Top 10 Science Toys for Kids

Since ancient times, children have used play to prepare for adulthood -- from early humans improving hand-eye coordination with simple games to Victorian-era kids practicing riding on rocking horses [sources:The Strong National Museum of Play and Power House Museum]. While modern children may not need the survival skills of their ancestors, they can still gain valuable knowledge through play. With the growing importance of science, technology, engineering, and math, science-themed toys offer an excellent way for kids to enjoy themselves while preparing for tomorrow.

10: Chemistry Set

A chemistry set is an ideal tool to spark a child's fascination with science. Traditional chemistry sets helped children excel academically and explore various mixtures and reactions, while today's versions come in specialized themes to captivate young minds. Some sets include safe, edible ingredients, enabling kids to create fizzy drinks or crystallized sweets [source: Discovery.com]. Others, like spa-themed kits, feature fragrances, soaps, and lotions, allowing children to craft bath products while learning science. There are also sets that focus on glowing substances or slimy, gooey experiments, designed to engage even the most reluctant young scientists.

9: Digging for Dinos

Encourage your aspiring paleontologist with a dig-your-own-dino kit. These kits include imitation dinosaur bones buried in a block of hardened sand. Like real scientists, kids must carefully excavate the sand to uncover the pieces, which can then be assembled into a complete dinosaur skeleton, similar to museum displays but touchable [source: Parents' Choice Awards]. For younger children, the Dino Xcavator game offers a simpler alternative. Similar to Operation, it challenges kids to extract bones without triggering a roaring dinosaur [source: Parenting.com].

8: Robotics Toys

Robotics is undoubtedly the future, and children who gain early exposure to this field will have a competitive advantage in certain careers. Toy manufacturers have created engaging, kid-friendly products that make learning about robotics fun. For younger children, Hexbugs—tiny vibrating creatures—offer a simple introduction. Older kids can dive deeper with Lego's Mindstorms series, such as the Mindstorms EV3, which allows them to build and program 17 different robots using a tablet or phone [source: Lidz]. Smart car kits also provide hands-on experience, teaching kids to assemble and control a car via a smartphone app.

7: Modern Dollhouse

Roominate merges traditional dollhouse play with modern construction kits, allowing kids to design and build their own playsets and dollhouses with endless possibilities. Once assembled, children can use motors, pulleys, and wires to add functional features like lights, fans, and elevators. The company’s website offers design inspiration, but the real appeal lies in the kits' flexibility—kids can create anything from a dollhouse to a basketball court or even a circular saw. Roominate not only entertains but also teaches valuable STEM skills in architecture, electrical engineering, and mechanics.

6: Model Rocket

Inspire children to reach for the stars with a model rocket. Unlike older versions that required hazardous propellants, today’s rockets are designed for safety, using lightweight components and efficient motors to achieve heights of up to 1,500 feet. Starter kits include a launcher, launch pad, rockets, and enough supplies for multiple launches. Most parts are reusable, with replacement motors available at toy and hobby stores [source: Heren]. A simple model rocket could ignite a lifelong passion for physics, astronomy, or engineering.

5: GoldieBlox

When Erector Sets debuted a century ago, their slogan, "Hey Boys! Make Lots of Toys," clearly excluded girls, relegating them to dolls and dress-up. While today’s building sets are often gender-neutral, the GoldieBlox line is uniquely tailored to inspire girls. These kits combine construction materials with character-driven stories, adding a relational aspect rarely found in other toys. Girls are encouraged to read the story and use the kit’s components to solve problems, such as designing a parade float or assembling a working zipline.

4: Microscope

A microscope opens up a miniature world, allowing kids to explore the tiny elements that shape their surroundings. Modern microscopes incorporate digital technology, offering features that captivate today’s tech-savvy children. Handheld digital models are affordable, portable, and ideal for outdoor exploration, with some including removable memory sticks to capture images of discoveries. Compact digital versions connect to computers, making it easy to study and document findings at home. For kids, monocular microscopes (viewed with one eye) are recommended, as they’re easier to focus. Opt for models with real glass lenses and avoid plastic bodies, which are less durable [source: Pappas]. Younger children may enjoy basic models with moderate zoom, while older kids will appreciate the detailed views provided by higher magnification.

3: Ant Farm

Ants offer more than just low-maintenance pets; they provide a safe way for kids to engage with nature and observe a miniature ecosystem. Classic ant farms require regular feeding and care, but modern versions like Antworks use a special gel developed by NASA, originally created for ants sent to space in 2006. This gel not only enhances the visual appeal of ant farms but also eliminates the need for additional food. Other innovative models feature colored sand or interactive elements like ramps, rock walls, and even "skate parks" for the ants to explore.

2: Circuit Sets

Snap Circuits are like futuristic Lego kits, allowing kids to assemble real circuit boards using wires, switches, and circuits. By connecting these components, children can create mini fans, light up LEDs, or produce sounds through a speaker. Junior versions are designed to grow with the child and can be combined with standard sets using a connector kit. These toys introduce kids to the fundamentals of electricity and offer a peek into the inner workings of everyday electronics.

1: Alternate Energy Cars

Say goodbye to traditional remote-controlled cars that constantly need new batteries. Alternative energy cars introduce children to the energy solutions of tomorrow, all while saving you the hassle of purchasing batteries. Basic models of these innovative toys feature magnesium metal sheets. Just add a few drops of saltwater, and the car will run effortlessly for hours. For those seeking a more advanced option, the i-H2GO includes everything needed to build a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Once assembled, kids can link the car to a smartphone, turning it into a wireless remote. Meanwhile, Volta racers utilize flexible solar panels, enabling them to function even in dim lighting. Similar to the i-H2GO, Volta racers arrive unassembled, encouraging children to flex their engineering muscles before hitting the road.