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10 Best Science Kits 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set - Chemistry Kit with 100+ Science Experiments Including Crystal Growing and Reactions, Science Kit for Kids, STEM Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8 years and up
Type of Science: Chemistry
Educational Value: STEM learning
Safety: Child-friendly, adult supervision
Complexity and Duration: Varied complexity, extended period
Materials and Tools Included: Materials for 15 experiments
Reusability: Reusable for repeated learning

Chosen by 1221 this week

National Geographic Earth Science Kit – 100+ Science Experiments & Activities for Kids, Crystal Growing, Volcano Science Kit, Rock Collection, STEM Project Toy for Boys & Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8 years and up
Type of Science: Earth sciences
Educational Value: Fosters creativity and scientific curiosity
Safety: May require adult supervision
Complexity and Duration: Over 100 experiments
Materials and Tools Included: Materials for 15 core experiments
Reusability: Encourages repeated use

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Magic Kit – Science Kit for Kids with 100+ Unique Experiments and Magic Tricks, Chemistry Set and STEM Project, A Great Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8 years and up
Type of Science: chemistry and physics
Educational Value: engaging way for kids to learn
Safety: experiments are designed to be safe
Complexity and Duration: some experiments might require adult assistance
Materials and Tools Included: magic wand, white gloves, 20 experiments
Reusability: guide with 85 additional experiments

National Geographic Mega Science Lab - Kit for Kids with 75 Easy Experiments, Featuring Earth Science, Chemistry Set, and Magic STEM Projects for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8 years and up
Type of Science: earth science, chemistry, magic
Educational Value: high
Safety: child-friendly, adult supervision
Complexity and Duration: simple to more involved
Materials and Tools Included: most materials included
Reusability: reusable, some single-use

Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit | Build Your Own GIANT Hydraulic Amazing Gripping Capabilities Adjustable for Different Sizes Learn Pneumatic Systems

Age Appropriateness: 7 years and up
Type of Science: Pneumatic and hydraulic
Educational Value: Understanding robotics, hands-on learning
Safety: Adult supervision recommended
Complexity and Duration: Complex build, challenging
Materials and Tools Included: Robust materials and tools
Reusability: Durable and reusable

National Geographic Stunning Chemistry Set - Mega Science Kit with 45 Easy Experiments- Make a Volcano and Launch a Rocket, STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12, Science Toys (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8-12 years
Type of Science: Chemistry
Educational Value: Learn scientific process, chemistry basics
Safety: Adheres to safety guidelines
Complexity and Duration: Varies, may need adult supervision
Materials and Tools Included: Materials for 15 experiments
Reusability: Experiments repeatable with more supplies

National Geographic Gross Science Kit - 45 Gross Science Experiments- Dissect a Brain, Make Slime, Creepy STEM Project for Boys and Girls, Birthday Gifts for Kids 8-12 (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: 8-12
Type of Science: 'gross' science experiments
Educational Value: covers polymers, reactions, and pH science
Safety: some involve chemical reactions
Complexity and Duration: easy-to-follow with illustrations
Materials and Tools Included: materials for 15 experiments
Reusability: instructions for 30 more experiments

National Geographic Craft Kits for Kids - Crystal Growing Kit, Grow 6 Crystal Trees in Just 6 Hours, Educational Craft Kit with Art Supplies, Geode Specimen, STEM Arts & Crafts Kit (Amazon Exclusive)

Age Appropriateness: school-age children
Type of Science: geology and chemistry
Educational Value: learning crystal formation, geology, chemistry
Safety: safe, no harmful chemicals, supervised use
Complexity and Duration: medium complexity, crystals form in 6 hours
Materials and Tools Included: six tree models, pens, geode, guide
Reusability: one-time use, crystals can't regrow

Blue Marble National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set – Science Kit for Kids with 10 Amazing Magic Tricks, STEM Projects and Science Experiments, Science Toys, Great Gift for Boys and Girls 8-12

Age Appropriateness: 8 to 12 years
Type of Science: chemistry
Educational Value: teaches scientific principles
Safety: for kids 8+, parental supervision
Complexity and Duration: quick experiments, some want complex
Materials and Tools Included: tools, guide, wand, gloves
Reusability: mostly reusable, some consumables
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set - Chemistry Kit with 100+ Science Experiments Including Crystal Growing and Reactions, Science Kit for Kids, STEM Gift for Boys and Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Educational Value
Materials and Tools Included

Most important from
3191 reviews

Educational Value
Educational and easy to do with kids.
Materials and Tools Included
Includes everything needed for a lot of experiments.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set is designed for kids aged 8 and up, making it age-appropriate for elementary to middle school children. This comprehensive kit offers over 100 science experiments, providing a broad range of hands-on chemistry experiences. It includes all necessary materials for 15 core experiments, such as crystal growing and color-changing solutions, and an additional guide for 85 more experiments using common household items.

This makes it highly educational, engaging kids in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning while stimulating their curiosity and creativity. The inclusion of real scientific tools like test tubes and beakers adds to the hands-on experience, fostering a deeper understanding of chemistry concepts. The experiments are varied in complexity, which can keep kids engaged for an extended period and can be reused for repeated fun and learning.

Safety is a priority, and the kit is designed with child-friendly materials and clear instructions to ensure a safe learning environment. However, adult supervision is recommended due to the nature of chemistry experiments. The kit's weight and dimensions make it portable and easy to store. This science kit is particularly beneficial for parents and educators looking to provide an interactive and educational experience for children interested in science.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Educational Value
Materials and Tools Included

Most important from
3191 reviews

Educational Value
Educational and easy to do with kids.
Materials and Tools Included
Includes everything needed for a lot of experiments.
#2

National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes – Includes Goggles & 2 Display Stands - Great STEM Science Kit, Geology Gift for Kids, Break Your Own Geodes with Crystals

Rating
9.7
Age Appropriateness
Type of Science
Educational Value

Most important from
35977 reviews

Age Appropriateness
Perfect for our grandson with an adult helper, though a rock hammer and chisel are recommended for a more educational experience.
Type of Science
Brought joy and excitement for family fun, highly recommended for anyone interested in geology.
Educational Value
Provides an excellent hands-on learning opportunity, perfect for children and adults alike.
Safety
Exceeds expectations with everything needed for a fantastic rock-breaking adventure, including clear instructions and protective glasses.
Materials and Tools Included
Exceeds expectations with everything needed for a fantastic rock-breaking adventure, including clear instructions and protective glasses.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 10 Premium Geodes science kit is designed for kids who have an interest in geology and crystals. This kit is best suited for children aged 8 and up, making it appropriate for elementary and middle school students. The primary focus is on geology, specifically the discovery of crystal formations inside natural geodes, which can be a thrilling and educational experience for young scientists.

The educational value is high, as it comes with a 16-page full-color learning guide that explains the science behind geodes and how they are formed. This can help children understand geological processes in an engaging way. Safety-wise, the kit includes goggles to protect children’s eyes while breaking open the geodes, but adult supervision is recommended to ensure proper handling of the tools.

In terms of complexity and duration, the activity is relatively straightforward but provides a sense of accomplishment and excitement as kids crack open the geodes. The materials and tools included are high-quality geodes, goggles, and display stands for showcasing the discovered crystals. However, once all the geodes are broken, the kit's reusability is limited unless you purchase additional geodes. This kit is a fantastic gift for children interested in science and geology, providing an educational and fun hands-on experience. The main drawback is the limited reusability, but the initial experience is both exciting and informative.

Rating
9.7
Age Appropriateness
Type of Science
Educational Value

Most important from
35977 reviews

Age Appropriateness
Perfect for our grandson with an adult helper, though a rock hammer and chisel are recommended for a more educational experience.
Type of Science
Brought joy and excitement for family fun, highly recommended for anyone interested in geology.
Educational Value
Provides an excellent hands-on learning opportunity, perfect for children and adults alike.
Safety
Exceeds expectations with everything needed for a fantastic rock-breaking adventure, including clear instructions and protective glasses.
Materials and Tools Included
Exceeds expectations with everything needed for a fantastic rock-breaking adventure, including clear instructions and protective glasses.
#3

National Geographic Earth Science Kit – 100+ Science Experiments & Activities for Kids, Crystal Growing, Volcano Science Kit, Rock Collection, STEM Project Toy for Boys & Girls (Amazon Exclusive)

Rating
9.7
Age Appropriateness
Type of Science
Educational Value

Most important from
19777 reviews

Age Appropriateness
The kit is incredibly cool and perfect for young science enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by glow-in-the-dark items.
Type of Science
The black light flashlight and glow putty are standout features that captivate kids' interest.
Educational Value
This science kit makes for an ideal Christmas gift, offering hours of learning and playtime.

The National Geographic Earth Science Kit is an engaging option for children aged 8 and up looking to explore earth sciences. This kit offers over 100 experiments, including crystal growing and volcano building, making it a solid choice for a comprehensive educational experience. The included materials cover 15 core experiments, while additional guides suggest 85 more that can be done with household items. This combination provides both variety and depth, encouraging long-term interest and repeated use.

The rock collection component adds another layer of hands-on learning, allowing kids to start their own collections with the 10 included specimens and storage case. The educational value is significant, fostering both creativity and scientific curiosity. However, it's important to note that some experiments may require adult supervision due to complexity and safety considerations.

The kit is also relatively lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to store and handle, though some users might find the materials slightly less durable. If you're looking for a diverse and educational science kit that balances fun and learning, this product is worth considering.

Rating
9.7
Age Appropriateness
Type of Science
Educational Value

Most important from
19777 reviews

Age Appropriateness
The kit is incredibly cool and perfect for young science enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by glow-in-the-dark items.
Type of Science
The black light flashlight and glow putty are standout features that captivate kids' interest.
Educational Value
This science kit makes for an ideal Christmas gift, offering hours of learning and playtime.

Buying Guide for the Best Science Kits

Choosing the right science kit can be an exciting journey, especially if you or your child has a keen interest in exploring the wonders of science. Science kits are designed to make learning fun and interactive, providing hands-on experience that can deepen understanding and spark curiosity. When selecting a science kit, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure that the kit aligns with the user's interests, educational goals, and safety requirements. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Age AppropriatenessAge appropriateness is crucial because it ensures that the kit is suitable for the user's developmental stage. Kits designed for younger children typically have simpler experiments and larger, safer components, while those for older children and teens may include more complex projects and smaller parts. Always check the recommended age range on the packaging to ensure the kit matches the user's age and skill level.
Type of ScienceScience kits can cover a wide range of scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and astronomy. It's important to choose a kit that aligns with the user's interests. For example, a child fascinated by space might enjoy an astronomy kit, while one interested in plants and animals might prefer a biology kit. Identifying the user's interests can help narrow down the options and make the learning experience more engaging.
Educational ValueThe educational value of a science kit refers to how well it teaches scientific concepts and principles. Look for kits that provide clear instructions, explanations of the science behind the experiments, and opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving. Kits that align with educational standards or are endorsed by educators can be a good indicator of high educational value.
SafetySafety is a top priority when it comes to science kits, especially for younger users. Ensure that the kit includes safety instructions and appropriate safety gear, such as goggles or gloves, if necessary. Check for any potential hazards, such as small parts that could be a choking risk or chemicals that require careful handling. Always supervise children during experiments to ensure they follow safety guidelines.
Complexity and DurationThe complexity and duration of the experiments in the kit should match the user's attention span and patience level. Some kits offer quick, simple experiments that can be completed in a few minutes, while others involve more complex projects that take longer to complete. Consider the user's experience with science kits and their ability to follow multi-step instructions when choosing the right level of complexity.
Materials and Tools IncludedCheck what materials and tools are included in the kit. A good science kit should provide most, if not all, of the necessary components to complete the experiments. This can include items like test tubes, beakers, magnifying glasses, and other specialized tools. Ensure that the kit provides high-quality materials that are durable and safe to use.
ReusabilityReusability refers to whether the kit can be used multiple times or if it is a one-time use. Kits that offer reusable components and multiple experiments provide more value and extended learning opportunities. Consider whether the user would benefit from a kit that can be revisited for further exploration and experimentation.

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