Hands-on science has never been so much fun! If you have a budding scientist at home, or you’re simply looking for a unique, engaging gift, check out these 9 stellar science kits for kids, all highly-rated by educators and parents, and designed to get kids excited about investigating everything from chemistry to meteorology!
For more information about the science kits listed below, each is linked to an Amazon store page where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you are unfamiliar with (these are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases).
My First Mind Blowing Science Kit (ages 6 – 8)
If you’d like to introduce your junior chemist to the fascinating world of science, this kit comes with the materials needed to perform 11 different experiments. Make “magic ooze,” grow crystals, or create a sunset in a test tube! Kids will learn about the scientific method and how to use science tools such as pipettes, measuring scoops and test tubes. Parents will appreciate that the instructions are easy to follow, and explain the science behind each experiment.
Learn and Climb Science Kit (ages 4 and up)
This is a great starter science kit for kids and includes materials and instructions for doing up to 65 hands-on experiments. An instructional DVD provides added support and includes lessons about the science behind each activity. Experiments include building a volcano and a balloon rocket, growing a sprout garden and crystals, and making slime.
Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit (ages 8 and up)
For kids who love solving crime mysteries, this forensic science lab kit is perfect. The kit challenges kids to solve two mysteries by performing various activities including fingerprint forensics, DNA matching, testing of liquids and powders- even deciphering secret coded messages. Kids younger than 10 or 11 may need a little adult supervision, but the activities can be performed over and over again since most of the labs involve using common household materials.
Discovering STEM – Newton’s Laws (ages 8 and up)
Just one set in the Discovering Stem series, this kit is for budding mechanical engineers who enjoy putting things together and taking them apart! Illustrated instructions and quality components make it easy to build working models of a catapult, a collision car, a balloon-powered plane, a Dragster, and more! Parents will appreciate the educational booklet that explains Newton’s Laws of motion such as inertia, momentum and potential energy.
Continue to inspire your mini engineer with these 15 Awesome Building and Constructing Toy Sets for Kids.
Snap Circuits Junior Electronics Kit (ages 8 and up)
The durable electronic parts included in this kit enable young engineers to easily snap together all kinds of working projects including a musical doorbell, a police siren, a voice-controlled lamp and much more! The illustrated manual makes it easy for kids to work on their own and learn all about the various electronic components.
For young engineers who also love STEM-related toys that focus on coding and robotics, see 11 STEM Toys for Kids Who Love Coding: Highly-Rated Robotic and Coding Toys.
Simple Machines STEM Experiment Kit (ages 8 and up)
A Parent’s Choice Award winner, this kit includes everything you need to learn the physics behind simple machines and actually build them! The modular building pieces and 32-page guide make the construction of six different machines easy and fun. Kids learn how to use a spring scale and concepts are reinforced through 26 different activities.
Omana Junior Microscope and Experiment Kit (ages 7 and up)
The junior microscope in this kit is the next best thing to the real thing! It is designed to introduce children to the proper use of a microscope and doesn’t look or feel like a toy. Kids will enjoy choosing from three magnification levels (40x, 100x, and 400x) to view both prepared slides that come with the kit, as well as anything they can fit on a slide! Colourful experiment cards and other equipment and tools included are designed with kid scientists in mind.
Wacky Weather Kit (ages 5 – 10)
If your youngster shows an interest in meteorology, The Young Scientists Club offers this kit to introduce basic concepts in weather science such as measuring, recording, and charting daily temperatures, making and reading a wind meter, and measuring rainfall. Colourful stickers and a wall chart make record keeping fun for kids.
Solar Power Science Kit (ages 8 and up)
Learn about solar power, energy conversion, and renewable energy! Kids can build a solar-powered fan, windmill, and street light, then take them out in direct sunlight and watch them work! The illustrated instructions are kid-friendly and activities teach how motors, fans, and propellers function, as well as some basic circuitry.
Find even more great gift ideas in our STEM Stocking Stuffers for Kid Engineers collection.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
