Toys That Develop Engineering Skills

STEM Adventure with Catapult Marble Run

The Learning Journey: Techno Gears Marble Mania - Catapult 3. 0 is more than just a toy; it's a captivating journey into the world of STEM! This impressive construction set, featuring over 80 vibrant interlocking pieces, ignites curiosity and creativity as children build their very own marble run with exciting elements like a pendulum marble drop and a thrilling marble launcher loop. 6+ years
Why we love it:
STEM Adventure with Catapult Marble Run includes over 80 vibrant interlocking pieces, turning building and experimenting into an exciting way to develop engineering skills and confidence.

Spring-Powered STEM Fun!

The Thames & Kosmos SpringBots STEM Kit invites young learners to explore the fascinating worlds of potential and kinetic energy through hands-on building. By assembling three unique spring-powered models—a speedy race car, an adventurous walking robot, and a precise countdown timer—kids engage their critical thinking and engineering skills while discovering how gears and springs work. This kit is a delightful choice for parents and educators looking to inspire curiosity and creativity in STEM, all without the need for batteries! 8+ years
Why we love it:
Spring-Powered STEM Fun! features hands-on building of three unique models, making physics feel like an exciting adventure while sparking curiosity without any batteries needed.

Gears! Gears! Gears! Treadmobiles Set

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 5+ years
Why we love it:
Gears! Gears! Gears! Treadmobiles Set includes 108 colorful pieces that transform problem-solving into playtime, making engineering an adventure for young minds and their imaginations.

Roaring Rex-Cavator Adventure Awaits!

The CAT Light & Sound Roaring Rex-Cavator is the perfect blend of fun and learning! As parents and educators, we know how important it is to spark creativity and build fine motor skills in our little ones. With the precision control joysticks, children can maneuver the excavator’s head and neck while engaging in imaginative play. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Roaring Rex-Cavator Adventure Awaits! includes precision control joysticks for creative maneuvering, turning every play session into a hands-on engineering extravaganza.

Build Bubbles with E-BLOX STEM Kit!

E-BLOX Building Blocks STEM Circuit Kit is an exciting and interactive way for our little ones to explore the wonders of science and engineering! With no electronic circuitry experience needed, children can easily assemble their own bubble machine in just four simple steps, following the colorful instructions designed with young builders in mind. This DIY project not only foster creativity but also promotes critical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills, making it a fantastic STEM toy that truly combines learning and fun. 5+ years
Why we love it:
Build Bubbles with E-BLOX STEM Kit! helps little ones easily assemble a bubble machine in just four steps, turning science and engineering into an explosive bubble-chasing adventure.

Unlock Creativity with STEM Basics Kit

Teacher STEM Basics: Wood Construction Kit - 66 Count is the perfect foundation for young creators eager to dive into the world of engineering and design! With basic yet versatile materials, this kit encourages children to unleash their imagination while developing critical STEM skills in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Whether they’re building their own fascinating structures or enhancing projects from their STEM Starters Kit, kids will love the hands-on experience that promotes learning through play. 5+ years
Why we love it:
Unlock Creativity with STEM Basics Kit includes 66 construction pieces that turn imaginative ideas into tangible creations, making learning feel like an exciting hands-on adventure.

Gorch Fock Model Kit: Sail into Learning!

Gorch Fock Model Kit is an exciting gateway to history, creativity, and fine motor skills! As a group of fellow parents and educators, we know how much children can learn from building and painting this impressive 1:350 scale model. With 75 detailed parts to assemble, kids not only boost their engineering skills but also dive into maritime history while creating a beautiful replica of this famous sailing ship. 10+ years
Why we love it:
Gorch Fock Model Kit's 75 detailed parts invite creativity while launching kids into a fascinating world of maritime history and hands-on exploration that makes learning an adventure.

Wind-Powered Adventure Awaits

The Thames & Kosmos WindBots 6-in-1 Engineering STEM Kit invites budding engineers and curious minds to dive into the world of renewable energy! This engaging kit not only provides the thrill of building six unique wind-powered bots but also teaches essential concepts like wind technology, gear ratios, and mechanics. With no batteries required, it’s a fantastic way for children to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on skills while exploring the wonders of wind energy. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Wind-Powered Adventure Awaits features six unique wind-powered bots that inspire creativity while teaching kids the wonders of renewable energy without a single battery in sight.

60-in-One Electronic Playground Set

The Elenco Electronic Playground 60-in-One Experiments kit is an incredible way for kids and families to dive into the fascinating world of electronics! With 60 unique projects to explore, from a finger touch lamp to a transistor radio, this hands-on experience nurtures curiosity and critical thinking. Parents like us will appreciate how it seamlessly blends fun with learning, reinforcing STEM concepts while sparking imagination. 8+ years
Why we love it:
60-in-One Electronic Playground Set offers 60 unique projects that transform learning about electricity into a delightful family adventure, turning curious minds into budding inventors.

My Gears - Transport Set Fun!

My Gears - Transport Set is a fantastic way for our little ones to dive into the world of engineering while having an absolute blast! With each model they create, they discover the magic of cause and effect as they watch their vehicles and machines come to life. This engaging set enhances curiosity, attention to detail, and intentional play, laying a solid foundation for essential STEM skills. 5-10 years
Why we love it:
My Gears - Transport Set includes high-quality pieces that transform playtime into an exciting engineering adventure, fostering creativity and essential STEM skills in young builders.

Hydraulic Fun with Smartivity Kit!

Smartivity 7 in 1 Multi-Builds Hydraulic Kit Toy for Kids offers an amazing hands-on learning experience that transforms building into a joyful adventure! As we guide our children through the process of creating hydraulic machines, they not only boost their engineering skills but also develop critical thinking and creativity. It’s the perfect way to reduce screen time while igniting their passion for science and construction. 6-14 years
Why we love it:
Hydraulic Fun with Smartivity Kit! offers easy-to-follow instructions and a sustainable wooden design, making engineering a captivating adventure that fuels curiosity without screens.

Engino Creative Builder STEM Adventure

Engino Creative Builder STEM Toys empower kids aged 6 and up to embark on an exciting engineering journey! With 75 precision-engineered pieces and the ability to build 15 different vehicle models, this kit inspires critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, making it a must-have for young inventors. Parents and educators alike will appreciate how it nurtures creativity while providing a solid foundation in STEM concepts through fun and engaging play. 6+ years
Why we love it:
Engino Creative Builder STEM Adventure includes 75 precision-engineered pieces that invite kids to unlock their inner inventors and tackle engineering challenges while having a blast.

LEGO Adorable Dogs Building Set

The LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Adorable Dogs Building Toy Set is the ultimate delight for dog lovers and budding builders alike. Perfect for kids aged 7 and up, this set fosters creativity and engineering skills as children assemble various playful pups, including a beagle, poodle, and labrador. By combining imaginative play with valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility, our young builders can also engage in fun role-play scenarios while caring for their furry friends. 7+ years
Why we love it:
LEGO Adorable Dogs Building Set includes opportunities to build a beagle, poodle, and labrador, making learning about empathy and responsibility feel like a playful adventure!

Hot Wheels Pull-Back Speeders for Fun Racing

Hot Wheels Pull-Back Speeders Set is the perfect toy for igniting your child's imagination and engineering skills. Kids can explore basic principles of physics as they pull back the cars and release them, sending them zooming across the floor or carpet. With interactive features like Rolomatics and opening doors or hoods, these collectible cars offer endless opportunities for creative play and storytelling. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Hot Wheels Pull-Back Speeders for Fun Racing features interactive Rolomatics, making physics exciting and racing stories come alive in our living rooms!

LEGO Technic Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar Kit

The LEGO Technic Peugeot 9X8 24H Le Mans Hybrid Hypercar building kit is the ultimate gift for motorsport enthusiasts, especially as we celebrate 100 years of racing history! This captivating set not only engages teens and adults in a rewarding building experience but also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As we piece together the intricate V6 engine and add those iconic decals, we learn about hybrid technology and the mechanics of race cars, sparking a passion for engineering and design. 12+ years
Why we love it:
LEGO Technic Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar Kit features detailed building of a V6 engine, transforming a model into a hands-on lesson in engineering and hybrid technology that lights up playtime.

VTech Marble Rush Sky Elevator Set

The VTech Marble Rush Sky Elevator Set is an exciting way for kids aged 4 and up to dive into the world of STEAM! With its motorized freight train, colorful marbles, and interactive sky elevator, children can engage in hours of fun while developing crucial skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. The set encourages creativity through building various structures and thrilling marble runs, allowing kids to explore their engineering potential. 4+ years
Why we love it:
VTech Marble Rush Sky Elevator Set features a motorized freight train that transforms building into a thrilling adventure, keeping creativity flowing and minds buzzing with engineering fun!

Magnetic Marble Run Adventure

The National Geographic Magnetic Marble Run is a thrilling 150-piece STEM building set that invites kids and adults alike to embark on a journey of creativity and education. This unique kit not only fosters critical thinking but also enhances problem-solving skills, as users design and build their own intricate marble mazes. With endless combinations and innovative trick pieces to explore, it’s not just a toy; it's a challenge that sparks imagination while encouraging collaborative play. 7+ years
Why we love it:
Magnetic Marble Run Adventure, with its 150-piece design, turns family time into a collaborative engineering challenge that keeps minds engaged and imaginations soaring.

Disney's Mickey & Minnie Red Handcar Adventure

Lionel Disney’s Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Red Handcar is a delightful way to introduce children to the enchanting world of model trains and storytelling. As a parent, we love that this beautifully designed handcar not only sparks creativity and imagination but also provides a hands-on experience with its wind-up mechanism. Children aged 14 and up can dive into a rich history of collaboration between Lionel and Disney through the included story booklet and rare archival images. 14+ years
Why we love it:
Disney's Mickey & Minnie Red Handcar Adventure features a wind-up mechanism that invites families to explore storytelling while engaging with the rich legacy of Disney and trains.

GraviTrax Trax Expansion Set Adventure

GraviTrax Trax Expansion Set transforms marble runs into exhilarating learning experiences! As fellow parents and educators, we love how this innovative STEM toy encourages kids ages 8 and up to dive into the fascinating worlds of gravity, magnetism, and kinetics. It's not just about building tracks; it's about igniting curiosity and fostering creativity as children design their own unique pathways for their marbles. 8 years and up
Why we love it:
GraviTrax Trax Expansion Set Adventure includes an array of innovative pieces that spark curiosity and empower kids to explore the science of gravity through imaginative track design.

GraviTrax PRO: Build, Learn, Play!

Ravensburger GraviTrax PRO Starter Set is an interactive adventure that fuses creativity with critical thinking! As parents and educators, we know the importance of nurturing our children's problem-solving skills, and this engaging STEM toy does just that. With 152 unique components, kids will unleash their engineering potential, constructing marble runs that challenge their imaginations. 8+ years
Why we love it:
GraviTrax PRO: Build, Learn, Play! features 152 unique components that transform STEM learning into an exciting marble run adventure, igniting both imagination and engineering skills in our little builders.

GraviTrax Starter Set: Fun with Gravity!

GraviTrax Starter Set is an incredible way for kids to explore the fascinating world of gravity and physics while indulging in creative play. As fellow parents and educators, we find it delightful how this STEM toy promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the design of marble runs. With 122 unique components to experiment with, children can unleash their imaginations and tackle engineering challenges that keep them engaged for hours. 8-12 years
Why we love it:
GraviTrax Starter Set features 122 unique components that transform gravity and physics into an engaging marble run adventure, sparking creativity and strategic minds both at school and home.

Steampunk Fun with TrainBots Maker Kit

Thames & Kosmos TrainBots: 2-in-1 STEAM Maker Kit opens up a world of creativity and learning for our young engineers! With the ability to build two steampunk-themed robots that puff out safe, cool steam, kids ages 8 and up will be mesmerized by the dazzling effects and thrilling mechanics. Not only does this kit nurture engineering skills, but it also delves into concepts like sound waves and phases of matter—all accompanied by a captivating comic-book-style manual that sparks additional interest. 8+ years with help, 12+ for independent play
Why we love it:
Steampunk Fun with TrainBots Maker Kit comes with a captivating comic-book-style manual that makes learning about engineering and science feel like an exciting adventure.

Build Your Own Dinosaur Robot

The Thames & Kosmos Code+Control Dinosaur Robot REX Robotics & Engineering STEM Kit invites kids aged 8 and up to dive into the thrilling world of robotics and programming! By assembling a mighty robotic T. Rex from 100 pieces, children not only enhance their engineering skills but also engage in critical thinking and problem-solving as they program up to 50 actions and control their dinosaur via an infrared remote. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Build Your Own Dinosaur Robot features 100 pieces, allowing kids to unleash their inner engineer while mastering robotics and diving into the dino-fueled fun of programming.

BattleBots Arena Pro: Build & Battle Fun

HEXBUG BattleBots Arena Pro is an amazing adventure where kids can dive into the thrilling world of robot battles! As fellow parents, we love how this toy encourages creativity and problem-solving skills, allowing our kids to design over 100 configurations for their bots. It's not just a toy; it's an exciting way for children to develop hand-eye coordination and engineering skills while having a blast competing in the arena. 8+ years
Why we love it:
BattleBots Arena Pro features over 100 configurations for kids to design their bots, turning creativity into a hands-on lesson in engineering and collaboration during thrilling robot showdowns.