Empowering Young Minds: The Ultimate Review of the Top 8 Thames & Kosmos ‘Kids First’ STEM Playsets
Greetings! If you’re on the lookout for engaging and educational toys for your youngsters, you’ve come to the right place. In this review, we’ll explore a range of offerings from Thames & Kosmos, a reputable brand renowned for its cutting-edge STEM kits and educational resources. Tailored for preschoolers and kindergartners, these products serve as an ideal introduction to fundamental concepts in math, engineering, science, and even coding.
These types of educational toys have been around for quite some time, and for good reason. They offer a unique and interactive learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. By engaging in hands-on activities and experiments, children can develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. Plus, these toys provide a foundation for future learning in STEM fields, giving kids a head start in their educational journey.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each product and see what makes them stand out. Whether it’s the Kids First Math: Number Balance that introduces your child to basic math operations, the Kids First Amusement Park Engineer kit that allows them to build their own amusement park, or the Kids First Coding & Robotics set that teaches coding concepts without the need for an app, Thames & Kosmos has something for every young learner. So, without further ado, let’s explore these amazing products and watch your child’s curiosity and knowledge soar!
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math: Number Balance with Activity Cards is designed specifically to teach preschoolers, aged 3 to 5, basic math skills in an intuitive and visual way. It serves as an excellent educational tool for parents, homeschoolers, and professional educators alike.
We are impressed by the intuitive and engaging nature of this math playset. It provides a hands-on learning experience that actively involves young learners in the process of understanding numbers and basic math operations. The interactive balance scale and accompanying activity cards make learning math a fun and enjoyable experience for children.
The Number Balance playset is a classic math teaching tool that utilizes a T-shaped balance scale to teach elementary math skills. Children learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, as well as fundamental operators such as greater than and less than. By placing the weights on the balance scale, they can visually see the numerical value and learn to balance the scale by manipulating the weights.
This playset not only focuses on math skills but also helps develop fine motor skills, mechanical engineering skills, visual-spatial skills, reasoning, and concept development. It includes clear and engaging teaching materials that are suitable for both parents and educators. Additionally, users can download bonus worksheets and find challenges suitable for every child’s level of development.
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math: Number Balance with Activity Cards is a high-quality educational toy. The balance scale is sturdy and durable, ensuring it can withstand the demands of little hands. The accompanying activity cards are well-designed, providing clear instructions and visual aids to enhance the learning process.
- Intuitive and engaging way to teach basic math skills
- Hands-on learning experience enhances the understanding of numbers and operations
- Develops various skills, including fine motor, mechanical engineering, and visual-spatial skills
- Clear and simple teaching materials suitable for parents, homeschoolers, and educators
- Bonus worksheets and challenges available for customization
- Limited to basic math skills, may not provide enough challenge for older children in the targeted age range
- Additional materials, such as counters or objects, may be required for some activities
Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit
The Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit is designed to introduce preschoolers to the world of engineering through a fun and engaging story. It provides young children with the opportunity to build and experiment with models of various amusement park rides. This kit is suitable for children aged 3 and above.
We are impressed with the Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit for several reasons. Firstly, it features a captivating story about two young engineers, Ty and Karlie Omega, which adds an element of adventure to the learning experience. The story helps to engage children and spark their curiosity about engineering concepts from a young age.
Furthermore, the colorful plastic building pieces included in this kit are specifically designed to be easy for small hands to manipulate. This allows preschoolers to assemble the models with minimal frustration and promotes the development of fine motor skills.
The main purpose of the Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit is to introduce young children to basic engineering principles through hands-on play and experimentation. The kit includes 20 different structures and machines that children can build and explore as they follow along with the story.
Key features of this kit include the inclusion of a storybook that guides children through the building process, large and colorful building pieces suitable for preschoolers, and the opportunity to develop STEM skills, fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, and reasoning skills.
The Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit is of excellent quality. The plastic building pieces are durable and designed to withstand the rigors of play. The storybook is well-written and engaging, capturing the attention of young children throughout the learning experience.
The inclusion of detailed instructions and diagrams ensures that children can successfully assemble the models and understand the scientific principles behind each one. Overall, this kit provides a high-quality learning experience that is both educational and entertaining.
Pros:
- Engaging storybook format
- Colorful and durable building pieces
- Development of various skills including STEM skills, fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, and reasoning skills
Cons:
- May require adult supervision for younger children
- Some children may need assistance with assembling the more complex models
The Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer STEM Kit is an exceptional educational toy for preschoolers. It effectively introduces young children to the world of engineering through a fun and interactive story while developing a range of important skills. With its high-quality components and engaging learning experience, this kit is sure to empower young minds.
Thames & Kosmos Children’s First Car Engineer Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit is designed to introduce preschoolers and kindergartners to the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This playset aims to develop fine motor skills and spark a love for engineering at an early age.
We love the Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit because it seamlessly combines learning and play. By providing a full-color illustrated storybook alongside the building pieces, this playset engages young minds and encourages them to actively participate in the story. It captivates their attention and makes learning enjoyable.
The Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit comes with large, colorful plastic building pieces that are perfect for small hands. The 32-page full-color illustrated storybook follows the adventures of Karlie and Ty Omega as they build models of different vehicles they encounter on their hilarious trip to the supermarket with their dad. As children follow along with the story, they can construct models of the 10 vehicles mentioned, including a bicycle, school bus, and bulldozer.
This STEM playset not only introduces young children to basic engineering principles but also helps to improve their fine motor skills. The building process requires them to carefully assemble the pieces, strengthening their hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
Thames & Kosmos consistently deliver high-quality STEM playsets, and the Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit is no exception. The plastic building pieces are sturdy and durable, ensuring that they can withstand the enthusiastic play of young children.
The 32-page illustrated storybook is beautifully designed, enticing children to engage with the narrative while learning about engineering concepts. The combination of a well-crafted story and hands-on building activities is what sets this playset apart.
- Engaging storybook format
- Large, colorful building pieces suitable for small hands
- Develops fine motor skills
- Introduction to basic engineering principles
- Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner
- Some pieces may be challenging for children under 3 years old to assemble independently
- Limited vehicle models included in the playset
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit is an excellent STEM playset for preschoolers and kindergartners. Its engaging storybook format, durable building pieces, and focus on fine motor skill development make it a top choice for parents and educators looking to empower young minds through play.
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer playset is designed to introduce preschoolers and kindergartners to the world of engineering. It encourages young children to use their imagination, develop fine motor skills, and learn basic engineering concepts through play.
We highly recommend the Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer playset for its engaging and educational features. This innovative STEM toy combines a captivating storybook with hands-on building activities, making it an ideal choice for parents who want to foster their child’s love for learning in a fun and interactive way.
The Kids First Aircraft Engineer playset includes a 32-page full-color illustrated storybook, which follows the adventures of Karlie and Ty Omega, two curious children who embark on a family vacation filled with aircraft discoveries. As children read the story, they can also assemble models of the 10 vehicles featured in the book.
The playset comes with large, colorful plastic building pieces that are specifically designed for small hands, ensuring that even the youngest engineers can easily construct their creations. This playset introduces children to various engineering concepts, such as pulleys, wheels, and inclined planes, while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Thames & Kosmos is renowned for producing high-quality STEM playsets, and the Kids First Aircraft Engineer is no exception. The durable plastic pieces are well-made and designed to withstand the rough handling of young children. The storybook is beautifully illustrated and engaging, capturing the attention of young readers.
- Engaging storybook component
- Promotes fine motor skills development
- Introduces basic engineering concepts
- Durable and well-made plastic building pieces
- Encourages creativity and imagination
- Limited number of models to construct
- Some children may require adult assistance with building
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer playset is a top-notch STEM toy that empowers young minds. With its captivating storybook and hands-on building activities, this playset effectively combines education and play, making it a valuable addition to any preschooler’s toy collection.
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is designed to introduce young learners to the world of engineering and problem-solving through hands-on play. With this kit, children can build 10 different non-motorized boat models while following along with a fun and engaging storybook manual.
We love the combination of storytelling and STEM learning that this kit provides. The storybook manual guides children through the process of building each boat model, making it an interactive and educational experience. The large, colorful plastic building pieces are perfect for little hands, making it easy for young learners to assemble the models on their own.
The purpose of the Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is to ignite young minds and foster their interest in STEM subjects. By engaging in hands-on building and play, children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of basic engineering principles. The key features of this kit include:
- Build 10 different non-motorized boat models
- Play and learn through a storybook manual
- Large, colorful plastic building pieces
- Models that really float
- Highly reusable kit with parts that combine in a multitude of ways
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is of exceptional quality. The large, colorful building pieces are durable and well-designed, ensuring that they can withstand repeated use by young children. The storybook manual is engaging, entertaining, and provides clear instructions for each boat model. The attention to detail in both the construction of the models and the storytelling aspects of the kit make it an outstanding choice for young learners.
Pros:
- Combines storytelling and STEM learning
- Encourages hands-on play and problem-solving
- Easy-to-use building pieces for small hands
- Highly reusable with versatile parts
- Models that actually float
Cons:
- Limited to boat models only (may not appeal to all interests)
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is an excellent choice for parents and educators looking to empower young minds through engaging and educational play.
Thames & Kosmos Robot Engineer Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is designed for young learners, specifically preschoolers. It provides an interactive and engaging experience that combines building and storytelling, allowing children to explore the world of robotics and learn about simple machines and gear trains.
We are impressed with the innovative approach that Thames & Kosmos has taken with this STEM playset. By integrating a captivating storybook manual, children are not only building robots but also following along with an exciting adventure. This unique combination of play and learning keeps kids entertained while fostering their curiosity and developing important STEM skills.
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer STEM Experiment Kit allows young learners to build up to 10 non-motorized robots. Through the storybook manual, children join two inquisitive kids on a journey to an automated candy factory. As they construct and fix the robots featured in the story, children learn about simple machines, gear trains, and the fundamentals of engineering.
This playset features large, colorful plastic building pieces specifically designed for small hands. The models are easy to assemble, allowing children to experience the joy of building and creating their own robots. The kit’s high reusability and the ability to combine parts in a multitude of ways ensure that children can continue to explore and experiment with different robot configurations long after they have completed the story.
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer STEM Experiment Kit maintains the high quality that Thames & Kosmos is known for. The durable plastic building pieces are sturdy and designed to withstand the demands of young learners. The storybook manual is well-written and engaging, providing clear instructions and an entertaining storyline that keeps children actively involved in the learning process.
Pros:
- Offers an interactive and engaging learning experience
- Combines building, storytelling, and STEM education
- Develops fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities
- Encourages creativity and imagination
- Sturdy and durable building pieces
Cons:
- Some children may require adult assistance with more complex models
- Requires additional batteries for moving parts in some models
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer STEM Experiment Kit is an outstanding playset for young learners. It combines the excitement of building robots with an engaging storyline, allowing children to learn about simple machines and gear trains while having fun. With its high reusability and durable construction, this playset is sure to empower young minds and ignite a passion for STEM education.
Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit for Preschoolers and Young Learners Ages 3+ is designed to introduce young children to the world of science and spark their curiosity through hands-on experiments and activities. This playset is perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to provide a fun and educational experience for their little ones.
We were impressed by the way this playset combines learning and play in such an engaging way. It provides a safe and age-appropriate introduction to science, allowing young children to explore and experiment at their own pace. The colorful and durable plastic tools included in the kit are designed to withstand the rough play of young children, ensuring that they can enjoy the playset for a long time.
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit aims to introduce preschoolers and young learners to the fundamentals of science. It includes a variety of experiments and activities that teach children about colors, shapes, textures, and more. Some key features of this playset include:
- A wide range of experiments: The kit includes everything needed to conduct 24 different science experiments, providing children with a diverse and interactive learning experience.
- Colorful and durable tools: The playset comes with high-quality plastic tools that are designed to be safe for young children and able to withstand rough play.
- Easy-to-follow instructions: The kit includes detailed instructions for each experiment, making it easy for both children and adults to understand and complete the activities.
The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit is a high-quality playset that offers a valuable learning experience for young children. The materials used are durable and safe, ensuring that the playset can withstand repeated use. The experiments and activities are well-designed and engaging, providing an interactive learning experience for children.
- Pros:
- Introduces young children to science in a fun and interactive way.
- Includes a wide range of experiments and activities.
- The colorful and durable tools can withstand rough play.
- Easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for children and adults.
- Cons:
- The playset is designed for children aged 3 and above, limiting its use for younger children.
Kids’ Beginner Coding and Robotics Kit
The Kids First Coding & Robotics playset by Thames & Kosmos is primarily designed as an early introduction to the fundamentals of coding and robotics for children in grades K-2. It serves as a hands-on learning experience that allows young minds to explore sequences, loops, functions, conditions, events, algorithms, and variables in a fun and interactive way.
We like the Kids First Coding & Robotics playset because it offers an unplugged learning experience. Unlike many other coding products on the market, this playset does not require any software, apps, or smart devices. Instead, it encourages children to use their creativity and problem-solving skills through physical model building and coding exercises.
The Kids First Coding & Robotics playset aims to introduce young learners to the world of coding and robotics by engaging them in a series of model-building and coding lessons. The playset includes a 64-page, full-color experiment manual that provides clear explanations and guides children through the coding lessons.
One of the standout features of this playset is its story-based approach. It includes six different storylines, each with a unique set of challenges. For example, children may guide a mouse through a maze to find cheese or help a soccer player move a ball into the goal. These stories make the learning experience more engaging and provide context for the coding and model-building activities.
The Kids First Coding & Robotics playset is of excellent quality. The materials used are durable and designed to withstand the enthusiastic exploration of young learners. The experiment manual is well-written and easy to understand, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations.
- No need for software, apps, or smart devices
- Engaging story-based approach
- Clear explanations and guidance in the experiment manual
- Encourages creativity and problem-solving skills
- Limited to grades K-2, may not challenge older children
Specification Comparison
| Product Name | Age Range | Skills Developed | Award |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math: Number Balance with Activity Cards for Preschoolers Ages 3 to 5 | 3-5 years | Basic math, fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, reasoning and concept development skills | None |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer | 3+ years | STEM skills, fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, reasoning skills | Parents’ Choice Gold Award |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit | 3+ years | Fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills | Parents’ Choice Gold Award |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer | 3+ years | Fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills | Parents’ Choice Gold Award |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer STEM Experiment Kit for Young Learners | 3+ years | Fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, curiosity | Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer STEM Experiment Kit for Young Learners | 3+ years | Fine motor skills, visual-spatial skills, learning about simple machines and gear trains | Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory STEM Experiment Kit for Preschoolers, Young Learners Ages 3+ | 3+ years | Hands-on learning, scientific tools | None |
| Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics | K-2 grades | Introduction to coding and robotics, visual-spatial skills, problem-solving skills | Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner |
Note: “None” represents no specific award mentioned for that product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Thames & Kosmos Kids First series offers a wide range of educational toys and kits designed to support early learning and STEM concepts. Each product is specifically tailored for preschoolers and kindergartners aged 3 and above.
Summary of Products
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math: Number Balance: A visual and intuitive method for young children to learn basic math concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Amusement Park Engineer: A STEM kit that allows children to build their own amusement park, fostering creativity and early engineering skills.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Automobile Engineer Kit: This kit includes a full-color illustrated storybook and offers children the opportunity to develop fine motor skills while building different vehicles.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer: Similar to the previous kit, this STEM experiment kit focuses on building aircraft and developing fine motor skills.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Boat Engineer: With 10 non-motorized models and a storybook manual, this kit promotes hands-on learning about engineering principles related to boats.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer: This kit allows young learners to build 10 non-motorized robots while engaging with a storybook manual.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Science Laboratory: Designed for preschoolers, this kit provides a hands-on learning experience with durable and colorful scientific tools.
- Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics: Geared towards grades K-2, this kit helps children explore and understand coding concepts without the need for an app.
Drawbacks
However, it is worth noting that some of the kits may require adult supervision and assistance, especially for younger children. Additionally, there may be a need for additional materials not included in the kits, depending on the specific activities being performed.
Recommendation
For parents or educators looking to introduce early STEM concepts and encourage hands-on learning, the Thames & Kosmos Kids First series is highly recommended. The kits offer engaging and educational activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Specifically, the Thames & Kosmos Kids First Math: Number Balance is ideal for preschoolers who are just starting to explore basic math concepts. The Thames & Kosmos Kids First Robot Engineer and Kids First Coding & Robotics kits are recommended for slightly older children who are ready to dive into more complex STEM concepts.
Overall, these products provide a strong foundation for children aged 3 and above to develop essential skills while having fun.
