If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your child, an erector set is a great option. These sets come with all the necessary parts to build a variety of different structures, from bridges to houses to cars. They’re a great way to encourage your child’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and education in engineering and physics.
There are erector sets available for all levels, from beginner to expert. You can use them to create all sorts of different worlds, and some even come with motors to make them move or light up. These make great STEM activities for kids, as they can learn while having fun.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best erector sets for kids as well as a brief description of each. We hope you and your child enjoy creating fun projects with these sets!
Our Top Picks
- Best Metal Erector Set: Schylling Steel Works 5 Model Construction Building Kit
- Best Budget Erector Set: IQ BUILDER Erector Set
- Best Erector Set For Toddlers: TINKERTOY 100 Piece Essentials Value Set
- Best Erector Set For 6-Year-Old: Brickyard Building Blocks
- Best Erector Set For 8-Year-Old: K’NEX 35 Model Building Set
- Best Erector Set For 10-Year-Old: Meccano Erector
- Best Ferris Wheel Erector Set: Ferris Wheel Building Model
- Best Robot Erector Set: MECCANO Erector Micronoid Code A.C.E. Programmable Robot Building Kit
- Best Vehicle Erector Set: IGOSOT FlexiBuild 6-In-1 Erectors Models Building Set
- Best Crane Erector Set: Iron Commander Erector Set
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Erector Sets for Kids Picks
Schylling Steel Works 5 Model Construction Building Kit – Best Metal Erector Set
- It’s real metal and real screws that screw together
- Children can create their own designs
- Comes with 5 models
- Great price
- It is difficult to keep nuts and bolts from loosening no matter how tight you torque them
With over 200 all-steel pieces, your child can build five different models with the included instructions. Plus, this mid-range, budget-friendly kit has three different wheel designs and everything needed to construct a model.
It’s an excellent introduction to the world of erector sets for beginners. And the best part is that the Steel Works kits can be combined to create even more fun and exciting designs.
IQ BUILDER Erector Set – Best Budget Erector Set
- Extremely versatile and well made
- Feels solid, yet the pieces separate easily when needed
- The possibilities are limitless for what can be built
- Comes with a nice plastic case
- Some of the designs can’t be built with just one set
This versatile set includes 164 pieces that can be used to create a variety of projects, from beginner to advanced levels. The best part? Your child can let their creativity run wild with the flexible design of the kit.
While some erector sets come with specific instructions for building particular objects, IQ Builder offers more freedom to experiment and invent. With no robotic components to worry about, it’s a great choice for younger children who are just starting to explore the world of building kits. And as your child grows in skill and confidence, they can tackle more complex builds with ease.
TINKERTOY 100 Piece Essentials Value Set – Best Erector Set For Toddlers
- Build quality is very good
- High-quality plastic
- Long ones are flexible
- The possibilities are endless
- Some pieces can be hard to pull apart
With a total of 100 pieces, including spools, rods, flags, washers, and end caps, your little one can snap them together, bend them into different shapes, and create all sorts of amazing things.
The set comes with an easy-to-follow instruction sheet that guides young builders through the process of making 13 different models. You can also join in on the fun and help your toddler build the models until they feel confident enough to build on their own.
After playtime, you can use the durable box to store all the toy components and keep them organized on a shelf or in a cabinet for the next building session.
Brickyard Building Blocks – Best Erector Set For 6-Year-Old
- Lots of bright colors
- Very fun
- It uses nuts and screw bolts to hold together the other pieces
- Durable
- This set only has 4 wheels included
This incredible set features 42 different models to build, each with its own set of instructions to guide young builders. The first models are easy to build and perfect for toddlers, while the later models offer more of a challenge and are great for older kids up to 10 years old. There are 101 pieces to play with, all made of safe and non-toxic plastic. You can keep them clean with soapy water, and the design eliminates any sharp edges or prickly corners.
K’NEX 35 Model Building Set – Best Erector Set For 8-Year-Old
- There are definitely lots of pieces and many options for building
- The set comes with instructions to make 35 different items
- There are also online instructions
- Wheels give so many more building options
- A lot of the pieces are small
Inside this kit, there are a whopping 480 K’NEX pieces – a mix of classic and mini components – just waiting to be snapped together in a whole host of imaginative ways. Kids will love exploring their artistic side by building all sorts of figures, models, and structures using the included rods and connectors.
But that’s not all – this kit is perfect for budding engineers and designers, as it allows them to create moving models like trucks, helicopters, planes, and more!
This kit is designed for 8-year-olds and up, and its complexity will challenge even the most experienced builders. But don’t worry – the snap-fit components are easy to reassemble into different designs, and they stay together securely so your creations will hold up to lots of playtime fun.
Meccano Erector – Best Erector Set For 10-Year-Old
- The plastic pieces really offer up some really cool shapes to experiment with when creating things
- The storage box is of good quality
- The power unit/motor is durable
- Great for STEAM
- The instructions are good but not great
This set includes gear parts and a Maker Tool, which will allow your little inventor to transform materials into unique parts and bring their ideas to life. The edge guide, screw gauge, and scorer included in the set will assist them in creating even more intricate designs.
Your child will never run out of ideas with the endless possibilities for construction that this set provides. This Erector set is a fantastic introduction to the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning system, demonstrating how these concepts are used in real-world scenarios.
Ferris Wheel Building Model – Best Ferris Wheel Erector Set
- Great for 2 people to build
- Challenging
- Helps your child think
- Has lights
- The instructions could use some written directions other than just pictures
Your young constructor will have a blast building this impressive Ferris wheel with 954 pieces and all the necessary equipment. With a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual, the construction process will be a breeze. This kit is perfect for builders aged 8 and above.
Assembling this Ferris wheel is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for developing attention, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills. Once completed, the Ferris wheel will spin independently with lights and music, providing hours of entertainment for your child and their friends.
MECCANO Erector Micronoid Code A.C.E. Programmable Robot Building Kit – Best Robot Erector Set
- The actual robot part is pretty cool
- The basic functions of the robot are entertaining
- Easy to put together
- Cute robot
- Can be challenging for younger kids
This amazing Meccano Micronoid Code Interactive Robot-Building Kit is the perfect tool to teach your child the fundamentals of coding while having a blast building their very own robotic buddy. With just the right level of complexity and requiring only a short time to build, it’s a fantastic gift for any aspiring engineers or robotics enthusiasts aged 8 and up.
The Micronoid is not just a simple robot, but a companion with a fun and quirky personality that your kid will love. They can connect it to a computer via USB or use its internal buttons to personalize the robot’s character and movement patterns. The Micronoid is packed with built-in games and activities, and it makes hilarious noises and even dances to the music!
IGOSOT FlexiBuild 6-In-1 Erectors Models Building Set – Best Vehicle Erector Set
- This keeps your kid busy for a long time
- Fairly easy to assemble
- Good instructions are included on how to build different models
- It’s a great product for kids to use under the guidance of an adult
- The plastic container for the pieces is a bit flimsy, but otherwise, the toy is well-made
With a 27-page comprehensive assembly manual, your kid can construct one of six mega-sized cars using this set’s 145 Flexi plates and building components. The set comes complete with assembly equipment such as a screwdriver, a wrench, screws, nuts, wheels, and connections to make the construction process a breeze.
The kit comes in a sturdy box that can be used for storage and quick cleanup of spills. Additionally, the Isogot product line features flexible, washable parts, and each item is constructed using lead and cadmium-free materials, ensuring your child’s safety.
Iron Commander Erector Set – Best Crane Erector Set
- Fun little construction building set for kids
- Mental stimulation
- Good quality
- This is a real toy that makes children think
- Lots of tiny pieces
This set includes 235 pieces of actual metal components, as well as ergonomic tools and steelworks to help your budding engineer create a stunning model automobile. With a beginner skill level, this crane erector set is perfect for spending quality time with your child while building a magnificent creation that will amaze and delight both of you. While some components are movable, most are secured by screws to ensure stability and durability.
How to Choose the Best Erector Sets For Kids?
- Age-Appropriate: There are several sets made specifically for smaller kids. These consist of fewer pieces, simpler-to-assemble parts, and clear and comprehensive instructions. These are suitable for young children as well as children who lack the abilities required for more difficult sets. You might even want to avoid giving a young child an erector set designed for older children. This is due to the possibility that they might contain very small pieces, such as nuts and bolts, that young toddlers might suffocate on.
- Child Interest: If they are interested in trains, for example, you might want to get them a set that includes a track. If they are interested in buildings, you might want to get them a set that includes more bricks and other construction materials.
- Difficulty: Some erector sets are more challenging than others. If your child is new to construction toys, then you may want to look for a starter set that is easier to build.
- Material: Erector sets for younger children are often constructed of plastic, whereas those for older children are typically built of metal. Due to their natural curiosity, children frequently put objects in their mouths, ears, electrical outlets, and other inappropriate areas. Accordingly, plastic playsets are better suited for smaller kids since they are less likely to hurt anybody, especially close to electrical outlets or other technological equipment.
- Budget: It’s also important to consider the price of the erector set. Erector sets can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more. Just keep in mind that the more complex the set, the more expensive it will be.
What Are The Types of Erector Sets For Kids?
- Plastic: These sets are easier to put together and don’t require any tools. They are also less likely to injure a child if they happen to put a piece in their mouth.
- Motorized: These sets include a motor and battery pack, so kids can power their creations. The sets come with a variety of construction pieces, including beams, plates, gears, and pulleys.
- Multi-Model: Come with everything kids need to build multiple models including a booklet with instructions for five different models.
- Themed: These sets let kids build models based on their interests, including cars, trains, planes, and cranes.
- Robot: These sets come from simple styles that resemble robots to more advanced styles with programmable features. This additional level of complexity can inspire youngsters to be creative in their play. For example, they can program their robot erector set to perform specific tasks. Or, they can use the motorized features to create interactive playsets.
- Super Construction Sets: They are named like this because they provide the lucky kids who own them with an enormous variety of construction options. These kits include instructions for several models and even hundreds of components. With all of these options, kids can let their imaginations run wild and construct whatever they can dream up!
What Are Erector Sets?
Erector Sets are construction toys that were first marketed in 1913 (1). The sets consist of metal parts that can be snapped together to create models of bridges, buildings, and other structures. The parts can also be used to create working toys, such as cars and trains. Erector Sets were very popular in the early to mid-20th century, and are still produced today.
What Age Is Good For An Erector Set?
Some children may be ready for an Erector Set as early as age 4, while others may not be ready until age 8 or even older. It really depends on the child’s level of interest, fine motor skills, and ability to follow instructions (2). If your child is showing an interest in building and constructing things, then an Erector Set may be a good option. Just be sure to supervise and help as needed, as some of the pieces can be small and delicate.
What Are The Benefits of Erector Sets For Kids?
There are many benefits of Erector Sets for Kids. They help children develop fine motor skills, improve problem-solving skills, and encourage creativity.
They help children develop fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are important for tasks such as writing, drawing, and using smaller toys (3).
Additionally, they also improve problem-solving skills. Kids have to use their imagination and figure out how to put the pieces together to create whatever they are building. This helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Erector sets also encourage creativity. Kids can build whatever they can imagine, and they are only limited by their own creativity. This helps them to be more creative in other areas of their life.
