Engineering kits for kids are toy sets that encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning. These fun kits teach kids about things like physics, mechanics, and architecture through building.
Lego is a popular STEM toy brand that makes some of the most unique and inventive STEM engineering kits on the market. These kits are a natural progression up from the Duplos and Legos younger kids play with.
Lego engineering kits introduce kids to new building items like axels and gears. These kits also challenge kids to some pretty advanced building projects.
Below is a list of the 12 best STEM Lego engineering kits on the market. The prices range from low to very high, but whichever kit you choose, you are guaranteed the quality of the Lego brand name.
There are seriously some amazing engineering kits on this list.
1. Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit
The Klutz Lego Gear Bots activity kit comes with 8 fun mechanical engineering projects that are great for kids of all ages.
Kids will enhance their STEM skills by following the thorough, step-by-step instructions contain in the book that comes with this kit.
This is a really neat kit because it has kids construct the machines using Legos and then incorporate fun paper crafts to complete the projects.
This fun STEM Lego engineering kit teaches kids about mechanical engineering through the use of the crank that is used with each project.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The projects are fun and appealing for kids of all ages.
- It incorporates paper-crafting with Lego construction, which is unique and challenging for kids.
- The parts for each project are shared, encouraging kids to consider other projects of their own creation.
Check it out: Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit
2. LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Excavator
The Lego Technic Heavy-Duty Excavator is a great STEM Lego engineering kit for kids who love construction machinery.
This building kit comes with everything kids need for hours of fun building one of everyone's favorite construction site machines - the excavator.
Kids will fine-tune their problem-solving skills, analytical skills, planning skills, and other critical skills like math skills and fine-motor skills with this building kit.
This fun STEM kit can also be deconstructed and rebuilt into a cool tracked tractor that has a backhoe.
The shovel and arm are movable, which helps kids understand how these mighty machines work.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The finished project appears complex, but it's actually pretty easy to build.
- It's realistic looking and the finished product can be displayed.
- The belts really move, making it a toy that can be played with after it's built.
Check it out: LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Excavator
3. LEGO Creator 3in1 Wild Lion
This is a super fun Lego building kit for kids who are interested in both wild animals and STEM projects.
This educational STEM toy comes with 3 unique projects kids can make. Kids can construct an ostrich, a warthog, and a really cool lion with this building kit.
This is the perfect STEM Lego engineering kit to include animal and geography-based learning units.
Kids of all ages will delight when they open the package and get excited when it's time to build. In addition to all the fun kids will have with this building kit, they will fine-tune their fine motor and problem-solving skills.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- It's easy enough for young kids to assemble but challenging enough to still be fun for older kids.
- The models are wonderfully detailed.
- The animals can be posed for display.
Check it out: LEGO Creator 3in1 Wild Lion
4. LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle
The Lego Ideas Ship in a Bottle is such a cool Lego engineering kit. It is a blast to construct and can be displayed to be enjoyed for years to come. (Or taken apart and rebuilt!)
This toy building kit comes in almost one thousand pieces. The appeal of this STEM toy is in the challenge it provides. Building this ship in a bottle toy will help kids develop advance analytical skills, as well as critical thinking and planning skills.
This Lego set is not for the faint of heart and does require some advanced STEM skills, however, it's a great challenge that the whole family will enjoy.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The concept is unique and gets kids excited about building.
- Some aspects of building this project are simple, while others are complex, making it a great family project.
- It's a great project for collectors.
Check it out: LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle
5. LEGO Ideas Grand Piano
This is a Lego engineering kit that kids from musical families will really enjoy. Looking at the photo of the completed piano, you may not think a lot of building goes into it. I assure you, though, this is an intense STEM project.
This Lego set comes with over 3,600 individual pieces and an app that plays 10 different songs.
This toy building kit also comes with some neat features like an adjustable piano bench and cool details like wheels for the piano legs.
If your child is ready for a fun challenge, this is a STEM toy that provides just that.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The hammers strike the strings when a key is pressed - the attention to detail is amazing.
- The piano "plays" along with the app - a very cool feature.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Check it out: LEGO Ideas Grand Piano
6. LEGO Ideas International Space Station
For kids who are crazy for all things outer space, the Lego Ideas International Space Station building kit has everything they are looking for.
This fun and educational building kit comes with a mini space shuttle and an almost 150-page book about all things space - very cool for kids that love watching space launches.
This kit is challenging, but not so difficult that kids won't be able to complete the project. The pieces snap together tightly, which helps strengthen the small muscles involved in the pincer grasp.
This is an incredible building kit that will keep your child busy for hours, if not days.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The finished project is a showpiece for display.
- This building kit is great as a pivot point for lessons on natural science.
- The picture instructions are easy to follow for young builders.
Check it out: LEGO Ideas International Space Station
7. LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty
Constructing the Statue of Liberty from Legos is such a fun idea. There's so much learning that happens when you sit down with your child and build a replica of a real-life structure.
This STEM project promotes critical skills your child needs for success in their academic career and beyond. Architectural skills are developed by building blocks to achieve the end results of this historic architectural icon.
This is a great Lego engineering kit for those who live in New York City, those who are planning a trip there, or kids who are learning about the Big Apple.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- It's something that you can keep and put on display.
- Lessons of history and geography can be woven into conversations throughout the building process.
- The finished project is almost 2 feet tall, allowing for kids to really admire and appreciate their work.
Check it out: LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty
8. LEGO Spring Lantern Festival
The Lego Spring Lantern Festival engineering kit is such an awesome building toy. This kit offers hours of fun and loads of cultural learning and conversation.
This building kit captures lots of authentic details and key features, from the awesome pavilion to the lotus flowers in the pond.
Kids get to use Lego pieces they've never worked with before with this engineering kit.
This is a great Lego engineering kit for kids who are learning about holidays from other cultures or for lessons about Chinese culture specifically.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The finished project is a good size, unlike some of the other Lego STEM kits.
- The set attaches to other Lego modules, so kids can create a cool Lego city.
- The structure is built on a platform, keeping all the pieces contained.
Check it out: LEGO Spring Lantern Festival
9. KLUTZ Lego Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit
The KLUTZ Lego Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit is seriously one of the most unique and innovative STEM Lego engineering kits we've come across.
It comes with animation frames, paper backgrounds, tons of Lego mini-people, and a book designed to give kids fun inspiration.
This kit is a fun introduction to stop-motion animation. It is versatile because older kids can do more with the technology as their skills develop.
This is a great engineering kit for kids who are interested in cinema, as well as building.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- Kids get to make their own Lego mini-movies and show them off to family and friends.
- The instructions are easy to understand.
- Kids get to compare their movies and sets to some of the Lego productions on TV.
Check it out: KLUTZ Lego Make Your Own Movie Activity Kit
10. LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set
The Lego Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set is an engineering project and a coding toy in one.
This seriously cool tech toy introduces basic STEM concepts, as well as more advanced concepts, like physics. Kids are challenged to construct their own robot, then program it to do neat things.
This tech toy is a little on the pricey side, however, the quality is unbeatable and many teachers invest in this exact kit for their classrooms - so, you know it's educational and built to last.
Note: It comes with a programming application that is compatible with Apple operating systems.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- The accompanying app teaches kids about things like gears and speed.
- The contents of the kit are durable and the storage box is great for keeping the pieces organized.
- The programming projects range from simple to complex, which is great for learners of every skill level.
Check it out: LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set
11. LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster
If you have a kid that is serious about their Lego building kits and you are ready to invest in one of the ultimate Lego STEM kits, this is the one you have been waiting for.
The Lego Creator Expert Roller Coaster Set is an award-winning tech-toy that lets kids build a fun and functional expert-level chain-lift roller coaster. The roller coaster is motorized so that after the tracks and gears are constructed, kids can enjoy watching the cars roll on the tracks.
This Lego set is a seriously fun gift for a child that loves their Lego projects. It also comes with several fun mini-figures.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- Kids as young as 5 can assist in the assembly, while older kids can do some of the more difficult tasks - a great family project.
- It's motorized, meaning the fun doesn't stop when the building is finished.
- The reward of building a several-thousand-piece structure is great for a child's self-confidence.
Check it out: LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster
12. LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 Outer Space Model Rocket
The Lego Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn Outer Space Model Rocket Kit is a really cool STEM Lego engineering kit for kids who are interested in outer space. Kids will enjoy building a replica of the ship that first took people to the moon.
It comes with the 3 rocket stages, and service and command module, a Lunar Lander, and a Lunar Orbiter. Kids will have fun manipulating and learning about the connectors and thrusters during the building process.
This is an all-around awesome engineering kit that provides hour after hour of STEM learning.
Here's why I recommend this kit:
- It comes with a set of stands for display.
- The finished structure is over 3 feet tall, which makes kids proud to have built it.
- It comes with a booklet that teaches kids about the Apollo missions.
Check it out: LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 Outer Space Model Rocket
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Legos stem toys?
Legos are amazing STEM toys. They help kids develop important STEM skills like spatial reasoning, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Do stem toys work?
Yes. STEM toys work best when they are introduced age-appropriately and when they follow a child's interest.
What are stem toys?
STEM toys are toys that encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. A STEM toy for a toddler would be simple wooden blocks, while a STEM toy for a middle schooler would be something like an advanced engineering set of a computer build kit.
15 Best Educational STEM Toys for 5 Year Olds