11 Best Construction Toys For Kids

Hannah Bowyer
Dec 22, 2023 By Hannah Bowyer
Originally Published on Jul 05, 2021
Best Construction Toys For Kids.
Age: 3-10
Read time: 6.6 Min

Construction toys are a timeless addition to your child's toybox.

We all remember the fun-filled days we spent as children building Lego cities that were full of excitement and opportunity. These days, Lego is not the only kid on the block, with a huge variety of building toys available that are guaranteed to keep your child entertained for hours.

Construction toys are made up of basic components such as wooden blocks or magnets that can be used to build something exciting, take it apart and build again. They are great educational toys because, through imaginative play and hands-on building, your child develops their cognitive and motor skills and their ability to work as part of a team.

The best building toys are durable, have a number of pieces and should include instructions or learning resources. Toy sets that are designed for group play (with a large number of pieces and tools) come with great added bonuses as building in a team is a wonderful way to help develop your child's social and emotional skills.

With so many toys available, we've done the research to make sure that the construction toy you choose is the best possible option. While we're sure these toys will keep your child satisfied for hours, if you're interested in other options for your budding builder, why not have a look at our list of the best toolkits for kids and the best STEM toys.

Kidadl's Top Pick

Whilst all the toys on our list are highly recommended, if you're short on time, here's our top pick based on price, age range and components.

1. K'NEX Click & Construct Building Set ‍

K'NEX Click & Construct Building Set.

If you're looking for a toy that will provide endless hours of fun while developing your child's cognitive and physical abilities, this construction set from K'NEX is the one for you. This set includes 522 colourful rods and connectors that snap together with a satisfying 'click'. With so many pieces, your child can create whatever they can imagine, by themselves and also with friends. For children who need more structure, K'NEX also provides 35 building ideas with step-by-step instructions.  some of the best toys. Construction-mad

Main Features

  • Price: £20
  • Age: 7+
  • 522 K'NEX pieces
  • Instruction manual with 35 building ideas

Best For Group Play

2. Vatos Building Toys ‍

Vatos Building Toys.

This set is fun, educational and includes 552 pieces, giving your child the option of building multiple items at once without having to take them apart. This set includes a hand screw, electric screwdriver (battery required) and wrench that will develop your child's problem solving skills while making them feel like a truly accomplished builder. This toy is great for groups as the number of pieces and tools means everyone will have a task to keep them busy when building as a team.

Main Features

  • Price: £25.99
  • Age: 4+
  • 552  pieces
  • 10 toy designs with instructions
  • 2 AA batteries required for electric screwdriver

Best Educational Toy

3. Learning Resources City Engineering And Design Building Set‍

Learning Resources City Engineering And Design Building Set.

This building toy from Learning Resources is perfect for a wide range of ages and a great way to engage your little builder in educational play. The 80 piece set includes an activity guide with 10 engineering activity cards and questions that will challenge your child and help to develop their critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Main Features

  • Price: £23.75
  • Age: 5 - 9
  • 80 pieces
  • 10 activity cards

Best For A Real Life Construction Experience

4. FabriKid Construction Kit

FabriKid Construction Kit.

This awesome kit from FabriKid is a great way to make your child feel like a bona fide builder while developing their fine motor skills. The kit includes wood-like material and tools to give your child the chance to hammer, nail and saw for real. This kit also includes building blueprints that will help develop your child's critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Main Features

  • Price:  £20
  • Age:  8+

Best For The Whole Family

5. LEGO 10698 Classic

LEGO 10698 Classic.

Although there are many new options on the market, it would not be right to make this list without including the age old favourite, Lego blocks. Including 790 Lego pieces in 33 colours, these building toys are a family favourite and sure to provide endless fun.  The set includes windows, doors, frames, wheels and much more. Your child will be able to build anything they can dream up and you'll definitely have fun building alongside them.

Main Features

  • Price: £57.46
  • Age: 4+
  • 790 pieces

Best For Creative Kids

6. Limmys Magnetic Building Blocks ‍

Limmys Magnetic Building Blocks.

This building set from Limmys includes 74 magnetic building blocks that are durable, colourful and can be made into a large range of 2D and 3D objects. The ideas booklet will guide your child in building a number of great structures and keep them busy and engaged while developing their critical thinking, creativity and mathematical skills.

Main Features

  • Price: £23.97
  • Age: 3+
  • 74 pieces of magnetic building blocks
  • Ideas booklet included

Best Ready-To-Go Construction Toy

7. Top Race 7 Channel Full Functional RC Excavator

Top Race 7 Channel Full Functional RC Excavator.

This life-like excavator comes ready to use and gives your child full control, moving in all directions and rotating 360 degrees. Its durable wheels make it capable of going off-road and its large scoop, coupled with sound effects and lights, will give your child the chance to really dig some dirt as they drive this toy around your garden.

Main Features

  • Price: £32.99
  • Age: 7+
  • Remote control and rechargeable battery included

Best For Younger Children

8. Learning Resources Design & Drill Center‍

Learning Resources Design & Drill Center.

This design and drill center gives children the opportunity to develop their fine motor skills by using the spanner and bolts to put together the included activity boards.  The kit includes four activity boards and 30 bolts which make life-like ratcheting sounds that will have your child feeling like a real builder.

Main Features

  • Price: £29.99
  • Age: 4+
  • Toy spanner and 30 bolts included
  • 3 AAA batteries required

Best For Families On A Budget

9. Vatos City Construction Excavator Set ‍

Vatos City Construction Excavator Set.

As far as building toys go, Vatos' City Construction Excavator is the real deal when it comes to life-like machines. Your child will feel like they are part of a real building project as they work to bring this building toy to life.  With 513 pieces, the set encourages team work, teaches your child critical thinking and gives them the confidence to complete any task they put their mind to.

Main Features

  • Price: £12.99
  • Age: 5+
  • 513 pieces
  • Instruction manual included

Best For Children Who Love Role Play

10. Tu Kids' Construction Worker Costume‍

Tu Kids' Construction Worker Costume.

This construction costume is a great option for the budget conscious parent who wants their child to really feel like  a builder. Fit with a hammer, saw, hard-hat and a high-vis vest, your child can let their imagination run wild as they help fix all the cracks and leaks they lay their eyes upon.

Main Features

  • Price: £13
  • Age: 4+

Best For Imaginative Play

11. CAT Construction Build Your Own Junior Crew Bulldozer

CAT Construction Build Your Own Junior Crew Bulldozer.

This toy is an affordable buy and includes everything your little one needs to design and make their very own Caterpillar CAT Bulldozer. The set includes a screwdriver to develop your child's fine-motor skills and make them feel the part as they make their own custom vehicle.  An action figure is also included so that once the Bulldozer is complete, your child can bring the construction site to life.  

Main Features

  • Price:  £12.99
  • Age: 4+

Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for construction toys and are looking for more ideas to keep your little one entertained, why not take a look at our favourite robot toys or our list of great coding books for kids?

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Written by Hannah Bowyer

Bachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies

Hannah Bowyer picture

Hannah BowyerBachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies

A fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping people find their best selves, Hannah is a qualified personal trainer who is currently training to be a yoga instructor. She is also knowledgeable about mindfulness and meditation. Hannah has lived and worked in many different countries across Asia and the Americas over the last four years, and loves to write about her travels. Her dynamic nature is reflected in her love for running, whether it's towards a plane or a personal best.

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