We’ve all heard about the benefits of STEM activities for kids (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and what better way to inspire kids to develop skills in these areas than through Toy Making STEM Projects?
I’ve gathered together 16 of my favourite toy making STEM challenges from my archives and blogging friends that are sure to give your kids hours of fun and learning.
Each of these exciting STEM activities can be done easily at home, using materials you will most likely have in your supplies already.
Why Are STEM Activities Important?
All of these wonderful toy making STEM projects will give your kids plenty of opportunities to think creatively, test their ideas and problem solve.
These are all really important life skills that kids can carry with them whatever career path they chose to follow in later life. and of course they’ll have something fun to play with at the end too!
What’s more, kids will have a wonderful toy that they can play with at the end too! What a fabulous way to encourage kids learning and exploration!
Have fun making, learning and playing!
16 Amazing Toy Making STEM Projects Your Kids Will Love!
Below you’ll find an image of each toy that you can make. Every one is clearly numbered. Below the images you’ll find corresponding numbered text links.
All you need to do is click the text link to take you straight to each exciting STEM project.
I’m sure they’ll be lots that you can’t wait to try out!
Our favourites have been the Stick Rafts, the Paper Boats and the Kaleidoscopes. But honestly, they are all super cool and definitely worth doing!
Fun Toy Making STEM Projects Kids Will LOVE!
Fantastic toy making STEM projects give kids lots of opportunities to think creatively, test their ideas and problem solve.
Can you build a raft that really floats? How much weight can it carry? Stretch kids' skills and engage them with nature.
Make a superhero that really flies through the air!
Have fun learning to make a paper boat. A fantastic activity for kids that encourages both creativity and scientific learning about density and buoyancy.
Young Lego fans will love making and using this Lego maze.
Explore balance and centre of gravity by creating a balancing robot!
Kids will have a blast making their own mini catapults and seeing how far they can fling!
Kids will have loads of fun blowing these Straw Rockets high into the air! There's a free rocket template too.
You'll see lots of rainbows with this fun DIY spectroscope!
How many sides does a Icosahedron have? Make this colourful ball and find out!
Kaleidoscopes are such a fun way to explore light, reflections, and symmetry!
3,2,1 Blast Off! kids will have a blast making their own rockets!
Kids will be amazed at how well these planes fly! How far can yours go?
Explore the Science of Sound with a DIY Spinner.
Recycle old plastic bottles with this fun Inertia Zoom Ball. Great for playing with inside and out.
These little helicopters are quick and fun to make and it's great to watch them fly and spin!
Your kids will think you're awesome if you create this fun project with them!
The vortex cannon is easy to make and easy to use but so surprising!
This post was first published June 2016 and has been updated August 2023.
Lots more craft projects to fall in love with:
