Kids love toys! Whether it’s a remote-controlled car, a high-tech train track set, or just a simple ball, if it interests them, they will play with it. However, what if we provide our kids with toys with which they can play and learn at the same time? We’re talking about STEM toys! STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, and these toys help kids develop useful skills as they play. The STEM toys market is expected to reach a whopping $11.2 billion by 2031. That’s how in-demand these toys are!

So, if you’re looking for fun yet educational toys for your kids, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you out. We have put together 13 of the best STEM toys for kids of all ages. 

Best STEM Toys for Kids Comparison Table

1. Smartivity Foosball Table - The Best Active STEM Toy

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

If your kids are soccer fans, the Smartivity Foosball Table is the perfect toy to bring their love of the game into the home. Not only is it designed to provide hours of fun and friendly competition, but it is also made from sustainable wood, making it an eco-friendly choice. Its bright, multi-color shade adds a vibrant touch, making it both visually appealing and exciting for children.

Why We Like It

We think that the Smartivity Foosball Table is one of the best STEM toys for kids aged 6 and up because it combines education, physical activity, and hands-on learning in one engaging package. It teaches kids about basic scientific concepts like levers and fulcrums, making science fun and accessible. At the same time, it offers action-packed entertainment that encourages children to get active and burn off energy. The toy also comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual and is designed for simple assembly, giving kids the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills as they build it themselves.

2. Smartivity Robotic Mechanical Hand -The Best Engineering STEM Toy

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Kids love DIY toys more than anything, and the Smartivity Robotic Mechanical Hand is the perfect buildable toy for them! It's made out of wood and is one of the best STEM toys for 8 to 10-year-olds. 

Why We Like It

Here’s why we like the Smartivity Robotic Mechanical Hand: it’s a fantastic tool for teaching kids about science and engineering concepts like gears, levers, and motion through hands-on play. As children build the robotic hand themselves, they enhance their problem-solving abilities and fine motor skills. Once completed, the hand also encourages creative play, allowing kids to imagine and act out fun scenarios while exploring how mechanical movements work in real life.

3. Smartivity Microscope - The Best Science Exploration STEM Toy

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Ever wanted to see the world up close? With the Smartivity Microscope, young scientists can explore the tiny details of the world around them. This cool STEM toy is great for kids who love biology and even allows them to build their very own microscope.

Why We Like It

The Smartivity Microscope is one of the best STEM toys for kids aged 8 and up for several compelling reasons. It's perfect for budding biologists, as it allows children to build their own microscope and explore the microscopic world, making scientific learning both fun and engaging. In addition to teaching science, the construction process enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. To top it off, the microscope comes with a lifetime supply of replacement parts, ensuring that the learning and exploration can continue indefinitely without interruption.

4. Smartivity 2-in-1 Hydraulic Airplane and Dart Launcher - The Best Learning STEM Toy

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Are you looking for a toy that serves as a twofer? If yes, then get the Smartivity 2-in-1 Hydraulic Airplane & Dart Launcher. This toy combines action-packed fun with learning about science and is one of the best STEM toys for kids aged 6 and older.

Why We Like It

We like the Smartivity 2-in-1 Hydraulic Airplane and Dart Launcher because it offers a unique combination of fun and learning. With its 2-in-1 functionality, kids can build both a hydraulic-powered airplane and a dart launcher, giving them double the excitement and value. The toy introduces children to the science of hydraulics by showing how fluids can be used to transfer power, making complex concepts accessible through play. It also encourages creativity, as kids can experiment with foldable paper designs to see how different shapes and markings influence the airplane’s flight.

5. Smartivity Pirate’s Telescope - The Best Astronomy STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

If you have kids who love to explore, the Smartivity Pirate’s Telescope is the ideal toy for them. Like other STEM toys, this is also a DIY toy ideal for kids aged 8 to 14. It's designed to be educational and engaging, and it helps children learn about science, engineering, and math. 

Why We Like It

We love the Smartivity Pirate’s Telescope because it’s a fantastic pick for young science enthusiasts. It allows kids to learn about optics in a hands-on way as they build their own working telescope. Beyond just building, it introduces children to the basics of astronomy, including the solar system, stars, and planets, sparking curiosity about the universe. Best of all, it's designed for easy assembly, so even younger children can successfully put it together with minimal adult assistance.

6. Smartivity Pinball Machine - The Best Interactive STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Next up on our list of the best STEM toys for kids is the Smartivity Pinball Machine. It's a fun and educational toy that’s easy to assemble, challenging, and addictive. The toy comes with a user manual with easy-to-follow instructions. It’s a great gift option to spark creativity and is one of the best STEM toys for 9-year-olds. 

Why We Like It

We recommend the Smartivity Pinball Machine for several reasons. Building the pinball machine is both challenging and rewarding, helping kids develop valuable skills as they assemble it. Once complete, the final product becomes a fun and engaging game. The toy is made from high-quality, durable materials with a smooth finish, ensuring long-lasting use. Additionally, the game functions smoothly, providing a satisfying and enjoyable playing experience for kids.

7. Smartivity Glow-in-the-Dark Science Lab - The Best Hands-On STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Calling parents of all curious minds! Unleash their inner scientist with the Smartivity Glow in the Dark Science Lab.

This awesome kit is more than just some experiments; it’s a doorway to exciting, glowing fun and learning. Made for young scientists, this lab kit makes science exciting with hands-on activities and amazing results. It's considered one of the best STEM toys for 7-year-olds and up. 

Why We Like It

Both parents and kids love the Smartivity Glow-in-the-Dark Science Lab for several reasons. It's easy and fun to play with, making it an ideal choice for kids of all ages, even those with little experience in science experiments. The kit features simple, easy-to-follow experiments that children can complete independently or with minimal adult guidance. The glow-in-the-dark feature adds an extra layer of excitement, making the experience even more engaging. Additionally, the experiments are designed to teach kids a variety of scientific concepts in a fun, hands-on way, sparking curiosity and learning.

8. Smartivity Human Body Toy - The Best Educational STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

When you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, most say they want to be doctors. For all the kids fascinated with doctors, medical instruments, and the human body in general, we have the perfect toy: the Smartivity Human Body.

This isn't your average toy; it's a 5-in-1 DIY exploration kit that lets kids build a 3D human body model. But there is a lot more to this kit than construction. This toy teaches kids about the human body and its several organs.

Why We Like It

Parents love the award-winning Smartivity Human Body toy because it offers a fun and educational way for kids to learn about the various organs of the human body. The interactive nature of the toy, which involves building a 3D model of the human body, helps children develop fine motor skills and 3D reasoning. Additionally, the kit includes games and activities that teach kids important lessons about health and hygiene, making it both informative and engaging.

9. Smartivity Mega Science Kit -The Best Science STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

If you’re looking for the best STEM toys for 10-year-olds or kids around this age, we recommend the Smartivity Mega Science Kit. This ultimate science kit is jam-packed with more than 150 experiments, bringing out your child’s inner scientist and turning their playroom into a full-fledged laboratory!

Why We Like It

The Smartivity Mega Science Kit is a hit with both parents and kids for several reasons. With over 150 experiments covering a wide range of scientific fields like chemistry, physics, and biology, the kit offers endless exploration, keeping kids engaged for hours. Unlike passive learning, this kit encourages hands-on experimentation, allowing children to build, experiment, and explore scientific concepts in a practical way. It also boosts brainpower by helping kids develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills as they follow instructions and build setups. Best of all, it’s an affordable way to ignite your child's passion for science and set them on a path of lifelong learning.

10. Smartivity Magic of Science Kit - The Best STEM Toy for Little Inventors

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Continuing our science adventure, prepare to be amazed by the Smartivity Magic of Science Kit! This enchanting kit isn't just about bubbling potions and fizzing reactions; it's about transforming everyday objects into extraordinary experiences. It's one of the best STEM toys for kindergarteners and kids up to 8 years old. 

The Magic of Science Kit sparks a love for science through fun, easy experimentation, and a touch of magic!

Why We Like It

The Smartivity Magic of Science Kit is a hit because it makes science fun and accessible for young children. Focused on simple, engaging activities, the kit introduces core scientific concepts in a way that is easy for kids to grasp. With more than 50 experiments, including "dancing ghosts" and "fizzy potions," it sparks curiosity and encourages hands-on learning. The kit uses a play-based approach to learning, so kids can absorb scientific principles while having fun, often without even realizing it. Plus, while some experiments can get messy, the kit includes a mess mat, making cleanup quick and easy.

11. Smartivity Hydraulic Crane - The Best STEM Toy for Young Builders

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Are you looking for the best STEM toys for 12-year-olds and older? Say hello to the Smartivity Hydraulic Crane! It’s not a sandbox toy for kindergartners; in fact, it’s a powerful learning tool disguised as playtime fun! This crane lets young builders construct their very own miniaturized crane, complete with a working hydraulic system! 

Why We Like It

The Smartivity Hydraulic Crane is one of the best STEM toys for kids because it combines action-based learning with creativity. It teaches kids how pressure from syringes can be used to move heavy objects, replicating the function of real cranes used on construction sites. Building the crane also sparks creativity, as kids follow instructions while experimenting with different lifting techniques and imagining various scenarios for their cranes. This toy helps kids build important STEM skills, improving fine motor abilities, learning about hydraulics, and developing engineering skills. Made from high-quality wood, the crane is durable and built to withstand hours of play.

12. Smartivity Kaleidoscope - The Best Creative STEM Toy

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Turn everyday objects into unique patterns with the Smartivity Kaleidoscope! This engaging STEM toy allows kids to build their own kaleidoscope, sparking both creativity and a love for science. As they assemble the kaleidoscope, children are introduced to the fascinating principles of light and reflection. Once complete, they can peer through the lens and discover a mesmerizing world of vibrant colors and ever-changing patterns created by everyday objects like beads, buttons, and leaves.

Why We Like It

The Smartivity Kaleidoscope is a toy that offers a two-in-one experience, allowing kids to both build their own kaleidoscope and enjoy the mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and patterns through the lens. It sparks creativity and imagination, as children experiment with different objects like beads, buttons, and leaves to create unique patterns. Not only is it entertaining, but it's also educational, teaching kids about the principles of light while they engage with the kaleidoscope's captivating world.

13. Smartivity STEM Wheels Speedster - The Best STEM Toy for Future Engineers

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Let’s wrap this article with one of the best STEM toys for kids, the Smartivity STEM Wheels Speedster. This racing car is a fun and exciting toy that helps kids learn while playing. It's great for children between the ages of 6 and 14, as they can build their own cool racing car and even make a working launcher!

Why We Like It

The Smartivity STEM Wheels Speedster is an excellent toy because it combines building, racing, and learning. Kids can construct their own vehicle, understand how its parts work, and then race it for exciting thrills. It sparks curiosity about science by introducing key concepts such as motion, elasticity, and momentum. Additionally, the toy is made from durable, eco-friendly, and sustainable materials, making it a great choice for both fun and environmental responsibility.

Buying Guide for the Best STEM Toys for Kids

STEM toys are a win-win for fun and learning, but picking the right one can be tricky. Therefore, here’s a buying guide to help you find the perfect one for your kids:

• Consider your child's age and what excites them. A car-loving 6-year-old might enjoy a build-your-own-car kit more than a complex coding robot.
• Look for toys that challenge problem-solving and creativity and introduce scientific concepts like gears or lights.
• Does your child get bored quickly? To keep them engaged, opt for open-ended toys like DIY or toys with multiple activities.
• Choose age-appropriate toys made with safe, high-quality materials that can bear wear and tear.
• Let your child choose the toy! Their excitement will make their playtime more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts on the Best STEM Toys for Kids

So, there you have it! A detailed guide to the best STEM toys for kids of all ages. From building a 3D human body and putting together a hydraulic crane to launching a speeding race car, these toys offer endless fun and learning opportunities.

However, if you are looking for even more interesting toys to keep your kids entertained, check out our entire Smartivity collection!