Studying science from a book is fine, but nothing can replace hands-on experiments when learning chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences. Children retain more and enjoy “doing” rather than just studying. I can remember crafting a messy, paper mâché volcano and looking through my first microscope at a few prepared slides, fostering a lifelong love of science.
These science kits for kids offer a range of engaging and educational experiments for different age levels, from the youngest scientists to younger teens, designed to encourage learning through fun.
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10 Super Science Kits for Kids
 | Be Amazing Big Bag Of Science | Check price at |
 | The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab | Check price at |
 | Be Amazing Lab-in-a-Bag Test Tube Wonders | Check price at |
 | Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit | Check price at |
 | Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit | Check price at |
 | Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green | Check price at |
 | Amazing Bacteria Science Kit | Check price at |
 | Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science | Check price at |
 | Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit | Check price at |
1. Be Amazing Big Bag Of Science
Be Amazing Big Bag Of Science starts your young scientist on a path to learning about chemistry, physics, magnets, geology, biology, and more. Designed for kids eight years and older, this kit has more than 70 experiments.Most ingredients come with the kit, but some, like 2L Coke, baking soda, etc can be picked up easily at the store. Resealable baggies for supplies and a zippered pouch reduce mess and storage space. Warning—some experiments can be messy, but so worth the hours and hours of educational fun!
Recommended Age: 8–14
2. The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab
With The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab, your young chemist accompanies Ms. Frizzle and the other students on a science field trip. Make sticky ice, use litmus paper, measure pH, perform chromatography, make bubble sculptures, wake-up fungus, create slime, form a bouncy ball, learn about density, produce a milk rainbow, plate copper, explode a volcano and much more using 51 experiment cards and chemistry supplies included in the bus-shaped kit. There are hours and hours of experiments to do and most of them can be repeated. The instruction cards are great and easy to follow and all the explanations are clearly outlined on the back of the card.
Recommended Age: 5–12
3. Be Amazing Lab-in-a-Bag Test Tube Wonders
Using the Be Amazing Lab-in-a-Bag Test Tube Wonders, kids can make cold, fake snow in the summer, grow a tiny dinosaur to a larger dinosaur, make a rainbow in a test tube, and that’s just the beginning. This science set for kids teaches chemistry, polymers, physical, and optics in a fun way. It can easily be packed away in a zippered pouch and the materials come in their own resealable bags. Fun and not (too) messy! This is a really fun set that will ignite curiosity for kids to find out what else they can do!
Recommended Age: 8+
4. Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit
What child—and let’s face it, adult—doesn’t want to be a wizard? I blame Harry Potter. The Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit teaches kids the science behind the magic.The test tubes and holder are super and very sturdy. It’s a very cool combination of “magic” and educational science activities. Wand included. You(and your kids) will love every spell and potion!
Recommended Age: 6+
5. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
The Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit is perfect for the younger budding scientists. Kids can create a sunset in a test tube, a color changing volcano, and many more educational experiments; A fun introduction to the scientific method. This kit is guaranteed to provide hours and hours of quality experimentation time. You can measure ingredients, mix solutions, make predictions, learn vocabulary, and discuss results. Can you think of many toys that can offer all of that?
Recommended Age: 6+ with adult supervision
6. Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit
The winner of several awards, the Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit includes everything a child needs to learn about building circuits. There are 305 projects to complete, including an AM radio and a touch lamp. A fun way for children to understand the electronics that are such an integral part of our lives. If you’re trying to introduce your children to all facets of science, this is a wonderful tool. Immediately create a circuit and learn about the difference between a combination light and fan circuit, in parallel and in serial. Amazing! This will make your child fall in love with (or appreciate) electronics all the more!
Recommended Age: 8+
7. Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green
Brought to you by the same company that makes the Electronics Discovery Kit above, Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green teaches children about the all important alternative energy sources that are becoming and increasingly larger part of their world. Fun projects teach kids about circuits, geothermal energy, wind energy, and more! The instructions are easy to follow. You’ll appreciate that the toy is educational, fun, and durable. Plus, you can build snap circuits into actual items. What more could you want?
Recommended Age: 8–15
8. Amazing Bacteria Science Kit
The Amazing Bacteria Science Kit is a fun introduction to microbiology. This is an easy to use kit as the Petri dishes ship ready to use. Just swab something and watch it grow bacteria. A little gross but definitely educational! The agar looks fresh and clean. If you and your kids swab the kitchen and bathroom, the bacteria should grow easily (no matter how clean your house is!) Kids will be fascinated by the growth! The instructions were easy to understand.
Recommended Age: 5+
9. Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science
The Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science kit includes magnets of several shapes and sizes as well as other components, all used in 33 educational and engaging experiments and games. A step by step manual guides young scientists through the experiments that teach magnetic fields, electromagnetism and more. The best part is that kids can use what they learn to play games with the magnets. All in all, this is a very entertaining science kit. The instructions are clear and will provide a nice hands-on experience to the subject and concept of magnetism.
Recommended Age: 8–15
10. Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit
The Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit is your child’s introduction to biology, and right in your own backyard. Build a bird feeder, worm motel, and sundial. Discover backyard critters and observe bugs up close with the microscope. This set encourages an early appreciation for nature and science. It will get kids outside and they’ll want to drag anyone they can along with them to explore more of the outdoors!
Recommended Age: 4+
Science kits for kids are both fun and educational. Do you have a favorite kit that your child has enjoyed? Post it in the comments below!
Feature image adapted from image courtesy of Flickr, zhouxuan12345678.