32 STEM Toys for Kids Into Engineering (And Building Things)

Trying to find STEM engineering toys can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for. Our list contains some of the best engineering toys around today, all designed to support STEM learning, from preschool to high school and beyond.

We have compiled this list of STEM engineering toys to help you choose the best one for your very own engineer!

Thames & Kosmos RC Space Explorers Science Kit

For young engineers who have stars in their eyes, this kit might just get them one step closer! Kids will learn various skills through building not only the Robot Rover, but also a further nine remote controlled space vehicles. With 237 pieces, and a 64-page instructional booklet, this STEM toy is out of this world!

$52.99

The Magic School Bus Engineering Lab

Encourage tomorrow’s engineers today with this jam-packed Magic School Bus engineering kit. Ms. Frizzle leads her ‘pupils’ in a multitude of tasks, such as building a solar oven, constructing a bridge, designing a game and many more STEM building activities. Complete with experiment cards, components, and a notebook to record their data. Buckle up, scientists!

$20.98

K’NEX Education Renewable Energy Set

Introduce young children to the concept of renewable energy with this awesome kit from K’NEX! Kids 10+ can learn all about wind, water, and solar power in a fun, hands-on way by building nine different working models of machines powered by nature. If you’re looking for STEM engineering toys, this one’s hard to beat.

Prices Vary

Sick Science Solve This Science Kit

Whether your child loves or hates science, this kit will blow their minds! Sick Science kits are designed to bring the wow factor to learning, and will teach kids how to master extraordinary experiments so cool they won’t even know they’re learning! Would you know how to balance 10 nails on the head of just one?

Prices Vary

Engino Models Engineering Construction Set

What other engineering kit allows you to build a giraffe, a house, a helicopter, a see-saw and a sea-plane, all from the same pieces? This engineering toy for ages 6-14 explores 3 dimensional spaces and comes with multi-faceted rods and geometrical features which encourage children to design and create their very own constructions.

Prices Vary

Kids First Physics Lab Kit

Get your children started on the laws of physics with this Kids First Physics Lab. Wannabe scientists aged 8 and up can make 20 separate models with which to explore mechanical physics. With step-by-step instructions, they can be rolling and racing, falling and flying their way to STEM excellence with the 22 experiments enclosed.

$47.26

Elenco FM Radio Kit

If you’re looking for engineering toys that will give any teenager a real sense of achievement, tune in to this Elenco FM Radio Kit! Curious minds will learn how to assemble a monophonic FM receiver, while developing a working knowledge of soldering and the basics of printed circuit boards. (Soldering iron not included).

$21.28

Kids First Botany Experimental Greenhouse Kit

Cultivate a love of grow-your-own in your children with this experimental greenhouse kit from Kids First Botany. Little growers can carry out experiments with plants and seeds, build a watering system, grow flowers and edibles, and learn all about the biology of plants and how they react to light and heat. Supports STEM learning.

$44.98

ZOOB Galax-Z Astrotech Rover

The sky’s the limit for children aged 6 and over who are fascinated by space exploration. Little engineers can build a Retriever, Escape Pod, Satellite or AstroTech Rover with the 49 unique flexible ZOOB pieces plus accessories, and send the Zoobonaut included on his very own space journey. Compatible with other ZOOB sets and pieces.

Prices Vary

Kids First Intro to Engineering Kit

Engineering toys don’t have to be complicated, which is why this Intro to Engineering kit is perfect for children aged 5 and up. The 25 experiments and projects are broken down into five sections, and provide hands-on learning to spark their imagination and interest in designing and creating the many devices and machines included.

$21.49

GoldieBlox and The Spinning Machine

Are you looking for an engineering toy that’s juuust right? Check out Goldieblox – the world’s first girl-engineer character! While your child’s busy helping Goldieblox build a spinning machine for her dog, Nacho, to help him chase his tail, you can be confident that underneath all that fun is a STEM learning opportunity, disguised as play!

$19.43

4M Tin Can Cable Car

Recycle in the name of science with this Tin Can Cable Car kit from 4M. Inside the box is everything your child could need to turn an empty soda pop can (not supplied) into a working cable car, just add batteries and a screwdriver. Recommended STEM activity for ages 8+.

$18.99

Elenco Circuit Maker Basic Electronics Discovery Kit

Learn all about electronics by creating one of the 43 different projects included in this Electronics Discovery kit. Young sparkies will discover all there is to know about working electrical circuits while making cool models such as a glow fan, speaker, and alarm, while having loads of STEM related fun.

Prices Vary

K’NEX Education Intro to Simple Machines

If you’re looking for a STEM engineering toy, this Intro to Simple Machines from KNEX is ideal. The interactive set includes 7 building ideas, designed to introduce learners aged 8 and up to machinery – wheels, axles, and inclined planes –using the 221 parts included. Machines can be constructed alone, or in a small group setting.

$38.12

K’NEX Education Simple and Compound Machines Set

Expand on your child’s knowledge of machine building concepts with the K’NEX Simple and Compound Machines Building Set. The 352 pieces included in this kit will enable middle school-aged children to build 16 working machines, one at a time, from a simple hammer to a fully functioning carousel! Includes teacher’s guide and worksheets.

Prices Vary

Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit

Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist, but did you know he was also an engineer, and was responsible for redesigning the catapult in 1485? This STEM engineering toy enables learners to follow in his footsteps and build a working wooden catapult, one step at a time. Includes pre-cut pieces, glue, and instructions.

$22.95

OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot

With sustainable energy at the forefront of our minds, it is worth introducing children to it early, while combining it with STEM learning. Solar power drives this 14-in-1 robot, giving learners a glimpse of what can be achieved. From a beetle-bot to a zombie-bot, this kit provides endless fun and learning, with no batteries required.

$33.49

Motorial Alien Robotic Building Set Block Toy

Engineering toys don’t come much more fun than a working robot, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this kit. STEM learning is supported as your child builds his or her own robot, and delights as it follows simple instructions. Combine 2 or more sets to make even bigger and better models! Batteries not included.

Prices Vary

K’NEX Education Forces, Energy, and Motion Set

10 year olds with an interest in engineering will love this K’NEX kit, which comes with 442 pieces, designed to make up to 4 of the 11 working models included at any one time. Race cars, tricycles, motorbikes and more can be built, each one teaching your child about motion, energy, and mechanics.

Prices Vary

Thames and Kosmos Little Labs Intro To Engineering

Engineering toys can often be too complex for little ones, which is why this Thames and Kosmos kit is perfect for young learners from the age of 5. Children can start their STEM learning with simple building projects, and learn about pulleys, levers, and forces using land, air, and water. With 25 different experiments.

Prices Vary

K'NEX Education Intro to Simple Machines: Gears Set

Get kids into gear with the Intro to Simple Machines – Gears Set by the ever-popular K’NEX. With 198 pieces, youngsters can explore gear ratios, spur gears, energy transfer and chain driven systems, by following the step by step instructions. The kit makes 7 fully-working machines, giving novice engineers a solid basic knowledge of gear mechanisms.

$38.90

K’NEX 100 Model Building Set

There will be no time to be bored with this awesome K’NEX 100 Model Building Set, which comes with 863 rods and connectors to build 100 incredible models. Thanks to the moveable aspect of K’NEX pieces, models can really move as opposed to being static, giving young engineers plenty of scope for real STEM learning.

$42.49

Kids First Aircraft Engineer Kit

Help tiny engineers reach for the skies with this adorable book and building kit from Kids First. Pre-schoolers can follow Karlie and Ty Omega’s adventures, and build the 10 various vehicles the loveable characters use as they move through the book. With 73 chunky building pieces, illustrated story book, and storage case.

$44.99

OWI Air Power Racer Vehicle

Compressed air propulsion, which was first attempted in the middle of the 19th century, is explored in this superb engineering kit for learners aged 10+. Students can build their very own car, fill the air chamber using muscle power alone, and then watch as their car takes off, covering up to 50 meters in 35 seconds!

Prices Vary

SmartLab Smart Circuits Games & Gadgets Electronics Lab

There’s no limit to what they can do with this awesome circuits kit from SmartLab. With instructions and components to build 50 different electronic gadgets and games, youngsters can go on to build bigger and better customized projects once they have mastered the basics of electronic circuitry. The perfect STEM engineering toy.

Prices Vary

K’NEX Education Swing Ride Building Set

Bring all the fun of the fair to STEM learning with K’NEX. The 486 colorful pieces and battery-powered motor all come together to make a working Swing Ride, which can be dismantled and rebuilt into a Ferris Wheel or Boom Ride. Explores gears, mass + speed, and patterns for children aged 8 to 15.

$38.99

Engino Wheels & Axles Construction Kit

Bring physics to life with this Wheels and Axles Construction Kit from Engino. Suitable for children from 6 to 15, the multi-faceted rods and connectors enable engineering projects, such as a tractor and a car lift, to be constructed with fewer components, while allowing an insight into friction and how it can help movement.

Prices Vary

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst

As far as STEM engineering toys go, this one will be hard to beat! With just enough instruction to get kids started, they will soon resort to their own imaginations and create their own unique designs, using the prompt cards supplied. Everything is included for endless possibilities, including wooden parts, motors, nuts, bolts, and tools.

$65.00

Elenco Practical Soldering Project Kit

Printed circuit boards are the cornerstone of virtually every electronic device, which makes this soldering project kit invaluable to all would-be electrical engineers. Elenco has come up with this invaluable and fun way for teenage engineers to build their own two tone European siren by following the detailed instructions provided. Soldering iron not included.

$11.28

Makey Makey - An Invention Kit for Everyone

Open up a world of opportunities with Makey Makey! Literally anything which conducts electricity can be turned into thousands of everyday objects by fooling a computer into thinking your chosen item is a keyboard! Play tunes on a banana, draw a working controller onto paper, or choose from the hundreds of ideas on the website.

$49.95

Ideal Amaze 'N' Marbles Wood Construction Set

You’ll be a-mazed at how much fun can be had with the Amaze ‘N’ Marbles construction set! Kids can create some marble-ous mazes from the 37 wooden pieces included, and can then sit back and enjoy watching the marbles find their way through the channels, tunnels and holes of their latest engineering projects. Ages 5+.

Prices Vary

Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Discovery Kit

Kids as young as 7 can get to grips with electrical circuits with this superb STEM engineering toy from Elenco. Each part of the circuit snaps together, meaning small hands don’t have to grapple with tools as they build one of the 100+ models suggested, such as a flashing light or an adjustable siren.

$19.59

10 DIY Engineering STEM Activity Ideas

Squishy Circuits Diy Circuitry

If you thought Play Dough was for teenies, think again! Kids of any age will adore making Squishy Circuits – home-made conductive dough that lights up when LED lights and batteries are added! This tutorial teaches you how to make the dough, and experiment with light and even movement by incorporating a simple motor.

Egg Drop Challenge With Free Planning Printable

This is a fun (and potentially messy) experiment, which incorporates STEM thinking. The Egg Drop Challenge involves each child designing and making their own container which they think would be strong enough to keep a raw egg intact when it drops. Encourages critical thinking, creativity, and the whys and wherefores of the experiment.

Diy Paper Plate Magnet Maze

Encourage young minds to explore physics with this dynamic DIY game. Guide the object (bunny, space rocket, airplane etc.) through the paper-plate maze using magnets, until it gets to the center and claims its ‘prize’. Kids can have fun coloring in the design, and will be fascinated to watch their object find its way around.

Homemade Wigglebot

This is a super fun project to do with little engineers who want to think big! This cute little robot is made from a few household materials and attached to colored pens. The motor is placed off-center, meaning the robot wiggles and shakes his way around, creating fun patterns on the paper underneath.

How To Make A Mini Robot

Imagine the excitement when your little engineer designs and builds his or her very own moving robot! This step-by step-tutorial shows you how to do just that, using a variety of household objects, plus an inexpensive motor and batteries. With googly eyes and a bit of creativity your child can create their own little pet!

Diy Propeller Powered Car

This incredibly detailed tutorial shows you how to make a propeller powered car, using a few basic craft supplies and household items, and even includes a no-glue variation for those who prefer tape! Once completed, the propeller is wound up and then released to send the car up to 40ft away on a smooth surface!

Let's Build Boats!

This DIY activity can be adapted to suit all ages – designs can be made more intricate for older learners. Building simple boats is a great way to introduce children to physics as they choose materials, shape, and weight to enable their vessel to float on water, and encourages discussions as to why it did/didn’t work.

Mini Seige Engines for Kids

What child doesn’t enjoy playing with catapults? Well, now you can go one better and have them build one! Understanding how a catapult works will appeal to the curious-minded, and this superb instructable will show your young engineer how to construct their very own working model, using only a few craft supplies.

Indoor Slingshot Tutorial

Don’t throw away those empty toilet roll tubes, use them to make these fab DIY indoor slingshots, instead! With just a few simple steps your child will have made a working indoor slingshot, just perfect for launching lightweight snacks across the room! It’s an educational, fun, and eco-friendly engineering project for any age.

Paper Airplane Launcher

Remember that feeling of achievement when your paper airplane flew further than anyone else’s? Now your own aeronautical engineers can get that feeling every time with this DIY paper airplane launcher! With just a scrap of wood, a couple of nails, a rubber band and a paperclip they can experiment with different designs for different results.

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