There are so many toys that can teach kids science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) skills without them even realizing they're learning. And while there's certainly a ton of STEAM-specific toys out there for kids — think: coding robots — anything that teaches kids these concepts can encourage learning, even if it doesn't say STEM or STEAM on the box.
From colorful art-based science kits to Lego sets that highlight engineering concepts and AR technology, keep scrolling to see some of the best new STEAM toys that have come out — or are about to — in 2020.
This National Geographic Earth Science Kit ($30) has over 15 science experiments and STEM activities for kids ages 8 and up.
Learning Resources's Botley 2.0 ($65) teaches kids the basics of coding through active play without needing a device.
Ideal for your artsy mini-me, the Crayola Paper Flower Science Lab Kit ($30) lets kids ages 7 and up go crazy by making their very own colorful creations.
The Lego Technic Catamaran ($40) has 404 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
The Lego Technic Dragster ($18) has 225 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 7 and up.
The Lego Hidden Side Haunted Fairground ($40) has 466 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
The Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Farm ($17) teaches kids 18 months and older sorting skills, colors, numbers, and fine motor skills.
This Ravensburger GraviTrax XXL Starter Set Marble Run ($130) is a STEAM toy aimed at kids ages 8 and up.
Kids 2 and up will get a kick out of copying their parents with the help from the LeapFrog Pick Up & Count Vacuum ($28). Available in both pink and green, little ones can pick up "dust pieces" that teach them to count.
The Lego Technic Stunt Show Truck and Bike ($50) has 610 pieces and is best suited for kids ages 8 and up.
The Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car ($18) includes a kid-friendly power drill, bolts, snap-together race car parts, pit crew figures, and reusable packaging.
The Lego Hidden Side The Lighthouse of Darkness ($45) has 540 pieces and is best suited to kids ages 8 and up.
The Crayola Liquid Science Lab Kit ($20), aimed at children 7 and up, comes with 15 ready-to-do experiments for the budding brainiac in your family.
The Educational Insights Circuit Explorer Mars Colony Deluxe Space Station ($60), available in October, includes working 3D circuit pieces that allow kids to build circuits safely while engaging in imaginative play.
Prepare to get down with Tomy Dancy Beatz ($70), an interactive dancing robot kids 6 and up are sure to obsess over. Complete with a free app, little ones can program Dancy Beatz to execute custom dance moves. Pretty neat, right? Look for it in stores in fall 2020.
Inspired by Robert Irwin, the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera ($60) helps kids to learn about the nature around them through trivia, photos, and facts.
This gorgeous Space Science Lab Kit ($20) gives kids 7 and older an up-close-and-personal look at the solar system and is part of Crayola's STEAM collection.