Finding the best building games for kids 8-12 suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.

Best building games for kids 8-12

Product Features Editor's score Go to site
Engino Discovering Stem: Levers, Linkages & Structures Building Kit Engino Discovering Stem: Levers, Linkages & Structures Building Kit
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IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Top Blocks Game Kit IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Top Blocks Game Kit
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SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits Games & Gadgets Electronics Lab SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits Games & Gadgets Electronics Lab
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Marble Genius Marble Run Super Set - 150 Complete Pieces + Free Instruction App & Full Color Instruction Manual Marble Genius Marble Run Super Set - 150 Complete Pieces + Free Instruction App & Full Color Instruction Manual
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ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy and Building Game for Boys and Girls Age 6 and Up  TOTY Game of the Year Finalist ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy and Building Game for Boys and Girls Age 6 and Up TOTY Game of the Year Finalist
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Think Gizmos Build Your Own Robot Toys for Kids  Ingenious Machines Remote Control Robot Building Kit  (Crane, Forklift, Bulldozer & Truck) Think Gizmos Build Your Own Robot Toys for Kids Ingenious Machines Remote Control Robot Building Kit (Crane, Forklift, Bulldozer & Truck)
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Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game
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BIRANCO. RC Race Car Toys - Racer Building Blocks Kit for Kids Age 6yr-14yr, STEM Learning, Construction Vehicle Set Toys for 7, 8, 9 and 12 Year Old Boys | Best Xmas Gifts BIRANCO. RC Race Car Toys - Racer Building Blocks Kit for Kids Age 6yr-14yr, STEM Learning, Construction Vehicle Set Toys for 7, 8, 9 and 12 Year Old Boys | Best Xmas Gifts
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Magnetic Building Blocks Toys Set - Tiles Block Toy Kit for Kids - STEM Educational Construction Stacking Shapes - Ferris Wheel and Vehicle Set - 74 pieces Magnetic Building Blocks Toys Set - Tiles Block Toy Kit for Kids - STEM Educational Construction Stacking Shapes - Ferris Wheel and Vehicle Set - 74 pieces
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Engino Discovering STEM Newton's Laws Inertia, Momentum, Kinetic & Potential Energy Construction Kit, Orange/Grey Engino Discovering STEM Newton's Laws Inertia, Momentum, Kinetic & Potential Energy Construction Kit, Orange/Grey
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1. Engino Discovering Stem: Levers, Linkages & Structures Building Kit

Feature

BRING COMPLEX CONCEPTS into clear focus for budding engineers and Scientists with award winning components and step by step illustrated assembly instructions
DISCOVER how levers can be used for increasing an applied force or changing the direction of motion and how they integrate with structures
BUILD 16 working models such as a seesaw, a movable weight scale, a wheelbarrow, a parking gate, a toy with moving figures, a panto-graph and two types of linkages and 8 structures
14 PAGES of THEORY and facts, a 4 page quiz, 7 pages of experimental activities illustrating uses of levers and linkages
MODELS ILLUSTRATED online at Engino' s website or using the Engino 3D app downloadable free for Android or Apple iOS.
MADE in CYPRUS for ages 8+

Description

Engino for ages 8 and up. Engino - mechanics - levers, linkages & structures - brings complex designs into simple focus with 13 pages of clear, 3-D rendered, instructions with more models illustrated online at Engino' s website or using the Engino 3D app downloadable free for Android or Apple iOS. The manual also includes 14 pages of theory and facts, a 4 page quiz, 7 pages of experimental activities illustrating uses of levers and linkages. Learn how levers can be used for increasing an applied force or changing the direction of motion. Find out how you can create models with complex motion by connecting many levers together and learn how these linkages can be applied to various machines. Build 16 working models such as a seesaw, a movable weight scale, a wheelbarrow, a parking gate, a toy with moving figures, a pantograph and two types of linkages and 8 structure models. or add some imagination and make something new. - the Engino building system was invented by Costas Sisamos, a former teacher and engineer for the purpose of helping students build technological models creatively and easily to experiment and learn about science and technology in a way that includes all the benefits of play. Research grants from local and e.U. Sources helped transition the three year research project into an innovative product. Since then Engino has developed more snap-fit components such as gears, pulleys, motors, and solar panels. The major advantage of the Engino system is that it's design flexibility enables children to build simple or complex models quickly using a small number of components.

2. IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Top Blocks Game Kit

Feature

EMPOWER YOUR CHILD WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED FOR A BRIGHT AND SUCCESSFUL FUTURE IQ BUILDER has created a brand new and unique set of educational toys with a strong emphasis on STEM LEARNING to help children build a solid foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our toys are designed to flex mental muscles and put the cognitive parts of the brain to work promoting development of critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills!
IQ BUILDER 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE We stand behind all our products at IQ BUILDER and offer a 30 day no question asked 100% money back guarantee on our products. Avoid potentially dangerous fakes and cheap imitation knockoffs of IQ BUILDER products by purchasing only from our authorized seller feelgoodlife. Other sellers may not be as concerned about your safety as we are!
RECOMMENDED BY EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS FOR BOTH THE HOME AND CLASSROOM IQ BUILDER was inspired by a group of teachers and our toys have been applied in classrooms to assist in demonstrating concepts of geometry, physics and mathematics to students ranging from elementary school children to adults attending graduate degree programs. It is a fun and productive gift for anyone - child or adult - that has shown an interest in math, science, construction and/or engineering!
THREE INSTRUCTIONAL EBOOKS INCLUDED FOR BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED BUILDING Toy sets made by IQ BUILDER can assemble nearly any geometrical configuration you can imagine from small simple shapes and patterns to large complex models and structures. We have included three eBooks so anyone can play no matter their skill level. Each ball has 26 connecting points and our set comes with four different length connector pieces allowing for great flexibility in design and creativity!
SAFE TO PLAY WITH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND STORE AWAY Safety is our number one concern at IQ BUILDER, so we had our toy sets and even the storage container that our toy sets come in thoroughly and independently tested by a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved lab in the USA and found to be LEAD-FREE, BPA-FREE and PTHALATE-FREE. Our toys are washable with just a rinse of warm water and our storage container makes it easy and painless to put the toys away when not in use!

Description

IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Blocks Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old + | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Activity Game

3. SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits Games & Gadgets Electronics Lab

Feature

Build unlimited electronic games and gadgets
Learn about electronic engineering using the modular system and microprocessor
Includes 6 base boards, battery module, variable resistor module, microprocessor module, tricolor LED module, speaker module, photodiode module, tilt switch module, 6-LED array module, 2 push button modules, 31 jumper wires, 48-page book. Batteries not included.
STEM Focus: Electronics
For ages 8 and up

Description

Explore unlimited electronic projects to create working games and gadgets. Complete the circuit to make a quiz show game, an electronic drum kit, a motion-sensing room alarm, and much more using 10 smart modules and the powerful microprocessor module. Learn about electrical engineering as you play with the multi-dimensional base board and REAL electronic components. The 48-page lab book includes step-by-step instructions for building 50 sophisticated circuit builds that teach kids about electronics, light, and sound, plus endless options to build custom creations!.

4. Marble Genius Marble Run Super Set - 150 Complete Pieces + Free Instruction App & Full Color Instruction Manual

Feature

85 complete see-through Marble Run pieces in 19 distinct styles allow you to see all the action (we don't count pieces like everyone else - these are actual complete pieces and not parts that have to be added together! See comparison in Product Description.)
Solid plastic pieces that stick together and are easy for kids to play with
8 solid bases including 3 large bases to ensure maximum stability (large base designs vary slightly per included pieces image)
Free Marble Genius Instruction App with purchase that includes 9 step-by-step guides, fun challenges, and regularly updated content (iOS or Android)
Compatible with Marbulous Marble Run Toys including our Marble Genius Marble Run Starter Set (60 pc.), Extreme Set (125 pc.), Booster Set (20 pc.), & 9 Accessory Sets. Standard Toy Size Marbles (5/8 inch or smaller) work with this set (15 Glass Marbles Included)

Description

This vibrant Marble Run comes with 85 complete translucent pieces that allow you to see the marble action from top to bottom as the 15 glass marbles make their way down the set. The solid plastic pieces allow for easy use by young kids and adults. Marble Runs allow for almost infinite possibilities for assembly from the very simple to the extremely complex. This Marble Run Super Set is the perfect way to allow you to start discovering the endless possibilities and excitement that comes from designing a run and watching the marbles make their way down the set.

5. ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy and Building Game for Boys and Girls Age 6 and Up TOTY Game of the Year Finalist

Feature

WHAT YOU GET - Roller Coaster Challenge is 50% logic game, 50% roller coaster building set, and 100% awesome and educational. A fun STEM toy for boys and girls that includes a game board, 36 posts, 39 tracks, one roller coaster car and forty mind challenging cards with solutions.
CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS - Easy to learn with a clear, high quality instruction manual. You can start playing immediately!
DEVELOPS CRITICAL SKILLS - Playing through the challenges builds reasoning and planning skills and provides a great stealth learning experience for young players.
COMES WITH MULTI-LEVEL CHALLENGES - Roller Coaster Challenge comes with 40 beginner to expert challenges that become increasingly difficult as you play through them.
AWARD WINNER - Oppenheim Platinum Award Winner, and finalist for TOTY Game of the Year in 2018.

Description

Roller Coaster Challenge is one of ThinkFun's most popular stem toys for boys and girls, and was a Toy of the Year Award Finalist in 2018. It's a logic game and roller coaster building set that comes with 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, from beginner to expert, and is one of the best gifts you can buy for kids who like smart games and a challenge. Roller Coaster Challenge is made with high quality components, and comes with a very clear and easy to understand instruction manual - you'll be able to play within minutes of opening the box. Like all of ThinkFun's games, Roller Coaster Challenge is built to develop critical thinking skills. Playing through the increasingly difficult challenges will improve logical reasoning, spatial reasoning and planning skills, all through fun gameplay.

6. Think Gizmos Build Your Own Robot Toys for Kids Ingenious Machines Remote Control Robot Building Kit (Crane, Forklift, Bulldozer & Truck)

Feature

This Construction Crew Vehicle Building Kit includes a massive 240 pieces that can be used to build 4 different construction vehicles. These include a crane, Forklift Truck, Bulldozer and Dump Truck. One of the best toys for boys aged 6, 7, 8, 9.
This kids robotic kit included manual has easy to follow visual steps for making each different robotic vehicle and will keep children entertained for hours as they build, take apart and drive round their creations.
Not only will they look cool once built, the Construction Crew Vehicles can also be driven like a real RC Toy with the included motors and remote control bringing the vehicles to life. Kids love it as they see their creation come to life!
Once each model has been built and mastered that's where the real fun begins as children start to use the included pieces to create their own awesome robotic vehicles, the possibilities are endless.
As well as providing hours of fun and enjoyment the Ingenious Machines Construction Crew Kit can also help with improving skills. Such as improving hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, dexterity and problem solving making this one of the best toys for boys.

7. Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game

Feature

Build your video games with a mix of physical and digital tools that include designs to help get you started creating your first game
The Toy Insider STEM 10 winner. Get into the game -- hands-on video game development -- with Bloxels video game creation platform
The Bloxels Builder app is free to download to your compatible device (not included)
Create game rooms, characters and game art using the 13" x 13" Gameboard and 320 blocks in eight different colors
When creating game rooms, each color in your design represents a different element, like green for terrain, blue for water or red for a hazard. When working on art, the color blocks represent the pixel art

Description

Build your own video games with Bloxels! The innovative video game creation platform makes concepting and execution easy. Watch your game world come to life as you create and animate play spaces, characters and objects because you are the artist, game designer, storyteller, programmer, publisher AND player! The physical pieces in the Bloxels game set work with the free Bloxels Builder app to digitize your creations, put them on-screen and make them playable. Just download the FREE Bloxels Builder app to your smart device (not included) to get started. Then use the 13 x 13 Gameboard and colored blocks to design a room, create the art for game elements and bring your heroes and villains to life. When creating game rooms, each color in your design represents a different element, like terrain, water or a hazard. When working on art, the blocks represent the pixelated image. There are eight different colors and 320 blocks for lots of endless possibilities. Once you have finished adding blocks, snap a picture with the "in-app camera" to digitize your creation. Go from blocks to "bloxels" instantly! On-screen test your game, edit layouts and change the colors of your art assets. The process of building the game is easy to follow, with instructions and tutorials to help beginners. From creating the map of your game to animating your characters to adding power-ups to full-on playing, you make the decisions and produce the work. When your game is ready for the world to play, post it to the Bloxels Infinity Wall to share. Fellow 13-bit builders can play your game and buy your creations to use in their own games, earning you coins. Coins you earn can be used to buy content from other players to remix within your game in new and creative ways. How will your game evolve? How will it start? What story will you tell? Get ready to get in the game -- video game development -- with Bloxels. Includes Gameboard, 320 blocks, challenge poster and instruction manual; the Bloxels Builder app is downloadable for free. For a list of the latest supported devices, please visit www.BloxelsBuilder.com. Colors and decorations may vary.

8. BIRANCO. RC Race Car Toys - Racer Building Blocks Kit for Kids Age 6yr-14yr, STEM Learning, Construction Vehicle Set Toys for 7, 8, 9 and 12 Year Old Boys | Best Xmas Gifts

Feature

BUILD YOUR OWN RACER TOYS: An easy-to-follow manual comes with this 194 pieces of blocks. It allows kids to build a racer model follows the manual or creates new models according to their imagination. It can help kids learn collaboration and teamwork.
GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR ANY OCCASION: such as Prize, New Year's Day, Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day, Patrick's Day, Easter, Flag Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Chanukkah, STEM, Summer Camp Activities, Back To School.
EASY USB CHARGING - The vehicle is powered by rechargeable lithium 3.7V battery pack, and the controller requires 2 "AA" batteries(Not included). The driving time is approximately 30 minutes on a full charge(about 30mins).
EASY TO USE: Full function of forward/reverse/left/right and stop. RC RACER make it easy to control even a 5 years kid. Especially for kids age 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and up. It is a perfect toy to encourage learning of mechanics and engineering in young children.
THIS TOY CAR TAKES CARE FOR THE SAFETY OF KIDS: Using ABS environmental protection material, safe and non - toxic, streamlined body design, fine workmanship, the entire car has no scratch risk.

Description

Low-profile tires with wide rims for the ultimate grip! The remote-controlled RC Racer drives forward or backward, left or right at breakneck speed. Check out the dark-gray and black color scheme with flame stickers. Your kids will get much more racing fun time. Great gift idea for any occasion.

Why choose RC building blocks?

    RC building toys do better to improve kid's comprehensive abilities than other building blocks.
  • INGENUITY: Improve children's hands-on ability
  • CREATIVITY: Improve children's 3D thinking and creativity
  • PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION: Assemble with parent or friends together

What in the box?

  • 194 Building Blocks
  • 1 Universally compatible chassis
  • 4 Tires with wide rims
  • 1 Remote Controller requires 2 "AA" batteries(Not included)
  • 1 Rechargeable lithium battery
  • 1 USB cable for charging
  • 1 Building instructions book
  • 1 Page of decorative stickers
  • 1 Brick separator

SMALL TIPS

When you're going to build the racer. Please charge the re-chargable Battery first. Then it can be powerful enough to play for 30mins.

Easy USB charging puts you back on the road faster.

  • Charge Time: about 30mins
  • Play Time: about 30 mins

Turn off when not in use.

When you finish building. You will find there are extra small parts left. Please don't throw them. You can save them in a box. Then you can maintain your racer in case that some of them break future.

WARRANTY

30 DAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: Any questions will get our reply within 24 hours. Recommended age 6 years and up.

9. Magnetic Building Blocks Toys Set - Tiles Block Toy Kit for Kids - STEM Educational Construction Stacking Shapes - Ferris Wheel and Vehicle Set - 74 pieces

Feature

Great Value for Money : 74 pieces includes 24 squares, 12 triangles, 2 hexagon , 26 alphabet cards and additional 2 wheels set and 8 Ferris Wheel components. With this combination of components, kids will be well equipped to build any thing they can imagine.
STRICTEST STANDARDS : Manufactured in accordance to ASTM and CE standards and tested in CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) accredited laboratory to ensure material safety. Ultrasonic welding is used to encapsulate the magnets firmly in the plastic casing. High quality ABS plastic is chosen as the material.
COMPATIBLE STANDARD SIZE : This is of a compatible size and shape with many magnetic building toy out there in the market.
SMART PLAYING with IDEA MANUAL : It is found that kids learn the most while playing. This STEM toy set allows children to explore the world of geometry and foster kids' cognitive development, inventiveness , visualisation ability and fine motor skills. A manual will also be included in the set to stimulate ideas. From Monster trucks to Ferris wheel, it's all within the reach of their mind and hands.
EASY TO CLEAN : Can be washed by running water and mild soap due to its superior plastic material.

Description

WhizBuilders is one of the leading STEM toy maker in the world. It is WhizBuilder's mission to provide every children with high quality toy to help unleash their cognitive potential.

Why choose WhizBuilders magnetic building set ?

HIGH SAFETY STANDARDS

- We observe the strictest manufacturing requirement such as ASTM and CE, ensuring each toy product is safe for children's playing.
- Sophisticated manufacturing technique such Ultrasonic Welding is adopted to ensures each magnet is encapsulated with the utmost security.

HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL

- Each plastic shape contain rotating rare earth neodymium magnet, strongest of its kind. Your kids can now unleash their imagination and build models that are thought to be structurally impossible !
- BPA-free ABS plastic is chosen to protect children from any unsound chemicals and for its strong mechanical properties to resist impact, providing a long-lasting play experience.

What is in the box?

Triangle x 12
Square x 24
Hexagon x 2
Alphabet cards x 26
Wheel Set x 2
Ferris Component x 8
Idea Manual x 1
Alphabet sticker x 1

NOTE: There are 2 different colors on each side of magnetic tile, and the colors are random.

Add to cart now and own the this toy set in matter of days !

10. Engino Discovering STEM Newton's Laws Inertia, Momentum, Kinetic & Potential Energy Construction Kit, Orange/Grey

Feature

ENGINO brings complex concepts into clear focus for budding engineers and Scientists with award winning components and step by step illustrated assembly instructions
DISCOVER Newton's Laws of motion upon which all classical mechanics are based. Inertia - momentum - kinetic energy - potential energy
BUILD 8 working models such as a catapult, balloon powered plane, Drag racer, crash car and more
INCLUDES 12 pages of theory and facts, a 3 page quiz, 6 pages of experimental activities illustrating Newton's Laws, 16 pages of step by step, 3D rendered illustrations
BUILDS illustrated online at Engino website or using the Engino 3D app downloadable free for Android or Apple iOS.
Made in CYPRUS

Description

Engino for ages 8 and up. With Engino Newton's laws construction set learn all about the ingenious Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motion which are the basis of classical mechanics that still describe most everyday life situations. Observe the effects of kinetic and potential energy and see first-hand how energy is transformed from one form to the other. Build 8 working models such as a ballistic catapult, a gravity fan, a collision car, a moving cabin, a balloon powered plane and a Dragster. You can find easy-to-follow building instructions for all models either online or in the booklet included. The booklet provides detailed explanations of the different scientific principles applied and incorporates innovative experimental activities for hands-on learning. A quiz section is also available to challenge your newly acquired knowledge! conduct thorough experiments and discover - Newton's first law of motion and the relation between force and motion - Newton's second law of motion and the relation between force, mass and acceleration - Newton's third law of motion and the physics of action and reaction forces - the concept of momentum - the fundamental properties of energy - what factors affect potential and kinetic energies.

Conclusion

All above are our suggestions for building games for kids 8-12. This might not suit you, so we prefer that you read all detail information also customer reviews to choose yours. Please also help to share your experience when using building games for kids 8-12 with us by comment in this post. Thank you!
Harriet Collins