There are so many toys that can teach kids science, technology, engineering, art, and maths (STEAM) skills without them even realising they're learning. And while there's certainly a ton of STEAM-specific toys [1] out there for kids — think: coding robots — anything that teaches kids these concepts in some way encourages learning, even if it doesn't say STEM or STEAM on the box.
From colourful art-based science kits to Lego sets [2] that highlight engineering concepts and AR technology, keep scrolling to see some of the best new STEAM toys coming out in 2020.
Educational Insights Circuit Explorer Mars Colony Deluxe Space Station
The Educational Insights Circuit Explorer Mars Colony Deluxe Space Station ($60), available in the Summer, includes working 3D circuit pieces that allow kids to build circuits safely while engageing in imaginative play.
Crayola Liquid Science Lab Kit
Available in August 2020, the Crayola Liquid Science Lab Kit ($20), aimed at children 7 and up, comes with 15 ready-to-do experiments for the budding brainiac in your family.
Tomy Dancy Beatz
Prepare to get down with Tomy Dancy Beatz ($70), an interactive dancing robot kids 6 and up are sure to obsess over. Complete with a free app, little ones can program Dancy Beatz to execute custom dance moves. Pretty neat, right? Look for it in stores in September 2020.
LeapFrog Pick Up & Count Vacuum
Kids 2 and up will get a kick out of copying their parents with the help from the LeapFrog Pick Up & Count Vacuum ($28), which will debut in Fall 2020. Available in both pink and green, little ones can pick up "dust pieces" that teach them to count.
Lego Technic Dragster
The Lego Technic Dragster [4] ($20) is an engineering project that has 225 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 7 and up.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera
Inspired by Robert Irwin, the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera ($60) helps kids to learn about the nature around them through trivia, photos, and facts. It's available in June.
Lego Hidden Side The Lighthouse of Darkness
The Lego Hidden Side The Lighthouse of Darkness [5] ($50) has 540 pieces, is best suited to kids ages 8 and up, and showcases AR technology.
Learning Resources Botley 2.0
Learning Resources's Botley 2.0 ($65) teaches kids the basics of coding through active play without needing a device. It will be available in the Summer.
Lego Technic Catamaran
The Lego Technic Catamaran [6] ($50) is an engineering project that has 404 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
Crayola Space Science Lab Kit
This gorgeous Space Science Lab Kit ($20) gives kids 7 and older an up-close-and-personal look at the solar system. Available in August 2020, this particular kit is part of Crayola's STEAM collection.
Educational Insights Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car
The Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car ($25) includes a kid-friendly power drill, bolts, snap-together race car parts, pit crew figures, and reusable packageing. It's a great introduction to STEM learning for preschoolers.
Lego Hidden Side Haunted Fairground
The Lego Hidden Side Haunted Fairground [7] ($50) has 466 pieces, is best suited for kids ages 8 and up, and showcases AR technology.
Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm
The Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm [8] ($17) teaches kids 18 months and older sorting and fine motor skills, colours, and numbers.
Crayola Paper Flower Science Lab Kit
Ideal for your artsy mini-me 7 and up, the Paper Flower Science Lab Kit ($20) lets kids go crazy by making their very own colourful creations. Find it in stores in August 2020.
Lego Technic Stunt Show Truck and Bike
The Lego Technic Stunt Show Truck and Bike [9] ($50) is an engineering project with 610 pieces that is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.