STEM Toys & Science Kits

Best Engineering Kits for Kids (2026): we tested 15 top picks for ages 4-13, from bridge builds to circuits and robotics.

We tested 10 electronics kits with our own kids, ages 4 to 13+. Here are the best electronics kits for kids in 2026, from snap circuits to Arduino.

We compared the best LEGO tables for kids in 2026, from Duplo-friendly toddler picks to big builds: storage, height and price side by side.

The best microscope for kids isn't the one that says 2000x on the box. See our picks by age, from preschool viewers to real compound scopes for teens.

The best coding games for kids ages 3-14: screen-free board games, coding robots, and free apps that teach loops, sequencing, and debugging, with prices.

Best drones for kids in 2026: 7 safe picks with prop guards, from indoor flyers to 4K camera drones for teens, matched to your child's age.

Best telescopes for kids in 2026, picked by age for ages 5-14 and every budget. Real views of the Moon and Saturn, not blurry toy scopes.

We tested 10 circuit kits for kids ages 5-14, from snap-together starters to Arduino step-ups. See the best picks for 2026 and what to skip.

The best STEM toys for kids in 2026: hands-on science kits, coding robots, and building sets we tested with kids ages 2 to 12.

We tested the best subscription boxes for kids for 2026 — STEM, art, books and cooking picks for ages 0-13, with real costs and what to skip.

Best chemistry sets for kids in 2026: we compared top kits for safe experiments, real STEM value, and the right fit for ages 4-14.

We tested 12 of the best science kits for kids for 2026: chemistry, crystal, robotics and dig kits ranked by age, safety and value.

We tested the best robot kits for kids in 2026, from LEGO and Sphero to mBot, ranked by age, budget and coding skills. Find the right kit fast.

Snap Circuits Explore Coding is a block-based coding STEM kit for ages 8+. Our hands-on review tests the app, 30+ projects and if it's worth it.

Snap Circuits Green Energy review: we put 125+ clean-energy projects to the test for kids 8+. See our honest verdict before you buy.

Snap Circuits MyHome review: we built all 34 projects to test this 60-part home electronics STEM kit. See our verdict, pros and cons, and age fit for 8+.

Snap Circuits Code Journey review: we tested the Bluetooth coding kit to see if its hands-on STEM lessons are worth 0 for ages 8+.

Snap Circuits Motion review: our hands-on look at the 165+ projects, gears, and pulleys, plus whether this STEM kit is worth it for kids ages 8+.

Snap Circuits Arcade review: a 36-piece STEM kit with 200+ projects and 20 arcade games for ages 8+. See how it teaches electronics, hands-on.

Snap Circuits Spy Kit review: build 25+ spy missions with motion detectors, voice changers, trip wires and a vibration sensor while kids learn real STEM.

Snap Circuits LIGHT review: we built all 175 fiber-optic and LED projects to see if this STEM kit is worth it for kids 8 and up.

Snap Circuits BRIC: Structures review: we test the Bric-2-Snap builds, 140+ bricks and 20+ projects for kids 8+, and say what works and what doesn't.

Snap Circuits Snap 2 It is a STEM board game where 1-4 players race to snap a circuit from their light to the battery pack. Our review, specs, and verdict.

Snap Circuits Nite Lite review: we tested this build-it-yourself STEM night light for kids 5+. See the 5 light shows, how easy it builds, and if it's worth it.

Snap Circuits Flight Deck review: we built and tested the 5 no-solder projects that launch paper airplanes, saucers and balls. Our verdict for kids 8+.

The Snap Circuits Magnet Kit teaches kids 8+ to build a working electromagnet, compass and 5+ magnet projects. Our hands-on review and full verdict.

Snap Circuits Soccer Shot review: a build-it-yourself 2-player tabletop soccer STEM game. We tested the build, gameplay, and whether it's worth it.

Our hands-on Snap Circuits Beginner (SCB-20) review for kids ages 5-9: first impressions, build quality, the 20+ projects, and value.

The Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750R is a 750-project electronics kit for ages 8+. We tested the build quality, computer interface, and STEM value.

We tested every project in the Snap Circuits Pro 500-in-1 kit. Our hands-on review of build quality, value, and STEM payoff for kids 8+.

Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 review: is this 300-project, no-soldering STEM kit worth it? We tested it with our kids ages 8+ — here's our honest verdict.

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 review: we tested this no-solder, 100-project STEM kit with real kids 8+. Here's what it teaches — and where an adult matters.

LEGO Technic 42180 Mars Crew Exploration Rover review: our hands-on take on the 1,599-piece, NASA-inspired build, working features and whether it's worth 0.

LEGO Technic 42151 Bugatti Bolide review: our hands-on take on the 905-piece W16 build, scissor doors and 1:16 detail. Is it worth it? Our verdict.

LEGO Gadgets review: we built all 11 Klutz machines to see if this STEM kit is worth it. Here's what actually works, what's flimsy, and who it's for.

Our honest LEGO Chain Reactions review: build 10 Klutz machines that spin, swing, roll & drop. See what's in the box and if it's worth buying.

Review: the LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance (42158) is a detailed, functional 1,132-piece set with 6-wheel steering, suspension and Ingenuity.

A detailed review of the Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit, covering its build experience, educational STEM value, materials, and fit for ages 8-12.

Hands-on review of LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit: the first static Technic set in 34 years, a working orrery that tracks Moon phases.

We tested the Sillbird Robot Car Building Kit with our kids: build quality, app and remote, and whether this 5-model STEM set is worth buying in 2026.

We built the Sillbird 12-in-1 Solar Robot Building Kit: 190 pieces, 12 solar-powered designs, 2 difficulty levels, hands-on STEM tested for ages 8-13.

Is the Thames & Kosmos Pinball Machine Maker worth it? Our hands-on review of the edible-gumball STEM kit covers the physics it teaches and value for ages 6-12.

Thames & Kosmos Physics Workshop review: build 36 models from 300+ pieces, run hands-on experiments, learn mechanical physics. Ages 8+. Is it worth it?

Our hands-on Thames & Kosmos Orbiting Solar System review: we built the windup orrery of all eight planets and tested the gear ratios. Is it worth it?

Thames & Kosmos Orbital 3D Maze review: a space-themed build-and-steer marble maze. Honest take on age fit, what's in the box, and whether it's worth it.

Thames & Kosmos Bionic Robotic Arm review: we built the 300-piece, no-battery STEM kit. Ratings, age-fit, and whether it's worth it.

Our hands-on review of the Thames & Kosmos Architectural Engineering kit: we built all 26 models to test the STEM value, parts, and whether it's worth it.

Thames & Kosmos Air-Power Turbo Racer review: we built the 91-piece battery-free kit and raced it 60 feet at 9mph. Our hands-on STEM verdict, ages 8+.

Thames & Kosmos Gumball Machine Maker review: we built the kit to test the physics, the fun, and whether it's worth it for kids ages 6-12.

Build and wear a 16-inch robotic hand with 203 pieces — no motors, no batteries. Our Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand review covers every detail for families.