The bearded dragon is generally considered the ideal 'starter' reptile. They are easy to keep, handle, and have quirky little characters. The majority of readily available geckos are not pets I would consider for children. The obvious choices are the leopard or crested gecko, both of which are nocturnal, fast, and drop their tails. The chile rose tarantulas are easy to keep, but again, its not something that would appreciate being handled constantly, and will more often than not be hidden.
Last edited: