The best kids' science kits
Fizzing volcanoes, glowing circuits and crystals on the windowsill: science kits that keep curious 6 to 12-year-olds busy and asking questions.
A good science kit is really a box of afternoons. The best ones have clear instructions a child can mostly follow alone, and experiments that work first time, because nothing kills curiosity like a volcano that won't erupt.
Match the kit to the child: chemistry sets suit 6 to 10-year-olds who like mess and colour, electronics kits suit tinkerers who take things apart, and crystal and robot kits suit patient builders. Most need a grown-up nearby, and some use a few things from the kitchen cupboard as well as what's in the box.
What matters
- Age: check the box; chemistry kits usually start at 6 or 8.
- How many experiments, and how many need extra bits from home.
- Clear instructions a child can follow.
- Goggles for anything that fizzes or splashes.
#1 of 5
Best overall
Galt Science Lab (20 experiments)
£10–£20 Price range
Twenty proper experiments across chemistry, biology and physics, from a floating ghost to a test-tube kaleidoscope and erupting lava, with goggles and a clear lab book. Galt has been in the education business since 1836, when James Galt set up shop in Manchester.
What owners say: Parents say it's a fantastic set that keeps children busy, with easy-to-follow instructions, and a great first taste of science.
A closer look: Clear a table and keep a grown-up nearby, as some of the experiments get gloriously messy. The Good Toy Guide recommends the range.
- 20 experiments
- Chemistry, biology and physics
- Goggles and test tubes included
- Illustrated lab book
- Ages 6–10
Best for: A first science kit
- Ages
- 6–10
- Experiments
- 20 experiments
- Science
- Chemistry, biology, physics
#2 of 5
Best electronics kit
Science Kidz Electronics Kit (188 projects)
£20–£30 Price range
Real circuits without soldering: 32 snap-together parts clip onto a base board to make 188 projects, from a flying propeller to sound effects, alarms and light shows. They start simple and get harder as confidence grows.
What owners say: Parents say it's easy to use, with clear instructions and a well-explained guide, and great value for the number of projects.
A closer look: Work through the guide in order, as each circuit builds on the last. It runs on AA batteries, so have a few spares in the drawer for long sessions.
- 188 circuit projects
- 32 snap-together parts
- No tools needed
- Colour user guide
- Ages 8+
Best for: Tinkerers and future engineers
- Ages
- 8+
- Experiments
- 188 projects
- Science
- Electronics and circuits
#3 of 5
Most experiments
UNGLINGA 150 Experiments Science Kit
£20–£30 Price range
A big chemistry-led box with 150 experiments, lab tools and goggles, covering reactions, surface tension, earth science and physics. The step-by-step manual is well illustrated, so older children can follow along.
What owners say: Parents say it's packed with experiments, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and it's a great screen-free way to spend time together.
Heads up: Some experiments use everyday things from home as well as what's in the box, so check the manual first and keep a few cupboard basics handy.
A closer look: With 150 to get through, it lasts well beyond one rainy afternoon, so it suits a child who'll keep coming back to it over the holidays.
- 150 experiments
- Lab tools and goggles
- Illustrated step-by-step manual
- Chemistry, physics, earth science
- Ages 8+
Best for: Kids who want lots to try
- Ages
- 8+
- Experiments
- 150 experiments
- Science
- Chemistry, physics, earth science
#4 of 5
Best for crystals
4M Crystal Growing Kit
£20–£30 Price range
Grow seven sparkly crystals in different colours and sizes, then keep them in the display cases that come with the kit. They take four to seven days to grow, which makes it a lovely slow experiment to check on each morning.
What owners say: Parents say it's educational and fun, and the big, beautiful crystals grow quickly and look great on a bedroom windowsill.
A closer look: It's for ages 10 and up with a grown-up helping, and the instructions are worth reading through together before you start. Try mixing two colours of compound to see what grows.
- 7 crystal experiments
- Display bases and covers
- Crystals in 4–7 days
- Mix the colours
- Ages 10+
Best for: Patient young scientists
- Ages
- 10+
- Experiments
- 7 crystals
- Science
- Crystals and chemistry
#5 of 5
Best for builders
OMWay 12-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
£10–£20 Price range
190 parts build 12 different robots that move on land or water, powered by the sun outdoors or by batteries on a grey day. It's a hands-on way into engineering and renewable energy for 8 to 14-year-olds.
What owners say: Parents say it gives hours of creative building and teaches engineering and solar power through play.
Heads up: The builds are fiddly, so younger builders will want a grown-up for the first one or two, and batteries for indoor use aren't included.
A closer look: Build on a tray so the small parts don't vanish under the sofa, then try it in bright sunshine to see the solar panel at work.
- Builds 12 robots
- Solar or battery powered
- 190 parts
- Moves on land or water
- Ages 8–14
Best for: Builders and engineers
- Ages
- 8–14
- Experiments
- 12 robots to build
- Science
- Solar power and engineering
How they compare
| Feature | #1Galt Science Lab | #2Science Kidz circuits | #3UNGLINGA 150 | #44M Crystal Growing | #5OMWay solar robot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best electronics kit | Most experiments | Best for crystals | Best for builders | |
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Price | £10–£20 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £10–£20 Price range |
| Ages | 6–10 | 8+ | 8+ | 10+ | 8–14 |
| Experiments | 20 experiments | 188 projects | 150 experiments | 7 crystals | 12 robots to build |
| Science | Chemistry, biology, physics | Electronics and circuits | Chemistry, physics, earth science | Crystals and chemistry | Solar power and engineering |
| Best for | A first science kit | Tinkerers and future engineers | Kids who want lots to try | Patient young scientists | Builders and engineers |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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