Best Science Toys for Kids By Budget [Top Picks for 2023]

A child’s quest to understand how the world works begin at birth. From then on, it’s our duty as adults to foster their curiosity and support their learnings by all means necessary. And science toys for kids are one of the best methods to introduce them to a whole new level of exploration.

Science-based toys teach children distinct scientific disciplines that serve as building blocks in reinforcing their current comprehension of the world around them.

Unfortunately, with the myriad of STEM toys and their varying price tags sold in the market nowadays, it can be taxing to select toys based on your available funds. But that plight ends here. Below are the best science toys for kids you can get depending on your budget.

Check them out!

Best Scientific Toys for Kids Per Budget

1. Most Affordable: 4M Solar System Planetarium

There’s nothing more shocking for kids than knowing we’re not alone in this vast universe. From asteroids scattered in space to the many planets floating across the solar system, your 5th grader will certainly love this kit as they’re just learning about planets in their science classes nowadays.

This set is a perfect science-slash-art kit for your child as they assemble the planets in an accurate depiction of the solar system. Plus, the kit comes with brushes and glow-in-the-dark paint so they can unleash their inner Picasso in designing the planets.

What we like:

• Very affordable

• Includes painting kit

• Non-battery requiring

What we don’t like:

• Materials can be flimsy

• Choking hazard

2. Best Under $20: KIDWILL 14-in-1 STEM Solar Robot

What kid doesn’t like robots? With this affordable robotic set, kids can twist and toggle the gears and shafts to create 14 different builds. As the name suggests, this robot toy set is solar-powered, which can also be an opportunity to teach kids about solar energy.

Your child may also improve their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and creativity as they arrange the pieces into unique designs like a wagging tail dog or walking crab. Who knows? They may develop a knack for robotics and engineering after playing with this set.

What we like:

• Affordable

• 14-in-1 robot kit

• Solar-powered (can use battery too!)

What we don’t like:

• Choking hazard

• A bit complicated for younger users

3. Best Under $30: PlantExplo Science Kit & MicroExplo Science Kit]

It’s never too early to learn about plants and microorganisms, and it’s easy to teach the specialized scientific disciplines of botany and microbiology with these two science kits! 

The PlantExplo and MicroExplo kits contain all the tools your child needs to perform engaging and learning-packed experiments. Plus, the kits are equipped with easy-to-follow instructions that even kindergartners can understand.

The PlantExplo set imparts the fundamental principles of growing plants from seed. At the same time, the MicroExplo introduces microbes and germs to kids, which you can maximize to teach them about proper hygiene and cleanliness.

(Disclaimer: The MicroExplo and PlantExplo are sold separately.)

What we like:

• Contains fun and engaging experiments

• Teaches fundamental concepts of botany & microbiology

• Comes with easy-to-follow instructions

What we don't like:

• Adult supervision is required

4. Best Under $50: The STEMscope Kids’ Microscope

Exploration is the prerequisite to understanding the world around them. And their world is not limited to the stars scattered across the cosmos but also microscopic life lurking beyond the eyes’ perception.

The STEMscope Kids’ Microscope is every explorer’s best companion. The lightweight and perfectly contoured design architecture fit a child’s hand perfectly. The tool is designed to be carried around and used outdoors as soon as critters pique your kid’s curious eyes. Plus, the shatterproof build ensures durability like no other.

What we like:

• Durable build quality

• Free base stand

• Comes with 3 free ebooks, built-in batteries, and microscope slides

What we don't like:

• Quality comes at a price

5. Best Under $60: Ravensburger Gravitrax Starter Set

If you’re looking for the most sophisticated engineering science toys for kids, Gravitrax is your best bet for this price point. The set comes with 122 available pieces that your child can use to build 9 ready-to-build tracks, but infinitely many more track architectures they can think of! 

Gravitrax is a splendid science kit to introduce children to the basics of engineering and physics as they build the tracks and let the marbles run through the course. Plus, it can help foster their logical thinking, spatial awareness, and creativity.

What we like:

• Good value for money

• Expandable set (via expansion kits)

• Teaches engineering, architecture, and physics

What we don't like:

• Choking hazard

• Set might be too complicated for younger users

6. Best Under $75: Snap Circuits Pro SC-500 Electronics Exploration Kit

Snap Circuits is undoubtedly one of the best science toys for budding electrical engineers. The set effectively challenges children to build working circuits using principles of electronics, minus the risk of doing them in real life! 

Children can foster their logical thinking through this kit as they snap the 76 pieces together to power an AC generator, a fan, a whistling switch, and 497 other experiments! No need to worry because, unlike other electronic science toys for kids, there is no soldering and tools required for this one. They simply need to snap!

What we like:

• 76 pieces to perform 500 experiments

• Risk-free from electric hazard

• Teaches rudimentary electronics skills

What we don't like:

• Choking hazard

7. Best Under $100: Megagon Tiles Premium Magnetic Tiles

Magnetic tiles are taking the STEAM community by storm with their mathematical skills and creativity-promoting play style. Megagon sits atop the most premium magnetic tiles in the market with their thick and beveled design architecture ensures both durability and safety for young users.

Kids can use the magnetic tiles to create any building or structure they can think of from scratch. Moreover, the set is compatible with other magnetic tile brands if you want to buy an expansion set from more affordable options.

What we like:

• Thick and beveled design

• Comes with 180 pieces (with a 4-wheel base)

• Compatible with other brands

What we don't like:

• Choking hazard

8. Best Under $125: Goobi 300 Piece Construction Set

The STEM construction toy market is already saturated with building blocks and colorful magnetic tiles. But if you’re searching for a construction kit that offers a unique twist on the table, Goobi’s 300-piece kit is an excellent choice.

The Goobi construction set comes with 140 plastic bars, 90 magnetic balls, and 70 interlocking pieces to create any shape that a child can imagine. The set is useful in honing your child’s creativity while encouraging playful experimentation as they build their perfect structure. Additionally, the set comes with a dedicated box that organizes the pieces neatly.

What we like:

• Abundant 300 pieces 

• Made from durable and toxic-free materials

• Backed by their No Questions Asked full refund guarantee

What we don't like:

• Choking hazard

9. Best Under $150: PLUS PLUS GO! Educational Tub

We can never contain a child’s penchant for building things, so it's vital to have the materials to facilitate this desire. Thankfully, this Educational Tub from Plus Plus packs the most number of building pieces you can find under a $150 price point. 

Plus Plus Go! Educational Tub contains 2600 puzzle pieces composed of 6 colors: basic, metallic gold, metallic silver, turquoise, maroon, and lime, which can all easily connect with one another. Using the kit, a child can creatively create 2D mosaics or 3D structures from their imagination. On top of the 2600 pieces, they also get 10 chassis and 40 wheels inside a durable tub.

What we like:

• Massive 2600 pieces 

• Comes with additional freebies: wheels, chassis, tub

• Encourages motor skills, engineering, logic, and creativity

What we don't like:

• Choking hazard

• Expensive

10. Most Premium: The Superscope 3-in-1 Digital Microscope

Seated on top of the best science toys for kids is the most premium and best in its class digital microscope that kids and adults alike can use. The Superscope stands true to its name as the revolutionary device can function in three ways:

• Traditional table-top microscope

• Handheld portable microscope

• Digital microscope

Exploring the micro-wonders of this world has never been easier with the Superscope’s powerful 780x magnification. Simply detach the microscope head, and kids now have a handheld microscope they can bring outdoors. Lastly, you can project the microscope to your computer screen via the free USB-enabled camera inside the box.

The Superscope may come with a premium price tag, but the premium features and the indefinite usability justify it.

What we like:

• Crisp-clear magnification from 50x - 780x

• Revolutionary three-way functionality: handheld, traditional, digital

• Comes with a free camera and free smartphone holder

• Fit for young users, even up to college students

What we don't like:

• Superb features at a premium price

FAQs

How much should you spend on a toy?

There’s no limit on how much you should spend on a toy. But always make sure to never sacrifice quality, learning, and durability for a cheaper price tag. Buying premium toys for kids is okay as long as the price justifies the features and quality packed inside the package.

Is it okay to buy toys over $100?

Yes. As long as the toy is of premium quality, has a positive developmental impact on children, is made by reputable brands, and can withstand wear and tear from children users. Make sure to read reviews from previous buyers to see if the toy is indeed deserving of its price tag.

In Summary

There are tons of science toys for kids on the market today, and it can be vexing to choose among the wide array of choices when you’re not sure which is the best for every budget. The list above provides in-depth insight on what you should buy depending on how much money you wish to spend on them.

If you’re looking for other cool toys, feel free to visit our catalog of science gadgets to learn more!