Construction sets allow for lots of open-ended play, but some kids need more direction than others. Once kids build what’s on the box, they may not be inclined to disassemble and build whatever they can imagine. But, what if you weren’t limited to building just what was on the box? K’NEX’s 52 Model Building Set gives kids enough pieces and easy instructions to build all sorts of different things, from animals and insects to vehicles and skyscrapers.
Designed for kids ages 7 and up, this set includes more than 600 different K’NEX pieces so kids can build 52 different models. Everything stores in the plastic storage tub, and there’s even enough room in the tub for kids to store some of their constructions, or maybe take a break from building in the middle of a project, store it for safe keeping, and come back later to finish.
The set has pieces, rods, connectors, hubs—you name it. Each piece is a different color, and the instructions are completely color coordinated, so kids will be able to find the pieces they need with ease. The instructions feature lots of illustrations—so even if kids have trouble reading, they will have no problem assembling all 52 of the projects included. The included booklet features instructions for 11 different models, and kids can download the remaining 41 from knex.com/instructions and enter code 13465. There are enough pieces to build multiple creations at once, and the models all range in difficulty. It took me about 10 minutes to assemble the butterfly, and about 30 minutes to assemble the dinosaur (both of which now look beautiful on my desk, BTW). The structures are sturdy—kids can easily play with the models once they are built without worrying about pieces falling off or breaking—thanks to K’NEX’s snap-fit design.
The instruction booklet features a checklist at the front with all of the models kids can build. Parents can use the set as a weekly treat or challenge, allowing kids to choose one model to build every week. Or, kids can see how many they complete in a single weekend, and parents can snap some photos along the way.
Now, for kids who don’t need so much direction, they can of course let their imaginations run wild and build anything they want with all of these awesome K’NEX pieces. They can even fuse elements of multiple models, like add butterfly wings to the dinosaur and a unicorn horn to make a new mythical creature (just spit-balling, you know).
With hours of fun, let’s not forget that K’NEX sets like this also teach kids the basics of engineering, an important element of STEM, stealthily sparking an interest in science kids won’t even know is there! With bright primary colors, any kid can enjoy this set easily—so don’t assume a lack of glitter means girls can’t have fun building (said the 24-year-old lover of all things princess!). Windmills, steamrollers, sea monsters—oh my! This set takes kids on a guided tour of their imagination, providing them with the inspiration they need to build their way to success.
See all the set has to offer:
