Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
From solar-powered robots to music machines for future composers, here are creative building kits for kids that foster hands-on skills.
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When some of us were young, three forms of building kits for kids were available to us. The littlest kids had Tinkertoys, which were mostly round pieces with sticks that fit in them. We used Lincoln Logs, which had notched legs that let us build rudimentary log cabins. And erector sets—metal pieces and simple motors usually enjoyed by older boys. Beyond that, well, there wasn’t much beyond that, especially for girls.
These days, building kits for kids have expanded significantly, and the sky—and their imagination—is the only limit. They can construct rocket-shaped forts, assemble car engines that actually run and even build working robots. They serve as an excellent introduction to DIY and other building skills for children.
Each Giggleway kit includes three sets that allow children to build a balancing electric car, a “doodling” robot with pens for legs and a “reptile” robot. These building kits for kids incorporate googly eyes and electronics, along with simple circuits that provide them with power. They are suitable for ages 8 and up.
“It’s hard to imagine what product could compete for a kid’s attention against a smartphone,” writes five-star Amazon reviewer John H. Lewis. “This is a neat toy and we still play with it. It is a cool gift.”
Remember when building forts meant trying to get blankets and pillows to cover the back of a sofa just right? Obuby’s 120-piece set (for kids 5 and up) goes way beyond that, even to the moon! The solid-ball joiners and sticks make endless shapes big enough to play in, including rockets, houses, castles and tunnels.
It’s one of the building kids for kids that inspires both creativity and hands-on learning. And yes, you can still drape blankets (not included) over them and turn them into a kid’s camping tent. Lastly, the drawstring bag holds all the pieces between projects.
Future gearheads, unite! This engine kit builds a working model of a V8 engine, right down to the pistons and fan belts. Don’t worry, there’s no grease or gasoline involved. Simply attach the battery-pack distributor for realistic revving-engine sounds. This is a fantastic gift for budding DIY lovers (ages 8 and up) and the perfect kit for a parent and kid to do together.
Getting familiar with tools early in life builds confidence and enhances eye-hand coordination in the future. This STEM set combines a grid with a kid-safe working drill, enabling children to create various crafts ranging from 2D flat images to 3D standing designs. Additionally, all the non-toxic and BPA-free pieces are conveniently stored in a carrying case.
The battery-operated drill features Phillips and flat-head tips to attach or detach screws. It is important to supervise younger kids to ensure they do not put the pieces in their mouths. The set is designed for children aged 3 to 6.
The future is solar when it comes to building kits for kids. The 190 pieces of this solar robot can build 12 working robot styles, including tires, gears and pistons topped with a solar panel to make them move. Plus, the pieces can be reassembled into their own creations, although young kids may need help with the smaller parts. It’s best for ages 8 to 12.
PicassoTiles, the recipient of multiple awards for creative kids’ toys, features bright colors that’ll even get adults itching to put them together. The magnetic building blocks’Â edges effortlessly click together to form fun 3D creations. The generous 100-piece set gives builders (ages 3 and up) plenty of pieces to construct large structures.
“My four-year-old loves these so much!” writes verified Amazon purchaser Danielle Combs. “So glad I got these for him. He uses them every single day. They even pry him away from his tablet and keep him occupied for hours! We love building new things with them!”
Not every building toy goes “zoom” or “vroom.” This xylophone-style music machine includes sheet music, or young creators can compose their own. Kids (ages 8 and up) put together the non-toxic engineered wood pieces—no tools or glue required. Basically, it’s a step up from DIY cardboard models of the past. It’s not only a fun project, but it also teaches lessons in sound and pitch when the pegs are moved around.
This electronics kit includes enough parts and circuitry to build more than 100 projects, including sirens, doorbells and flying discs. No tools or soldering are needed for the circuits, which snap into an included plastic grid. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach DIY confident girls (ages 8 and up) the basics of electrical engineering.
This bungalow kit from Toysmith’s Beetle & Bee Garden line includes everything for kids (ages 5 and up) to build, paint and hang a six-inch tall backyard birdhouse, right down to the nails, glue and hanging chain. Furthermore, it’s the ideal starting project before ramping up to mini workbenches in the future.
Bring on the nostalgia! Parents will want to join their kids in playing with this retro toy. Since their invention by John Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1916, Lincoln Logs have remained a beloved classic for toddlers (ages 3 and up).
This special 100th-anniversary set includes 111 pieces featuring notched maple logs, roof trusses, green roof slats and red chimneys, all beautifully stored in a collectible tin. You’ll also want to check out these toy storage ideas to keep all your new building kits for kids organized.
A DIY kit comes with all of the necessary components and hardware needed to complete the building project or craft. Some of these may include metalwork, magnets, building blocks or even music machines.
The best building kits for kids ages five to seven should inspire a child’s creativity and planning skills. We recommend the Build a Bird Bungalow for this age range as it comes with basic instructions for building but allows the child to create a design that is all their own. Plus, it serves as a great memento from childhood for years to come.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) allows kids to solve problems and use their creativity through practical and hands-on activity. Some of the most popular STEM kits achieve this by allowing kids to plan and develop incredible projects, build models, create designs and even implement basic mathematic principles.
Many building kits are unisex. However, there are options tailored to a certain skillset, hobby or interest. One of our favorite options is the Smartivity Music Machine which is tailored to children who want to learn more about the basics of musical theory. Or, the Playz V8 Combustion Engine Model Building Kit provides a practical knowledge of engine components for any aspiring automotive enthusiast.
The best magnetic tile sets for kids are the Magna-Tiles, Magformers, Picasso Tiles and Connetix. Each of these sets is designed to stimulate a child’s creativity and motor skills while improving their cognitive function and problem-solving abilities.
