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Science kits are a great way to get kids curious about our world and beyond. After all, these kits have the power to captivate, teach STEM skills, and entertain all at once. If your child is already excited about things like robotics, space exploration, or how machines work, science kits can bolster those curiosities. But the truth is, for every great option, there are countless others that end up being duds, whether it’s from confusing directions, poor quality instruments, or unexciting experiments.
To save you from selecting one that ends up forgotten under your kid’s bed, we drew from our own experiences and consulted with experts in the field to find the very best science kits for kids. Ahead, we offer advice on how to choose the right science kit for your kid followed by our recommendations.
What to Consider
Age and Skill Level
You might wonder whether your child is old enough to be gifted a science kit, but according to Shelsea Ochoa, who was an educator performer at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science when we spoke to her for this interview, kids can enjoy science kits at any age—though some might need assistance. “For younger kids, adults will need to be present and attentive throughout the experiment,” she says.
Consider how much time you’ll have to spend with the child and their kit. You know the child best, and whereas some older kids can complete activities on their own, others might need some guidance—especially when using certain materials. Slime and volcano experiments are fun but not when the contents end up getting all over your couch or rug.
Fun Factor
You’ll also want to factor in a child’s attention span. “Science kits are a space where kids are meant to develop a love for learning about science, so it is a great opportunity to not force a child to sit through the process but allow them to go at a pace that feels enjoyable,” says Ochoa, who recommends taking breaks between steps for longer experiments. “Even if it takes multiple days, if the child walks away with a positive feeling about science, then the kit was successful.” In short, if it isn’t fun, it won’t be effective.
How We Selected
Many of the science kits on this list feature the authenticated trustmark of STEM.org, a privately held, multinational STEM research and credentialing organization. This badge means the kit has been evaluated by a leader in STEM education to make sure it’s educational, age-appropriate, and genuinely helping kids grow an interest in STEM fields. We also scoured the web for products that received high, verified reviews across various retailers.
The original author of this piece, Priscilla Blossom, is a parent to a science-loving child, so she took into consideration some of the products she’s tested in her own home and reached out to other parents and educators for their recommendations on science kits that stood the test of time (and boredom). We also made sure to keep in mind varying budgets, different age groups, and a variety of fields of science to appeal to different interests.
1
Best All-Around
Smithsonian Mega Science Lab Kit
1
Best All-Around
Smithsonian Mega Science Lab Kit
Pros
Teaches kids about multiple fields of science- Great value
Cons
- Crystal growing project is a multi-day activity
For a great all-around science kit for older kids, this lab-in-a-box can’t be beat. There’s plenty of room for scientific inquiry here whether it’s creating a working volcano, building a model of the Earth and moon, digging for T-rex fossils, growing crystals, and more.
The kit comes with a variety of tools and materials, including a wood mallet, eco dome pod, bug collecting tool, and a weather station with a thermometer.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Physical and Earth science; chemistry |
|---|---|
| Experiments | 6 |
| Ages | 10+ |
2
Best Physics
Engino Discovering STEM Physics Laws Set
2
Best Physics
Engino Discovering STEM Physics Laws Set
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Inventive and engaging projects
- Comes with illustrated activity book
- Free app to view 3D models
Cons
- Younger kids might need more help
Teach kids ages 8 and up about the laws of physics with this comprehensive science kit featuring six different projects, including a rubber band car, sharpening wheel, and rocket launcher. There's also a free app that allows kids to view 3D models.
Once your child builds these machines, they’ll continue to be captivated while conducting numerous experiments. The manual includes theories, facts, and quizzes to supplement learning. It’s a great investment for kids who have expressed an interest in physics and machines.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Physics |
|---|---|
| Experiments | 6 |
| Ages | 8+ |
3
Best Electronics
Snap Circuits Beginner Electronics Exploration Kit
3
Best Electronics
Snap Circuits Beginner Electronics Exploration Kit
Now 24% Off
Pros
- Very engaging
- Kids can level up with more advanced kits
Cons
- A bit noisy
This intro to electronic exploration packs a ton of fun and intrigue into a small package. Made for elementary-aged engineers, your littles can dive into figuring out how to build projects with the 14 included parts.
The kit includes an easy-to-follow manual and plenty of lights, sound, and motion to keep any child engaged the whole way through. If you’re searching for a more advanced version of this science kit, we recommend checking out the junior version.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Electronics |
|---|---|
| Experiments | 21 |
| Ages | 5+ |
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4
Best Chemistry
Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station
Pros
- More convenient than DIY experiments
- Includes many activities
Cons
- Can be messy
This fun and engaging set includes pipettes, test tubes and racks, an Erlenmeyer flask, and other equipment that sparks a love of chemistry in younger and slightly older kiddos. I’ve used this one with my own son and it’s always a hit.
The Chemistry Station is a great alternative to DIY experiments if you’re short on time and patience and want to give kids more freedom (though be mindful of the messier ones—you know your child best!)
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Experiments | 20 |
| Ages | 6+ |
5
Best Engineering
Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment and Model Building Kit
5
Best Engineering
Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment and Model Building Kit
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Reasonable price point
- More than two dozen models to build
Cons
- May be tough for kids who struggle with fine motor skills
This is the best science kit for kids who love to tinker—you know, the one who takes things apart and puts them back together. There are 26 model-building exercises to create six basic machines, like pulley systems and wheels and axels.
The kit also includes a precision spring scale to kids can measure how the machines work. Everything is clearly laid out in a full-color, 32-page book so kids can go at their own pace. Plus, you can’t beat the price point.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Engineering |
|---|---|
| Experiments | 26 |
| Ages | 8+ |
6
Best Astronomy
Abacus Brands Bill Nye’s VR Space Lab Science Kit (Goggles Included)
6
Best Astronomy
Abacus Brands Bill Nye’s VR Space Lab Science Kit (Goggles Included)
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Covers topics not included in most other kits
- Comes with goggles for VR
Cons
- Price point may be prohibitive for some
Kids who are into space exploration won’t be able to resist getting their hands on this science kit, featuring more than 100 VR and AR experiences. Goggles are included and the kit comes with a 96-page spiral-bound interactive guide that has 15 real-world crafts and activities for kids to try.
While it costs a bit more than the rest of the kits we recommend, if it’s within your budget, AR and VR are subjects that other options typically don’t cover.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Space |
|---|---|
| Experiments | N/A |
| Ages | 8+ |
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7
Best Geology
National Geographic Geology Bundle Science Kits
7
Best Geology
National Geographic Geology Bundle Science Kits
Pros
- Provides a well-rounded understanding of geology
- Full-color guide included with each kit
Cons
- Lots of pieces to keep track of
You can’t go wrong with this set of three geology science kits. There’s a crystal-growing lab that includes a light-up base for kids to display their colorful creations; a gemstone dig kit; and more than 200 specimens to examine to learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. Each kit comes with a full-color learning guide, he science kits are recommended for ages 8 and up.
Key Specs
| Subject Area | Geology |
|---|---|
| Experiments | Multiple |
| Ages | 8+ |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
