Toy microscope

A toy microscope for children comprises a base and a body extending upwardly of the base with a hollow head portion at the upper end of the body. An eye piece is provided at the upper end of the head and is formed in the shape of a cap or hat. Objects to be viewed through the lens are supported on a flower-like platform which is carried at the outer end portion of a pair of legs, pivotally secured to the base and decorated to resemble the legs of a grasshopper or other insect. The leg structure is pivotal from a generally horizontal position wherein objects to be viewed can be readily placed on the platform and removed therefrom. The platform is movable to an upwardly sloped, viewing position where the objected to be inspected are held at a selected spaced relationship from the lens in the head. An overcenter locking mechanism is provided to retain the leg structure and platform in the lower position until released by depression of an actuating lever.