Are you looking for a way to get your child more interested in science? If so, you’ll want to check out our review that includes some of the best science kits for teens and children.
We’ve reviewed a good selection of sets that include crystal growing sets, microscope sets, digging kits, mini volcanic eruption kits, and more. Therefore, you can be sure to find the set that’s right for your child to have the ultimate at-home science experiment!
Finding the right kit for your kids can encourage them to have fun and result in them wanting to learn more about science. Check out our guide to get a better idea about what these sets have to offer!
Our List of the Best Kids Science Kits
Our review section below includes the main features, pros, cons, and age recommendation of some of the top children’s science kits. A buyers guide section is also available at the end that includes more information that you can put to good use when trying to make a final decision.
Snael Science Kit
Summary
This fun science kit for young kids will help to encourage an interest in science. Your child will get to perform a host of fun experiments like creating rainbow fountains, making erupting volcanoes, and bottle blowing balloons.
The kit comes with colorful experiment cards that have step-by-step instructions for performing the experiments. The set also comes with a variety of tools including goggles, chemical materials, test tubes, measuring spoons, cups, droppers and more.
Positives
- This kit is prepared well to provide a variety of different experiments
- This kit will help children develop an interest in science
- Experiments run from simple to difficult allowing children to build their self-confidence
Negatives
- The instructions for some of the experiments are not clear
What age is this recommended for?
This science kit is recommended for children ages 3 years and up (with parental help).
What makes this stand out?
This science kit has experiments that children will find hugely interesting.
National Geographic Earth Science Kit
Summary
This National Geographic Earth Science Kit has multiple experiments that teaches children about earth science. Kits perform experiments on making dueling water tornadoes, geological digs, crystal growing and making magnetic putty. The kit also comes with a detailed learning guide that explains to kids why and how such a phenomenon occurs.
There are about 15 experiments or activities in all so kids can use this kit for multiple days. This kit makes learning by doing fun.
Positives
- The experiments in this kit covers different areas of Earth Science
- Parents like that the science behind each experiment is explained
- Kids find these experiments really interesting and fun to do
Negatives
- The plastic in this kit hardens too quickly
What age is this recommended for?
This science kit is recommended for children ages 8 years and up
What makes this stand out?
This science kit is ideal for those who are interested in nature and want to know more about the science behind natural phenomena.
National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab
Summary
This crystal growing lab comes with 6 colored crystals including red, blue, green, yellow and purple. The crystals are fast growing making this a great science kit for inpatient kids. The lab comes with easy to follow instructions that when followed precisely results in the best results helping children to understand the importance of following directions.
Once the crystals have grown kids can place them into the night light display for a cool accessory to their bedroom.
Positives
- Many users get a good crystal yield with beautiful crystals
- The light display is a nice way to display your crystals
- The kits come with step-by-step directions
Negatives
- Some kits seems to have old ingredients resulting in poor crystal growth
What age is this recommended for?
This crystal growing kit is best suited for kids age 8 and older
What makes this stand out?
This crystal growing kit comes with some beautiful crystals that are perfect for display.
Playz Explosive Kitchen Science Kit
Summary
This explosive kitchen science kit allows kids to use common kitchen ingredients to learn about science. This kit has 26 fun experiments for kids to perform and comes with a colorful lab guide that is easy to follow. The experiments in this kit covers a range of subjects from rockets propelled with lemon juice, to DNA and electricity. You do need to check the experiments in advance since you may have to purchase additional kitchen items.
Positives
- This kit is great at encouraging kids to have an interest in science
- There are enough experiments to keep your child engaged over multiple days
- Comes with easy to follow directions
Negatives
- Because you may need to buy additional supplies your child can’t do many of the experiments right out of the guide
What age is this recommended for?
The Playz Explosive kitchen is best suited to kids ages 8 and up
What makes this stand out?
This explosive kitchen science kit allows children to see how simple kitchen ingredients can be used in unexpected ways.
Butterfly Garden Growing Kit
Summary
This butterfly growing kit is a great way to interest your child in nature and natural science. The kit comes with 5 baby caterpillars, food for them, a mesh habitat, Chrysalis holding log,food dish, learning journal with several activities and more. Children get to watch the caterpillars grow, form their cocoons and then break out of the cocoon and turn into beautiful Painted Lady butterflies.
Positives
- Helps children develop a love of nature
- Kids actually learn about the life cycle of butterflies
- Your child will get to release the butterflies into your own yard
Negatives
- Because you are dealing with nature some of the kits have turned out to be completely unsuccessful
What age is this recommended for?
This butterfly garden is suitable for children ages 4 years and up
What makes this stand out?
Kids get to watch real living things change and grow.
Beginner AmScope Set
Summary
This beginner science kit comes with a microscope that has a forward facing turret that you can use to have magnifications from 120x to 1200x. Therefore, kids can see lots of detail for learning purposes.
We also liked how the viewing head has LED lights so that children can clearly see what they’re looking at. Furthermore, a durable case is available that lets kids store all of the parts to keep them safe and travel with them.
Pros
- Total of 52 pieces included
- Adjustable color filter available
Cons
- Microscope is smaller than some were expecting
What age is this recommended for?
7 year olds and over
Learn & Climb Experiment Kit
Summary
With a total of 60 experiments and 56 pieces included with this set, children can keep themselves occupied for hours on end. The hands on experience of carrying out experiments is a more exciting way for kids to learn as well.
We liked how the set comes with a DVD that children can use to learn how to carry out the experiments. There’s also an instructional manual available that makes it easy for kids to do their own experiments.
Pros
- Name tags included
- Can be fun to experiments in small groups
Cons
- Some notice pieces are missing when delivered
What age is this recommended for?
6 years old and over
Science Bag Set
Summary
The bag included with this set enables kids to store all of the parts they need in one easy to access place. This also means that they can take the bag and experiments with them to learn while on the move.
There are over 70 science activities for children to keep themselves engaged for hours. The instructional booklet that’s included makes it easy for kids to follow the steps to carry out experiments and have fun learning.
Pros
- Safe components
- Can be fun to do experiments with other kids
Cons
- Some were hoping for more variety in the experiments
What age is this recommended for?
8 year olds and up
Learn & Climb Science Set
Summary
This set comes with a wide selection of 60 experiments that children can use to have a hands on learning experience. We liked how the set comes with all of the equipment and tools that kids need to get started.
There’s a DVD included that has instructions for kids to follow and carry out experiments. These instructions are easy to follow and include additional information on the experiments so that children can learn more.
This set is particularly good for a younger boy or girl age 4.
Pros
- Fun name tags included
- Plastic equipment is safe for kids
Cons
- Liquids can leak during delivery
What age is this recommended for?
4 years and over
Weather Station Set by 4M
Summary
4M’s Weather Station kit comes with a variety of tools that kids can use to make observations of the weather. It includes an anemometer, wind vane, rain gauge, and a thermometer.
These tools are of a high quality and kids can use them to interact with the weather every day. When the weather station is fully assembled, it can be placed on desktops for kids to observe and learn from.
While most of the kits reviewed here are for younger kids this one is a great option if you’re looking for a gift for a 14 year old boy or girl.
Pros
- Easy to follow instructions
- Can be used with the 4M Weather Science Kit
Cons
- Some notice pieces are missing upon delivery
What age is this recommended for?
7 to 15 year olds
National Geographic Digging Kit
Summary
We liked how this kit comes with a variety of 15 gems that children can dig up. They include quartz, pyrite, amethyst, fluorite, and more. A brush, chisel, and magnifying glass are included too.
Children can use these tools to dig up the stones from the brick piece. This can be a fantastic way to give kids a hands on experience that makes it more fun to learn.
Pros
- Colorful guide included
- Develops coordination & motor skills
Cons
- Some find gemstones are missing when delivered
What age is this recommended for?
8 year olds and over
2Pepers Motor Science Set
Summary
This set comes with 4 different models for kids to build that include a doodling root, bubble machine, bicycle, and a robot car. Therefore, children can keep themselves engaged for hours on end.
While your child is constructing the various models, they’ll be able to work on their motor skills and hand eye coordination. Furthermore, it’s likely that they’ll be able to improve their problem solving abilities too.
Pros
- Screwdrivers have been made specifically for kids
- Easy to follow instructions
Cons
- Some notice pieces are missing when delivered
What age is this recommended for?
8 years old and up
Crystal Growing Kit
Summary
Children are able to keep themselves occupied with this set for hours on end as it comes with 15 experiments for them to be involved in. During the process, kids can learn about the geometry of crystals.
We also liked how they’ve included a variety of dyes as it enables children to make their crystals with brightly colored designs. This is awesome for your child to be able to put their crystals up on display.
Pros
- Easy to follow manual
- Can improve concentration
Cons
- Other items not included in the kit are needed to make some crystals
What age is this recommended for?
10 to 15 years old
Playz Lava Science Kit
Summary
Kids have over 22 tools which they can use to make a variety of eruptions, lava bombs, fizzing pools, crystals, and more. This is great for enabling kids to carry out experiment and have fun for hours.
In addition to this, a lab guide has been included that has been filled with colorful pages and pictures. This makes it easy for children to follow the instructions when doing experiments.
Pros
- Educational booklet available
- Can be fun for kids to use in small groups
Cons
- Eruptions weren’t as climactic as some were hoping
What age is this recommended for?
8 year olds and over
If you’re gift shopping for a boy or girls birthday but aren’t sure about any of the sets covered in this guide you can check out some of our other gift guides listed below:
- 7 year old boy toys
- 7 year old girl toys
- 8 year old boy toys
- 8 year old girl toys
- 9 year old boy toys
- 9 year old girl toys
Buyers Guide to Finding the Best Science Experiment Kits
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read through our review section of the best children’s science sets, you may be interested to learn more about these sets so that you can be sure to pick the one that’s right for your kids.
The buyers guide below includes more details surrounding these kits to help you feel more confident about making a final decision.
What Is a Science Kit?
There are a range of kits available that vary with their contents and learning processes. Some of the kits come with microscopes that children can use to observe tiny organisms.
You can also find sets that have experiments for children to carry out that include mini volcanic eruptions, crystal growing sets, and digging kits. Some of these sets come with educational booklets that children can read through after doing the experiments to learn more.
Some sets allow girls and boys to learn more about the science behind motors and engineering by making their own mini robots. So, these sets can vary a lot in their contents and what children can learn from them.
How Do I Get My Child Interested In Science?
If you’re struggling to get your child interested in science, using the kits mentioned in our review could prove to be an effective method. One of the main reasons for this is because these sets provide children with a hands on experience.
This is excellent for making the learning experience more interactive and it can encourage children to have more fun and have a better attitude towards strengthening their knowledge on science.
Carrying out experiments as a family activity can make learning even more fun. Getting together to do the experiments with each other is a great chance to spend quality time with your child and it’s something that they can look forward to.
How to Choose the Right Science Kit for your Child Based on Age?
One of the challenges that parents face when finding kids science sets is what kit is right for their child’s age. To gain a better understanding about the kinds of features to look out for when choosing sets for different ages, check out the sections below.
3 to 6 Year Olds
When finding kits for 3 to 6 year olds, we recommend sticking to the ones that have a more simple approach to learning. This is because the sets that come with too many tools and are too complex can be overwhelming for younger kids.
As a result, they may become uninterested in using the set. Therefore, it’s best to find kits that come with less components so that 3 to 6 year olds can have a more simple approach to learning while having a hands on experience.
This is especially the case when looking for toddler science sets. Once your child hits 4 to 5 years old, they may be more open to using more complex kits.
7 to 9 Year Olds
Microscope sets can be a superb type of kit to introduce to your child when they’re in the 7 to 9 year old age range. This is because these sets require more concentration in order for kids to be able to observe small organisms.
Furthermore, they’ll be able to have a better understanding of how to operate the microscope and alter the magnification lenses that they use.
In addition to this, sets like the weather station and crystal digging kits could be excellent for 7 to 9 year olds. These sets are very hands on and make learning more exciting.
10 to 12 Year Olds
Crystal growing sets are excellent for 10 to 12 year olds as they come with plenty of tools that children can use to dig up the crystals. They can then use the booklets to learn more about the crystals.
Not to mention, these crystals can be put up on display which can look great in your child’s bedroom or around the house.
Teens
Teens could have a lot of fun with robot making sets. The one that we’ve included in this review enables them to build 4 different models by following the instructions. It requires a lot of focus and challenges kids to put their problem solving skills to good use.
These types of sets are more advanced and can be overwhelming for younger children to try and use. We also liked how motorized sets enable teens to watch how what they’ve built can move around by itself as it’s a rewarding experience that encourages them to delve more into the science of how the model works.
Final Thoughts on the Fun & Exciting Children’s Science Kits
So, that wraps up our review on what some of the best science kits for kids have to offer. Be sure to consider the main features, pros, cons, and age recommendations to pick the set that’s best for your child.
Finding the right set can be a powerful way to encourage your kids to want to learn more as they’re having so much fun during the process. We hope that the information found throughout our review and buyers guide has proved useful in helping you to pick out a fun and educative set for your children!
