Below is the ultimate toy list to keep your kids learning and exploring. This list includes 25 toys to keep our young ones exploring and learning WITHOUT a screen or tablet. I’ve listed STEM toys, science kits, and some sensory items.
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math based toys that are focused on education, curiosity, and learning. In addition to being fun, these toys increase children’s learning skills, problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
Many of the toys I have listed below are geared towards children closer to ten years of age, however, I have added several that are tailored for younger learners.
What I love about the items I’ve added to this list is most will require a parent to help and participate. I love watching my children learn and grow! Plus, my husband and I both have a background in science, so we really enjoy these activities!
So, here is my Ultimate toy list for learning and exploring:
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This interactive poster is perfect to teach children body parts! My kids have always been so curious about the human body and LOVE to learn.
This is beautiful, educational, and fun! Clearly, most children will need parental guidance and assistance with this one. Honestly, this would make an awesome family project!
One of my kids’ favorite activities with their grandparents is fishing! Obviously, parental guidance is a must around water and these sharp hooks!
This is perfect for those little ones curious about bugs! I’m squeamish with bugs but my kids will pick them up, no problem!
As a child, I would dig in my backyard and find real fossils! Most were very small, but I had so much fun! This is great for kids! I would have loved a guaranteed fossil find!
This kit includes a butterfly net, nature scavenger hunt list, magnifying glass, and more! For ages 6 and up.
I admit, my kids have binoculars and rarely (if ever) bird watch. But they have enjoyed this gift immensely. They play their own games and use their imaginations!
Perfect for your little scientists! My husband works in a lab and, as a nurse practitioner, I am very familiar with microscopes and slides. This one is for ages 3 and up.
For ages 6 and up, this chemistry set is great for kids wanting to learn about science. There are several experiments to choose from!
My four-year-old is obsessed with dinosaurs and digging in dirt, so this is the perfect combination! This is for ages 3 and up.
What kid isn’t curious about volcanos? I’ll admit, this is as close to a real volcano as I plan to be. For ages 8 and up.
We bought two different robotics kit for Christmas last year and our boys went nuts! These are so much fun, and they don’t even realize they are learning while playing!
Our kids are becoming more curious about space, stars, etc. We really enjoy learning with them, and this is a great visual representation of the solar system!
I know it’s another science kit, but it includes SO MUCH. And is perfect for beginners! For ages 3 and up!
My kids aren’t quite old enough for this one yet, as it’s for ages 8 and up. This lab includes 65 experiments!
This gardening kit would be perfect for kids learning about gardening, parts of a plant, and root vegetables. We grow a large garden each year, but I can see this being fun for those with limited outdoor space.
Now, this will keep your kids entertained for a while! For ages 4-9 years old, this magnet lab would be a great addition to any classroom or homeschool room! Includes 119 pieces!
One of my husband’s favorite games to play with our kids is “Doctor” because he can lay down while being the patient and “rest his eyes.” Doctoring daddy is a hit in our house, and we have almost worn this kit out after four kids!
MY FAVORITE! I can’t say enough good things about these! We have at least 5 of these kits, maybe 6 (no exaggeration). You will be amazed at the creations you and your kids can make!
I found these on deal several years ago and grabbed them up quick! Perfect for a family, like ours, with several young kids or for a pre-school or kindergarten classroom!
My kids refer to these as “honey bears” and we have had HOURS of fun and learning. Counting, sorting, setting up and then knocking them down.
These are great for your curious little one! My kids fight over the one we have, so I advise to get one for each child. I was new to parenting when I purchased the first one, but I’ve learned a lot since then!
This is a different variation but a building block. These pixel building blocks will inspire creativity in your child as they make their own designs!
Kind of weird, kind of fun, and kind of satisfying! A lot of fun for just a small price! For ages 3 years and up.
Below, you will find links to my other three toy lists. Again, these are toys to keep your kids active and entertained without the use of a screen!
25 Toys to Keep Kids Active Outdoors