Top-Rated STEM Kits for Kids: Our 2025 Picks
July 21, 2025
Overview
Looking for the best STEM kits to ignite your child's curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and math? Our expert team has curated a list of the top-rated STEM kits for kids, hand-picked and reviewed to ensure they're engaging, educational, and fun. Discover exciting projects that will challenge young minds and foster a love of learning through hands-on exploration, from robotics and coding to chemistry and engineering. This comprehensive guide provides options for all ages and skill levels, guaranteeing you'll find the perfect STEM kit to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Our picks
The Best STEM Kit for Elementary School Kids: Snap Circuits Light Kit, $68.99
The Most Engaging Engineering Kit for Kids: Engino Mechanics Construction Set, $34.99
The Best Coding and Robotics Kit for Beginners: Artie Max Coding Robot, $139.99
The Most Fun Science Experiment Kit for Kids: Chemistry Play Lab, $49.95
The Best STEM Kit for Preschoolers: GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope, $34.49
The Best Budget-Friendly STEM Kit Under $30: ThinkFun Gravity Maze, $21.37
STEM Kits for Elementary School Explorers
Engaging kits perfect for kids aged 6-10, sparking their interest in STEM fields.
Sum Swamp Game
$21.99
Sum Swamp Game offers a fun twist on learning math for kids aged 5+. In our review, we loved how the special spaces add unique challenges, keeping players engaged as they hone their arithmetic skills. Although the game can sometimes stretch out due to an endless loop, its high-quality board and pieces make it durable. While small parts pose a choking hazard for younger children, older kids will enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving practice.
The Good
• Develops and sharpens beginning math skills in a fun way.
• Includes various special spaces that add excitement and challenge.
• Good quality game board and game pieces.
The Bad
• Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazards.
• Numbers on the dice can wear off over time.
• Endless loop can be frustrating and prolong the game unnecessarily.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 5+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving
PlayShifu Smart Globe
$54.99
PlayShifu Smart Globe transforms geography into a captivating adventure with over 1,000 facts and interactive games. We found its hands-on exploration particularly engaging, sparking curiosity about cultures and animals, though app connectivity was sometimes tricky. While the absence of country boundaries might limit some educational context, the included passport and stickers delight budding explorers aged 4-10. This globe promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, making learning an exciting journey.
The Good
• Offers over 1,000 facts and interactive games, enhancing children's geography knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Encourages hands-on exploration, making learning about different cultures and animals engaging.
• Includes a passport and stickers, promoting imaginative play and a love for discovery.
The Bad
• Some users experience technical difficulties with app connectivity and responsiveness.
• The globe lacks country boundaries, which may limit geographical context for some users.
• Requires a compatible device for AR features, which may not be accessible to all users.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 4-10 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
Iggy Peck, Architect (The Questioneers)
$11.72
Iggy Peck, Architect, part of The Questioneers series, is a charming storybook that fuels young architects' imaginations through clever rhymes and stunning illustrations. In our reading, the book's witty narration combined with Iggy's imaginative building adventures captivated young readers. Some parts can be challenging to read aloud, and while the portrayal of the teacher as an antagonist may not be ideal, the book itself is a delightful celebration of creativity and perseverance.
The Good
• The book features clever, fantastic illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
• The rhyming text is clever with some interesting rhymes and vocabulary.
• The story is amusing and full of charm, humor, warmth, creativity, and tenacity.
The Bad
• The portrayal of the second-grade teacher is negative, which may be inappropriate for the target age range.
• The text is awkward at times, making it challenging to read aloud without prior practice.
• The book's portrayal of the teacher as the antagonist may not resonate well with educators.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 3-6 years / Hands-On Experience: false / Skills Developed: Creativity
Geo-Glow Art Kit by Learning Resources
$19.99
Unleash your child's creativity with the Geo-Glow Art Kit by Learning Resources. This engaging kit offers 35 glow-in-the-dark design activities, ideal for sparking critical thinking and artistic expression in kids aged 5 and up. However, in our experience, storage can be a challenge due to the lack of organization solutions for the rubber bands. Despite this, the variety of hands-on projects ensures all young learners will enjoy exploring their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Good
• Encourages creativity and learning through hands-on play with glow-in-the-dark designs.
• The kit includes 35 design activities, offering a variety of projects to keep children engaged.
The Bad
• Some children may lose interest quickly, finding the activities less engaging over time.
• Lack of adequate storage solutions for the rubber bands can lead to disorganization.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 5 years and up / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Bluey's Family House by LEGO
$69.99
Bring the magic of Bluey to life with the LEGO Bluey's Family House set! During our hands-on play, building each room in this delightful playhouse offered endless creative storytelling opportunities. While the exterior might be less detailed than some expect, the interior brings memorable scenes from the beloved show to life. Budding builders aged 4+ will enjoy reconstructing Bluey's world, enhancing creativity and fine motor skills along the way.
The Good
• Includes all four family members: Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad.
• Features rooms with furniture tied to memorable moments from the show.
The Bad
• Exterior design is relatively plain compared to the detailed interior.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 4+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Creativity
Gecko Run Starter Set by Thames & Kosmos
$31.95
Set creativity in motion with the Gecko Run Starter Set by Thames & Kosmos! An inventive twist on marble runs, our assessment found the flexible track designs promote both creativity and critical thinking. Nano-adhesive pads allow for vertical construction on smooth surfaces, though they might require replacement over time. Perfect for aspiring engineers aged 8+, this STEM kit stands out for its engaging, gravity-defying challenges, fostering an enthusiasm for physics and creative design.
The Good
• Flexible tracks allow for creative and varied marble run designs.
The Bad
• Nano-adhesive pads may lose effectiveness over time, requiring maintenance or replacement.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
STEM Kits for the Budding Engineer
Hands-on building and construction kits for kids interested in engineering principles.
3Doodler Start+ 3D Printing Pen
$59.99
The 3Doodler Start+ 3D Printing Pen is an exciting way to bring kids' creativity to life. In our testing, the pen's design eliminates external hot parts, making it a safe option for children aged 6 and up. While the included activity guide ensures immediate creative success with 10 projects, we found that users need to purchase refills separately. Despite its inability to charge while in use, the pen provides 45 minutes of continuous fun, fostering problem-solving and tech skills.
The Good
• The pen is designed with no external hot parts, ensuring safety for children aged 6 and above.
• The pen charges in as little as 30 minutes, offering up to 45 minutes of continuous use.
• The set includes an activity guide with 10 hands-on projects to ensure immediate success.
The Bad
• Some users have reported issues with the pen stopping working after one use.
• The pen cannot be used while charging, which may interrupt longer creative sessions.
• Users need to order refills separately, which can be an inconvenience.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 6-13 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Creativity,Problem Solving,Technology Skills
Engino Mechanics Construction Set
$34.99
The Engino Mechanics Construction Set offers young engineers a deep dive into mechanics with its interactive 3D app and variety of buildable models. During our review, we noticed that while some components like mechanical bars can be flimsy, the overall experience is highly educational. Kids older than 9 will relish building from 16 different models, enhancing problem-solving skills. Despite some instructions requiring adult help, the set encourages hours of creative fun.
The Good
• Includes an interactive 3D app for virtual building, enhancing the learning experience.
• The kit offers a variety of models to build, providing hours of educational fun.
The Bad
• Some components, like the mechanical bars, are flimsy and may affect the functionality of the models.
• Instructions can be challenging to follow, potentially requiring adult assistance.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 9+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
Glow-in-the-Dark Marble Run
$24.99
Illuminate creativity with the Glow-in-the-Dark Marble Run, where glowing marbles race through custom mazes. Our experience shows this set adds visual excitement to classic marble runs, but some pieces may lack stability, limiting design options. Although the kit doesn't offer a variety of projects, it still provides engaging hands-on fun for kids 8+ looking to explore engineering principles. It is an excellent starter for evening play sessions.
The Good
• Glow-in-the-dark marbles enhance visual appeal and excitement during play.
The Bad
• Pieces may not stay together well, leading to instability during use.
• Limited number of pieces restricts the variety of track configurations.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Snap Circuits Light Kit
$68.99
Dive into the world of electronics with the Snap Circuits Light Kit, a fantastic STEM toy for young engineers aged 8+. Our experience shows it provides a hands-on learning platform offering over 175 engaging projects, from creating light shows to interactive patterns. While some components need careful handling due to fragility, the easy-to-use, snap-together parts and full-color manual make circuit building fun and safe, fostering critical thinking and technology skills.
The Good
• Provides hands-on learning for STEM curriculum.
The Bad
• Some components may be fragile and require careful handling.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
LEGO Race Cars
$32.99
Fuel your child's automotive creativity with the LEGO Race Cars kit! Perfect for kids aged 7-12, this set offers a platform for innovative design and problem-solving experiences. Though our review highlighted that the kits' complexity might require adult assistance, the engaging building process and customization opportunities are too rewarding to miss. The less resilient paper racetrack doesn't diminish the fun of this dynamic kit, sure to captivate young engineers.
The Good
• Encourages creativity by allowing kids to build and customize multiple race cars using the provided LEGO bricks.
• Includes a comprehensive 64-page instruction book that simplifies the building process for young builders.
The Bad
• Limited to building only 1-2 cars at a time due to the number of pieces provided.
• Some users find the instructions too complex for beginners without adult assistance.
• The kit includes a paper race track, which may not be durable for extended play.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 7-12 / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
K'NEX Classic Amusement Park Set
$44.09
Let imagination run wild with the K'NEX Classic Amusement Park Set. Our tests proved that 744 pieces empower young builders aged 9+ to create and experience working amusement park rides such as a Ferris wheel. Although the set requires AA batteries not included and some kits might miss pieces, the potential for hands-on learning and creativity is truly remarkable. Perfect for kids ready to embark on more complex building adventures in STEM.
The Good
• Includes 744 pieces allowing for the construction of three different amusement park rides.
The Bad
• Requires 2 AA batteries which are not included.
• Some users reported missing pieces in the set.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 9+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
ThinkFun Gravity Maze
$21.37
Introduce your child to the ThinkFun Gravity Maze, where learning meets playtime. Featuring 60 challenges of rising difficulty, this game keeps kids engaged while honing their critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills. Though some pieces may require perfect alignment, leading to potential setup frustrations, its durable construction is built to last. Our experience shows it's perfect for budding engineers aged 8 and up, making it an excellent choice for sustained brain-teasing enjoyment.
The Good
• Offers 60 challenges that increase in difficulty, keeping children engaged over time.
• High-quality construction ensures durability and long-lasting play.
• Enhances critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills through engaging gameplay.
The Bad
• Some pieces can be frustrating to fit perfectly, potentially causing setup issues.
• Limited piece count may restrict creativity and complex designs.
• Challenges may become repetitive over time, potentially causing boredom.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Coding and Robotics Kits for Kids
Introduce your child to the world of coding and robotics with these interactive kits.
ELEGOO UNO R3 Robot Car Kit
$79.88
With the ELEGOO UNO R3 Robot Car Kit, budding engineers can dive into the world of robotics with ease. Our experience shows that this kit's clear instructions simplify assembly, and its versatile app and remote control elevate the fun. Users may face initial setup challenges, especially with Bluetooth connectivity, but the educational value makes the effort worthwhile. Its comprehensive skill-building potential, from creativity to problem-solving, makes it a solid STEM option.
The Good
• Easy assembly with clear instructions.
• Versatile control options via app or remote.
• Educational and fun for all ages.
The Bad
• Some users reported minor issues with Bluetooth app connectivity.
• Assembly may require adjustments during the process.
• Initial setup can be time-consuming for those new to robotics.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8-16 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
RVR+ Class Pack (18 robots)
$6,102.00
Sphero's RVR+ Class Pack is a game-changer for group STEM activities, offering 18 robots perfect for dynamic learning environments. In our testing, its customizable expansion plate shined, allowing seamless integration with hardware like Raspberry Pi. While steering can be sensitive, causing initial handling issues, students can delve into teamwork and critical thinking through interactive projects. Despite occasional Bluetooth drops, the kit provides a robust platform for creative tech exploration.
The Good
• RVR+ features a customizable expansion plate, enabling seamless connections with third-party hardware such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and micro:bit.
The Bad
• The handling can take some getting used to; the steering is very sensitive, and it took a while to stop crashing into everything in sight.
• Our Bluetooth connection dropped a couple of times, too.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Teamwork,Technology Skills
PYXEL
$149.99
PYXEL invites kids into the fascinating world of coding with its dual-language support in Blockly and Python. During our testing, we found its engaging design captivates children, helping them develop technology skills through interactive play. Some users faced challenges with touch responsiveness, but with adult guidance, setting up the Wi-Fi connection becomes manageable. PYXEL stands as a versatile tool, promoting problem-solving skills in both beginner and advanced coders.
The Good
• PYXEL offers both Blockly and Python coding languages, catering to beginners and advanced users.
• PYXEL's design is engaging and appealing to children.
The Bad
• Some users reported that PYXEL wouldn’t always respond to touch and sound.
• Setting up PYXEL's Wi-Fi connection can be tricky and may require adult assistance.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
Coding Critters Ranger & Zip by Learning Resources
$37.29
Introduce your child to the fundamentals of programming with Coding Critters Ranger & Zip by Learning Resources. Our experience showed this charming, screen-free set allows kids aged 4-10 to engage with basic coding concepts through interactive storybook adventures. While older children might find the coding challenges a bit simplistic, the engaging play mode keeps little coders interested. With its focus on creativity and problem-solving, it's a delightful entry point into coding.
The Good
• The toy is simple to program, making it accessible for young children.
• The interactive play mode allows children to feed, pet, and take care of the toy, enhancing engagement.
The Bad
• The toy's coding challenges are basic, which may not engage older children as much.
• Some components, like the tree, may lack stability and durability during play.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 4-10 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Artie Max Coding Robot
$139.99
Step into the world of coding with the Artie Max Coding Robot, where creativity and technology combine. Supporting multiple programming languages, this robot is perfect for aspiring coders aged 8+. While connectivity hiccups and setup complexity may challenge newcomers, our review highlights Artie Max's ability to make learning interactive and artistic. The built-in Wi-Fi facilitates a seamless experience, allowing creativity to blossom alongside coding skills. It's a fantastic blend of art and technology education.
The Good
• Supports multiple coding languages including Blockly, Snap!, JavaScript, Python, and C++.
• Combines coding with drawing, making learning interactive and creative.
• Features built-in Wi-Fi for direct connection without internet access.
The Bad
• Some users report frequent crashes and connectivity issues.
• Setup can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with coding.
• Requires a large, flat surface for optimal performance.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity,Technology Skills
Science Experiment Kits for Curious Minds
Explore the wonders of science with these fun and educational experiment kits.
National Geographic Jumbo Geodes
$19.99
Discover the world of geology with National Geographic's Jumbo Geodes set. In our tests, young geologists experienced the thrill of cracking open stones to reveal unique crystal formations. While not every geode contains vibrant centers, the included safety goggles and learning guide enhance the exploration. Note that some geodes require extra tools like a hammer and chisel, but the hands-on experience is ideal for fostering curiosity in earth sciences.
The Good
• Provides an engaging hands-on experience for children interested in geology.
• Includes safety goggles and a learning guide to enhance the educational experience.
• Offers a variety of crystal formations, providing a unique surprise in each geode.
The Bad
• Some geodes are solid, making them difficult to break open and less exciting inside.
• Requires additional tools like a hammer and chisel, which are not included.
• Some geodes may not contain the vibrant colors or hollow centers as expected.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving
Chemistry Play Lab
$49.95
The Chemistry Play Lab is perfect for igniting a passion for science in young minds. In our review, we found the durable, high-quality materials provide a lasting and engaging hands-on STEM experience, although younger kids might find the push-button pumps challenging. While the kit's experiments are limited in number, it's ideal for building a foundation in chemistry, and additional materials can easily extend the learning fun. A great choice for curious little chemists aged 3 and up.
The Good
• High-quality materials ensure durability and repeated use.
The Bad
• Push-button pumps may be difficult for younger children to operate.
• Limited number of included experiments may require purchasing additional materials for extended play.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 3+ years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
National Geographic Mega Slime & Putty Lab
$29.99
Awaken your child's interest in science with the National Geographic Mega Slime & Putty Lab. In our assessment, the kit's eight varieties of slime and putty deliver diverse sensory experiences, supported by a comprehensive educational guide. Although some ingredients may arrive dried out, limiting their usability, the storage tins and accessories ensure organized play. For ages 8+, this kit is a wonderful way to explore scientific curiosity safely, with adult supervision.
The Good
• Includes 8 varieties of slime and putty, offering diverse sensory experiences.
• Comes with storage tins and accessories for organized play.
• Features a comprehensive educational guide exploring the science behind slimes and putties.
The Bad
• Some ingredients may arrive dried out, affecting usability.
• The kit may not be special enough for the price point.
• Contains small magnets and chemicals; requires adult supervision for safety.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8 years and up / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit
$29.99
Dive into the fascinating world of science with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit! This kit captivates young minds with 45 intriguing experiments, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While some activities may require additional household items, our review found its hands-on approach stimulates creativity for kids aged 8-12. It's an ideal pick for curious learners eager to explore the 'gross' side of science in a safe and educational way.
The Good
• Offers 45 engaging and educational experiments that captivate children's attention.
The Bad
• Some experiments require additional household items not included in the kit.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 8-12 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Ooze Labs Chemistry Station by Thames & Kosmos
$14.79
Spark a passion for chemistry with the Ooze Labs Chemistry Station by Thames & Kosmos. This vibrant lab setup includes 57 pieces of safe, colorful equipment, perfect for young chemists to embark on scientific journeys. Although some experiments require extra ingredients like cornstarch, our testing found the easy assembly and engaging sticker decorations make it a perfect starter kit. It's an exciting, hands-on STEM experience for children aged 6+, nurturing a love for experimentation.
The Good
• The kit includes 57 pieces of colorful lab equipment like beakers, test tubes, and pipettes, allowing kids to feel like true chemists.
• The lab station assembly is easy to do and includes stickers to decorate the lab base.
• The kit includes non-hazardous chemicals and does not contain borax, ensuring safety for children.
The Bad
• Some experiments require additional ingredients not included in the kit, such as cornstarch and food coloring.
• Storage can be challenging after experiments, as the lab station may not fit back into the original box.
• Instructions are only in English, which may be a limitation for non-English speaking users.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 6+ / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
Root Viewer Kit for Kids
$19.99
Unearth plant secrets with the Root Viewer Kit for Kids, an engaging way to introduce biology to young learners. This transparent design lets children observe root growth, fostering scientific curiosity in ages 4-8. Despite offering only Spring Onion and Cilantro seeds, our testing found the comprehensive kit and educational booklet to provide an accessible gardening experience. While more plant variety could boost interest, it's an ideal educational tool for nurturing young botanists indoors.
The Good
• Innovative transparent design allows kids to observe root growth easily, enhancing their understanding of plant biology.
• Comprehensive kit includes all necessary components for starting a garden, making it user-friendly and accessible for young gardeners.
• Educational booklet provides clear instructions and engaging content, fostering a love of science and responsibility in children.
The Bad
• Limited plant variety: The kit only includes Spring Onion and Cilantro seeds, which may not provide enough diversity for children to explore different plant types and their growth processes.
• Age-specific engagement: While designed for ages 4-8, older children may find the kit too simplistic and less engaging, potentially limiting its appeal to a broader age range.
• Indoor limitations: The indoor gardening design may not appeal to all children, particularly those who prefer outdoor activities and may feel constrained by the lack of space to grow a more extensive garden.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 4-8 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Creativity
The Best STEM Kit for Younger Learners
Discover age-appropriate STEM kits designed to stimulate early curiosity in science.
GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
$34.49
Explore the microscopic world with the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope! During our testing, this interactive device captivated young learners with the engaging audio content narrated by Bindi Irwin. Although limited to static images on 20 slides, it still offers a fun way for kids aged 4-7 to spark curiosity in science. The multilingual support is a bonus, though parents might wish for adjustable audio volume to better suit individual preferences.
The Good
• Features the voice of Bindi Irwin, providing engaging and educational audio content.
• Includes 20 slides with 60 full-color images, offering a variety of subjects for exploration.
• Multilingual audio support in English, Spanish, French, and German enhances accessibility.
The Bad
• Limited to 20 slides, which may lead to repetitive use and reduced engagement over time.
• Some users find the audio volume to be loud and lacking adjustable settings.
• The device uses static images rather than real specimens, which may not meet expectations for a traditional microscope experience.
Educational Value: true / Recommended Age Range: 4-7 years / Hands-On Experience: true / Skills Developed: Critical Thinking,Problem Solving
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