Building toys have been a favorite for decades. The market has seen many different types of sets, materials and ideas but one that seems to have found its own little corner of the market is K’NEX. Not only do older children enjoy building and creating with K’NEX, but younger children can get in on the action as well with a variety of sets for the young ones too. Let’s face it, even adults find a simple pleasure in putting together a little masterpiece of their own from time to time! These 9 K’NEX sets are sure to please children of all ages, even those in their older years.
Must Have K’NEX Sets
1. K’NEX 70 Model Building Set
The K’NEX 70 Model Building Set is a favorite among parents and children alike. It features over 700 pieces to create and put into motion 70 projects or more. There are actual moving parts included so that children can use their creations in a functional way. The handy treasure chest packaging means the pieces stay organized and safe in one place. Children will learn all about building structures and how they connect to create bigger structures, lending to developmental growth and fine motor skill refinement.
Recommended Ages: 7 to 14
2. Kid K’NEX – Build A Bunch Set
Kid K’NEX Build a Bunch is the perfect set to start your little one off in the world of K’NEX. This set comes with over 60 pieces and 30 building projects to work on together. Children will work on their fine motor skills as they piece together the rods and other parts and also develop a sense of independence since the pieces are chunky enough for them to handle on their own. The large sized eyes are a fun way to embellish whatever creation they come up with and the wheels allow kids to put their work in motion.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 5
3. K’NEX Education Group Set
K’NEX Education Group Set offers parents, caregivers and teachers a kit to explore with more than one child at a time. Inside the convenient snap-shut container there are cards with project ideas and tips. Anywhere from six to eight children can build at once, as they explore their creativity, dexterity, and fine motor skills. This set works with the STEAM learning model (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to give children a rounded experience. The pieces are big and chunky, making them easy to manipulate for all ages and safe even for younger children at risk of choking on small parts.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7
4. Intro to Simple Machines: Gears Set
K’NEX Education Introduction to Gears Set features seven different projects plus a teachers guide, which gives hints and tips plus learning strategies to use while working with this set. This set follows STEAM concepts of learning and allows kids to learn as they are having fun, which is proven to be more effective than reading or lectures alone. The gears set solidifies concepts which are included in the Grades 3 to 5 curriculum and allows kids to explore this concept on their own further. This kit comes with classic size pieces which are compatible with other classic K’NEX sets.
Recommended Ages: 8 to 10
5. K’NEX 2-in-1 Ferris Wheel Building Set
KK’NEX 2-in-1 Ferris Wheel Building Set allows older children to create two thrill rides at the same time. This set comes with over 900 pieces and two motors which require two AA batteries each. These motors operate the Ferris wheel and other thrill rides for real motion. Kids will love the sense of accomplishment once they see their work come to life. Once built, the Ferris wheel stands about three feet tall. Step by step instructions with illustrations are included in order to help kids work independently if they choose.
Recommended Ages: 9 to 14
6. K’NEX Mighty Makers – Up, Up and Away Building Set
K’NEX Mighty Makers—Up, Up and Away Building Set is a set geared towards little girls with its pink and purple color scheme and having a female character appear on the packaging. Not only will little ones love the color scheme, they will enjoy learning about aviation with three aviation themed builds inside. The set comes with 140 pieces plus challenge cards which encourage builders to further their learning about aviation outside of the K’NEX set. Also included are accessories such as cockpit seat, Ava and her bird Jay, with goggles for Ava and more.
Recommended Ages: 7 to 10
7. K’NEX Grandfather Clock
K’NEX Grandfather Clock is an astounding structure which stands over six feet tall once built and features a working face plate, swinging pendulum and chimes with sound. This is the absolute largest K’NEX set ever made and marketed, and is for the true K’NEX enthusiast. There is a color-coded instruction sheet to follow for easier assembly. This set is a perfect parent/teen project for not only learning about building but bonding as well. It is a unique set which will be sure to leave participants with a huge sense of accomplishment once finished.
Recommended Ages: 16+
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, Terry Madeley.