The 10 Best STEM Toys | Top 10 Kids Toys

This review has been updated 9 times since it was first published in November of 2017. It’s important to give children tools that help their brains develop, and some toys, like those designed to support STEM education, offer the perfect way to do that while letting them have fun. The following list includes options that will spark curiosity and learning for kids as young as three all the way up to those as old as 14 years of age. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review.

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10. National Geographic Break-Open Geodes

The National Geographic Break-Open Geodes (about $25) offers kids the chance to work with actual rocks that come in different shapes and sizes, and the kit includes an informative booklet detailing how they are formed. They are for one-time use only, though.

9. Learning Resources Calculator Cash Register

The Learning Resources Calculator Cash Register (appx. $30) grows with a child. Toddlers enjoy opening and closing the drawer, and the sound effects, while older kids benefit from it’s math education in play scenarios. It comes stocked with a pretend credit card, bills, and coins.

8. Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Kit

The Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Kit (appx. $16) promotes hands-on learning about chemical processes. It includes real chemicals and equipment, like citric acid and test tubes, so kids can feel like true scientists experimenting in the lab. Adult supervision is always advised.

7. Osmo Genius Starter Kit

The Osmo Genius Starter Kit (about $99) is designed to work in conjunction with your existing iPad, turning it into an interactive, game-based educational system. It teaches a variety of subjects; including math, spelling, and physics; and adjusts to skill levels for ages 5 to 12.

6. ViaHart Brain Flakes Disc Set

The ViaHart Brain Flakes Disc Set (about $10) will keep children busy designing whatever their imaginations come up with. The 500 pieces are in a variety of colors and are easy to connect, and just as simple to disconnect when it is time to break things down.

5. Magformers Basic Set

The Magformers Basic Set (around $38) includes multicolored, magnetic squares and triangles that click together to form different shapes. The design possibilities offer endless entertainment, while stimulating learning in areas like fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

4. Elenco Snap Circuits Jr.

The Elenco Snap Circuits Jr. (about $20) teaches children how to build working electrical models. Detailed illustrated instructions are provided for over 100 projects and, once mastered, this kit can be used with upgraded versions for even more learning and fun.

3. ThinkFun Gravity Maze

The ThinkFun Gravity Maze (about $30) teaches logic skills by testing spatial reasoning and planning. Players have to direct a marble to its target, but are confronted with various challenges that must be overcome in the process in order to succeed.

2. Fisher-Price Code-a-Pillar Twist

The Fisher-Price Code-a-Pillar Twist (appx. $34) inspires toddlers and up to think critically, like a problem-solving engineer. A motorized head connects to five body segments, which then work in numerous configurations to move the caterpillar along a programmed path.

1. Kano Computer Kit

The Kano Computer Kit (appx. $114) is suitable for kids as young as six and as old as 14. It has over 100 step-by-step coding challenges that help teach Python, JavaScript, website building, and more, yet it requires no previous technical knowledge, making it very accessible.

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