Are you ready to ignite your child’s curiosity and passion for science? Look no further than our carefully curated list of the best Science kits for kids.
As a homeschool family, we continuously look for ways to make learning science fun and interactive.
There’s something about an all-inclusive science kit that brings new energy and enthusiasm to the mid-school-year rut or a rainy Saturday at home.
I’m eager to share with you the best Science Kits to unleash your child’s inner Einstein from home!
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- What are Science Kits for Kids?
- The Best Kits for Kids to Explore Science at Home
- Best Overall Science Experiment Kit for Kids
- Best Monthly Science Experiment Subscription Kits for Kids
- Best Science Kits for Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Best Science Kits for 6 to 10-Year-Olds
- Best Science Kits for Teens
- Best Science Kits for Kids by Discipline
- The last thing you need to know about the best science kits for kids
What are Science Kits for Kids?
Science kits for kids are educational toolboxes designed to make learning science fun, interactive, and accessible for young learners.
The best part? Research consistently shows that hands-on learning and experiments help foster a deeper understanding of science concepts in children.
“Research consistently shows that interactive, hands-on learning experiences are the most effective for boosting student engagement and understanding of abstract scientific concepts.“
–The National Education Association
Science kits for kids typically:
- Come ready with all or most the required materials and ingredients to complete science experiments from home.
- Include detailed learning guides or instruction booklets catered to your child’s developmental level.
- Cover a wide range of science disciplines or focus on a specific topic.
As a mom, I love having all of the materials prepped and ready for me! And my kids can never wait to get their hands on new creations and take ownership of their experiments.
The Best Kits for Kids to Explore Science at Home
Get ready to ignite your child’s love for science with our selection of the nine best science experiment kits for kids. From explosive volcanoes to crystal-growing wonders, these kits offer hands-on learning and endless fun for young scientists across age groups.
Best Overall Science Experiment Kit for Kids
National Geographic Mega Science Lab
With hands-on learning across earth science, chemistry, and science magic, the National Geographic Mega Science Lab is a slam dunk for our top choice kit.
We slowly chipped away at this larger-than-life kit for nearly a year at my house!
It never disappointed us on a rainy (or sunny!) day, especially when our everyday homeschool curricula were getting bland.
Check out the exploding volcano we saved for the grand finale:
Key Features: With 75 different experiments, this 90-piece set is the perfect gift for a mini-Einstein who can’t get enough science.
Why We Love It: With illustrated, easy-to-understand instructions, these experiments will help you minimize frustration and maximize creativity and learning.
Know Before You Buy: Intended for ages 8+, this kit contains active chemicals, and some experiments require closer supervision than others.
Price: $64.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Monthly Science Experiment Subscription Kits for Kids
KiwiCo
My cousin gifted my kids KiwiCo subscription crates for Christmas last year, and we became instantly hooked! I love the zero-prep, all-materials-included kits.
The best part? They are tailored to my children’s developmental stages, capturing their interest right away.
My son, both curious and imaginative, loved learning about the science behind topics like insects and rainbows, then delving into creative play!
Before we talk specifics about these learning and entertainment gems, check out his KiwiCo insect costume and rainbow art mosaic:
He recently completed this Crystal Chemistry Garden kit, compliments of his grandparents. (P.S. KiwiCo crates are excellent gift ideas as they produce virtually no long-term “clutter,” yet loads of entertainment).
Key Features: Each crate dives deep into a specific STEAM topic, providing hours of educational art and science projects to spark imagination and a love for learning.
Why We Love It: Developed by experts in the field, each crate includes an inspiration booklet filled with fun illustrations and age-appropriate instructions to help your child build independent exploration skills. Crates span from age 0 to 100!
Know Before You Buy: KiwiCo crates are sold individually and via a monthly subscription for maximum savings.
Price: $18.50-23.95* per month for subscription crates (the longer the duration, the more you’ll save).
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Science Kits for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Blippi My First Science Kit: Colors
Does your child love Blippi? What better way to introduce your little one to the scientific principles of colors than through a lovable character they already connect with?
Key Features: In this hands-on learning kit, your child will learn about primary colors and secondary colors. Using the fizzing tablets, they can combine colors and learn how to create paler shades.
Why We Love It: Young children can develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, math skills, and communication skills all while having fun!
Know Before You Buy: After using up the 9 color fizzing tablets, your child may crave more Blippi science. (If so, you can always move onto the “Sink or Float” Blippi kit!)
Price: 19.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Science Kits for 6 to 10-Year-Olds
Messy Science Kit
Would words such as fireworks, lava lamp, sizzling snowballs, or tornado in a bottle send your child jumping for joy?
This Messy Science Kit is a perfect match for kids ages 5+ to learn about pH, color theories, and force through hands-on experiments.
Key Features: Everything you need is included! With a 65+ piece kit, your kids will have everything they need to enjoy 20 fun science experiments.
Why We Love It: Everything you need is included! With a 65+ piece kit, your child will be ready to enjoy 20 fun science experiments.
Know Before You Buy: The manufacturer states The Messy Science Kit is approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials and meets all of the USA & EU child safety guidelines.
Price: $26.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Science Kits for Teens
4M Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit
If your teen or pre-teen has taken an interest in Geology or Chemistry, this Crystal Growing kit is a sure crowd-pleaser for big kids ages 10 and up.
Key Features: This everything-included kit comes with crystal growing mixtures, stirring supplies, and display domes where you can watch your 7 crystals grow. Just add distilled hot water!
Why We Love It: The kit includes a variety of crystal types, along with fact sheets to learn more about each crystal’s growth.
Know Before You Buy: This internationally beloved 4M kit is accredited by STEM.ORG (the leader in credentialing STEM toys, games, and educational resources)
Price: $19.99* (the kit also sells in 3- and 10-count crystal varieties)
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Science Kits for Kids by Discipline
Looking to cultivate a love for science in a particular field? Explore our top-choice kits for the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Environmental Science
- Astronomy
Best Chemistry Kit
Soap & Bath Science Lab
Does your little scientist love to get pampered? This combination science and spa kit will introduce your child to the world of chemistry in a unique, fun way.
When they finish, they’ll be left with custom-made bath products!
Key Features: The kit includes everything you need to make bath bombs, bath salts, salt scrubs, and soaps. From vibrant coloring agents to various molds, your kids will surely be busy getting creating their own spa.
Why We Love It: The kit includes a 20-page beautifully illustrated guide with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
Know Before You Buy: The manufacturer recommends this kit for kids ages 6 and up.
Price: $34.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Geology Kit
Discovery Gemstone Dig Science Kit
The Discovery Gemstone Dig isn’t just an interactive science kit that gives your kids a wide and amazing rock collection. It makes learning about geology, archeology, and gemology fun and engaging!
Key Features: The kit includes everything you need to go on your gemstone excavation (e.g., magnifying glass, digging tools, safety goggles, and even an informational poster about the gemstones!).
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for building eye-hand coordination and helps children learn about geology and rock formation in a relatable, fun way.
Know Before You Buy: The manufacturer recommends this product for kids ages 12 and up.
Price: $19.99*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Environmental Science Kit
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Botany Experimental Greenhouse Science Kit
This botany science kit by Thames & Kosmos will encourage your child to go outside, get their hands dirty, and find love in nature!
Key Features: Assemble mini greenhouses complete with ventilation and thermometers, build an automatic watering system, create little bug decorations, and so much more! This kit teaches about plants, seeds, and where fruits and veggies come from.
Why We Love It: Kit includes a 48-page colorful guidebook about botany basics, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for successful plant growth.
Know Before You Buy: Once the plants get bigger, you’ll need to transfer them out of the provided pots and into bigger pots.
Price: $39.95*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
Best Astronomy Kit
4M Solar System Planetarium Science Kit
Has your child reached their space stage yet? It seems every child gets curious about the stars, moon, and sun at some point.
This planetarium science kit is a great way to introduce them to the planets and the wonders of the solar system from home!
Key Features: This set includes everything you’ll need to set up the planetarium (e.g., stencils, paint pens, rods, string, and even a wall chart full of fun astronomy facts).
Why We Love It: This 4M kit is the perfect combination of art and science. Kids can’t get enough of the glow-in-the-dark paint!
Know Before You Buy: Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Price: $24.97*
*Price listed at the time of post-publication and subject to change by the manufacturer.
The last thing you need to know about the best science kits for kids
Investing in one of the best science kits for kids is a surefire way to spark curiosity!
If you feel uncertain about which science kit to choose, here’s an important tip: Involve your child in the decision-making process!
By inviting them to share their interests you can find a kit that they will love and want to use.
If you need help getting the conversation flowing, try a few of these questions below:
- What are some things in nature or the world around you that you find interesting? Like animals, plants, or outer space?
- If you could be a scientist for a day, what kind of experiment would you want to do and why?
- Would you prefer to create something with your hands, grow something new, or examine something close up?
- What TV shows, books, or movies about science that you like most?
Remember, the goal is to inspire a lifelong love for science in your child.
By listening to your child’s ideas and passions, you can help them embark upon a thrilling scientific adventure with memories to last a lifetime. You’ve got this!
