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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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The 7 Best Science Kits for Kids and Teens

Scientific inquiry and fun are baked into these science kits that cover STEM, physics, and the natural world.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

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.

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.

Smithsonian Mega Science Lab Kit

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.

Engino Discovering STEM Physics Laws Set

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.

Abacus Brands Bill Nye’s VR Space Lab Science Kit (Goggles Included)

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.

Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station

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!)

Snap Circuits Beginner Electronics Exploration Kit

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 .

National Geographic Geology Bundle Science Kits

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.

Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment and Model Building Kit

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.

Rachel Klein is the Deputy Editor of Popular Mechanics.

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