Play and learning go hand in hand. With STEM toys, your toddler can maximize their learning through hands-on fun. Which STEM toys are best for your 2 or 3-year-old child? Read on to learn our top picks.
What Are Considered Children's STEM Toys?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM toys are toys that encourage children to explore concepts in STEM subjects. These toys foster curiosity, help children learn problem-solving skills, and build the foundations of math and engineering. Some popular STEM toys include building toys, science kits, and experiments.
Many activities in everyday life also teach STEM. Cooking and baking introduce your child to concepts in chemistry and math. Many other chores, like cleaning and gardening, can also build STEM skills.
Offering your child STEM toys can make learning fun and take playtime to the next level. Even young children, 2 and 3 years old, can benefit from learning toys that lay a base for STEM subjects.
Top 10 Best STEM Toys for 2 year olds
Discover our top picks for the best STEM toys for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.
1. Lovevery: The Investigator Play Kit
Lovevery's play kits are full of fun, and the Investigator is no exception. Designed for 2 year-olds, it features a "liquid lab" which includes a set of beakers and a funnel, ideal for experimenting with water. Plus, the set includes a fun hammer box that little ones use to pound pegs. The kit also includes other educational toys that build motor skills and foster creativity.
STEM Concepts in Action:
- Properties of water
- Volume
- The physics of force
2. MAGNA-TILES
This award-winning building set is a favorite STEM toy for 3 year olds and up. MAGNA-TILES are made of food-grade plastic and magnets, allowing for endless building possibilities. Create castles, houses, or animals using these colorful building tiles.
STEM Concepts in Action:
- Properties of magnets
- Geometric shapes
- Engineering and construction
3. Lovevery: The Enthusiast Play Kit
This Lovevery play kit offers many fun toys and games that explore STEM concepts. A set of scales helps children understand weight and balance. Plus, children can learn more about water with a spray bottle and squeegee, all while building hand eye coordination.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. Also enjoy a mirror book, a shape puzzle, and a tea set in this fun play set.
STEM Concepts in Action:
- Weight
- Balance
- Properties of water
- Mirrors and light reflection
4. Haba: Town Maze Magnetic Game
Can your little one find their way through the maze? This fun, magnetic game is perfect for travel and long car rides or quiet time at home. Although it may be a challenge for 2 year olds, it's a toy they can grow into as they perfect their fine motor skills.
STEM Concepts in Action:
- Properties of magnets
- Problem-solving skills
5. Plan Toys: Road System Toy
Plan, design, and build with this adorable road system toy. This engineering toy for kids encourages pretend play while also fostering essential skills in spatial reasoning. You can foster your child's strategic thinking skills by asking them about where to place the traffic light, why crosswalks are necessary, or how to get to different areas of the city.
STEM Skill in Action:
- Problem-solving skills
- Strategic planning
- Engineering and construction
6. Tender Leaf Toys: Safari Binoculars
Turn any outing into an exciting adventure with binoculars. Inspiring your little botanist or zoologist, binoculars offer your child a new way to observe the world around them. Encourage your little one to spot birds, squirrels, and other wildlife anywhere you go.
STEM Skill in Action:
- Observation
7. Kid's Concept: Nature Discovery Kit
Inspire your child's love of nature with this engaging discovery kit. A keyring features a magnifying glass, and toy knife and compass. Plus, a wallet holds nature cards that show items your child can find outdoors, creating the opportunity for a fun scavenger hunt.
STEM Skill in Action:
- Observation
- Recognizing categories and classes of items
8. Grimm's: Rainbow Wooden Sorting Game
This STEM toy challenges your child to sort the colorful objects into their matching bowls. As your child works, they'll improve their fine motor and visual discrimination skills.
STEM Skill in Action:
- Observation
- Recognizing categories and classes of items
9. Plan Toys: Kaleidoscopes
Discover the wonderful world of mirrors and reflection with a set of kaleidoscopes. As your child grows, you can talk about the patterns they see. Use them indoors, outdoors, or in the car.
STEM Skill in Action:
- Observation
- Properties of mirrors, light, and glass
10. Djeco: Magnetic Fishing Toy
One fish, two fish, how many fish can your little one catch? Toddlers love exploring magnets. This fishing toy provides a safe and fun way to do it. Unlike most fishing games that have the magnet on the fish's mouth, this game puts the magnet on the fish's back, making it easier and more achievable for little ones. The set comes with two rods so a friend can play, too!
STEM Concepts in Action:
- Properties of magnets
- Problem-solving skills
The Best STEM Toys for 2 and 3-Year-Olds
Which STEM toys does your little one love best? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
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