Is your child always asking how things work and curious about the world around them? Have they expressed interest in conducting experiments or enjoy being creative? If so, a chemistry kit could be perfect for them!
Kids can be extremely curious, especially when it comes to the world around them. Chemistry is a crucial subject for understanding the world around us, so encouraging children to learn more about chemistry can help them answer their many questions. However, it can be hard to develop experiments yourself or find a safe way to illustrate more complex chemical ideas.
Stem chemistry sets can be an excellent way to address this problem! Each kit is targeted towards a different age range, allowing you to find the perfect one. These kits can show how chemistry is cool through various fun experiments. Read on to find out which kit is the right one for you or your child!
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top pick for chemistry sets for kids here.
Last update: 2024-05-02
Our Favorites for Best Chemistry Sets for Kids
Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set
The Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set is perfect for any kid ages 3 or older. This incredible chemistry kit includes a functioning, detachable microscope that can allow your kid to explore the world around them on the go. It also contains 20 activity cards with an erasable journal to record the results. Some of the listed skills that this kit focuses on are problem-solving, sequential thought, and making predictions, to name a few. This kit is perfect if you want a bit more of the science supplies like a microscope, test tubes, and a chemistry stand.
What Makes it Unique:
- It comes with 45 pieces and has some more advanced science equipment, like a microscope, but is still appropriate for kids as young as 3.
- It has a write-and-wipe journal that encourages the documentation of observations among young scientists.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- The extra materials needed for the experiments are common household items.
- It is an extensive kit with lots of room for exploration and experimentation.
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Problem solving, Fine motor skills, Following multi-step directions, Sequential thought, Math concepts, Making predictions, Observation
- PRESCHOOL SCIENCE: Supports early hands-on scientific exploration through fun activities and lab gear!
- ACTIVITY CARDS INCLUDED: Kids can follow the step-by-step instructions on the included activity cards and jot down their findings in the write & wipe journal
Last update: 2024-05-02
Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit
The Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit is perfect for kids over 5 and includes 10 different categories of experiments and an instructional DVD guide. The experiments include the classic exploding volcano and a sprout garden, slime lab, and crystal growing, to name a few. It is higher recommended for young kids as it allows them to follow the instructions on their own. With 65 different experiments, this is a great chemistry kit for those who want a broad introduction to science for their kids.Â
What Makes it Unique:
- It comes with 55 different pieces that allow you to conduct 65 various experiments, which is a pretty considerable amount for a chemistry kit for young kids.
- It also includes an instructional DVD that can be beneficial for kids who may struggle with following written directions or need something a bit more engaging.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- With its various categories, this is a great introductory STEM set. It has an easy to use manual and DVD to make the learning process smooth.
- Since it has a large number of experiments, it can provide entertainment for a long time. The experiments are geared to be fun and engaging.
- JUMBO SCIENCE KIT FOR KIDS – The kit allows your young scientist to explore, learn and have great fun with their very own science kit. Because of the huge number of amazing experiments with this science kit your children will have many, many hours of educational enlightenment to delight all boys and girls.
- 65 MIND-BLOWING EXPERIMENTS – This amazing, 55 piece children’s science kit includes everything you need besides common household items. All the chemicals, ingredients and apparatus that is required to create more than 60 experiments, everything! We’ve also included an easy to follow Instructional videos plus a color manual detailing all the experiments. This unique educational lab kit will help you learn the science behind the experiments
- WONDERFUL ACTIVITIES THAT KIDS WILL ENJOY – The science kit has a number of exciting and interesting activities including, the delicate sprout garden, the slime lab, rocket balloon fun, creative crystals and of course a mind blowing volcano and much more. All of these experiments are easily created by following the instructional videos with clear, demonstrations and it’s also a fantastic volcano science kit, the favorite of every child
Last update: 2024-05-02
Runner Ups for Best Chemistry Sets for Kids
Learning Resources: Primary Science Lab Activity Set
The Learning Resources: Primary Science Lab Activity set is a highly recommended chemistry set for kids because it is very user-friendly, especially for young children. It comes with 20 different activity cards that are simple and guide you through the experiments. The equipment is colorful and durable, which makes it perfect for a beginning scientist. This kit is a top pick because of its simplicity and ease of use.
What Makes it Unique:
- This kit is very safe and can be used by kids as young as 4. This allows for more exploration at a young age!
- The experiments are very straight forward and clearly explained through an activity guide and instruction cards.
- The extra materials needed are very simple and can be found in a local grocery store.
- Set only has 22 different pieces, which means it is easier to keep together, and you are less likely to lose parts of the kit.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- If you have a young child, this kit is perfect for them as it has plastic pieces that are large and unlikely to break.
- It can help give a basic foundation in experimenting and following instructions. This chemistry set can help be the first step in fostering a love of science.
- Preschool Science Kits: Foster a curiosity for science by conducting real hands-on experiments
- Science Lab Set: Visually appealing science tools and easy-to-follow, beginner science activities
- Real Life Tools and Toddler Science Goggles: Learn the names of science tools and broaden your child's understanding of science terms
Last update: 2024-05-02
Ben Franklin Toys Chemistry Lab Pad Science Kit
The Ben Franklin Toys Chemistry Lab Pad Science Kit is suitable for a kid that is 5 years of age or older. The lab pad provides a space to write on and also doubles as a place for equipment storage. While this kit only has around 12 experiments to do, it stays well organized and is a good kit if you are looking for something simple and easy to manage. It also comes with over 50 pieces and has some extra information like the periodic table of elements, making this a very educational chemistry kit for kids.
What Makes it Unique:Â
- It has a lab pad to help keep things organized and over 50 pieces that range from test tubes to a periodic table of elements.
- Experiments require little cleanup and are easy to understand. They require little adult supervision.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:Â
- It has fewer experiments and an organized lab pad, which can help make the chemistry kit a bit easier to manage.
- There are over 50 different items in this kit, as it has several guides and test tubes, which can encourage extra exploration. If your kid is a bit more advanced, this can be a good kit for them as they can learn more information from the charts.
- Mind blowing: hours of fun with 12 + safe science experiments with easy to follow experiment cards
- Over 50 pieces: everything you need in a high quality kids science experiment kit
- Easy clean up: exclusive "lab pad" Keeps everything organized, neat and clean
Last update: 2024-05-02
Playz A+ Kids Chemistry: Junior Experiments & Reactions Science Lab Kit
The Playz A+ Kids Chemistry: Junior Experiments & Reactions Science Lab Kit is a perfect kit for a child that is a bit older at the age of 8+. It has over 32 experiments that range from making a homemade fire extinguisher, to making live foam monsters and making growing crystals. It is a bit more advanced as it comes with a lab guide to follow, and each experiment also has some additional educational information with it.
What Makes it Unique:
- It comes with a 36-page lab guide that more closely models an actual chemistry lab manual. This helps to model more closely what the real chemistry lab experience is like.
- It includes some chemicals that the other kits do not, which allow for more advanced experimenting.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- This set is a bit more advanced, so this is an excellent kit for a child with some background in experimenting and a lot of curiosity.
- This is one of the best chemistry sets to increase attention to detail and helps the young chemistry to work through the process of experimenting.
The Magic School Bus - Chemistry Lab
The Magic School Bus- Chemistry Lab is based on the iconic TV show and can be an instant winner with young children! It is also appropriate for young children down to the age of 5. It comes in a fun box that is shaped like the Magic School Bus and has an appealing look to it with instruction cards featuring members of the show. Experiments range from measuring pH to making an exploding volcano, to learning about density. This STEM kit comes with all needed supplies except for common household items.
What Makes it Unique:
- Its Magic School Bus theme can make it popular among fans of the show. The theme of the kit and playful colors can make the science behind it more appealing.
- While it is still suitable for ages 5+, it starts to have some more advanced science like litmus paper. It also encourages note-taking by including a data notebook, which is something unique among chemistry sets for this young age.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- It does an excellent job of making science feel very appealing by having very hands-on fun experiments.
- The experiments start by learning how to measure things, giving a beginning scientist a solid introduction to chemistry.
- Great hands on learning and educational science STEM kit for boys and girls which encourages STEM learning for ages 5+
- Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus makes science an exhilarating experience and kids can follow along with The Magic School Bus books from Scholastic and NETFLIX series
- Young Scientists learn about acids and bases, volcanoes, slime, surface tension, bubbles, and more in this educational STEM kit
Last update: 2024-05-02
Value Picks for Best Chemistry Sets for Kids
My First Mind Blowing Science
My First Mind Blowing Science kit includes 11 different experiments and all needed materials, except for a few household items. It is suited for ages 6 or older, although some of the included experiments are appropriate for ages 5 and older. Some of the experiments involve testing if household items are acids or bases, making an underwater volcano, and making color-changing liquids.
What Makes it Unique:
- It is a relatively simple kit with only 20 pieces but still allows for 20 different experiments to be conducted.
- The experiments are made to be very fun and engaging, with lots of color-changing liquids, which is very appealing to young kids.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- This chemistry kit is perfect if you are looking for something simple and easy on the wallet. While it doesn’t have some of the more advanced experiments of the other kits, it is suitable for young kids and can still provide a lot of fun.
- Some of the experiments can be done repeatedly as long as you purchase more of the needed household items.
- MY FIRST MIND BLOWING SCIENCE: 11 mind blowing activities and experiments to delight and educate young scientists. Ages 6 and up.
- MIND BLOWING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS: 20 piece STEM Science Experiment Kit. Young scientists can explore and learn the basics of science
- EXPLORE THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE EXPERIMENTS: Write secret messages to your friends. Make colored crystals from cabbage. Erupt a color-changing volcano. Make magic fizzing potions and more!
Last update: 2024-05-02
4M Kitchen Science Kit
The 4M Kitchen Science Kit is a very affordable kit that allows kids to conduct 6 different experiments. These experiments include launching a rocket with vinegar, writing invisible messages, and generating electricity with a lemon. It is recommended for 8-year-olds and older. The focus on kitchen science indicates that everything is safe, and you will only need everyday household items to run the experiments.
What Makes it Unique:
- It is very compact with few parts, making it convenient to stow away and easy to keep all the pieces together.
- It doesn’t have as many experiments as some kits, making it easier to keep track of.
Why Choose this Chemistry Set:
- This chemistry kit is perfect if you are looking for something inexpensive, but that still allows for experimentation.
- If your child is interested in chemistry, but you aren’t sure you want to buy an extensive kit yet, this can be a great place to start.
- Requires vinegar, Baking Soda, Red Food Coloring, Dishwashing Liquid, Measuring Cup, Sugar, Clothes Pins, Teaspoon, Forks, Corn Starch, Grape Juice, Lemon. (Not included in kit).
- Perfect opportunity for kids to learn science while having fun.
- Six exciting experiments that use common household ingredients
Last update: 2024-05-02
How to Choose the Best Chemistry Sets for Kids for You
There are a couple of things to consider when shopping for the best chemistry sets for kids. Two of the main things to consider are what is included in the kit, and what age is the kit appropriate for? Knowing what is included in the kit can help you determine if you will be able to conduct the experiments in the way you want and to see how much additional supplies you will need to buy.
When buying chemistry kits, especially for young children, it is important to make sure that it is appropriate. Some kits may be written in a way that is too advanced for young scientists, which may result in a lot of additional help being needed. Other kits may contain chemicals that should only be used by older children. All kits should come with an age recommendation, and it is important to consider this when shopping for the perfect chemistry kit!
What Tools are Included in the Chemistry Sets?Â
Most chemistry kits for kids come with the basics: test tubes, some various solutions, perhaps the base for a volcano, and a few other essentials. However, it is essential to consider if there any special tools you would like to be included. Some kits have an essential lab notebook to write in and follow along with, which can better model how experiments are really carried out.
If there are any specific experiments you would like to do, it is also important to look for the tools to make sure they can be completed. Other kits may have chemicals in them that might be harder to buy on their own, making that kit more appealing to do advanced experiments. Regardless of the kit that you pick, it is most important that you have the supplies you need to complete the desired experiments! Take note of any additional required supplies and make sure you can get access to them.
What Chemistry Sets Should You Get for 3-5 Years Old?
Even kids as young as 3 can start to do chemistry experiments! The Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set is perfect for those that are 3 and older. The Learning Resources: Primary Science Lab Activity can be used by 4-year-olds and older. These kits don’t have potentially harmful chemicals in them and focus more on starting the process of being curious about the world through a few basic experiments.
What Chemistry Sets Do We Recommend for 5-12 Years Old?
There are a lot of kits that are perfect for the 5-12-year-old range. For those 5 years or older, the following kits could be used: Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit, Ben Franklin Toys Chemistry Lab Pad Science Kit, and Magic School Bus- Chemistry Lab. For those that are 6 and older, My First Mind Blowing Science Kit is appropriate.
Then, at the age of 8, both Playz A+ Kids Chemistry: Junior Experiments & Reactions Science Lab Kit and 4M Kitchen Science Kit are perfect to experiment with!
What Chemistry Sets Do We Recommend for 12 Years and Up?
Those that are 12 years old and up are ready for some more advanced kits! While this guide focused on younger kids, there are several kits by Thames & Kosmos that would be perfect for those that a bit older.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best Chemistry Sets for Kids
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
Last update: 2024-05-02
Kids are naturally very curious and sometimes it is hard to think of ways to keep their minds occupied. Chemistry stem kits can be the perfect way to address this problem and encourage this curiosity in a constructive way. We highly recommend Learning Resources Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set as a get way to start the chemistry journey for your child, there are lots of great kits out there to choose from.
While your search for the best chemistry kit may take some time, hopefully this guide helped you along that process, and in the end, you will end up with the kit that is just right for you! Regardless of whatever chemistry lab starter kit you pick, the chances are that you will have a lot of fun and potentially get a little messy!
