science experiment toys for 6 year olds

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The Best Science Kits for Kids to Spark Their Love of Learning

Whether you’ve got a budding meteorologist or a future doctor, these kits are great for a variety of ages and interests.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Our Review Process

Our Experts

• Factors to Consider
• Why Are Science Kits Good for Kids?
• What Does a Science Kit Usually Contain?
• When Should I Introduce Science to My Child?

Parents / Brian Kopinski

You might not realize it, but you’ve probably been teaching your child science their whole life. Maybe they’ve helped you cook , or you pointed out a frozen puddle during a winter stroll. Science is all around us, waiting to be explored. But if you want to continue those lessons more purposefully, the best science kits for kids can help.

Science kits can be a great addition to these instinctual learning experiences while feeling more like a science game than a school lesson. “Science kits [let them] develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they make observations, engage in experiments, and explore how one thing can impact another,” says Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA , a parenting therapist and founder of Parenting Pathfinders.

Whether they’re watching a volcano explode with foam “lava,” completing circuits, piloting a toy robot , or churning ice cream (yes, that’s science), playing with our favorite science kits can ignite your child’s love of learning. We consulted experts and tested some of these science kits at home to compile a list of options that can spark your child’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of science.

Shop more of our editor-approved gifts and toys on Amazon .

Best for Preschoolers

Learning resources primary science lab deluxe set.

Spark a preschooler’s imagination with more hands-on science activities . Curious kids can conduct 20 “experiments,” such as shining pennies, making a homemade volcano, and mixing colors with this kit. We love that it fosters independence through easy-to-understand instructions and real science tools such as test tubes, eye droppers, funnels, flasks, a magnifying scope, safety glasses, and more. All tools are sized for little hands and made from durable plastic. 

• Recommended Ages: 3 and up

Best for First Experiments

The young scientists club the magic school bus chemistry lab.

Your child can learn along with the rest of Ms. Frizzle’s class with this The Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab. The kit comes with the tools you need (along with common household materials) to perform 51 experiments and learn about science topics like surface tension, density, acids and bases, and more. 

• Recommended Ages: 5 and up

Most Delicious

Kiwico science of cooking: ice cream.

While KiwiCo's subscription kits are great for a monthly dose of STEM, this one-off purchase makes science literally cool. Your little scientist will learn about crystals, freezing points, and food stabilizers as they mix and shake, shake, shake their way to delicious frozen desserts they can share with the family. Instructions and equipment are included, but buying the ingredients is up to you. 

Best Robotics

Smartivity smartivity robotic mechanical hand.

For children who look up to robotic superheroes like Iron Man or Baymax, this Smartivity kit has everything they need to build their own usable robotic hand. Using wood, rubber bands, connectors, and foam, they’ll learn all about bones, tendons, and muscles. Once complete, they can use their newly crafted robot to pick up objects, open doors, and play catch.

• Recommended Ages: 8 and up

Best Electronics

Snap circuits arcade electronics exploration kit.

Spark your child’s interest in the world of electrical engineering with this safe and interactive electronics kit. It’s structured like a building block toy, which makes it easy for kids to get the hang of as they work their way through 200 different projects and play over 20 games. They’ll learn the basics of electricity, engineering, and circuitry as they explore exciting projects like building a programmable word fan, a tri-color light orb, and a dual-LED display.

Best for Magic Lovers

Alex toys scientific explorer magic science kit.

This kit allows any wizard- or witch-obsessed kiddo to master “magic” by understanding the science behind it. To up their sorcery skills, this kit contains activities that teach them tricks using chemical reactions, such as making ordinary powders mystically foam and change color, creating test tube crystal balls, and more. The kit includes several of the chemicals needed (for example, citric acid, baking soda, vegetable oil, and red cabbage powder), so kids don’t have to raid the pantry to complete these experiments. It also has test tubes, a tube wand, measuring scoops, star stickers, and an activity guide.  

• Recommended Ages: 6 and up

Best for Art Lovers

Crayola color chemistry set.

Color us impressed: Crayola never ceases to keep kiddos entertained, whether it's with an iconic box of 64 crayons or this chemistry set that’s just as colorful. The easy-to-read instruction booklet contains 50 colorful science activities and crafts to try out at home, including a tornado in a bottle, glow worms, and watercolor ice. 

• Recommended Ages: 7 and up

Best for Space Lovers

Abacus brands bill nye vr space lab.

This kit uses hands-free virtual reality goggles to bring everyone’s favorite Science Guy right into your home for an immersive learning experience about space and time. Just point the phone at a picture in the 96-page interactive book, and it will turn into a video that takes viewers through an exploration of our planet, solar system, galaxy, universe, and more. The activities and physical crafts throughout the book really are out of this world.  

• Recommended Ages: 8 to 13

Best for Nature Lovers

Creativity for kids grow 'n glow terrarium kit.

This Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium Kit will teach your youngster how to nurture a seed into a living, green plant. Your child will layer the included soil, stones, and glowing sand (adding an extra element of fun), and then plant wheat grass and chia seeds. They’ll decorate their jar, add water, and watch their hard work pay off as seedlings begin to sprout and grow after just a few days. 

Best Medical

Brown toy box dadisi academy haylee medical science steam kit.

Is there a doctor in the house? This Brown Toy Box: Haylee Medical Sciences Kit includes a clipboard, bandages, tweezers, an activity book, and an anatomy doll to help kids develop an understanding of the human body. As they play, kids will also be working on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 

• Recommended Ages: 5 to 12

National Geographic Super Gross Chemistry Set

Kids can be gross. And usually, when you promise an experiment that’s full of yucky fun, they’re all ears. National Geographic harnesses some of that tendency in this kit that contains instructions and equipment for 15 different gross experiments with themes like boiling boogers, farting slime, bursting blood cells, eyeballs, and test-tube vomit. The bonus guide also has instructions for an additional 30 experiments for those whose scientific curiosity keeps on going, no matter how disgusting.  

Best Weather Lab

4m green science weather science kit.

Without inducing climate change anxiety , this mini-observatory aids in understanding how our weather works. Your up-and-coming meteorologist can experiment with static electricity for lightning, build a desktop water cycle model to learn about the greenhouse effect, attempt to grow seeds in “acid” rain, and even make clouds in their palm. 

Best Microscope

National geographic microscope science lab.

See the world up close and personal with this kid-friendly microscope. The 400x zoom will show your child a world they’ve never seen as they look through the included plant, rock, and mineral slides or add their own specimen (fingernails, a piece of their dog’s fur, or a crumb from their sandwich) to the blank slides with the help of a pipette, tweezers, and slide covers. The large knobs are easy to turn, and the eyepiece stays in place (and focus), making this a great starter microscope for young scientists. 

Best Crystals

4m crystal growing experimental kit.

This kit is definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing science projects kids can do. It comes with the compounds, containers, and dyes to make seven dishes of crystals that will form over the course of just a week. The display domes allow them to keep and show off their projects too. 

• Recommended Ages: 10 and up

Best Science Subscription

Mel science luminescence.

Shine a little light on their love of science with a MEL Science subscription. This company offers STEM, math, physics, chemistry, and medicine science kit subscriptions, and each is appropriate for a different age range. 

Our editor and her child enjoyed building experiments following simple instructions along with the accompanying immersive VR lessons for some of the kits. For example, the Luminescence set from the physics subscription creates loads of fun with light. You’ll build a fluorescent liquid night-light, create mysterious pictures with light, and make ink for special invisible notes. 

Best Magnet Science Kit

Learning resources stem explorers -ages 5+, magnet movers.

If your child is like mine and loves playing with magnetic tiles , they’ll love learning with this easy and interactive magnet movers science kit. They’ll use magnetic wands, rings, balls, bars, horseshoes, and other included tools to perform 10 experiments that help them learn how magnets work, sharpening their problem-solving skills along the way. 

Best Spy Science

Thames & kosmos spy labs inc: forensic investigation kit.

Do you have a future forensic scientist at home? They’ll add up the evidence with this forensic investigation kit using chemistry, science, and detective skills to solve the included mysteries. The kit teaches them to lift fingerprints, examine handwriting and counterfeit bills, and more as they discover what it takes to analyze evidence and solve a crime. 

Our Review Process 

To build our list of the best science kits for kids, we included various science categories, from chemistry to physics, robotics, engineering, and more. To keep kids of all ages in mind, our list includes kits appropriate for every child from preschool to the teen years. We chose our top picks based on the following factors: 

• Entertainment Value: We looked for science kits that have age-appropriate appeal with colors, sounds, and experience. 
• Safety: We prioritized kits that included extra safety precautions like goggles or gloves when needed. 
• Materials Included: We often opted for kits that include all or most tools and ingredients necessary to perform the tasks so you’re not scrambling trying to find extra parts or ingredients to put it to use. 
• Instructions: Since we’re not scientists ourselves, we selected kits with clear instructions for kids (and adults) to help everything go smoothly. 
• Educational Benefit: We found a balance of fun and education in our top kits, so kids can stay engaged and entertained while they learn. 

To find out how science kits can enhance a child’s development and education, we interviewed the following experts:

• Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA, parenting therapist, founder of Parenting Pathfinders, and a member of the Parents Review Board
• Rachel Robertson , vice president of education development at Bright Horizons
• Marianne Szymanski , founder and president of Toy Tips Inc., whose son created an entire “science lab” in their basement when he was 7 years old

Factors to Consider When Buying Science Kits for Kids

• Educational Benefits: Bringing this type of play into the home can ignite a child’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math from an early age. “When STEM learning happens at home, it can also provide parents and caregivers a chance to spend time with their child engaging in a creative activity, [which is] an effective way of cultivating a connection through learning and exploring together,” says Felder.
• Recommended Age: Age level is especially important when choosing science kits, says Szymanski. Following manufacturer guidelines ensures both safety and enjoyment. “Parts and pieces that are too small to operate, are messy, or easily lost may frustrate a child and parent, while science kits with small print instructions that are hard to read may [discourage] reading, which can turn into a safety issue,” she cautions. Felder agrees, saying, “consider if [your child] has the necessary skills to engage with the kit as it’s intended and how much grown-up involvement they’ll need, as some kits are designed to be done independently, while others require adult guidance.”
• Type of Kit: While initially determined by the subject matter and age range, the kit you choose might include chemicals for fun reactions; kid-friendly versions of scientific tools such as beakers, test tubes, and microscopes; STEM-based circuits; and/or robotic elements. Kits for toddlers typically have simple, familiar items, such as measuring cups, coloring agents, and activity booklets with stickers. Some kits are solely made of physical materials and paper manuals while others pair with apps and VR headsets for additional instruction.
• Safety: Safety should come first, whether you’re a young learner just starting out or an actual scientist by trade. Be sure that the kit you choose has the correct safety measures in place for a child, such as goggles for chemical reactions, gloves for messy activities, and non-breakable tools. Always pay attention to whether any experiments require adult supervision.

Why Are Science Kits Good for Kids? 

Science kits can be wonderful learning tools for kids, as they create opportunities for them to engage with scientific concepts through experiments and activities. “Playing with science can foster a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore their world,” says Felder. “The ability to analyze and solve problems is a skill, and playing with science helps to hone this skill, even in young children.” Fun scientific exploration can also provide kids with examples of cause and effect and opportunities to learn how different elements are connected and interact with each other. Learning through play can make the concepts explored more memorable and enjoyable. 

What Does a Science Kit Usually Contain? 

Science kits include tools to help little ones make discoveries about the planet, physics, the human body, weather, biology, chemistry, and scientific facts. That could mean anything from beakers and funnels to materials for growing crystals and robotics. 

According to Felder, there are some common components that you would typically expect to find in a science kit for kids, such as an instruction manual, experiment materials, child-friendly and non-toxic chemicals for experiments, and easy-to-use tools.

When Should I Introduce Science to My Child? 

It’s never too soon to introduce science to kids. “Science is all around us and woven into all facets of our lives,” says Felder. Although a child’s understanding of different concepts typically deepens as they grow, it can be beneficial to plant the seed of scientific learning, curiosity, and exploration early on.”

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based lifestyle writer who has enjoyed a 30-year career of bylining in both national magazines and popular websites, as well as authoring a book or two. As the daughter of a retired microbiologist in molecular genetics and a retired cardiovascular physiologist, science was clearly in her DNA, but not in her future, as she decided on a career path with the creative arts over the experimental kind.

Kelsey Kunik, RD, is a mom of two, registered dietitian, writer, and nutrition consultant. With a bachelor's degree in human biology and another in nutrition and dietetics, her love of science started at a young age, using many science kits herself as a child. She cultivates the love of science in her own kids through cooking experiments at home and toys that foster creativity and learning. 

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13 Interesting Science Kits for 6-Year-Olds For Your Little Einstein

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Is your elementary school going online this fall, and are you looking for screen-free activities to supplement the curriculum? Scroll to find out my top picks for science kits for 6-year-olds.

This post about the best science kits for 6-year-olds was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

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Remember when the schools closed in March 2020, and everything went completely online? Learning was so tricky back then, so we had to improvise to keep the learning going. As for me, these Science kits for 6-year-olds saved me!

Like many U.S. families, no one was really prepared for virtual learning, and my kindergartener’s class got some online worksheets and a 15-minute Zoom call once a week.

We realized this summer that our 6-year-old had just been learning reading, writing, and math since March. He hadn’t done any science (which was one of his favorite subjects.)

And while we usually visit local science museums (like the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Flight ) here in Seattle or when we travel, that hasn’t been an option.

I think learning science online can be tricky for kids. Sure, you can watch many incredible videos, but doing the hands-on part is hard. And that’s where the real learning can take place.

If your school is online this fall, you might still be doing some science lessons, but they probably won’t have any hands-on components. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself.

While there are some days that I wish I was a “Pinterest Mom” and could come up with elaborate and Instaworthy science experiments, I’m just not. I don’t have the patience or bandwidth, especially during this stressful time.

So, I turned to Amazon, Michael’s, and Target to find cool science experiment kits for kids heading into 1st grade that we could do at home this summer and fall. And no, none of them involve slime!

A few friends have asked for my recommendations for our favorite science kids for 6-year-olds, so I figured I’d put them all in a blog post.

I hope these science kits for 6-year-olds help you in one of the strangest school years I’ve ever seen!

13 Awesome Science Kits for 6-Year-Olds

1. ooze labs: colorful crystal lab.

Last summer, we had an awesome nanny who did a bunch of science experiments with our kids. The one that my oldest enjoyed the most was creating crystals. Yes, we still have the ones he made last year!

What we really like about this science kit for kids is that there are 11 experiments to do and none of them take much time to actually do. Many require that you wait awhile to see the results, but you can easily do 1-2 experiments each day.

I think my son had just as much fun setting up the little lab as he did doing the experiments. There are cranks and hooks and places for all the test tubes.

This the best science kit if you have a dedicated space where you can leave the lab set up for several weeks as you conduct experiments.

Note: While my 6 year old needed some assistance with each experiment, older kids can most likely do it all on their own.

Buy Ooze Labs: Colorful Crystal Lab on Amazon

2. Dancing Bear Rock & Mineral Collection Activity Kit

Did you collect rocks as a kid? I had a pretty extensive rock collection and I distinctly remember having this exact Rock and Mineral Identification Guide as well as a collection box from Dancing Bear.

So, when my 6 year old started getting interested in rocks and gems, I went online and bought him this activity kit.

It comes with a large poster that shows all the different rocks, gems, fossils, geodes, sharks teeth, and arrowheads that might be in this kit.

My son likes to go through all the rocks and place them next to the correct section of the poster to see what all he has. He also like to sort them by color, size, weight, etc.

Buy Dancing Bear Rock & Mineral Collection Activity Kit on Amazon

3. Kids First Crystals, Rocks, and Minerals

Since my son is very interested in learning more about rocks and crystals, this kit was a no-brainer. Even though it’s a STEM experiment kit for 8 year olds, we’ve been able to do the experiments together.

What’s awesome about this kids science kit is that there’s an instruction booklet that talks about the geologic rock cycle and fully explains the 3 different rock categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Then, it has step-by-step instructions for running 18 different experiments that are pretty cool.

This is definitely a STEM kit that involves parents and some of the experiments require a lot of patience. We like to do just a few experiments each week so there’s time to track progress.

And sometimes we watch fun science videos while we’re waiting for results.

Buy Kids First Crystals, Rocks, and Minerals on Amazon

4. National Geographic Volcano Science Kit

I found this kids science kit on clearance at Michael’s a few weeks ago and the price was too good to pass up.

It’s the classic volcano science experiment that “young scientists” have been doing for generations. However, this one involves creating the volcano out of plaster using a mold they provide.

And instead of using baking soda and vinegar, it has packets with special ingredients to make the lava red. And there are enough supplies to run this experiment several times.

I was honestly surprised at how excited my 6 year old was to do this. He took his time painting the volcano and kept laughing each time it erupted.

Once we ran out of the special ingredients, we just used baking soda and vinegar (with red food coloring) to replicate the lava. And we also added a few drops of dish soap to make it bubble.

Buy National Geographic Volcano Science Kit on Amazon

5 . National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes

My kids love hitting things with hammers. I don’t have to explain the appeal. But, it’s even cooler if there might be “treasure” inside!

At first, we bought the kit that comes with 2 geodes, but that didn’t last very long. So, we quickly bought this geode kit that comes with 10 geodes and a pair of kid protective goggles.

We let our oldest use a heavy duty hammer to work on cracking the geodes.

For the first couple, he tried doing the chisel method to crack the geode in half. But, that got a bit frustrating for him. My husband also tried doing the chisel method and it took a really long time.

So, for the rest of them, we set him up on the patio and he spent hours hammering and cracking them open.

Each one was a bit different and it was fun to predict what the inside would look like and how many pieces it would crack into. This is an interesting and interactive way to learn more about physical science.

Buy National Geographic Geode Kit on Amazon

6. Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

We’ve actually had this kids coding kit for about 2 years now, but it still gets a lot of use at our house. It says it’s geared for ages 4 and older, but kids ages 6 and older won’t need parental help getting it set up.

Because it’s geared for younger kids, it’s great for kids who haven’t learned to read (or aren’t strong readers yet.) The cards are easy to follow and it’s a simple activity to learn coding for kids.

And it encourages open-ended play. My boys set it up in new and different ways each time just to see what happens. I like that we don’t need any other supplies (other than batteries) and the kids have hours of fun.

Sometimes the kids switch up the item the mouse is hunting for and sometimes they put new barriers in just to see what happens.

Buy the Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set on Amazon

7. Solar System Planetarium

This summer, my 6-year-old did online tutoring and they focused a lot on the solar system. He saw awesome videos and read cool facts about the solar system. But, there wasn’t a lot of hands-on activities to go with the lessons.

That’s why I picked up this Solar System Planetarium at the store. It’s not really a science kit, but it’s a glow in the dark model of the solar system.

It’s geared for kids ages 8 and older, but I just have him do it next to me and I can help him.

When learning about the solar system, my son had a really hard time comprehending how the earth orbits and where the other planets are located. And he couldn’t gauge how big the planets are in comparison to each other.

For kids who are crazy about outer space, this is a neat way to help them understand where all the planets are in comparison to the sun and how they orbit.

It’s a cool STEM kit that can be used as a display for quite awhile.

Buy this Solar System Planetarium on Amazon

8. Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

This isn’t really a full science experiment kit, but the materials are all things you probably already have in your kitchen. That’s the reason I put this on the list.

It’s kind of like a kids cookbook, but they explain the cool scientific concepts that happens along the way (in a way that kids understand.) It explains different chemical reactions between food ingredients, but in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the kids.

My kids are all doing activities where they get to eat along the way. And these kids science projects offer delicious results!

So far, they’ve enjoyed building things out of candy the most. We’ve been using Sour Patch Kids, Tootsie Rolls, and basically a ton of leftover candy. (I’m sure we’ll be building tons more after Halloween, too!)

Buy Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids on Amazon

9. Bubble Science

Bubbles are always a good idea. They are a total blast and entertaining for people of all ages (from babies to old people!)

Every summer, I get my kids a bunch of bubbles so they have something to do while I soak up some sunshine outside. This year, I figured there probably was something more science-y we could be doing with bubbles.

So, I got this bubble kit that outlines how to run experiments like making huge bubbles and an unbreakable bubble. And it comes with some cool plastic things that are great for testing out a DIY bubble mixture.

It’s a fun jumping off point, and we were able to create our own bubble wands using wire hangars with the bubble mixture recipe.

Buy your Bubble Science Kit on Amazon

10. Magnet Science Kit

Raise your hand if you played with magnets for most of your childhood! These fascinating items are mesmerizing to kids of all ages, and you can learn a lot from them.

This magnet science kit has detailed instructions on how to make a Super Power Horseshoe Magnet, a Yacht Compass, a Super Magnet Racer, a Magnet Wand, and more.

There are also some cool hands-on activities where kids can run their own science experiments and learn the effects of magnetism.

Because the pieces are small, it’s geared for kids ages 8 and older, but use your judgment if you think your 6-year-old can handle it.

Buy this Magnet Science Kit on Amazon

11. ThinkFun Gravity Maze 

We haven’t purchased this one yet, but it’s on my list. The reviews are pretty great, and it even won Toy of the Year in 2017!

This STEM game is geared for kids ages 8 and older, but I think it would be fun with 6-year-olds.

Basically, you look at the instruction manual to find 60 challenges (some are easy, and some are difficult) and then build and test it out.

It’s like a cooler version of a traditional marble run, but kids are learning spatial reasoning, planning skills, and practicing logical reasoning.

What’s awesome is that you can start building as soon as you take it out of the box. There isn’t a huge learning curve or needing to read a full instruction book before the fun starts.

And kids don’t realize they are learning because they are having so much fun!

Buy the ThinkFun Gravity Maze on Amazon

12. Kiwi Crate

We’ve received a few Kiwi Crates as birthday and holiday gifts over the past few years. They have many different boxes for various age groups, and they’ve always been a hit with my boys.

They have a line of monthly science kits for kids ages 5-8 that focus on science, math, and engineering.

Each kit has a theme (like the solar system or the human body) and has all the materials to run some cool experiments or build something awesome.

Six-year-olds can build the projects on their own, but they might ask for parental help every once in a while.

If they have grandparents looking for gifts for 6-year-olds, have them order a Kiwi Crate gift box or encourage them to sign up your kids for a monthly subscription.

Sign up for Kiwi Crate

13. Little Passports Science Junior Box

Little Passports is a super awesome company that makes kids’ subscription boxes focusing on world travel, geography, and exploring cultures.

But they also have many science subscription boxes for kids of all ages. Their Little Passports Science Junior box is geared for kids ages 5-8.

They also have a cool Science Expeditions box for kids ages 9 and older that might be fun if you plan on doing the activities with your child.

Each science box focuses on a certain country and includes science experiments, trading cards with science facts, games, comic books, and more.

The first Science Junior box comes with their signature green backpack. This is important because each science box has a patch that kids can put on their backpacks to show all the cool places they have “traveled.”

Loving these science kits for 6-year-olds and looking for more awesome things to do with kids? Check out my posts about Earth Day activities for kids , amazing indoor kids’ activities , LEGO crafts and activities , Little Global Citizens subscription box review , and travel-inspired children’s books !

I received the Ooze Labs: Colorful Crystal Lab, Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set, and Kids First Crystals, Rocks, and Minerals for review purposes . All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products we truly think are awesome.

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Best Science Kits for Kids (For Every Age!)

Krystal DeVille

February 23, 2024

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.

See the current price here.

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.

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