Let There Be STEM! These Science Kits for Kids Start at Just $11 (2024)

You might not realize it, but you’ve probably been teaching your child science their whole life. Maybe they’ve watched 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.

Even without your help, children are natural scientists, constantly observing, inquiring, discovering, testing, and problem-solving, according to Rachel Robertson, vice president of education development at Bright Horizons. “They’re masters at cause-and-effect experiments. They ask lots of questions. They make mistakes and try again. These are all valuable aspects of any STEM learning.”

Science kits can be a great addition to these instinctual learning experiences. “[Kits] tap into a child’s curiosity and provide a hands-on learning experience that can deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and provide opportunities for them to build, be creative, have fun, and explore new things,” says Michelle Felder, LCSW, MA, a parenting therapist and founder of Parenting Pathfinders. Not only does a good kit make abstract scientific concepts more tangible, enjoyable, and easier to understand, it can also boost a child’s confidence. “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.”

Whether they’re watching a volcano explode with foam “lava,” completing circuits that light up a room, or churning ice cream (yes, that’s science), playing with our favorite science kits can ignite your child’s love of learning. While we used our own kids’ experiences and consulted experts to create this list, every child is unique in their needs, development, skill set, and preferences. Choosing a kit that’s safe, fun, and reflective of their interests is key. Ultimately, one of these can spark your child’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of science.

Our Favorites

• BEST FOR PRESCHOOLERS: Learning Resources Mix and Measure Activity Kit at Amazon ($30)
• BEST FOR PRETEND PLAY: Just Play Ada Twist, Scientist On the Go Lab Set at Amazon ($52)
• BEST FIRST EXPERIMENTS: Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Deluxe Set at Amazon ($35)
• MOST DELICIOUS: KiwiCo Science of Cooking: Ice Cream at Amazon ($35)
• BEST BUBBLES: Dr. Zigs Magical Frozen Bubbles Kit at Uncommon Goods ($28)
• BEST FOR MAGIC LOVERS: ALEX Toys Scientific Explorer Magic Science Kit at Amazon ($13)
• BEST FOR ART LOVERS: Crayola Color Chemistry Set at Amazon ($28)
• BEST PLANETARY MODEL: Thames & Kosmos Bouncing Planets at Amazon ($13)
• BEST FOR 8 AND UP: Abacus Brands Bill Nye VR Science Kit at Amazon ($60)
• BEST FOR SPACE LOVERS: Abacus Brands Bill Nye VR Space Lab at Amazon ($60)
  

Our Review Process

We handpicked all of the products on our list of the best science kits by considering entertainment value, safety, instructions, materials included, and challenge level to provide an exciting mix of science exploration for different interests and ages. We included chemistry, physics, and microbiology sets, along with engineering, STEM, STEAM, and robotic kits, many of which our own children have tried at home. And since what engages a 4-year-old with pretty colors and foam might bore a robotics-ready teen, we included kits for a wide range of ages.

Our Experts

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 her basem*nt when he was 7 years old

Factors to Consider When Buying a Science Kit for Kids

• Educational Benefits: Bringing this type of fun and engaging educational 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. “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 toddler age 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 parts, and non-breakable tools. Always pay attention to whether any experiments require adult supervision.
• Price: How much you spend on a science kit can vary from $11 to a few hundred dollars, based on the level of equipment included, as well as how technical and involved the kit is. Robotics and STEM kits are typically more expensive than simple chemistry and biology sets.

Your Questions, Answered

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.” Playing with science can also provide kids with examples of cause and effect, and opportunities to explore 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 incorporate tools to interact and make discoveries about the planet, physics, the human body, weather, biology, chemistry, interesting reactions, and scientific facts. That could mean anything from beakers and funnels to materials for magic 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.

Are science kits worth the money?

While they’re fun and a great intro to science, a one-time use kit might not give your kiddo the full science experience, according to Robertson. “If a child follows a few steps and completes the kit, they didn’t really experience a true STEM activity,” she explains. “They need to have an opportunity to actively engage and use their natural curiosity and ingenuity.” For those interested in a more in-depth journey through the science world, focus on kits that result in something that can last over a longer period of time or be reused.

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.”

Who We Are

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance 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.