Ten of the Best Educational Toys

Summer is here and the dreaded phrase "I'm Bored" is about to be spoken by kids everywhere. Luckily there are several different educational toys and games to keep kids having fun (and learning) for hours! So, in no particular order, and in no way sponsored, here are ten of our favorite educational toys:

1. Magnetic Tiles

Magnetic tiles might be our favorite educational toy. The versatility of these colorful blocks is endless. Not only do they promote the same engineering and building skills of other types of blocks, but they can be used for math and literacy games and even optical illusions. Obviously, the science of magnets is also involved, but the true educational value comes from the limitless possibilities of this open-ended toy.

2. Lego

You can’t go wrong with this classic. With all the gears and motors available now, engineering concepts can be taken to the next level. Whether your kids are reading and following instructions, or engineering their own masterpiece, Lego promotes critical thinking and problem solving that every mini engineer needs.

3. Marble Run

The physics involved in a marble run could have us doing math for days, but for kids these scientific concepts are intuitive. Force, gravity, and momentum all provide hours of fun as kids create their feats of engineering with these fun toys.

4. Grimm’s Rainbow

This Montessori-style toy seems simple but kids are creative and will surprise you at what these few wooden pieces can be used for. Not only do these colorful arches allow for building and balancing but when combined with other toys, they become bridges, houses, and more.

5. Wooden Blocks

The original engineering toy is still one of the best. Nothing beats the open-ended play of creating with wooden (or plastic or cardboard) blocks. Kids internalize the concepts of gravity and distribution of forces when building while allowing their imaginations to create new worlds.

6. Train Tracks

You may be noticing a recurring theme of engineering with many of these toys and train tracks are no exception. Kids are exploring complicated concepts like angular momentum with this simple toy while enjoying hours of fun.

7. Mouse Trap

Has anybody even played Mouse Trap as a game, or did they just build the Rube Goldberg Machine part and play with it? Many aspects of physics are explored in this fun game. Bonus points if you actually play by the rules and use math for counting spaces and cheese wedges.

8. Spaceships

There are so many spaceship toys available on the market and who doesn’t love the idea of blasting toward the stars? My daughter loves her Astro Venture space set and we have used it to talk about planets, stars, and galaxies as she plans the next adventure for her astronauts. We have even incorporated arts and crafts into this set by building a planetary world out of cardboard and egg cartons. Even our pet, Simon, loves pretending to be an astronaut!

9. Scientist-Themed Dolls

Whether it’s Barbie or American Girl Dolls, women are making their way in the sciences. As doctors, veterinarians, and astronauts, the scientist forms of these traditional dolls are providing open-ended exploration for kids everywhere and allowing them to imagine themselves in science careers. These toys even help Simon envision himself as a scientist one day.

10. Snap Circuit

These easy-to-assemble circuits are such a fun (and safe) way to explore the world of electricity and electrical engineering. By reading and following instructions, kids are utilizing important skills while learning how electric currents work.

**BONUS TOY: Cardboard

Yep. I said it, and you know it. You can buy all the toys in the world and a cardboard box will still win the attention of kids most days. Allowing kids to build and create with cardboard can promote creativity, critical thinking, and fine motor skills while providing hours of FREE fun!