanced turntable with sound mixing capabilities might be worth it.
Final Thoughts
Turntables and DJ sets for kids are a fantastic way to introduce music into your child’s life in a fun, interactive way. Whether your child is just starting with a simple, toddler-friendly turntable or ready to explore more advanced DJing skills, there’s something for everyone. Not only do turntables offer hours of entertainment, but they also teach valuable skills like hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and creativity.
Ready to get your child started? Check out the Fisher-Price Toy Turntable for Toddlers or explore other DJ sets available at eKids to find the perfect option for your budding DJ!
