STEM Toys for Kids

Our STEM toys for kids turn curiosity into something they can build, grow or look at up close. Little ones start with magnetic stick blocks, wooden magnetic puzzles and an automatic domino train. Older kids move on to a 14-in-1 solar robot kit, a crystal growing kit, a gem dig kit and a USB digital microscope with up to 1000x magnification.

Each listing shows a recommended age, so it is easy to match a kit to the right grade.

How to Choose a STEM Toy That Fits

A good STEM toy hands a child a problem to solve with their own hands. The trick is choosing one that is challenging enough to hold interest, but not so hard that it goes back in the box after ten minutes.

STEM toys by age

  • Ages 3 to 5: magnetic stick building sets, wooden magnetic puzzles, bendable dinosaur race tracks and the automatic domino train. These build hand control and an early sense of cause and effect.
  • Ages 6 to 8: larger magnetic building block sets, gem dig kits and a 3x3 speed cube. Kids this age like a clear goal and a finished result.
  • Ages 8 to 12: the solar robot kit, crystal growing kit and USB digital microscope. These involve following steps, waiting for results and asking why.

Tips that keep a kit from collecting dust

Do the first build together. Kids are far more likely to come back to a kit on their own once they have seen it work. Keep small pieces in a zip bag or lidded box, and read the instruction sheet of any science kit before opening the parts.

Magnet and small part safety

Magnetic toys and most kits contain small parts. Keep loose pieces away from younger siblings and check sets now and then for cracked pieces. For more hands-on ideas, browse our craft kits for kids or shop by grade in toys for 6 to 8 year olds.

STEM Toy FAQ

What does STEM stand for?

Science, technology, engineering and math. A STEM toy lets kids practice one or more of those through play, like building a structure or watching crystals form.

How long does the crystal growing kit take?

Crystals grow in about 72 hours. It works well as a weekend project that kids can check on each morning.

Does the solar robot kit need batteries?

No. It runs on solar energy, so the finished models move in sunlight. Direct sun outdoors gives the best results.