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  • 10 Best Activity Sets for Kids UK 2024 1
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10 Best Activity Sets for Kids UK 2024

PlayStations and iPads are cool, but have your kids ever created an exploding volcano or built their own terrarium? Here at mybest, we think there’s something truly special about finding an activity set that can unleash your child's creative potential while also being lots of fun!


So, to help your little one unlock that promising talent (and save you from having to listen to the same cartoons every day), we’ve put together a buying guide and a list of our favourite activity sets to buy online. Not only do our recommendations span a range of different interests, but there's something for kids of all ages too. Maybe you’ll even want to join in! 

Last updated 22/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose an Activity Set for Kids in the UK - Buying Guide

Before we jump straight into the different sets available, we want to have a quick look at some of the factors you should consider before hitting that "add to cart" button. These include the age range, the type of kit, and whether you’ll need any additional materials. 

1

Select a Set That's Age-Appropriate

Select a Set That's Age-Appropriate

The logical place to start when shopping for an activity set is your child’s age, as this influences their abilities and their learning needs. In general, you can split younger children into four groups: babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and tweens


For babies, you should be looking at simple activity sets that will help them to develop sensory and motor skills. Toddlers require sets that improve language and communication skills through learning about things like numbers and colours. Then for preschoolers, you’ll want sets that'll refine all of the aforementioned skills, as well as preparing them for school. 


Tweens, on the other hand, are much more difficult to buy for. They’re already well into their education, so you don’t need to worry about that. Instead, look for something that sparks their interest and gets them away from the computer screen!

2

Consider Your Kid's Interests to Keep Them Engaged

Consider Your Kid's Interests to Keep Them Engaged

Of course, as we mentioned in the previous section, finding something that sparks your child’s interest is just as important as preparing them for school - ultimately, activity sets should be about having fun!


There are hundreds of different sets out there that each have a different focus, ranging from art and technology to English and maths. The best part is, even if the set you pick is focused on crafty activities rather than a traditional academic subject, there’s still something valuable to be learned from it. 


So, we recommend thinking about what your child is interested in right now and finding a set that matches their tastes. You could even get them to help you choose one - then you should definitely be onto a winner! 

3

Think About the Longevity of the Set

Think About the Longevity of the Set

Most activity sets for children will be designed to be played with multiple or even an infinite amount of times. This could be in the form of reusable drawing mats or building blocks that can be used over and over again to create new structures.


However, some sets such as spelling books or single project craft kits have a much shorter lifespan. The price you’re paying may only give your little one an afternoon of entertainment before you need to invest in something else. We hence recommend weighing up the price against the longevity of the product, to make sure you're getting a good deal!

4

Be Sure to Check if You'll Need Extra Materials

Be Sure to Check if You'll Need Extra Materials

Finally, you’ll want to consider which materials come with the kit. Most of the time, sets will provide all of the equipment that you need. Sometimes, though, you might need to buy a few extra items; these will likely be everyday household things such as pens, pencils, or eggs (for science experiments). 


Typically, a set will supply you with everything that one child will need, but if you have other children who want to get involved too then you’ll have to purchase a few more bits and pieces. You might even want to get involved yourself!

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Top 10 Best Activity Sets for Kids in the UK

Now that we’ve run through what you should look out for in an activity set, let’s take a peek at our recommendations. We'll share options for children of all ages and learning styles, from maths games to creative animation kits!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Creativity for Kids

Grow 'N' Glow Terrarium

Creativity for Kids Grow 'N' Glow Terrarium 1

£20.99

High Mid

Science and Art Combine in This Brilliant Activity Set

2

Aquadoodle

Classic Large Water Doodle Mat

Aquadoodle Classic Large Water Doodle Mat 1

£14.99

Mid

A Fantastic, Mess-Free Option

3

Zing

StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets

Zing StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets 1

£21.99

High Mid

Let Them Take on the Role of Film Director

4

Learning Resources Store

Sum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game

Learning Resources Store Sum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game 1

£11.95

Mid

Makes Maths Fun for Little Ones

5

Learn & Climb

Science Kit for Kids

Learn & Climb  Science Kit for Kids 1

£29.99

High

Get the Lab Coat and Goggles Ready

6

Kingyao

DIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids

Kingyao DIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids 1

£15.99

Mid

Ideal for Mini Fashionistas

7

Fuzzikins

Fuzzi Street Post Office Animal Figures

Fuzzikins Fuzzi Street Post Office Animal Figures 1

£9.99

Low Mid

Colouring Taken to the Next Level

8

Edu Play Hub

ABC Letter Tracing for Preschoolers

Edu Play Hub ABC Letter Tracing for Preschoolers 1

£5.95

Low

Teaches Writing in the Traditional Way

9

LEGO Duplo

My First Number Train Toy Building Set

LEGO Duplo  My First Number Train Toy Building Set 1

£11.50

Mid

A Classic Set of Building Blocks From a Top Brand

10

C.S. Kids

DIY Raccoon Doll

C.S. Kids DIY Raccoon Doll 1

£10.50

Low Mid

Help Them Make Their New Favourite Soft Toy

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Creativity for KidsGrow 'N' Glow Terrarium

Grow 'N' Glow Terrarium 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grow 'N' Glow Terrarium 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Grow 'N' Glow Terrarium 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.99
High Mid
Reference price
£20.99
High Mid

Science and Art Combine in This Brilliant Activity Set

This botany set allows you and your child to create your own mini-ecosystem at home. With it, they'll need to spend time planting, watering, and growing things, as well as crafting their terrarium. What we really love about this set is the fact it combines the fascination of science with the creativity of art, meaning it's bound to catch your kid's attention one way or another!


Everything is included in this superb set, from the masonry jar to the glow in the dark stickers - all that's need from you guys is a little commitment and patience. Don't worry though, it should start sprouting in 3-4 days. We really can't think of a better way to keep the kids entertained all day, can you?

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No.2

AquadoodleClassic Large Water Doodle Mat

Classic Large Water Doodle Mat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Classic Large Water Doodle Mat 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Classic Large Water Doodle Mat 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.99
Mid
Reference price
£14.99
Mid

A Fantastic, Mess-Free Option

Designed with young ones in mind, this supersized drawing playmat comes with a specialised pen that allows kids to scribble away to their heart's content. Drawing on different areas of the mat will reveal various colours and as the water dries, the images fade - this means that the product can be played with time and time again. 


The mat offers educational value too, with traceable letter and number shapes that can be used to improve your kid's writing skills. Total creativity yet no mess all over the floor - that's every parent's dream!

No.3

ZingStikBot Zanimation Studio Pets

StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£21.99
High Mid
Reference price
£21.99
High Mid

Let Them Take on the Role of Film Director

Although we mentioned earlier that we're trying to steer clear of technology, we couldn't help but include this animation set when we saw it. This multi-award-winning product essentially allows kids to take on the role of director and create miniature films with the use of a green screen studio


The stars of the movies are the StickBots - these quirky little characters have flexible joints and suction cups for hands and feet, so they can form plenty of different poses. Your child will need a phone or another smart device with a camera to create their very own movie magic but we're pretty sure these are commonplace in most homes nowadays, right? 

No.4

Learning Resources StoreSum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game

Reference price
£11.95
Mid

Makes Maths Fun for Little Ones

Maths is one of the key tenets of life - after all, it's money that keeps everything ticking along. So, ensuring that your children have a solid understanding of the basic principles of addition and subtraction is vital to their future success. Luckily, Learning Resources have come up with this award-winning game to get them hooked early on. 


The game is suitable for two to four players and has a simple goal: be the first person to reach the last space. However, to get there, you'll have to use the three dice (2 numbers, 1 operational) to create a mathematical equation. Just be careful not to get trapped in the "Endless Loop"! 

No.5

Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids

Science Kit for Kids 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Science Kit for Kids 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Science Kit for Kids 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£29.99
High
Reference price
£29.99
High

Get the Lab Coat and Goggles Ready

This kit contains 21 fascinating science experiments, ranging from building a lava lamp to creating exploding volcanoes. One feature we particularly like is that the instructions are all clear and colour-coded throughout the manual, meaning it's easy for the parents to sit back and let the children take the lead. 


Of course, all of the ingredients and ideas throughout the kit are completely safe for kids, which will put your mind at ease. Just make sure they've got their lab coat and goggles at the ready! 

No.6

KingyaoDIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids

DIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
DIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
DIY Jewellery Making Kit for Kids 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.99
Mid
Reference price
£15.99
Mid

Ideal for Mini Fashionistas

Charm bracelet sets have been popular for years and with good reason - they're great for young children with an interest in fashion. In this set from Kingyao, your youngster will have the option of building three different bracelets and necklaces


In the set, there are over 50 different charms and beads that they can use to decorate these accessories, all of which are simple and straightforward to string together. Just a side note though - the pieces are pretty small so make sure you supervise younger children around them, otherwise they could easily become a choking hazard.

No.7

FuzzikinsFuzzi Street Post Office Animal Figures

Fuzzi Street Post Office Animal Figures 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Fuzzi Street Post Office Animal Figures 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£9.99
Low Mid

Colouring Taken to the Next Level

This sweet art activity set sees your child craft both a building (we've chosen the post office option) and an adorable bird-style character, which can be coloured in with the felt-tips to bring them to life. Conveniently, they can also be wiped clean - meaning your child can re-decorate the pieces whenever they want!


This set even comes with a bunch of stickers for decorating the building, featuring objects like clocks and plants - all of which need colouring in too. In addition to allowing kids to be creative, this provides them with an opportunity to practice remembering the names of the huge number of different objects. 

No.8

Edu Play HubABC Letter Tracing for Preschoolers

ABC Letter Tracing for Preschoolers 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
ABC Letter Tracing for Preschoolers 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.95
Low
Reference price
£5.95
Low

Teaches Writing in the Traditional Way

When it comes to toddlers, most of them are eager to get ready to go to school - so why not help them prepare? This book is similar to the ones that many of us grew up with, using the tried and tested method of tracing. It teaches your little one motor skills through tracing lines, before moving on to letters and then whole words. After this, there's space for children to practice writing freely. 


As you can imagine, this product is 100% geared towards education rather than fun, so it might not be what every parent is looking for. However, in our experience, most children enjoy doing this kind of activity - without even realising that it's work!

No.9

LEGO Duplo My First Number Train Toy Building Set

Reference price
£11.50
Mid

A Classic Set of Building Blocks From a Top Brand

You can't go wrong with some classic building blocks and there's no better brand than LEGO when it comes to this type of product! Here, we've opted for their Duplo set that's targeted at children aged 36 months+. It comes with a buildable train, number blocks, two child figures, and a cute little cat too. 


This set involves both building and playing, which should encourage the development of motor skills as well as learning to count. It's possible that your child may lose interest in the learning aspect quickly and stick to just playing, but we'd say it's still worth picking this set up anyway!

No.10

C.S. KidsDIY Raccoon Doll

DIY Raccoon Doll 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
DIY Raccoon Doll 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
DIY Raccoon Doll 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£10.50
Low Mid

Help Them Make Their New Favourite Soft Toy

First up, we have this sewing kit that will produce a 22cm high raccoon soft toy. It comes with all the plush stuffing, felt shapes, and plastic needles that your little one will require to get the job done. Once finished, they'll have a new favourite buddy - that they built - for life!


Our concern is that although kids will get to keep the toy, the activity can be finished in one sitting so it doesn't quite have the longevity of other sets on our list. Still, it's not too bad for the low price!

More Kits to Keep the Kids Occupied

More Kits to Keep the Kids Occupied

If you're still after creative ways to keep your little ones occupied, why not check out more of our handy recommendations? Click the links below to see our favourite LEGO sets, jigsaws, and 3D puzzles available to buy online.

Summary

We hope that you’ve found this article about activity sets informative and that it'll help you to decide on the best one for your child. It’s always good to know you're buying them something that will provide plenty of entertainment, whilst also being educational!


Author: Lewis Clark

Top 5 Activity Sets for Kids

No. 1: Creativity for KidsGrow 'N' Glow Terrarium

No. 2: AquadoodleClassic Large Water Doodle Mat

No. 3: ZingStikBot Zanimation Studio Pets

No. 4: Learning Resources StoreSum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game

No. 5: Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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