Welcome to the Weird & Wacky Contraption Lab Building Kit page, where creativity meets engineering! This kit encourages young minds to explore the principles of design and mechanics through hands-on building experiences. Kids can unleash their imaginations as they construct quirky contraptions that spark curiosity and problem-solving skills. Join us in fostering innovation and fun while developing critical thinking in a playful environment!
Cranky Crawling Robot Adventure
Our Rank:
The Thames & Kosmos ReBotz: Scootz – The Cranky Crawling Robot sparks creativity as children build their very own wacky, motorized contraptions. With hands-on experiments involving cams, springs, sliders, and motors, kids develop essential STEM skills while learning about mechanical movements in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for inspiring teamwork and imaginative thinking, this kit encourages young engineers to mix and match parts to create unique robotic designs that inspire a love for tinkering and problem-solving. 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, engineering, problem solving, teamwork, mechanical understanding, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Cranky Crawling Robot Adventure lets kids build wacky, motorized contraptions, sparking their imagination while they learn about mechanics and teamwork—who knew learning could be so much fun?
BRIO Builder: Unleash Young Engineers
Our Rank:
BRIO Builder - 34604 Builder Activity Set is the perfect gateway for little hands to discover the joys of construction and creativity! With an assortment of tools and parts, children can design and build anything from wacky contraptions to imaginative structures, all while honing their problem-solving skills. As we watch our kids engage in open-ended play, we can celebrate their logical thinking and fine motor development. Plus, the high-quality materials ensure that this set stands up to countless hours of inventive fun! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, spatial reasoning, critical thinking
Why we love it:
BRIO Builder features a variety of tools and parts, making it the ultimate setup for kids to unleash their inner architect while developing essential skills through creative play.
LEGO Chain Reactions: Build and Learn Fun
Our Rank:
LEGO Chain Reactions is the ultimate activity kit that invites our kids to design and build ten amazing moving machines while igniting their STEM curiosity! With 33 uniquely sized LEGO pieces and an 80-page instructional book filled with crystal clear guidance, this kit expertly nurtures problem-solving skills, creativity, and fine motor development. As parents and educators, we love that our children can learn the principles of engineering and physics in a hands-on, engaging way, all while having a blast creating their own mini-contraptions. At the same time, it's a great way for them to work on patience and perseverance as they bring their ideas to life! 8+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, patience, perseverance, engineering principles, physics concepts
Why we love it:
LEGO Chain Reactions: Build and Learn Fun comes with 33 uniquely sized pieces, sparking creativity while kids build moving machines and discover the joys of engineering through play.
Build & Play with Wacky Robots
Our Rank:
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Factory is an engaging STEM experiment kit designed for young engineers aged 5 and up. As your child builds eight motorized robots with the help of a beautifully-illustrated storybook, they will enhance their fine motor skills and creativity while exploring basic mechanical engineering concepts. This hands-on experience encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, making it an excellent choice for parents and educators looking to inspire the next generation of innovators. 5+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, mechanical engineering
Why we love it:
Build & Play with Wacky Robots includes a beautifully-illustrated storybook that turns building eight motorized robots into a delightful adventure in engineering and imagination.
Dive into Splashology! Water Lab Fun
Our Rank:
Learning Resources Splashology! Water Lab Science Kit unleashes the joy of discovery right in your own home! This exciting water science kit encourages little ones to explore volume, buoyancy, and flow through hands-on experiments that can be done at the bathtub, sink, or water table. With seven engaging activities printed on waterproof cards, each experiment ignites curiosity and builds essential STEM skills. Perfect for ages 3 and up, it’s a fabulous way to blend playtime with learning while nurturing an early love for science! 3+ years
Develops skills:
scientific thinking, problem solving, fine motor skills, early STEM education, curiosity, hands-on experimentation
Why we love it:
Dive into Splashology! Water Lab Fun includes seven engaging activities on waterproof cards, making science splash-tastic and creating memories—while keeping water messes contained to the fun zone!
Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge Fun!
Our Rank:
Learning Resources Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge promises endless fun while building essential STEM skills! As fellow parents, we know how crucial it is to engage our kids in activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking. This exciting science game helps children grasp concepts like speed, angles, and distance through hands-on challenges, all while using a kid-powered paddlewheel—no batteries required! With an activity booklet that grows with your child’s abilities, it’s a fantastic way to watch them experiment, learn, and play. 5+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, critical thinking, physics concepts, experimentation, spatial reasoning, collaboration
Why we love it:
Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge Fun! includes a kid-powered paddlewheel, making learning about speed and angles energizing and hands-on—what a playful way to ignite curiosity!
Engino STEAM Labs: How Buoyancy Works
Our Rank:
Engino STEAM Labs: How Buoyancy Works is a delightful construction kit designed for budding engineers aged 8 and up. By engaging with this set, kids discover the principles of buoyancy through hands-on building, encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness while making learning fun. It’s the perfect tool for parents and educators who want to blend play with essential STEM concepts, ensuring that children not only create but also understand the science behind their creations. 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, problem solving, critical thinking
Why we love it:
Engino STEAM Labs: How Buoyancy Works is a hands-on construction kit that makes learning about buoyancy feel like an exciting engineering adventure, inspiring curiosity with every build.
Engino STEAM Solar Energy Kit
Our Rank:
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
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, teamwork, engineering principles
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!
Colorful Crystal Lab Excitement Awaits!
Our Rank:
Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Colorful Crystal Lab STEM Experiment Kit invites kids into a world of dazzling discovery! With 11 safe and sparkly experiments, they can grow unique geometric crystals, experiment with different chemical solutions, and even create a crystal volcano. This hands-on kit fosters essential STEM skills, helping young minds explore the science behind crystal formation while igniting their creativity through lab decoration. It’s a delightful way for our children to learn about chemistry and nature, all while having tons of fun! 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, scientific thinking, problem solving, hands-on exploration, teamwork, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Colorful Crystal Lab Excitement Awaits! includes 11 safe experiments that turn kids into little chemists while making the kitchen table sparkle with creativity and fun.
Gross Gummy Candy Lab Kit
Our Rank:
The Gross Gummy Candy Lab - Worms & Spiders is a thrilling STEM experiment kit that turns your kitchen into a science lab! Kids will love experimenting with natural ingredients to create their own delicious gummy candies in creepy and fun shapes. This kit not only teaches the science of natural polymers like carrageenan but also sparks creativity and problem-solving skills as young chefs concoct flavors and textures. Perfect for learning through play, this kit transforms messy science into sweet success while encouraging curiosity about chemistry and healthy food choices! 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, problem solving, scientific thinking, fine motor skills, culinary skills, natural science
Why we love it:
Gross Gummy Candy Lab Kit turns your kitchen into a science lab with creepy-crawly gummy shapes, making chemistry deliciously fun while teaching healthy food choices.
Erupting Volcano Lab: Ignite STEM Learning
Our Rank:
Erupting Volcano Lab is an exciting adventure into the world of science! This hands-on kit brings chemistry and geology to life, allowing our kids to experience the thrill of a volcanic eruption right from our living rooms. With safe chemical reactions, engaging online resources, and multi-lingual instructions, this kit encourages curiosity and enhances understanding in math, technology, engineering, and science. It’s the perfect way to inspire young minds and spark a lifelong passion for discovery in our children! 8+ years
Develops skills:
scientific thinking, chemistry, geology, hands-on learning, problem solving, curiosity, critical thinking
Why we love it:
Erupting Volcano Lab includes safe chemical reactions that bring chemistry to life, turning the living room into an explosion of learning and fun adventures in science!
Magnet Marvels: Explore Science Fun!
Our Rank:
hand2mind Magnetic Science Kit for Kids 8-12 is the perfect gateway to the fascinating world of magnetism! As parents and educators, we know that children thrive when they're engaged and curious. This kit not only allows kids to make magnets float and build their own compass but also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. With 9 exciting STEM experiments and 20 hands-on lab tools, children develop essential scientific skills while having a blast—it's learning made fun! 8-12 years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, scientific reasoning, problem solving, hands-on learning
Why we love it:
Magnet Marvels: Explore Science Fun! includes 9 exciting STEM experiments that turn magnetism into a playful adventure, sparking curiosity while building essential scientific skills.
Galt Toys Slime Lab: STEM Fun Awaits!
Our Rank:
Galt Toys Slime Lab invites our little scientists to dive into a world of gooey exploration and discovery! With engaging experiments like creating a glow-in-the-dark alien and bouncy putty ball, this kit not only entertains but also fosters scientific thinking and problem-solving skills in children ages 5 and up. The colorful 16-page lab book is filled with exciting activities that introduce early STEM concepts while encouraging hands-on learning and creativity. As parents and educators, we know the importance of interactive play in a child's development, and this slime lab is the perfect way to spark curiosity and foster a love for science. 5+ years
Develops skills:
scientific thinking, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills, early STEM concepts
Why we love it:
Galt Toys Slime Lab includes a colorful 16-page lab book filled with engaging experiments, turning gooey fun into a hands-on science adventure that sparks curiosity.
Explore STEM Fun with Primary Science Lab Set
Our Rank:
Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set is an exciting introduction to the world of science for our little explorers! Designed for tiny hands and big imaginations, this 22-piece kit encourages children to dive into the principles of observation and experimentation through hands-on activities. With engaging experiments like mixing colors and creating a magnificent homemade volcano, kids will develop essential STEM skills while having a blast! It's the perfect gift to nurture curiosity and learning during those early, formative years. 3+ years
Develops skills:
observation skills, problem solving, experimentation, critical thinking, creativity, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Explore STEM Fun with Primary Science Lab Set features 22 interactive pieces to transform our little ones into budding scientists, making learning through play as exciting as a volcano eruption!
Ooze Labs Alien Slime Discovery Kit
Our Rank:
Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs: Alien Slime Lab Science Experiment Kit is the perfect way for our little scientists to dive into the world of slime while enhancing their STEM skills! As they mix up to four different types of slime, they’ll conduct intriguing viscosity tests and magnify their curiosity about scientific inquiry. We love that this kit encourages problem-solving and fine motor skills as kids dissect their oozes, stamp them with alien heads, and even create slimy brain shapes. Plus, with non-toxic materials and a user-friendly instruction manual, we can feel confident letting them explore their creativity safely! 8+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, scientific inquiry, creativity, sensory exploration
Why we love it:
Ooze Labs Alien Slime Discovery Kit features non-toxic materials that let kids safely unleash their inner scientists while squishing, stretching, and crafting their very own galactic goo.
Erupting Science Fun: Volcano Experiment Kit
Our Rank:
Dr. STEM Toys Volcano Making Experiment Science Lab Kit is the ultimate adventure for young scientists eager to explore and understand the fascinating world of volcanic eruptions! This hands-on kit not only allows children to create and observe a real erupting volcano, but it also engages their curiosity with 20 high-quality components and a variety of fun experiments. As parents and educators, we will appreciate that it promotes STEM learning, critical thinking, and fine motor skills—perfect for home or the classroom. Plus, with its easy cleanup foam lab pad, the focus can remain on the learning and excitement, making it a win for everyone involved! 5+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, creativity, problem solving, teamwork
Why we love it:
Erupting Science Fun: Volcano Experiment Kit includes 20 high-quality components that spark curiosity while making messy, educational fun an effortless cleanup for parents.
Discover STEM with the Deluxe Lab Set!
Our Rank:
Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set is an incredible gateway into the world of exploration for our little scientists! With 45 engaging pieces, including a real microscope and safety glasses, our kids can dive into 20 exciting experiments that blend observation and creativity using common household items. From mixing colors to creating rainbow ice, this kit is designed to foster essential STEM skills in a fun, hands-on way. It’s the perfect gift for nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in kids as young as 3, making learning feel like an adventure! 3+ years
Develops skills:
scientific thinking, creativity, observation skills, problem solving, fine motor skills, critical thinking
Why we love it:
Discover STEM with the Deluxe Lab Set! includes 45 engaging pieces that turn every kitchen into a mini laboratory of curiosity and creative experimentation.
Bubble Gum Science Lab Fun
Our Rank:
The Thames & Kosmos Super Duper Bubble Gum Lab STEM Experiment & Activity Kit invites kids to unleash their inner scientists while making their own delicious bubble gum! This hands-on kit not only entertains but also educates, as children learn about the exciting science of elastic materials while concocting their treats in mouthwatering flavors like watermelon, orange, and classic bubble gum. As parents and educators, we cherish activities that blend creative fun with essential skills—this kit promotes critical thinking, experiment planning, and even a touch of culinary creativity! Plus, it comes with stickers to make perfect gift creations, ensuring that the learning extends beyond just the lab. 8+ years
Develops skills:
experiment planning, critical thinking, creativity, scientific inquiry, measuring skills, sensory exploration
Why we love it:
Bubble Gum Science Lab Fun includes mouthwatering flavors like watermelon and orange, making science deliciously entertaining while fostering critical skills and creativity in the kitchen!
Yumology Science Sweets Lab Fun
Our Rank:
The Learning Resources Yumology Science Sweets Lab transforms your kitchen into a playful science lab for little chefs! This exciting kit invites kids to dive into hands-on experiments to create their very own ice pops, juices, and no-bake treats—all while learning essential STEM skills like measurement and color mixing. With seven kid-safe recipes and no cooking involved, it's a perfect way to spark curiosity and exploration in young minds. We love how this kit makes learning feel deliciously fun—great for gifting on any occasion, be it a birthday, holiday, or just because! 4+ years
Develops skills:
measurement, color mixing, scientific thinking, creativity, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Yumology Science Sweets Lab features seven kid-safe recipes that turn your kitchen into a fun-filled learning lab, where sweet treats become an adventure in STEM exploration.
Kickoff to Chemistry Lab Fun
Our Rank:
Kickoff to Chemistry Science Lab Kit is the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of chemistry for our curious kids! Packed with 23 hands-on experiments, this engaging STEM kit encourages exploration of scientific concepts like pH levels, solubility, and the properties of gases through exciting activities like making rock candy and DIY lava lamps. As parents and educators, we love how this kit not only fosters creativity and critical thinking skills but also promotes collaboration between children and adults, making science a fun team adventure. With colorful guides and plenty of lab tools, it's an enjoyable way to ignite a passion for learning in our little scientists! 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, scientific exploration, pH understanding, solubility concepts
Why we love it:
Kickoff to Chemistry Lab Fun is packed with 23 hands-on experiments that transform kitchens into science labs, making learning chemistry an exciting team adventure for families.
Gummy Science Fun Lab Kit
Our Rank:
The Thames & Kosmos Gummy Candy Lab brings the joy of science into the kitchen as children create their own delicious gummy candies! With engaging molds in the shapes of bears, dolphins, and dinosaurs, this kit not only teaches kids about the fascinating properties of natural polymers but also introduces them to the basics of chemistry in a hands-on way. Perfect for ages 6 and up, this STEM experiment kit promotes critical thinking and fine motor skills while inspiring creativity. It's an exciting blend of sweet treats and scientific discovery that both kids and parents will love! 6+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, chemistry, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, sensory exploration
Why we love it:
Gummy Science Fun Lab Kit includes engaging molds like bears and dinosaurs, turning the kitchen into a sweet science lab where kids can savor learning while treating their taste buds.
Explore Renewable Energy with Hands-On Fun
Our Rank:
Thames & Kosmos Renewable Energy Lab STEM Experiment Kit offers an exciting hands-on opportunity for kids to dive into the world of clean energy! Designed for ages 8-18+, this engaging kit aligns perfectly with modern educational standards, making it an ideal choice for both home and school use. As fellow parents and educators, we appreciate how it fosters critical thinking and creativity through modular building, allowing kids to construct real-world models like solar panels and wind turbines. Your child will not only gain a deeper understanding of renewable energy concepts but also develop essential problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way! 8-18 years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, engineering, modular building, collaboration
Why we love it:
Explore Renewable Energy with Hands-On Fun includes real-world models like solar panels and wind turbines, making learning about clean energy as engaging as building a superhero fortress.
Magic School Bus Microscope Lab Adventure
Our Rank:
The Magic School Bus: Microscope Lab is an enchanting science kit that transforms curious young minds into budding scientists! Perfect for ages 5 and up, this hands-on educational experience dives into the fascinating world of microscopic wonders. With guidance from the beloved Ms. Frizzle, kids will explore essential microscope concepts while developing critical thinking and observational skills. Backed by experts and tested at our annual Young Scientists camps, this kit is the ultimate way to spark a lifelong love for STEM learning in your child. 5+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, observational skills, scientific inquiry, fine motor skills, teamwork
Why we love it:
Magic School Bus Microscope Lab Adventure includes guidance from the beloved Ms. Frizzle, turning science into a magical journey that sparks curiosity and a love for learning.
Discover Science with Hape Junior Inventor!
Our Rank:
Hape Junior Inventor Optical Science Lab is a delightful gateway to scientific exploration for our young minds! With 53 easy-to-use pieces, this wooden playset invites kids to dive into the wonders of optics through hands-on experiments. As our children build everything from a periscope to a kaleidoscope, they're not just having fun—they're developing critical thinking, creativity, and a love for STEM learning. This exciting kit empowers our little inventors to observe, experiment, and discover the science all around them! 4+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, fine motor skills, scientific reasoning
Why we love it:
Hape Junior Inventor includes 53 easy-to-use pieces, making it a fantastic way for kids to explore optics while developing a lifelong curiosity for science.
Magnetic Lab: Fun Science Exploration for Kids
Our Rank:
Galt Toys Magnetic Lab is the perfect gateway for kids to dive into the electrifying world of science! This engaging kit invites children to explore early STEM concepts while having a blast with hands-on experiments like racing a car without touching it and creating mind-blowing levitation tricks. With a vibrant 24-page lab book filled with nine fascinating experiments, children not only get to play but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As parents, we appreciate how it sparks curiosity and scientific thinking in our little ones, creating a foundation for future learning. 6+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, critical thinking, scientific exploration, creativity, early STEM concepts
Why we love it:
Magnetic Lab features a vibrant 24-page lab book packed with nine exciting experiments that transform curiosity into hands-on learning, making science fun and accessible for little explorers.
Rainbow Lab: Fun Science Experiments Await!
Our Rank:
Rainbow Lab by Galt Toys sparks curiosity and cultivates scientific thinking in our little ones! This engaging kit invites kids aged 5 and up to explore color mixing, grow jiggly crystals, and even create their own rainbow. With 12 exciting experiments and a vibrant lab book, children will develop essential STEM skills while having a blast. What a wonderful way to support their learning journey and nurture a love for science in a fun and safe environment, all under adult supervision, of course! 5+ years
Develops skills:
scientific thinking, color mixing, fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, observation skills
Why we love it:
Rainbow Lab includes 12 exciting experiments, allowing kids to mix colors and grow crystals while discovering the magic of science in a colorful way.
Exciting Science Adventures with Deluxe Lab Set
Our Rank:
The Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set is an engaging hands-on science kit designed for curious minds aged 3 and up. With 45 pieces, including test tubes, an adjustable stand, and even safety glasses, this science kit transforms learning into an exciting adventure! Kids will develop critical skills such as problem-solving, fine motor abilities, and observational techniques through playful experiments and guided activity cards. It’s a fantastic way for preschoolers to explore STEM concepts while having fun, making it a top pick for gifts that inspire scientific curiosity and learning. 3+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, fine motor skills, observational techniques, critical thinking, scientific inquiry
Why we love it:
Exciting Science Adventures with Deluxe Lab Set includes 45 pieces, transforming curious minds into little scientists as they explore STEM concepts through playful experiments and guided activity cards.
Glow Lab: Spark Your Child's Curiosity
Our Rank:
Glow Lab is an exciting science kit that invites children to explore, experiment, and ignite their enthusiasm for STEM learning! With engaging activities such as creating their own glowing bouncy ball and molding slimy glow bugs, kids can develop important skills like critical thinking and creativity. The included 24-page lab book guides them through 11 captivating experiments while encouraging scientific inquiry. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for parents to bond with their children, all while uncovering the wonders of science together! 6+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, creativity, scientific inquiry, problem solving, hands-on experimentation, collaboration, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Glow Lab includes a 24-page lab book that leads kids through 11 captivating experiments while sparking enthusiasm for STEM learning—and who doesn’t love glowing bouncy balls?
Explore Chemistry Fun at Home!
Our Rank:
Project MC2 Chemistry Lab STEM Science Kit transforms our kitchens into vibrant chemistry labs! With 10 delightful experiments, kids can engage their curiosity while learning about cause and effect through hands-on play. This kit not only encourages the exploration of basic scientific principles but also helps our little ones develop vital observation skills. Plus, by following along with the NOV8 team on Netflix, they can truly see how their experiments come to life, making learning a blast for ages 6 and up! 6+ years
Develops skills:
curiosity, observation skills, problem solving, cause and effect, critical thinking, scientific reasoning
Why we love it:
Explore Chemistry Fun at Home! comes with 10 delightful experiments that turn the kitchen into a hands-on science lab, making learning absolutely deliciously exciting.
Ooze Labs: Soapy Science Adventures
Our Rank:
Thames Kosmos Ooze Labs: Soap Bath Bomb brings the excitement of chemistry right into our homes! With this fantastic kit, our kids become chemists, mixing and molding their own soaps and bath bombs while diving into essential scientific principles like pH levels and the biology of skin. It's hands-on learning that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and an early love for STEM. Plus, the safe, non-toxic materials mean we can relax while they explore their inner scientist! 8+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, hand-eye coordination, basic chemistry
Why we love it:
Ooze Labs: Soapy Science Adventures includes safe, non-toxic materials that let kids experiment with pH levels while making bath bombs—who knew science could be so bubbly and fun?