There really isn’t too much better than building things for yourself. For me as a child, it was building houses and cars with Legos. I never had the opportunity back then to work with wood building kits like the ones featured here. And as an adult, I’m actually debating buying one for myself (for those interested, I think the Leonardo Da Vinci Catapult Kit is beautiful!).
Check out these wood building kits for kids! We really don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but for children, we particularly like the first two and anything made by Wood Worx.
Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit
Recommended Ages: 8 years or older
8 years is the recommended minimum age but builders that young may still need parental supervision.
The catapult itself is a solid design (yet not perfect which can lead to engineering discussions) that can launch objects for at least 20 feet.
Mechanical Gears Tower Coaster
Recommended Ages: 14 years or older
14 years is the recommended minimum age, but younger builders can complete this project. It just make take more patience and persistence. Also, parental supervision and guidance would be helpful.
Marble runs are fairly popular, but this is one that really puts a kid’s (or even an adult’s) construction skills to the test. The construction is sturdy enough that you can enjoy the “play” aspect long after the building portion is completed.
Note that this is a build-it-once modeling kit. It is unlikely you would be able to deconstruct in a way that will enable it to be built again.
Medieval Catapult Wooden Kit
Recommended Ages: 10 year or older
The catapult kit comes ready to build with all the required pieces.
It’s a fun build and can launch small objects at least 20 feet in the air.
Also, a solid build that can last through much-repeated use.
Wooden Solar Car Model Kit
Recommended Ages: 8 years or older
The kit comes with everything a kid needs to build a solar car:
- pre-cut wooden boards
- solar panel
- motor
- metal axles
- screwdriver
- bushing blocks
- rubber band
- six screws
- paint
It’s never too early to introduce kids to different types of energy sources, in this case solar (sun) power. Just keep in mind that it is only powered through the sun, so no batteries that would allow it to be used indoors.
Toysmith Build and Paint a Birdhouse
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older
As an art project, this can be fun for kids to decorate and hang outside.
As a wood building kit, it is too easy to build to really be considered a kit. The pieces easily and quickly snap together.
Carnival Swing Ride Solar-Powered Wood Kit
Recommended Ages: 7 years or older
Note: No longer offered for retail purchase (as of 5/9/2020)
A solar module powers the carousel when the sun hits it.
Illustrated instructions guide kids and parents through the building process.
Wood WorX T-Rex Kit
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older (one parent described 8-9 years as the “I can do it” range”)
Note: No longer offered for retail purchase (as of 5/9/2020)
Good quality parts and clear instructions. Easy for most 8-9-year-olds to complete by themselves.
The only complaint tends to be about the sturdiness of the legs (included glue just doesn’t cut it in most cases).
Note: You can read more about Wood WorX on our site here
Wood WorX Jet Fighter Kit
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older
Note: No longer offered for retail purchase (as of 5/9/2020)
Like other Wood WorX kits, this one makes for a great beginning model for kids who are able to quickly understand instructions but may not have the fine motor skills to manipulate small pieces.
Completion time on this building kit is around 60-90 minutes, including painting and stickers.
Wood WorX Track Car Kit
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older
Note: No longer offered for retail purchase (as of 5/9/2020)
The track car kit is much like the other Wood WorX sets listed on this page: easy to construct, great introduction to wood kits, and inferior glue (so, plan to use your own in many cases).
Vermont Farmhouse Jr. Dollhouse Kit
Recommended Ages: 10 years or older
Builders use 25 pieces to construct a 2.5 feet high dollhouse.
The instructions leave much to be desired, but the wood quality does not. Kids will be able to repeatedly play with the house once constructed.
Made by Me Build & Paint Your Own Wooden Cars
Parts are of good quality for the price.
The car’s wheels will roll, but not turn. Still, they do provide some play value once built…
But, most of the fun is in the initial creating and decorating.