The Best STEM Toys for Kids
STEM toys for kids help children develop important skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. As your child plays with snap circuits, building blocks, and other STEM toys, they won't even realize they're learning. They'll just be having fun. But, as they play, they will be reinforcing academic concepts and more. Your children will be solving problems, thinking creatively, and using their imagination. There are so many different types of STEM toys on the market. Some are very simple, while others are complex. By providing your child with a variety of options, you'll help them develop the skills they'll need in the future.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run
A-maze-ing
The best STEM games challenge our kids’ imagination and problem-solving skills while also entertaining them. And few offerings out there do that better than this marble maze from ThinkFun. Using an array of building block-like pieces, players are tasked with erecting towers designed to carry the marble from one end of the maze to the other. A handy instruction book explains the rules of the game, while picture cards show how each level should start. We especially love how comprehensive the game is: there are a whopping 60 levels in total, and each challenge is more difficult than the one before, making it suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Pros:
- Also exercises spatial reasoning skills
- Instruction manual is clear and easy to read
- Gender-neutral design appeals to both girls and boys
Cons:
- May be too difficult for kids under eight
Brickyard Building Blocks STEM Toys
Early engineering
Kids love to use their imagination to build things, which is why Lego — known for its iconic building blocks — is still one of the most popular toy brands in the world. Unfortunately, Legos aren’t suitable for children of all ages, and they also lack some of the benefits of other building blocks on the market — including these blocks from Brickyard. Suitable for children as young as three years old, these chunky pieces can be assembled in myriad different ways, stimulating the imagination just like Legos. But unlike Legos, they also incorporate other components, including functioning screwdrivers and bolts, designed to increase your child’s hand-eye coordination and overall mechanical aptitude. In that way, it’s the perfect option for the budding engineer or aspiring mechanic.
Pros:
- Comes in 101 and 163-piece set
- Made of non-toxic, BPA-free materials
- Colorful design is also visually stimulating
Cons:
- May not be as popular among older kids
Osmo Genius Starter Kit
Tablet tangrams
Your kid is already addicted to the family’s iPad, so why not make the most out of it? With this puzzle kit from Osmo, you can transform your tablet from an unfortunate distraction into an interactive virtual tutor, proving that even screen time can be productive. The kit comes with four different games aimed at strengthening various skills, from reading and vocabulary to problem-solving to creativity and imagination. They also work seamlessly with your iPad, offering real-time audio and visual feedback that encourages stress-free learning. This option is ideal for kids ages six to 10 and has challenges suitable to both beginners and experts.
Pros:
- Works with a range of iPad models
- No wifi needed for gameplay
- Also has tangram game for visual acuity
Cons:
- iPad not included
Elenco Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100
Electronic escapades
Part of the purpose of STEM games is to introduce your child to new and novel technologies, which can stimulate their learning and better prepare them for life in adulthood. That includes electronic circuitry, which today powers everything from cars to cell phones. As it happens, electronic circuits actually make for great puzzle games, as this snap circuit kit from Elenco proves. Containing over 30 color-coded and numbered components, the kit allows children to assemble circuits on their own, and in the process learn how electricity works. No tools or soldering irons are needed, of course, and kids can create over 100 different projects, from musical doorbells to a clap-on light switch.
Pros:
- Easy to follow directions so kids can play and learn independently
- Kit can be upgraded in the future
- Instructions are easy to follow
Cons:
- The pieces don’t store nicely in the box, so you may want to keep them in your own container
Snap Circuits Light Electronics Exploration Kit
If your child wants to take their electronic circuit creations to the next level, get this light exploration kit from Snap Circuits. It has tons of cool and colorful components that will hold your child’s attention, including a color-changing LED, glow-in-the-dark propeller, and strobe light. The kit includes lessons that will teach your child how circuitry works, beginning with a simple LED light project that demonstrates how electricity is turned on and off with a switch. From there, they can use the 55 included components to experiment and create their own customized circuits and electronic devices. The kit can even be combined with other Snap Circuit sets to extend its usability.
Pros:
- No tools or soldering needed
- Pieces snap together easily, so it’s simple for kids to do on their own
- Colorful directions that kids can follow
Cons:
- AA batteries not included
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my child be ready for snap circuit STEM toys?
Most snap circuit sets have small parts and require some reading to assemble correctly. They are typically recommended for children ages eight and up. However, there are sets that are designed with younger children in mind. You know your child best, so make sure you think that the set is appropriate for them. You don’t want it to be too hard and frustrating, and you don’t want to risk a choking hazard.
What will my child learn with a snap circuit STEM toy?
As your child completes snap circuit projects, they will be learning many skills. They will need to follow directions, and learn to do things systematically. As they work with the different components, they will learn what pieces are required for a circuit. They will improve their vocabulary and become more comfortable talking about circuits, electricity, and engineering. Kits that require assembly help your child to develop fine motor skills. They are a toy with many different benefits.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.