Science kits are not just toys; they are bridges that connect children’s curiosity to the real world of scientific discovery. They offer hands-on experiences that can transform abstract concepts into tangible experiments, making learning enjoyable and memorable.
I’ll cover a range of science kits suitable for kids of all ages, ensuring there’s something exciting for every young scientist. From chemistry sets and physics to biology, astronomy, and the mysteries of the human body, allowing young minds to explore and understand the wonders of the world around them.
Here’s the catch, not all science kits are created equal!
The best science kits for kids must be engaging, educational, and appropriate for their age group, from toddlers to older children, ensuring everyone finds something to capture their interest. We don’t want our kids getting bored after a few minutes. They should stimulate their imagination leading to a deeper appreciation and understanding of scientific principles.
Safety is paramount: non-toxic materials and clear, step-by-step detailed instructions are essential to ensure a child’s well-being during their explorations.
Table of Contents
Best Science Kits for Younger Kids & Early Learners
1. Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab
There are 35 mysterious beaker creatures you have to collect with this set. Drop the pod into the chamber and watch the bubbles burst.
The Liquid Reactor Super Lab doubles as an engaging science kit, offering a great way for kids to conduct real experiments that teach valuable scientific principles Complete with 15 pieces, including Reactor Pods, classification cards, and an experiment guide, it’s the perfect tool to inspire future scientists.
This science toy was voted top toy for 2019, so we aren’t the only ones that love it. It also have easy to follow instructions for kids just getting started.
2. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope
Let your little ones see the world at a whole new level. This kid-friendly microscope features two large eyepieces and a bulk knob, making it easy to magnifying objects. View seashells, leaves, plants, and bugs to explore the world around us in detail.
This microscope isn’t just a toy; it’s a real scientific tool made for little hands and minds. It’s an ideal way to support STEM education, providing a hands-on experience that introduces the basics of science and nature.
You can find this science kit here.
3. Little Tikes Wonder Lab with Experiments
Finally, a great lab and experiment kit for young children too, catering to their curiosity and eagerness to learn This set is great for the 4-5 range. It was also a finalist in 2019 for toy of the year. It’s definitely one of the best new science kits out there! Enjoy 20 fun hands-on different experiments using household materials.
Ultimate STEM Jr. Wonder Lab, is tailor-made for preschoolers to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
While I love the above science kit and experiments included with Creature Beakers (listed above), this is a great chemistry & experiment kit for those of you who want more than a one-off science kit.
See everything that is included here.
Best Science Kits for 6-8 Year Olds
4. Thames and Kosmos Kids First Chemistry Set Science Kit
As your little scientist grows, their curiosity and ability to understand complex concepts do too. This science kit is designed for kids 8+. However, I think 8 years old is the perfect age for this experiment set.
This kit not only includes a variety of engaging experiments but also provides clear instructions to guide young chemists through each discovery, combining fun experiments with real scientific tools—filters, test tubes, pipettes, and beakers—allowing kids to learn through hands-on discovery.
From making test tube racks out of plaster to exploring the magic of chromatography and witnessing the fizz of acid-base chemical reactions, this set turns everyday household items into fascinating chemical experiments.
The book has over 40 pages of experiments as your kids work to identify different chemicals, helping with kids problem-solving skills. Get it now to begin a fun educational experience!
See if this science kit is still available here.
5. Insect Lore Original Butterfly Garden
This educational adventure is more than just watching caterpillars transform; it’s an immersive experience that inspires future explorers by integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles. The STEM journal is all about the hands-on experience with activities that encourage kids to observe, predict, and understand the lifecycle of a butterfly in a fun and interactive way.
For over 50 years, Insect Lore has been a trusted name in educational kits, loved by teachers, parents, and kids alike.
6. Uncle Milton Ant Farm
Start with some of the classics if your child has not experienced the joy of taking care of their very own creatures! Teach them the ways of ant life and how they work together.
This updated version comes with a sleek new design, vibrant colors, and 3D lenticular scenes depicting futuristic ant habitats. Your kids can watch as ants dig tunnels and construct mountains in this unique, escape-proof design. The farm includes Antports and Antway connector tubes for linking to other habitats, expanding your ant observation opportunities.
Watch the ants tunnel before your very eyes…knowing that they can lift up to 5,000 times their body weight!
You can find this art farm kit here.
7. Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium
Got any future botanists in the family? This is a nice, simple terrarium that your child will enjoy growing plants in. It includes a jar for your child to decorate and some very cool glow-in-the-dark stickers!
The kit has everything needed: a plastic terrarium jar, potting mix, organic chia and wheatgrass seeds, and glow-in-the-dark decorations. Thanks to special star and constellation stickers, it’s a fun blend of science and art that glows at night. Ideal for teaching responsibility and nurturing, this terrarium starts to grow in just 3-4 days, offering a quick and rewarding educational experience.
This is an educational yet fun science toy as your child must learn about the importance of providing plenty of water and sunlight. Another kit to fit the ‘S’ in STEM! For ages 6 and up.
See the current price of this terrarium here.
Best Science Kits for 9-11 Year Olds
8. AMSCOPE Beginner Microscope Kit
Here’s a fun science toy for your future microbiologist. This is our personal favorite for the best microscope for children. It’s durable, but kids also can see incredible magnification!
Also, this microscope kit comes with prepared slides to help kids get started. See everything that is included here.
9. 4M Magnet Science Kit
Who didn’t love magnets as a kid, right?!
This affordable science kit has multiple games and experiments to teach the fundamentals of magnetism. Create a compass and a race car powered by magnets.
This kit combines educational experiments with playful games, making learning about magnetic forces an enjoyable experience.
You can see if it is still available here.
10. National Geographic Mega Gemstone Mine
Have your future geologist dig up some really cool gemstones and crystals with this science kit by National Geographic.
Your kids will find themselves on a quest to unearth 15 spectacular gemstones, including pyrite, amethyst, tiger’s eye, and quartz, among others. This kit is designed to keep them busy for hours, equipped with a chisel, brush, and magnifying glass to aid in their excavation and examination of the stunning specimens they find.
This is an excellent STEM science toy that includes additional information about each of the 15 stones included, so you can learn plenty while having fun. Recommended age 6-15 years.
You can check out these gyms here.
11. Smithsonian Mega Science Lab
Last but not least, this is another option for your older kids (ages 10-15 years).
This science kit includes multiple science experiments and projects. All within one box you can build a volcano, learn about the weather, grow crystals, dig for dinos, and more. You can see more about this kit here.
Wrapping Up
Science kits are powerful gateways that turn curiosity into meaningful scientific discovery for children. They offer practical, engaging experiences that demystify complex concepts, making science both fun and accessible.
The ideal science kit is more than a toy; it’s a learning tool that is engaging, educational, and safe, tailored to the child’s age and interests.
