Looking for the perfect solar-powered toy to spark your child's imagination and interest in STEM? This comprehensive review highlights the top 10 best solar toys for kids in 2020, offering a detailed look at each product's features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. From build-your-own cars and robots to mesmerizing crystal spinners and intricate space explorers, we've curated a list to suit various ages and interests. Whether your child is a budding engineer, a creative builder, or simply fascinated by the power of the sun, this guide will help you find the ideal solar toy to inspire learning and fun.Our review delves into the unique qualities of each toy, considering factors such as ease of assembly, durability, educational value, and overall play experience. We’ve carefully examined both the advantages and disadvantages of each product, providing you with an unbiased assessment to aid your purchasing decision. This guide aims to make choosing the perfect solar toy a simple and informed process, ensuring you select a product that will entertain and educate your child for years to come.
Pros And Cons
- Fun building process
- Surprisingly fast in sunlight
- Laser-cut components
- Includes a crane
- Some panels may crack easily
- Teaches power management
- Uses light to charge micro battery
- Shuttle or buggy operation
- Quick and fun assembly
- Includes an astronaut
- Weapons aren't very appropriate
- Runs on double-A batteries
- Create 20 models (trucks, airplanes, robots)
- Great for science and engineering students
- Durable components
- Colorful gears and pegs
- Detailed 60-page manual
- Can be hard to disassemble
- Create moon buggy and Mars rover
- Laser-cut wooden pieces
- Includes sandpaper
- Learning guide
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for kids 6 and up
Read more: 4M Green Science Solar Rover Kit Review: A Fun STEM Project for Kids
Captain Knows Build-Your-Own Car
The Captain Knows Build-Your-Own Car is a unique solar toy that allows for extensive customization. Each kit includes various acrylic paints, enabling kids to personalize their cars. The use of high-quality wood panels ensures durability and provides a satisfying building experience. Assembly is tool-free, making it accessible to a wide range of ages.
While offering a fun and creative experience, the car's small size might be a drawback for some. The flashy spoiler adds a cool touch, however, making it an appealing option for younger builders who enjoy personalizing their creations.
Tenergy ODE FGO Solar Robot Car
The Tenergy ODE FGO stands out as a robot car powered by either saltwater or sunlight. This eco-friendly design teaches kids about alternative energy sources. Its simple assembly process makes it perfect for children who enjoy hands-on projects. This toy encourages problem-solving skills and provides educational value through its accompanying scientific facts.
Despite its educational benefits, getting the car moving can sometimes be challenging. This might require patience and troubleshooting from both children and adults. The ease of assembly, however, remains a significant advantage for younger children.
Kake'land Double Rainbow Maker
The Kake'land Double Rainbow Maker is a visually captivating solar toy. Using sunlight to power its motor, it spins genuine Swarovski crystals, creating mesmerizing light refractions. The transparent body showcases the inner workings, adding to its educational value. The adjustable solar panel allows for optimal sunlight capture.
A potential downside is the drivetrain's less-than-stellar durability. This might require careful handling to prevent damage. Despite this minor drawback, its stunning visual effects and unique design make it a compelling choice.
Sundance Electricity Learning Kit
For older children, particularly those interested in science, the Sundance Electricity Learning Kit provides a hands-on learning experience about renewable energy. It demonstrates how photovoltaic cells work, explaining key concepts like electrical current, voltage, and resistance. The comprehensive manual further enhances the learning process.
This kit is a valuable educational tool for middle schoolers and is also highly recommended for science teachers. The inclusion of a high-quality multimeter adds to its practical value, making it a standout choice for those seeking a more in-depth understanding of solar power.
Rocker 3D Wooden Puzzle
The Rocker 3D Wooden Puzzle offers a rewarding building experience and engaging gameplay. Once assembled and placed in sunlight, it moves surprisingly quickly. Laser-cut components ensure precision and ease of assembly. The inclusion of a crane at the back adds a unique design element.
While fun and stimulating, some panels may crack easily. Care should be taken during assembly and handling to ensure its longevity. However, the enjoyable building process and satisfying performance make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Thames & Kosmos Mechanics
The Thames & Kosmos Mechanics kit stands out with its versatility, allowing for the creation of 20 different models. This includes a wide variety of vehicles such as trucks, airplanes, and robots, offering long-lasting engagement. The sturdy construction ensures the kit can withstand repeated use.
This kit's educational value is apparent in its suitability for students of science and engineering. The detailed 60-page manual provides comprehensive instructions. However, the intricate designs can make disassembly a slightly more challenging task.
Sciro Stem Kit
The Sciro Stem Kit offers a unique space-themed experience while teaching about power management. Its space station uses light to charge a micro-battery, which powers a shuttle or buggy. The robot features an astronaut in the cockpit, making it visually engaging for children.
While the quick and fun assembly is a plus, the included weapons might not be appropriate for all ages. The use of double-A batteries for the robot might be a drawback for some users who prefer completely solar-powered toys.
Sunny Tack Mendocino Motor
The Sunny Tack Mendocino Propeller is a fascinating toy that combines magnets and electricity to power its blades. It's an excellent choice for stimulating an interest in STEM fields. The propeller levitates with sufficient energy and is displayed on an attractive glass base.
Its speed varies depending on the available light, adding an element of unpredictability. The aesthetically pleasing design makes it a great addition to any desk or shelf. However, the reliance on both solar and electrical power might be a minor drawback for purists.
4M Our Space Fleet
The 4M Our Space Fleet is an engaging kit that allows for the construction of up to seven different lunar modules. It can be powered by sunlight or an included rechargeable battery, offering playtime both day and night. The designs are varied and capture children's imaginations.
The solar panel is efficient, and the pieces snap together well. The versatile designs and ability to play both day and night make it an excellent option. The quality of construction contributes to its durability, offering long-lasting enjoyment.
National Geographic Space Explorers Kit
Taking the top spot, the National Geographic Space Explorers Kit stands out for its comprehensive design. It allows for the creation of both a moon buggy and a Mars rover using laser-cut wooden pieces. The inclusion of sandpaper helps ensure a precise fit, resulting in a high-quality build. The accompanying learning guide enhances the educational experience.
This kit is easily assembled and suitable for kids aged 6 and up. The combination of hands-on construction, educational value, and appealing space theme makes it an exceptional choice. Its superior build quality and comprehensive design solidify its position as the top contender.
