I owned a STEM/STEAM based learning center for many years and loved doing workshops to increase creativity for kids AND adults. We all love to play, right? These are some of my favorites.
This LEGO motor will change the way you build! You'll need a power hub to make it work, but it's a great way to learn gear ratio.
Medium Linear Motor 88008 | Powered UP | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
You'll need a hub to power your motors!
Move Hub 88006 | Powered UP | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
LEGO sets are great, but the magic happens when you throw out the instructions!
LEGO® Large Creative Brick Box 10698 | Classic | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
These are a fan favorite
MAGNA-TILES Builder 32-Piece Magnetic Set
MAGNA-TILES have so many cool add on kits now!
MAGNA-TILES Metropolis 110-Piece Set
I haven't seen this one in action, but I'm guessing that kids are going bonkers for it.
CreateOn Magna-Tiles Galaxy Rocket Set, 24 Pieces
Makey-Makey is kind of a legend at this point. I don't love it, but plenty of other people do!
Explore Makey Makey
I love marble mazes and other Rube Goldberg type toys. There are so many options for discovery!
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
Fidgets! Fidgets! Fidgets!
Roylco Sensory Beads - Geometric Shape Jumbo
Another classic! There are a million add on too, making these pretty much endless.
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Kit
Crayola has been putting the A in STEAM for forever.
Crayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit, Ages 7-10
I love seeing the moment when kids *get* how gears work!
Learning Resources Gears! Super Building Set, 150 Pcs
I haven't seen this in action, but it looks incredible!
ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy
This is a great way to expose animal-loving kids to engineering.
Music = math. I love incorporating music into STEAM!
Sphero Specdrums (2 Rings) Musical Rings - White
If you're looking for a way to enhance screen time, check out Osmo.
Osmo - Genius Starter Kit for iPad & iPhone
Magnet toys are always fun.
Geomag Recycled Glow Magnetic Constructions, 142-Piece
I cannot get enough kinetic sand. Highly recommend encouraging play inside of a plastic container to avoid too much of a mess.
Kinetic Sand, Pink, 2 lb. Resealable Bag, Ages 3+
Clay is great for sensory play and for engineering/art.
Shuttle Art 57 Colors Oven Bake Polymer Clay Kit
I am obsessed with these.
UnicornBit
Kiwi Crate has amazing subscription kits. I love that this one introduces baking.
Science of Cooking: Bread & Butter
This will remind you of Tetris.
Educational Insights Kanoodle Pyramid Puzzle Game
This is a great LEGO set! Not only does it give you instructions for a bunch of different gadgets (simple machine based), but it'll inspire other ways to play and build.
