15 Best STEM Subscription Boxes for Kids

Last Updated By • May 9, 2023

STEM subscription boxes for kids can be a great tool for learning about:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • mathematics

Whether a child is homeschooled, public schooled, or not yet old enough for school, a STEM subscription box can provide hours of hands-on fun and help to develop skills and interests that will last a lifetime. With so many kids stem subscription boxes on the market, it can be hard to tell which are worth their monthly subscription fee. That’s why we did the research for you and found the 15 best STEM subscription boxes for kids.

KiwiCo Tinker Crates

From $23.95/month
The subscription boxes by KiwiCo are perfect for kids interested in STEM topics and/or hands-on activities. Uniquely, there’s a carefully curated KiwiCo box for every age group — from 0-36 months all the way to 14+. Some of their most popular stem crates include:

  • The Panda Crate is designed for children 0-24 months and contains activities that promote exploration and discover.
  • The Koala Crate has special activities to help children ages two to four play and learn.
  • The Kiwi Crate is filled with activities in science and art that kids ages five thru eight are sure to love.
  • The Atlas crate is geared toward kids six thru 11 with a passion for culture and geography.

Do you have a child who loves cooking?  There’s a stem box for that too!  The Yummy Crate is designed for kids ages six to 14 and uncovers the science of cooking.

Regardless of age, the monthly stem boxes are filled with step-by-step instructions for STEM projects. Crates can be purchased individually or through a subscription.  Every subscription box has been put together and tested by experts and educators.

Spangler Science Club

From $24.99/month
“America’s Science Teacher,” Steve Spangler, is the brain behind the Spangler Science Club, a monthly subscription box for kids ages 5-12 who are interested in STEM topics. Each box contains three to five experiments based on a unique theme.  Boxes are delivered straight to your doorstep each month, and each contains a variety of hands-on science experiments and other activities for one to two children to complete.

Beautiful Discovery

From $29.00/month
Beautiful Discovery is an innovative STEAM and STEM box focused on uncovering beautiful patterns in nature.  Kits age nine and up explore patterns that occur in nature.  Eco-games and origami activities are designed to simulate spirals, stripes, and flocks.  Six-month subscriptions receive “Animating with Beautiful Math, Code, and Art,” a $200 value.

Bitsbox

From $16.95/month
Each month, kids who subscribe to the Bitsbox will receive everything they need to create and build their own apps. Curated especially for children ages 6-12, the Bitsbox can either come in a digital format to view on a mobile device or computer, or in a “traditional” box to your doorstep. Besides app-building stem and coding projects, kids in all age groups will receive other add ons like stickers and tech-themed gadgets.

Green Kid Crafts

$24.95/month
With the Green Kid Crafts subscription box, even kids as young as three years old can get in on the fun STEM offers! Every month, the Green Kid Crafts subscription box is delivered right to your doorstep with goodies including a small magazine and 4-6 projects that children can complete with or without a parent’s assistance.

There are two boxes to choose from.  The Junior Box is appropriate for kids ages three to five while the Discover box is a great choice for older children.

Past themes have included things like:

  • backyard science
  • rocket science
  • electricity

Impressively, everything —including the box itself — is made of recycled material, and for every box sold the company plants one tree.

Genius Box

$29.00/month
Ignite a child’s interest in STEM subjects by gifting them a Genius Box subscription. Aimed at children ages 7-12, the Genius Box is a monthly pack of three or more hands-on experiments and other activities. Each box is themed, and even comes with fun stickers and a comic book related to the topic of the month.

Groovy Lab in a Box

From $24.95/month
Groovy Lab in a Box is offered in partnership with Popular Mechanics.  It is one of the best stem monthly kits for tech-savvy kids ages eight and older. The subscription aims to help kids develop their skills in:

  • math
  • science
  • technology
  • engineering

The STEMist Series includes an Engineering Design Challenge that encourages children to develop their own solutions to challenges.  An extensive online portal provides kids with the opportunity to learn more about the topic.

Each box is packed with a fun project that promotes critical thinking skills and highlights the engineering design process.  You’ll get all the supplies and instructions kids will need to complete that project.

MEL Science

From $29.90/month
MEL Science offers over 100 hands-on science kits that are tested in labs and are child-friendly.  Stem monthly subscription kits include:

  • Coding- Montessori approved kits for kids ages 4-7+
  • STEM- Kids 5-10+ can learn through play
  • Math- Math activities inspire learning for kids 8-12+
  • Physics- Kids 8-14+ can create models of everyday devices while learning how they work
  • Chemistry- Conduct safe experiments in a chemistry lab for kids 10-16+

Parents can mix and match these STEM boxes for kids to meet their needs.

Creation Crate

From $39.99/month
Kids who receive the Creation Crate monthly subscription box are sure to love the creativity it inspires. Each monthly stem box contains a collection of projects and experiments that kids can do on their own. Kit options include:

  • Electronics (ages 12+)
  • Electronics Challenger (ages 12+)
  • Chemistry (ages 10+)
  • Engineering (ages 10+)

The activities are all STEM-based and are thoughtfully put together to promote new skills. Subscribers also have access to an online classroom with additional challenges and some video lessons.

Club SciKidz Monthly Lab Kits

From $39.95/kit
There may be no better way to introduce children to science and technology than with a Club SciKidz subscription box. Each of the monthly stem kits introduces a new theme, such as paleontology or robotics. Boxes are packed with everything a science-loving kid needs to conduct various science experiments.

Besides the hands-on element of the boxes, there is also interesting information about science, technology, and different types of STEM careers.

Little Passports

From $24.95/month

Little Passports offers one of the best stem box monthly subscription programs for young children.  Innovative boxes for kids ages 5-8 include Space Quest and Science Junior.  Kids eight and older can explore a different science destination every month with Science Expeditions.

Young scientists are provided with experiments and inventions designed to fuel their passion for science.  Kids get a new expedition each month in top science subscription box.

Girls Can! Crate

From $27.95/month

Designed especially for girls ages 5-10, the Girls Can! Crate is designed to inspire and challenge.  Each month, girls are introduced to diverse women who have made their mark in history.  They’ll receive two to three STEAM challenges delivered right to their door.

Mini-mailers are also available starting at $18.50/month.  These include an activity book, one hands-on science kit or activity and more!

The Magic School Bus Science Club

$19.99/kit

Based on the popular book and television series, The Magic School Bus Science Club is one of the best science subscription boxes out there.  It was developed by a team of Harvard graduates and scientists and covers topics like:

  • Light/Rainbows and Mirrors
  • Volcanoes
  • Bacteria/Fungi
  • Stars/Planets

Kits are designed for kids ages 5-12.

Sago Mini Box

From $19.00/month

Kids ages 3-5 will love this unique STEM box.  The Sago Mini Box comes filled with make and play activities and surprises.  Preschoolers will enjoy boxes with activities like:

  • Finger Puppet Theater
  • Planes and Airports
  • Forest Friends

Each box also includes a collectible figurine and letters that parents can read to their child.  Every box is responsibly made with reusable packaging and recycled materials when possible.

Gigil STEM Kits

From $29.99/month

The Gigil STEM Kits was created by a California teacher and a homeschooling mom.  Their goal was to create a kit that would make learning STEM fun and easy.  Kits are available for three age groups including:

  • Pre-K through 1st grade
  • 2nd through 5th grade
  • 6th through 8th grade

Each box includes an activity guide and instructions along with all the materials five hands-on STEM activities.  Sibling discounts are available.

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