Today, learning about science and tech is all play. Well, and maybe just a little work.
You don’t need to be a fab-lab rat to work this simple 3-D printer. Kids can design their own objects using free software or print a predesigned trinket. | $250 (Ages 14+)
It’s no Retina display, but Kano’s 16x8-pixel grid still dazzles. Make the LEDs glow using Kano’s simple web coding app. Program the screen to display weather and stock data, or just create pixel art. | $80 (Ages 6+)
This nifty kit works like a physical command line. Each colorful plastic block represents an action; string multiple actions together on the board to make a program that the little mobile bot obeys. | $225 (Ages 3+)
Boost combines regular blocks with motors, lights, and sensors so kids can construct robots (like guitars and kitty cats) that come to life. It doesn’t work like magic, though. Making the bots move requires some basic programming, which Lego stealthily disguises as playtime using a fun, interactive mobile app. | $160 (Ages 7–12)
Electrical engineering is hard ... unless it involves malleable play dough. Kids can build basic circuits out of the squishy stuff using this kit’s controllers and connectors. A dinosaur with flashing eyes? A piano that plays a tune when you touch it? Sure—and through it all, the dough still tastes the same. | $135 (Ages 4+)
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