When it comes to educational toys, parents are always on the lookout for the best options to nurture their child’s growth. With the evolution of the STEAM category—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—into STREAM (adding Reading to the mix), there’s a new wave of educational fun for your little ones. Whether you’re planning for a birthday or seeking out something special to spark their curiosity, STREAM toys are an excellent choice.
These toys not only provide hours of fun but also help develop essential cognitive skills, making them the perfect holiday gift. From building robots to fostering creativity, STREAM toys offer a unique way to make learning fun while helping kids grow in multiple areas at once.
What is STREAM & How Does it Make Learning Fun?
STREAM is an educational curriculum that integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. It takes the foundation of STEM-focused on fostering interest in science-based careers—and broadens it by including reading and writing, providing a well-rounded approach to learning. Here’s how it all came together:
- STEM: The original program centered on science, technology, engineering, and math, aiming to inspire students to pursue careers in these fields, particularly encouraging women and people of color to participate.
- STEAM: This evolved into STEAM, where the arts were added to the curriculum. STEAM includes science, technology, engineering, and math but also emphasizes creativity and artistic expression within these subjects. For example, engineering might now involve architecture, and coding could tie into graphic design and 3D modeling.
- STREAM: The most recent iteration, STREAM, incorporates Reading into the mix. This addition focuses on literacy, encouraging students to engage with written materials about science, technology, engineering, and math. Children read about projects, explore the work of innovators, and even write about their own creations and ideas.
Many educators believe that integrating reading and writing into STREAM is key for inclusivity. Now, students of all interests—whether they are more inclined towards technical skills or creative pursuits—can access the foundational elements of STEM. STREAM ensures that all students can participate and gain valuable experience in these essential subjects, even if it’s not their initial passion.
10 Best STREAM Toys & STEM Toys for Preschoolers and On
Many parents and educators agree that science and technology are the wave of the future. Providing our children with educational experiences both at home and in the classroom is key to their development. STREAM toys are the perfect way to introduce children to the foundations of science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math while keeping them entertained. Here are some of the best STREAM toys that will spark your child’s interest in science and creativity.
Magformers Construction Set
Kids can explore their creativity while building with this construction set, which helps them develop STEM skills through play.
Suitable for children ages 3 and up
Builds trucks, cranes, and more
Enhances cognitive learning and fine motor skills
Encourages imagination with construction worker figures
Robot Safari
This toy lets kids build their own animals and make them move, offering a hands-on introduction to robotics.
Great for sparking an interest in robotics and engineering
Ages 5-7 years
Includes a storybook manual with easy-to-follow instructions
Builds unicorns, llamas, and narwhals with moving parts
The Great Treehouse Engineering Adventure
Let your child build and experiment with physics, engineering, and electrical science while creating an adventure treehouse.
Recommended for ages 8 and above
Teaches physics, engineering, and electrical science
Encourages hands-on experimentation and creative building
Imaginative play continues after building the treehouse
Little Passports Science Expedition
A subscription box that brings STEM activities directly to your child’s doorstep, perfect for young learners.
Best for children ages 9 and up
Monthly STEM-based activities and experiments
Includes a learning journal for documentation
Encourages hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math
Monti Kids
This Montessori-based subscription service delivers age-appropriate STREAM activities to your home, fostering curiosity and learning.
Parent support through a community and online videos
8 levels of activities focused on science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math
Builds cognitive and problem-solving skills
Montessori-inspired, emphasizing independent learning
ABCMouse App
An app that combines reading, literacy, and technology to provide an all-encompassing educational experience.
Ideal for younger children to engage with technology
Includes activities in math, science, social studies, art, music, and literacy
Features a Mastering Math tool that uses AI to assess a child’s learning level
Offers interactive lessons for school readiness
Botzees
This introductory coding robot lets kids build and program their own creations, making coding fun and accessible.
Develops coding and problem-solving skills
Ages 4 and up
Over 30 augmented reality puzzles to help learn coding concepts
Build and program robots to move, dance, and play
1-2-3 Build It: Rocket, Train, Helicopter
Simple building blocks for toddlers that spark creativity and help develop foundational cognitive and STREAM skills.
Best for toddlers (ages 2-4)
Large, easy-to-hold blocks for small hands
Encourages imaginative play and creative thinking
Builds rockets, trains, helicopters, and more
Engineering and Design Castle
A 123-piece set that lets kids create their own castle and learn about mechanics with a working drawbridge and catapult.
Suitable for kids ages 6 and up
Includes a working drawbridge and catapult for interactive play
Teaches basic engineering concepts and mechanics
Provides hours of imaginative play with knights and horses
Moving Creations with K’Nex
A fun kit that allows children to learn about pneumatics and hydraulics while building moving structures.
Ideal for children 8 years and older
Over 18 activities and 9 different build structures
Teaches the basics of physics, pneumatics, and hydraulics
Encourages creativity with both guided and free-build options
STREAM Toys & Mini-games Your Kids Will Love Playing With
Incorporating STREAM toys into your child’s playtime is a fantastic way to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. These toys not only provide endless hours of fun but also help build essential skills in science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math. Whether it’s building with Magformers, coding with Botzees, or exploring physics with K’Nex, each toy encourages hands-on learning and stimulates a child’s curiosity in unique ways. By choosing toys that combine education with play, you’re setting your child up for a successful future filled with exploration and discovery.
So, whether you’re shopping for a birthday or looking for a new activity to keep your child engaged, these 10 STREAM toys are sure to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
FAQs
What are the best STEM toys for kids?
The best STEM toys for kids combine fun and learning. STREAM toys, such as building sets, logic games, and robot-building kits, help teach kids about science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math. Some of the best toys in 2024 include building sets like Magformers, board games that promote spatial awareness, and toys that help kids build vocabulary, such as word games, stories, and phonics-based activities.
Are there any STEM toys for younger kids?
Yes! Many toys cater to younger kids and can help them develop important skills. For instance, kids can build with magnetic tiles like Magna-Tiles or engage in activities like maze-building. These toys teach kids spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills while allowing them to play and explore in a kid-friendly environment. It’s great for encouraging creativity and learning through play.
How can STREAM toys help kids learn?
STREAM toys help kids learn in many ways. For example, building sets, such as those that teach kids how to build a boat or engine, promote logical thinking, while fidget toys and spatial puzzles can improve hand-eye coordination. By combining physical play with digital elements, toys like Osmo and Sphero teach kids new concepts and help them develop skills like patterning and three-dimensional shape recognition. These toys also offer great ways to teach kids about the basics of robotics and electronics.
What are some great STEM toys for 5-year-olds?
For a 5-year-old, building sets and logic games are fantastic choices. Toys like robot-building kits or marble runs help develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Kits that include different pieces allow kids to build and explore, enhancing creativity. Additionally, phonics-based games or patterning activities help build vocabulary and reading skills, making them perfect for kindergarteners and older kids alike.
What makes a great toy for kids of all ages?
A great toy for kids of all ages engages them both physically and mentally. Toys that offer a combination of screen-free activities and expansion sets, such as robotics kits or building blocks, help children grow their spatial awareness and logic skills over time. For example, toys like the Rube Goldberg-inspired kits or a gyroscope can captivate older kids while offering fun challenges for younger kids as well.
Do STREAM toys help with spatial awareness?
Yes, many STREAM toys are designed to boost spatial awareness. Whether it’s a building set, such as the popular tile or cube-based kits, or games like marble runs that require precise alignment, these activities encourage kids to think in three dimensions and improve their spatial reasoning. These skills are important for problem-solving in both physical and digital environments.
Can STREAM toys be used for educational purposes at home?
Absolutely! STREAM toys are a fantastic way to help kids learn outside the classroom. Whether it’s using a building set to construct an engine or a board game to practice logic and reasoning, these toys provide children with opportunities to explore new topics at home. Many kits also include expansions or require a lot of creative thinking, making them perfect for kids to put their skills to the test and develop new ones. Plus, they are easy to clean and offer hours of engaging, educational play.
What is the best toy for a 5-year-old boy?
For a 5-year-old boy, toys that combine fun and learning are ideal. A builder set or a maze kit can help develop problem-solving skills and encourage creativity. A cube-based building set, like Magna-Tiles or a drag-and-drop blocks kit, provides endless opportunities for construction and imaginative play. These toys promote spatial reasoning and logical thinking while allowing kids to engage with physical and digital elements in an interactive way, making them perfect for kids at this developmental stage.
How can kids use STREAM toys to improve phonics?
STREAM toys like phonics-based games can help children improve their reading and language skills in a fun, engaging way. Kits that include a variety of letter and sound-related activities, along with story-based learning, are fantastic for helping children build vocabulary. Some kits even incorporate tabletop games or apps that teach phonics and word recognition, allowing kids to play and learn at their own pace.
Are there any toys that allow kids to build and learn at the same time?
Yes! STREAM toys like builder sets and kits for robot-building or maze construction provide kids with the chance to build and learn at the same time. For example, a hauler kit might allow kids to create and operate a toy vehicle while learning about engineering concepts. These hands-on kits include components that challenge kids’ creativity and logic, making it easy for them to build, play, and learn simultaneously.
How have STREAM toys come a long way over the years?
STREAM toys have certainly come a long way in recent years. Today, kids can use a variety of advanced, yet kid-friendly, toys that incorporate both physical and digital learning experiences. Many kits now include interactive components like drag-and-drop blocks, allowing children to engage in digital play while building and constructing with physical pieces. This integration of technology and traditional play has made STREAM toys even more effective in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What should I look for in a great STREAM toy kit?
A great STREAM toy kit should include a variety of pieces that help kids build, explore, and learn. Whether it’s a maze kit for enhancing logic skills or a cube-based building set that improves spatial awareness, look for kits that challenge kids’ problem-solving abilities. Additionally, consider kits that are versatile, allowing kids to build multiple structures or experiment with different designs. A kit that includes drag-and-drop blocks or offers expansion sets is a great way to keep kids engaged for longer periods.
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