Best Science Kits of 2024
Science Kits are great gift options that are more educational than the other cool gadgets featured on this website. If you want to see some of these kits in action, check out my video review.
Quick Summary
| Company | Product Name | Age Range | Price | Key Take-Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mel Science | Physics | 8-14+ | $30 (Per Box) | Best and most unique experiments (more advanced) |
| Chemistry | 10-16+ | $30 (Per Box) | ||
| Medicine | 14-99+ | $60 (Per Box) | ||
| National Geographic | MegaScience | 8+ | $50 | Good variety of options |
| Steve Spangler | Water Kit | 8+ | $24 | Most beginner-friendly |
| Thames & Kosmos | Depends | 8-11+ | $10-25 | Many interesting options for younger ages |
| Company | Key Take-Away |
|---|---|
| Mel Science | Best and most unique experiments (more advanced) |
| National Geographic | Good variety of options |
| Steve Spangler | Most beginner-friendly |
| Thames & Kosmos | Many interesting options for younger ages |
Mel Science offers a fantastic subscription with 3 types of science kits (Chemistry, Physics, and Medicine). I thought these were really well put together with awesome experiments. The Chemistry Kits are for ages 10-16+, meaning they are more on the advanced side and require careful adult supervision. I appreciated how they rated each of these kits based on danger and difficulty. The Physics Kits are for ages 8-14+ and the Medicine Kits are for ages 14-99+. You can mix and match some to provide a variety of experiments and activities. As mentioned in my S.T.E.M. Build Box guide, Mel Science also makes a S.T.E.M Build Box for ages 8-12+, which can be bundled with Chemistry and Physics kits to create a unique subscription with a variety of activities. If you’re at this level, I thought the Chemistry Kits had the best experiments out of all the kits on this list.
National Geographic offers a wide variety of science kits. The Mega Science Lab includes 75+ experiments for about $50, but smaller kits are available for as little as $15. The Mega Science Lab kit is divided into three sections: Chemistry, Earth Science, and “Magic” Science. Each of these sections can be purchased as their own stand-alone kit if you do not want such a large kit. While all science experiments require supervision, these kits are notably less advanced than the Mel Science ones.
The Chemistry section features classic experiments, such as using red cabbage juice as a pH indicator, creating a glow-in-the-dark test tube, and making squishy “worms” by adding a liquid polymer to a chemical solution. The Earth Science section includes hands-on activities like building a volcano, growing crystals, excavating fossils, and identifying rocks from the included rock collection. In the “Magic” Science section, you’ll find surprising science demonstrations, such as making instant snow, floating a coin using surface tension, and using heat to change the color of thermochromic putty.
Most of these kits are designed for ages 8 and up, though the exact age range depends on the specific kit. Overall, these kits offer a relatively affordable option considering the number of experiments included.
Steve Spangler offers a series of science kits, which I found to be particularly beginner-friendly. One example is the Water Science Kit, which is for ages 8+. These experiments aren’t as exciting or educational as some others, but they serve as a great introduction to the fun and wonder of science. While you’ll need to ensure your child doesn’t accidentally ingest the diaper polymer, the kit is otherwise very safe and primarily focuses on experiments involving surface tension. It’s worth noting that many of the activities in this kit could likely be done using items you already have at home, so it’s up to you to decide if the convenience of a kit is worth it. Most of these kits are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $30.
Thames and Kosmos also have a bunch of individual science kits that are available for one-time purchases and are also very beginner-friendly. Some of these experiment kits are for slightly older age groups, but most are for younger kids. The Chemistry Station shown is for ages 6+, and costs $17. I think the other kits on this list are better, but it may be worth checking out all options to see if one stands out to you as particularly fun. For example, a lollipop making kit isn’t the most educational, but is a fun activity that does give you an introduction to chemistry.
Looking for STEM Build Boxes instead? See my S.T.E.M. Build Box Guide.
Looking for more fun gift options? Browse All.
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