As your child grows and his or her personality begins to increase in complexity, it is important to ensure that he or she is receiving enough of and the right kind of mental stimulation to keep them interested and to feed their developing minds. An excellent and highly engaging way to accomplish this is to provide your children with the best science toys for kids that will challenge their minds and pique their curiosities.
The Importance Of Childhood Mental Development
Human beings develop largely through a mixture of nature (the inherent pieces of the person that are born with him or her) and nurture (the ways in which the environment around a person influences their growth). These factors combine to create unique personalities in every child that require equally unique triggers and care to properly foster.
When choosing which are the best science toys for kids to buy for your children, there are a few different factors and considerations to keep in mind.
Developmental Stages
Every child goes through a series of developmental stages, which is a fancy way of saying that his or her mind is going through a specific period of time where he or she begins to develop different ideas, fascinations, and learning capabilities. It is important that throughout these different stages, you as a parent remain loving and patient while still maintaining a general sense of discipline to ensure that your child is growing along the proper path.
The most important developmental stage for children is between birth to age three, and during these short years, it is crucial that you develop good habits in your child. To promote healthy learning habits, try focusing on toys and tools that can draw your child’s short attention span. This could include reading to your child, choosing toys that are fun but instructive, and establishing beneficial routines that your child can base his or her learning experience on.
Learning Styles
There is no such thing as a universal learning style, and to understand how your child learns and understands the world it is important that you pay attention to the different signs your child will show. Visual, audio, and kinetic learning are three of the main recognized types of learning. The first two are fairly obvious; kinetic learning is that which involves a more complex method of sensory absorption.
When you are watching your child, especially when he or she is around other children, you will likely notice slight differences in the way that each child experiences the world around them and interacts with it. Some are highly observant, others love to listen, and still others cannot help but put their hands on everything. When deciding which science toys will work best for your child, make sure that you have a good understanding of his or her unique learning style.
Age Appropriate
While this should go without saying, make sure that when purchasing the best science toys for kids, that you choose age appropriate options for your children so that they are not struggling with a toy that is too complex or left unchallenged by a toy that is too simple. There are so many options available to you in the market of science toys for kids, so do your research carefully and you will no doubt find the perfect fit for your child.
Ten Best Science Toys For Kids In 2021
4M Magnet Science Kit
Teach your child about the complexity and beauty of magnet science with this comprehensive kit. The kit allows children to test out a series of different science experiments and games that are connected to the super power of magnets. You can either follow the included instructions to craft specific experiments, or let you kid explore with his or her magnets and discover new ways to use them.
The kit includes:
- 2 super bar magnets
- 2 ring magnets
- 1 set magnet handle
- 1 car/boat chassis
- 4 wheels
- 1 long axle
- 1 short axle
- 1 rod for fishing wand/yacht mast
- 1 fishing wand joint
- 2 ring magnet joints
- Magnetic fish
- Metal screw nuts
- 1 roll of thread
- Game and assembly instructions
Since this kit involves a lot of smaller pieces and more complex game designs, the 4M Magnet Science Kit is recommended for kids aged 8 and older.
The Original Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow, 4 Rockets
True to its name, this toy is a stomp powered rocket that kids will love to watch fly, all the while learning more about the power of air propelled rockets. Additionally, these rockets are glow in the dark for even longer playtime. Each rocket can reach upwards of 100 feet in the air when in use and does not involve any electronic components making it a highly safe and functional toy.
Each Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow set comes with 4 Jr. Glow Stomp Rockets and a Stomp Launcher. Assembly is quick and easy so that your children can get going stomping, jumping, and moving. Suitable for children 3 years and older.
4M Table Top Robot
This robot takes the shape of a metallic “crab” that will help teach your children the basics of robotics engineering. The robot is able to move on its own when powered on and has obstacle avoidance technology built in. Furthermore, the included instructions are easy to follow and the robot requires no special tools for assembly. This toy will help your growing child develop their mechanical skills while intriguing their curiosity and imagination.
The robot “crab” requires one AAA battery, which is not included, and a Phillips head screwdriver for assembly. This toy is recommended for children 8 years and older because it involves many small parts and a higher degree of cognitive understanding to operate.
Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe
Get your child interested in the greater wide world with this interactive and educational globe toy. The Shifu Orboot globe does not have any borders or names on it so that, as your kids learn, they are actively remembering region shapes attached to the areas’ given names. The toy also comes with an interactive companion app that expands your child’s world by adding hundreds of different facts, puzzles, and games that will challenge them and keep them interested in the globe.
Each kit comes with a 10″ globe, a passport, a stamp for the passport, country flag stickers, and a detailed guide that will help you and and your child understand how to operate and utilize the globe for maximum learning potential. The companion app is free and available via iOS, Kindle, and Android devices. This toy is suitable for children aged 2 to 10 years old.
Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and 22 Page Activity Journal
With up to 400x magnification, this toy microscope from Nancy B’s Science Club is the perfect choice for the budding young scientist in the family. The included activity guide gives children a basis from which to begin their explorations with, and provides an area where they can take notes on their adventures and discoveries. Children can collect specimens and observe them under the 2-in-1 light and dissecting microscope, all the while learning while they have fun.
The microscope comes with its 22 page activity journal and a 26 piece scientific tool set, which includes:
- Tweezers
- Scalpel
- Petri dish
- Spatula
- Stirring rod
- Test tube
- Pipette
- 7 blank slides
- 7 cover slips and slide labels
- 4 prepared slides
- Specimen vial
The microscope requires 3 AAA batteries (which are not included) and is best for children ages 3 and older.
Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit
This LEGO craft kit from Klutz gives children the ability to design and create over 10 different moving machines that will help them develop their mechanical skills. Children can practice with different building designs and then watch as their creations move objects from one place to another in different, fascinating ways. Whether they want to create a useful physics device that can deliver secret messages across the room, or just watch as their toy transports the included LEGO balls from one element to the next, children will find something to get excited about with this toy.
This toy is recommended for children 8 years and older and comes with the following:
- 33 LEGO elements
- 6 LEGO balls
- 2.2 yds of string
- 8 paper ramps
- 2 paper pop-up signs
- 1 paper funnel
- 1 paper flag
- 1 paper bucket
- 1 platform
Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
This exciting kid’s chemistry set allows children to explore the ins and outs of chemical reactions and how to utilize scientific tools to create those reactions. While they are playing, they are also subconsciously learning about chemistry and the experimental world. From fun, but safe, “explosions” in a test tube to creating colorful slime, any kid can find something fun to experiment with in this kit.
This toy is not suitable for anyone under the age of 6, as it contains many small pieces and products that are not suitable to be placed in the mouth or eyes. Adult supervision should be exercised when this kit in in use. The 20 piece kit includes:
- Red cabbage powder
- Citric acid
- Baking soda
- 3 color tablets
- Cross-linked polyacrylamide co-polymer
- Vegetable oil
- Corn starch
- Paper
- 2 cotton swabs
- 3 test tubes with caps
- Test tube stand
- 3 plastic cups
- Pipette
- 2 stir sticks
- Small and medium plastic measuring scoops
- Activity guide
Ninja Kidz – Educational Outdoor Children’s Toys
With an assortment of tools that can help your young explorer discover the wonder of the outside world, this kit from Ninja Kidz is the perfect toy for the child who loves the outdoors (or the child who needs to get out more). Whether you and your family are going hiking or camping or if your explorer is simple wandering around the backyard, this comprehensive kit will provide hours of educational fun for your child.
Each kit is suitable for kids 3 years and older and comes with the following:
- 4 x 30 mm binoculars
- 3 x 60 magnifying glass
- LED hand crank flashlight
- Lensatic compass
- Whistle
- 12 x 30 mm retractable monocular
- Sturdy carrying bag
Mini Explorer Light-up Terrarium Kid for Kids with LED Light on Lid
Teach your kids about the wonder and function of a miniature garden that they can grow and watch in their own room. By day, the mini explorer terrarium uses its built in LED light to help facilitate plant growth; by night, the light can be switched off and replaced with a soft glow that doubles as a nightlight.
This toy is perfect for kids of all ages and gives them the freedom to design their terrarium however they want. The kit includes the following:
- 4 x 6 in terrarium jar
- Light-up jar lid
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Step-by-step instruction booklet
- Soil
- Blue sand
- River rocks
- Wheatgrass
- Chia Seeds
- Small bunny and mushroom miniatures
- Removable stickers
- Spray bottle
- Wooden stick
SHAWE Kids Toy, More Than 90 Pieces Mighty Molecules Big Size, Interlocking Solid PE Plastic Building Sets
For younger children, this plastic molecule building set is great for developing motor skills and teaching kids the basics of molecular development all the while drawing their interest with the fun, bright colors and the pieces’ ability to snap together. This toy can be used in counting, grouping, sorting, design, and construction activities that are completely at the whim of your child’s imagination.
Each set comes with more than 90 flower shaped pieces in a variety of colors and are made out of non-toxic, environmentally friendly plastic. The pieces are also large enough that it would be difficult for young children to swallow, and everything comes with a sturdy carry bag for storage. This toy is suitable for children 3 years and older.
