I’m almost afraid to ask on this thread but if a dad wanted to purchase a simple telescope that would be good enough to see say Jupiter, or Mars on a decent night in the UK to try and ref the kids excited, where does one start? I have dived into some sites but I think I am asking the wrong questions
If storage is an issue, a SkyWatcher Heritage 150p is a well-priced 6" collapsible Dobsonian. Mirror quality is good. For a bit more you can buy the Virtuoso version which has a motorised mount, letting you key in what you want to view, rather than pushing it into place (though some would argue this is part of the fun). It comes with everything you need, but for a better view of the planets you might want to purchase a 2x Barlow lens such as a Celestron Omni.
With visual telescopes, bigger aperture is better. Not only do they collect more light but they are able to resolve more detail. 8" or 10" Dobsonians will offer much better viewing, but at the expense of size and cost.
Also, a solid-tube 6" Dobsonian may outperform the Heritage 150p in areas with a lot of streetlights, as the collapsible design can let in a lot of stray light. I made a shroud for mine, which helps, but it isn't perfect. You can't store a 6" solid-tube Dobsonian on a shelf though.
Finally, don't underestimate a pair of 10x50 binoculars. You won't get a great view of the planets, but the skies are much more impressive through them.
If you want a purely visual experience (which I recommend), a dobsonian telescope has the best capability VS price ratio. The collapsible 150mm dobsons are already very powerful and quite compact. Avoid anything on a tripod under 500$, you'd be paying the "looks like a telescope" tax and have something deceptive.
If you have a garden 8" Dobsonian or even larger if you can handle it. If in a flat a 4" Apochromatic refractor. Mars can be so so but good views of Jupiter, Saturn and Luna can be had in the UK. Both good for double stars as well and even deep sky objects if in a low light pollution area.
Perusing Stellafane's pages is likely as good as it gets for both a broad and thorough introduction.
As with many things, it is an art of trade offs.
Aperture rules until the work to set up means it sits unused.
The objects you mention are bright (and small) and can be seen in anything, including nothing, which fills department stores with small scopes known to amateur astronomers as "Hobby Killers".
So immerse yourself a bit, pick up some language and basics, then find a local club to try before you buy, clubs or generous members may have a loaners
scopes so you can figure out where you want to be on the what you can see v.s how much effort you can put in scale.
