10 Best Science Kits 2025 in the United States

The National Geographic Mega Science Lab is a comprehensive kit designed for children aged 8 and up. It offers an impressive 130+ experiments across earth science, chemistry, and science magic, making it an engaging and varied educational tool. The kit includes materials to build and erupt a volcano, grow crystals, dig up fossils, and perform chemistry experiments like creating gooey worms and launching a gas-powered rocket. Additionally, it teaches kids science magic tricks, enhancing the fun and learning experience.

The educational value is high, as the kit not only covers different science disciplines but also encourages hands-on learning and creativity. Safety is a consideration, as the experiments are designed to be child-friendly, though adult supervision is recommended. The complexity of the experiments ranges from simple to more involved, catering to different skill levels and ensuring sustained interest.

Most of the materials and tools are included, but some experiments may require common household items. The kit is quite reusable, especially with the bonus guide offering many additional experiments. However, some materials might be single-use, which can limit repeatability without additional purchases. Coming from a reputable manufacturer known for educational toys, this science kit would be a great choice for curious kids who love exploring different branches of science through hands-on activities.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 10 Premium Geodes science kit is designed for kids who have an interest in geology and crystals. This kit is best suited for children aged 8 and up, making it appropriate for elementary and middle school students. The primary focus is on geology, specifically the discovery of crystal formations inside natural geodes, which can be a thrilling and educational experience for young scientists.

The educational value is high, as it comes with a 16-page full-color learning guide that explains the science behind geodes and how they are formed. This can help children understand geological processes in an engaging way. Safety-wise, the kit includes goggles to protect children’s eyes while breaking open the geodes, but adult supervision is recommended to ensure proper handling of the tools.

In terms of complexity and duration, the activity is relatively straightforward but provides a sense of accomplishment and excitement as kids crack open the geodes. The materials and tools included are high-quality geodes, goggles, and display stands for showcasing the discovered crystals. However, once all the geodes are broken, the kit's reusability is limited unless you purchase additional geodes. This kit is a fantastic gift for children interested in science and geology, providing an educational and fun hands-on experience. The main drawback is the limited reusability, but the initial experience is both exciting and informative.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set is designed for kids aged 8 and up, making it age-appropriate for elementary to middle school children. This comprehensive kit offers over 100 science experiments, providing a broad range of hands-on chemistry experiences. It includes all necessary materials for 15 core experiments, such as crystal growing and color-changing solutions, and an additional guide for 85 more experiments using common household items.

This makes it highly educational, engaging kids in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning while stimulating their curiosity and creativity. The inclusion of real scientific tools like test tubes and beakers adds to the hands-on experience, fostering a deeper understanding of chemistry concepts. The experiments are varied in complexity, which can keep kids engaged for an extended period and can be reused for repeated fun and learning.

Safety is a priority, and the kit is designed with child-friendly materials and clear instructions to ensure a safe learning environment. However, adult supervision is recommended due to the nature of chemistry experiments. The kit's weight and dimensions make it portable and easy to store. This science kit is particularly beneficial for parents and educators looking to provide an interactive and educational experience for children interested in science.