Toys That Develop Engineering Principles

K'NEX Education: Simple Machines Exploration

The K'NEX Education - Intro to Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys Set is a fantastic way for children in grades 3-5 to dive into the fascinating world of engineering. With 178 colorful pieces, this hands-on construction set not only cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also aligns beautifully with STEM learning objectives. It empowers teachers and parents alike to inspire a love for science through engaging, interactive projects that foster creativity while meeting national educational standards. Grades 3-5
Why we love it:
K'NEX Education: Simple Machines Exploration includes 178 colorful pieces that transform engineering concepts into hands-on projects, sparking creativity while aligning with STEM learning objectives.

Brilliant Bridges K’NEX Set

The K’NEX Education – Intro to Structures: Bridges Set sparks curiosity and creativity in kids aged 8-11. With 207 classic pieces, this engaging construction toy allows young engineers to explore and build 13 remarkable bridge models, including truss, arch, and suspension designs. Not only does it teach fundamental concepts of bridge infrastructure, but it also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences. Perfect for classrooms or home learning, this set guarantees hours of fun while nurturing a love for STEM and engineering. Grades 3-5
Why we love it:
Brilliant Bridges K’NEX Set includes 207 classic pieces, inviting kids to innovate and understand the dynamics of bridge construction while having a blast!

Build and Play with Corvette Fun

The Maisto Assembly Line 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 1/24 Scale Diecast Model Car Kit invites children to embark on an exciting journey of creativity and engineering! This hands-on experience not only enhances fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities as kids assemble the pre-painted metal body but also ignites their passion for learning about automotive design and mechanics. Perfect for encouraging teamwork and fostering a love for STEM, this diecast replica is an engaging way for young builders to understand how things come together in the world around them. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Build and Play with Corvette Fun includes a hands-on assembly experience that transforms kids into little engineers while fostering a deep appreciation for the mechanics of cars.

Build Your Own Ferris Wheel Adventure

The K'NEX Thrill Rides 6-Foot Ferris Wheel set is a spectacular way for young builders aged 16 and up to dive into the world of STEM learning. This engaging construction kit not only fosters creativity but also strengthens fine motor skills, spatial relations, and critical thinking as they watch their creations come to life with motorized movements. It's the perfect choice for parents and educators looking to inspire a love for engineering and architecture through hands-on, imaginative play! 16+ years
Why we love it:
Build Your Own Ferris Wheel Adventure features a motorized design that brings exciting engineering concepts to life, making STEM learning a thrilling hands-on experience.

Exciting Snap Circuits Light Kit

The Snap Circuits Light Electronics Exploration Kit is an engaging way to spark your child's interest in STEM. Designed for kids aged 8 and up, this kit allows them to create over 175 amazing projects, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way. With colorful parts and a full-color project manual, your little inventor can build everything from light shows to unique spinning patterns, all while having a blast! It's a fantastic choice for parents who want to give their children a safe, hands-on introduction to electrical engineering. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Exciting Snap Circuits Light Kit features over 175 projects that turn kids into mini electrical engineers, all while lighting up their imaginations in a colorful way!

Creative Marble Run Adventure

Hape Wooden Quadrilla Marble Run Vertigo Construction is a 134-piece STEM learning toy that unlocks your child's potential for creativity and critical thinking. As little builders assemble spiraling racetracks with exciting twists and turns, they're not just having fun; they're developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and a love for engineering principles. This interactive marble run is perfect for family playtime, allowing everyone to explore concepts of gravity and motion together! 4+ years
Why we love it:
Creative Marble Run Adventure includes 134 pieces that transform family playtime into a journey of exploration through gravity and motion, making learning a thrilling race.

Magformers Magic Building Adventure

The Magformers Rainbow 26PC Set is an extraordinary tool for young architects, sparking creativity and problem-solving skills in children ages 3 and up. With its vibrant colors and easy magnetic connections, kids can explore geometry and engineering principles while building everything from magical spheres to towering structures. This delightful STEM toy encourages independent thinking and imaginative play, making it a perfect choice for parents who want to nurture their child's growing mind. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Magformers Magic Building Adventure features 26 colorful magnetic pieces that inspire imaginative construction while introducing young minds to the wonders of engineering and geometry.

Colorful STEAM Building Adventure

The TINKERTOY 30 Model 200 Piece Super Building Set is an exciting gateway into the world of engineering for children 3 and up. This vibrant collection of parts not only sparks creativity but also strengthens problem-solving skills and analytical thinking as kids explore the principles of design and construction. With 30 unique models to create, playtime transforms into a rich learning experience that bridges fun and education seamlessly. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Colorful STEAM Building Adventure includes 200 vibrant pieces that ignite creativity while sneaking in vital problem-solving skills—perfect for little builders ready to construct their dreams!

Introduce Kids to Engineering Fun!

The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Intro to Engineering Kit sparks curiosity and creativity in young engineers through 25 hands-on experiments. Children will delve into the world of engineering while building exciting projects like helicopters and balloon rockets, enhancing their problem-solving skills and understanding of scientific principles. This kit is an excellent choice for parents and educators looking to foster a love for STEM in imaginative and interactive ways. 5-10 years
Why we love it:
Introduce Kids to Engineering Fun! offers 25 hands-on experiments that ignite curiosity, turning our little ones into imaginative engineers before we even need to grab the glue.

Modarri Delux S2: Build Your Dream Car!

The Modarri Delux S2 Muscle Car Build Your Car Kit is an engaging toy that empowers children to design, build, and drive their very own cars. As they explore thousands of possible designs and mechanics, kids develop critical thinking, creativity, and fine motor skills while learning the fundamentals of engineering and physics in a fun, hands-on way. This is a fantastic choice for parents and educators looking to spark a child's imagination and foster a love for learning through play. 6+ years
Why we love it:
Modarri Delux S2 lets kids design and build their own cars with a hands-on approach, making learning engineering and physics feel like pure fun on wheels.

Robotics Adventure Engineering Kit

The Tinkering Labs Robotics Engineering Kit is an exciting opportunity for kids aged 8 to 12 to dive into the world of robotics and electronics! With over 50 parts and 10 hands-on STEM projects, children can unleash their inner inventors while developing vital skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. As educators and parents, we know how important it is to inspire a love of learning—this kit does just that by blending creativity with scientific exploration, making every project an engaging adventure. 8-12 years
Why we love it:
Robotics Adventure Engineering Kit includes over 50 parts that encourage kids to unleash their creativity while tackling fun STEM projects—who knew engineering could be this much fun?

Creative City Engineering Building Set

The Learning Resources City Engineering and Design Building Set is a fantastic way to foster an early love of STEM in children aged 5 and up! With 100 pieces, kids can unleash their creativity as they build skyscrapers, cranes, and bridges, all while honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Following the design process of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve, this set challenges young minds to think like true engineers. It's an engaging, hands-on way to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and interactive format that keeps learning exciting. 5+ years
Why we love it:
Creative City Engineering Building Set features 100 pieces that let kids design everything from skyscrapers to bridges, turning them into little architects while having a blast!

Da Vinci Catapult Engineering Adventure

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Da Vinci Model Kit - Catapult Kit for Kids is an exciting way for children to explore engineering principles while constructing three remarkable machines: a Ballista, a Bombard, and a mighty Catapult. This hands-on 3D puzzle encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for parents and educators seeking to enrich STEM learning. With everything needed to build and launch projectiles, kids will not only engage in creative play but also gain practical experience in mechanics and physics. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Da Vinci Catapult Engineering Adventure includes everything needed to build and launch projectiles, turning kids into budding engineers while sneakily teaching them about physics and mechanics.

Electronics Meets Creative Building Fun

Snap Circuits BRIC: Structures is an exciting way to spark a passion for engineering in children aged 8 and up! This engaging kit combines the thrill of hands-on construction with the fascinating world of electronics, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From creating colorful lights and sounds to building innovative toys, kids can explore over 20 STEM projects that encourage creativity and collaboration. Perfect for parents and educators seeking to nurture future inventors, this kit makes learning fun and interactive! 8+ years
Why we love it:
Electronics Meets Creative Building Fun engages kids in over 20 STEM projects, turning them into miniature inventors while lighting up their imaginations with colorful lights and sounds.

Ugears V-Express Steam Train Puzzle

The Ugears V-Express Steam Train with Tender is an incredible 3D wooden puzzle that invites both adults and teens to dive deep into the world of engineering and mechanics. With 538 intricately designed components, assembling this elegant model not only sparks creativity but also enhances problem-solving skills and boosts patience—a true test of perseverance! Once built, the locomotive, tender, and track come alive, revealing how steam trains function through three exciting modes: forward, reverse, and idle. This is more than just a puzzle; it's a captivating journey through history that fosters a hands-on understanding of mechanical principles and inspires curiosity in the wonders of vintage locomotives. 14+ years
Why we love it:
Ugears V-Express Steam Train Puzzle with 538 intricately designed components transforms engineering into an engaging challenge, inspiring hands-on learning about the magic of vintage locomotives.

Discovering Simple Machines Together

The Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit is a fantastic way for kids aged 8 and up to dive into the world of mechanical physics. Through building 26 engaging models, children will enhance their problem-solving skills, understand fundamental engineering principles, and explore how simple machines make everyday tasks easier. Parents and educators will appreciate the hands-on learning approach that encourages curiosity and critical thinking, setting the foundation for future science and engineering pursuits. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Discovering Simple Machines Together includes 26 engaging models that turn complex physics into a fun building adventure, setting kids up for future engineering success while fueling their curiosity.

K'NEX K-Force Battle Bow Adventure

K'NEX K-Force Battle Bow Build and Blast Set is an exciting way for kids aged 8 to 15 to immerse themselves in hands-on creativity and engineering. With 165 assorted pieces, including customizable blasters and targets, children can explore principles of design and function while enhancing their problem-solving skills. This set not only encourages strategic thinking and teamwork but also introduces essential concepts from STEAM, making learning fun and interactive. As parents and educators, we love how this toy sparks curiosity and inspires kids to imagine and create their own thrilling battles! 8-15 years
Why we love it:
K'NEX K-Force Battle Bow Adventure includes 165 assorted pieces for building customizable blasters, turning creativity into hands-on engineering fun while enhancing critical thinking and collaboration.

Magnetic Foam Building Bliss

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks are the ultimate bath-time companion for toddlers aged 3 to 5. These innovative blocks click together effortlessly, sparking creativity while introducing essential STEM concepts. Floating playtime has never been more engaging as children explore shapes, colors, and engineering principles in a sensory-rich environment. With each magnetic connection, kids not only have fun but also develop fine motor skills and imaginative thinking, making bath time an exciting learning adventure for the whole family. 3-5 years
Why we love it:
Magnetic Foam Building Bliss features effortlessly clicking blocks that transform bath time into a splashy sensory adventure, turning learning into giggles while promoting vital STEM skills.

Design & Drill Marble Maze Playset

The Educational Insights Design & Drill Marble Maze is an engaging STEM building toy that combines construction play with engineering. Designed for kids aged 5 and up, this hands-on maze maker encourages hours of unplugged building fun while developing essential fine motor skills and problem-solving strategies. With a kid-friendly power drill, colorful maze pieces, and double-sided challenge cards, it's a wonderful way for our little ones to explore their creativity and build foundational STEM skills—all while having a blast! 5+ years
Why we love it:
Design & Drill Marble Maze Playset includes a kid-friendly power drill, turning construction into a thrilling challenge that sparks creativity and builds essential STEM skills in our little builders.

Engino STEAM Solar Energy Kit

The Engino STEAM Labs How Solar Energy Works Kit offers an engaging way for children ages 8 and up to explore the fundamentals of renewable energy. With over 65 snap-fit pieces, this hands-on building experience fosters creativity, enhances fine motor skills, and promotes critical thinking through STEM education. It's the perfect blend of learning and play, making science both accessible and enjoyable for young builders. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Engino STEAM Solar Energy Kit includes over 65 snap-fit pieces that transform renewable energy concepts into hands-on fun, making science feel like an exciting building project!

LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Building Set

The LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Set 76191 is an exciting way for adults and teens to dive into the Marvel universe while honing their fine motor skills and creativity. As we build this iconic Thanos glove, we’re not just assembling bricks; we’re exploring concepts like design, engineering, and patience—skills that are invaluable in any learning journey. This set is a conversation starter and a truly striking décor piece for any home or office, making it a perfect gift for Marvel fans and model-building enthusiasts alike! 16+ years
Why we love it:
LEGO Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Building Set includes numerous intricate pieces that transform our living room into a creative marvel while inspiring discussions about patience and design.

Create & Explore with Gears! Gears! Gears!

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Mega Builds set is an exciting gateway into the world of STEM for our little engineers! With 235 colorful pieces, this building kit sparks creativity and problem-solving skills, allowing kids to build everything from simple structures to intricate machines. As they design and construct using the included Activity Guide, children master engineering principles and critical thinking in a fun and engaging way. It's a perfect gift for both boys and girls, setting the stage for a brighter back-to-school experience filled with exploration and hands-on learning! 3-8 years
Why we love it:
Create & Explore with Gears! Gears! Gears! includes 235 colorful pieces, turning engineering dreams into hands-on adventures while sneaking in valuable STEM skills along the way.

Ahoy! STEM Adventures Await

The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit transforms playtime into an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. With engaging stories and colorful, large building pieces, this kit fosters fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork as little ones build their own floating boats. It’s a delightful choice for parents and educators seeking to mix fun and learning, guiding young minds to experiment and create while enjoying the magic of imaginative play. 4-7 years
Why we love it:
Ahoy! STEM Adventures Await includes colorful, large building pieces that transform playtime into exciting boat-building escapades, making learning both hands-on and fun for little engineers.

LEGO City Express Passenger Train Set

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Set is an exciting way to explore creativity and engineering principles while your child plays! This interactive set not only features remote-controlled locomotive action but also encourages kids to immerse themselves in role-playing and storytelling. As they build the train and set up the scene with included minifigures, students enhance their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and imaginative play. Plus, with the fun of LEGO Powered Up technology, children can discover the basics of coding while controlling the train using a smart device or remote! 7+ years
Why we love it:
LEGO City Express Passenger Train Set features remote-controlled locomotive action, making it a fun way for kids to blend creativity with engineering while exploring the fundamentals of coding.