So your little one just turned five, huh? They’re growing up so fast. As a parent, you want to make sure you’re supporting their development and education, even when they’re playing. The good news is, there are tons of great toys out there that are fun and help build skills at the same time.
We’ve rounded up some of the best educational toys for 5 year olds so you can feel good about the gifts you’re giving and the time they’re spending playing. These toys will help build skills in math, science, language, problem-solving and more—all while keeping your kiddo entertained for hours. No more mindless screen time or toys that just make noise. These picks are parent-approved and kid-tested to spark their imagination and support their growth into curious little learners.
So take a look at these awesome educational toys for your five-year-old. Their brain and your wallet will thank you. Let the playing and learning begin!
List Of The Best Educational Toys For 5 Year Olds
- CoolToys Monkey Balance Cool Math Game
- Genius Starter Kit for iPad – 5
- Coding Starter Kit For iPad-3
- Educational Learning Games
- Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set
- Learning Resources STEM Explorers
- Educational Insights Design & Drill Space Circuits
- LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe
- Super Studio Disney Princess
- Educational Insights Design & Drill Adventure Circuits
CoolToys Monkey Balance Cool Math Game
CoolToys Monkey Balance Cool Math Game is a fun way for 5-year-olds to build skills. This award-winning game helps kids develop coordination, balance, and cognitive abilities.
Your child gets their own wooden monkey bar set with five colorful monkeys to balance on the rungs. The goal is to get all the monkeys onto the bar without falling off. Start with just two or three monkeys, then add more as your little one’s skills improve.
With adjustable difficulty levels, this cool math game will keep kids entertained for years. Your 5-year-old can start on the beginner bar, then move up to the expert bar when they’ve mastered the first one. This toy is a fun, screen-free activity that gives kids an enjoyable mental and physical workout.
Specifications
- This game is designed to make math learning fun and interactive for both girls and boys. It features a monkey-themed balance scale and a set of colorful counting and math symbols.
- Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
- Helps children develop essential math skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, and early problem-solving.
- The game includes a balance scale, 19 math symbols, and a detailed instruction booklet with various math challenges.
PROS
- Fun and engaging math learning experience.
- Encourages development of essential math skills.
- Promotes logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Improves hand-eye coordination.
- Suitable for both girls and boys.
CONS
- Limited gameplay options.
- May not provide extensive coverage of math concepts.
- Some children may outgrow the game quickly if they already have a strong math foundation.
- The balance scale may require careful handling to prevent damage.
The CoolToys Monkey Balance Cool Math Game makes a perfect gift for kids who love puzzles, challenges and climbing. This innovative toy will spark their curiosity and give them a sense of accomplishment as they advance to higher levels.
Genius Starter Kit for iPad
The Genius Starter Kit for iPad is a perfect first educational toy for 5-year-olds. This fun kit comes with 5 learning games to help build skills in math, reading, problem-solving and more. With 5 fun and educational games in one kit, the Genius Starter Kit for iPad will keep 5-year-olds entertained for hours while building skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten. What a perfect gift!
- Math Galaxy teaches numbers, counting, addition and subtraction in an arcade-style game. Kids pilot a rocket ship to blast asteroids into pieces that represent the right answer.
- Bookworm Bash lets kids read stories and then answer questions about characters, settings and events. The more questions they get right, the more points they earn to unlock mini-games.
- Puzzle Pro teaches logic and problem-solving with jigsaw puzzles that get progressively harder. Kids have to rotate and flip pieces to get them to fit together.
- Doodle Critter encourages creativity. Kids can draw their own creatures, color them in, dress them up and create little scenes. They can even animate their critters to make them walk, jump and dance.
- Monkey Match improves memory and concentration. Kids have to flip over cards to find matching pairs of monkeys. The faster they clear the board, the more bananas they win.
Specifications
- This starter kit includes five educational learning games designed to be used with an iPad. It offers interactive and engaging activities to enhance learning in various subjects.
- Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
- Covers multiple subjects such as math, science, reading, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- The kit includes a collection of learning games that utilize the iPad’s touch screen and interactive features to provide an immersive learning experience.
PROS
- Wide range of educational subjects covered.
- Interactive and engaging learning activities.
- Adaptable to different skill levels.
- Utilizes the iPad's technology for immersive learning experiences.
- Encourages independent learning.
CONS
- Requires an iPad for use.
- Limited physical components compared to traditional toys.
- Reliance on screen time may limit hands-on and tactile learning experiences.
- May require supervision or guidance for younger children to navigate the games effectively.
- Limited offline functionality if internet connection is required for some activities.
Coding Starter Kit For iPad-3 Educational Learning Games
For 5-year-olds, coding concepts can seem abstract. A coding starter kit designed for iPads provides an interactive, hands-on way to learn programming fundamentals through fun games and puzzles.
The Lightbot Coding Puzzles app teaches sequencing and logic skills. Kids guide a robot through levels by arranging commands in the right order. As they progress, they learn loops, functions, and conditionals. The puzzles start simple but become increasingly challenging, developing problem-solving abilities.
Kodable teaches programming concepts like algorithms, debugging, and control structures. Kids guide fuzzy Fuzzes through mazes by arranging directional arrows. They learn how to sequence commands, use loops, and solve logic problems. Kodable provides scaffolded levels to build skills over time.
Specifications
- This coding starter kit is designed to introduce children aged 5 and above to the basics of coding and computer programming through interactive games and activities.
- Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
- Teaches coding concepts such as sequencing, logic, problem-solving, and computational thinking.
- The kit includes three educational coding games that can be played on an iPad. It offers a visual coding interface and step-by-step challenges to help children learn coding concepts progressively.
PROS
- Introduction to coding concepts at an early age.
- Interactive and visual coding interface.
- Progressive challenges for skill development.
CONS
- Limited number of games included.
- Requires an iPad for use.
- Reliance on screen time for coding activities.
- May require adult guidance or supervision for younger children.
- Limited offline functionality if internet connection is required for some activities.
A coding starter kit with interactive iPad games is an enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate way for 5-year-olds to learn programming fundamentals and build skills that will benefit them for years to come. The games teach concepts like sequencing, logic, loops, and conditionals through fun characters and puzzles. With the right balance of challenge and support, kids can achieve a sense of mastery and develop a growth mindset around coding.
Educational Learning Games - STEM Toy
For 5-year-olds, educational learning games that focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are ideal. These kinds of toys teach problem-solving in an engaging way.
Look for building toys like Legos, blocks, or magnetic tiles that allow your child to create structures and objects. These kinds of open-ended toys spark creativity and an interest in engineering. Board games that incorporate counting, logic, and strategy are also great for developing math and reasoning abilities at this age.
Consider interactive or programmable robots that teach the basics of coding in a fun, hands-on way. These kinds of STEM toys cultivate an early interest in programming and robotics that could lead to future opportunities. Puzzle games, craft kits for making models or contraptions, and kids’ microscopes or telescopes are other options for fostering an enthusiasm for science and discovery.
The key is finding STEM toys that capture your 5-year-old’s imagination and sense of wonder about how things work in the world. With the right educational games and building activities, you’ll be nurturing their natural curiosity and problem-solving skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Specifications
- This educational learning game is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toy designed to provide hands-on learning experiences for children aged 5 and above.
- Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
- Covers various STEM concepts such as physics, engineering, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
- The game includes interactive components, experiments, puzzles, and challenges that engage children in STEM-related activities.
PROS
- Reinforces essential skills across multiple subjects.
- Provides a wide variety of educational activities.
- Includes an answer key for self-assessment.
- Supports independent learning.
- Suitable for kindergarten-aged children.
CONS
- Limited to kindergarten level content.
- May not cover all specific curriculum requirements.
- Requires adult guidance for younger children.
- May not provide in-depth coverage of each subject.
- Relies primarily on card-based learning without hands-on components.
Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set
The Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set is an engaging way for 5-year-olds to build skills in math, language arts, and more. These durable flash cards feature colorful illustrations and large text, ideal for little hands and developing readers.
Playing with these cards helps kids strengthen number sense, letter recognition, and early reading skills in a fun, hands-on way. Flash cards are a tried-and-true method for reinforcing what children are learning in kindergarten. Using them for just 10-15 minutes a day can significantly boost a child’s confidence and comprehension.
This set includes 4 decks: numbers 1-100, alphabet, sight words, and math symbols. Start with the numbers and alphabet, then introduce the other cards as your child progresses through the year. Quiz them on the go, or set up the cards around the house for an educational scavenger hunt.
Specifications:
- Designed to help kindergarten-aged children develop and reinforce essential skills across various subjects.
- Suitable for children in kindergarten (typically around 5-6 years old).
- Covers a range of subjects including math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies.
- The card set includes 120 illustrated activity cards with questions, puzzles, and challenges. It also comes with a detailed answer key for self-assessment and parental guidance
PROS
- Educational
- Comprehensive content
- Engaging activities
- Portable and durable
- Reusable and self-correcting
- Progress tracking
CONS
- Limited to kindergarten level
- Subject coverage may vary
- Dependent on adult guidance
- Repetition of activities
- Limited interactivity
Learning Resources STEM Explorers
The Learning Resources STEM Explorers kit is a great educational toy for curious 5-year-olds. This kit teaches kids about circuits, magnets and simple machines through hands-on building projects.
Your little engineer will have fun following the picture instructions to construct moving models like a spinning pinwheel, rolling car and swinging pendulum. As they build each contraption, they’ll gain an intuitive understanding of scientific principles like potential and kinetic energy, friction and centripetal force.
This engaging set provides an exciting introduction to STEM concepts that will spark their imagination and build problem-solving skills. The kit contains large pieces that are easy to manipulate and snap together, perfect for little hands and developing fine motor skills.
Specifications
- Suitable for children aged 5 and above.
- Develops critical thinking skills and understanding of magnetic principles.
- The set includes various magnetic components, such as magnets, wands, and accessories, along with activity cards and a detailed instruction guide.
PROS
- Focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.
- Encourages hands-on experimentation and exploration.
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Promotes scientific inquiry and discovery.
- Provides interactive and engaging activities.
CONS
- Limited information on specific features and activities.
- May require additional materials not included in the set.
- Some experiments or activities may require adult supervision.
- Limited to STEM subjects, may not cover other areas of learning.
- May not provide in-depth or advanced content for older children.
With over 50 pieces and 12 different builds, the STEM Explorers set offers hours of educational play. Your 5-year-old will be so focused on creating each moving model, they won’t even realize they’re learning! This toy is a great way to give your child an head start in science and prepare them for more advanced robotics and engineering kits as they get older.
Educational Insights Design & Drill Space Circuits
The Educational Insights Design & Drill Space Circuits set is a great way for 5-year-olds to learn circuits and engineering concepts through interactive play. Kids can build their own light-up space station, spaceship control panel and astronaut using snap circuits.
As children assemble the different components, they’ll develop skills like problem-solving, logic and reasoning. The set teaches basics of how circuits work in a fun, hands-on way. Kids can follow the illustrated activity cards to create different space-themed circuits, or come up with their own original designs.
Specifications
- Design & Drill Space Circuits is an educational toy that introduces children to the basics of circuit building and electrical engineering concepts.
- Suitable for children of varying ages, typically around 5 years and above.
- Includes colorful electronic components
- Comes with space-themed designs, and a battery-powered drill for creating and connecting circuits.
PROS
- Promotes hands-on learning and creativity.
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Introduces basic electrical engineering concepts in an engaging way.
- Provides opportunities for open-ended play and design exploration.
- Can be used for solo or group activities.
CONS
- Limited information on specific features and activities.
- May require adult supervision, especially when using the drill.
- Some children may quickly exhaust the available designs and seek more complex challenges.
- Requires batteries for the drill, which may need periodic replacements.
- May not provide in-depth understanding of advanced circuitry concepts.
Either way, this educational toy provides an engaging introduction to STEM learning. Building their own space station and spaceship gives kids a sense of accomplishment and sparks their imagination. The light and sound effects bring their creations to life, making learning exciting.
For any budding engineer or astronaut, the Design & Drill Space Circuits set is an ideal gift that both educates and entertains. Kids will have a blast putting together the different circuits and coming up with their own intergalactic adventures.
LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe
Specifications
- The LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe is an interactive globe that combines geography and educational content to provide an immersive learning experience.
- Suitable for children aged 5 years and above.
- The globe features a stylus pen that interacts with various touch points on the globe’s surface. It offers multiple modes, including interactive games, facts, and quizzes about countries, continents, cultures, and animals.
- Provides information on geography, landmarks, languages, animals, and more.
- Includes a built-in speaker, volume control, and headphone jack.
- Operates on batteries or with an AC adapter (not included).
The LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe is an interactive globe for kids that brings learning to life.
This smart globe connects to the internet to provide your child with fun facts, puzzles and games about countries, cultures and animals around the world. By spinning the globe and tapping on different locations, your 5-year-old can discover what types of food people eat in China, what sports kids play in Brazil or what animals live in the African savanna.
- Over 2,000 facts teach kids about landmarks, animals and daily life in different places.
- Puzzles and games make learning fun while building skills like matching, memory and creativity.
- Tap on the globe to hear the names of continents, countries, capitals and major landmarks pronounced correctly.
PROS
- Engaging and interactive learning experience.
- Encourages exploration and curiosity about the world.
- Provides educational content on geography, cultures, and animals.
- Interactive games and quizzes make learning fun.
- Supports independent learning and self-paced exploration.
CONS
- Limited depth of information compared to comprehensive atlases or encyclopedias.
- Requires batteries or an AC adapter for operation, which may not be included.
- May not cover advanced or in-depth geographical or cultural topics.
- Relies on screen-based interactions, which may limit tactile and kinesthetic learning experiences.
- Some users may find the stylus pen or touchpoints on the globe less responsive or accurate at times.
This educational toy stimulates your child’s natural curiosity about the world in an engaging way. They’ll have a blast learning through play and developing an understanding of geography that will benefit them for years to come. At just $25, the Magic Adventures Globe makes learning fun and affordable.
Super Studio Disney Princess
Specifications
- Super Studio Disney Princess is an interactive drawing game that combines art and technology, allowing children to bring their favorite Disney princess characters to life through drawing and storytelling.
- Suitable for children aged 5 years and above.
- Works with a compatible device (tablet or smartphone) and the Super Studio app (available for download).
- The game includes a Super Sketchpad, a Super Studio marker, and access to the Super Studio app.
- Provides step-by-step drawing lessons and interactive activities featuring Disney princesses.
- Allows children to create their own animated stories and scenes using their drawings.
The Super Studio Disney Princess set provides hours of imaginative play for little princesses. With over 50 pieces including figurines of favorite Disney princesses like Cinderella, Belle, Ariel and Tiana, your 5-year-old can act out scenes from the movies or make up her own fairy tale adventures.
- The detailed dollhouse features 6 rooms to decorate, with stickers, stencils and reusable cling-ons. Budding interior designers will love choosing furnishings and accessories to create their perfect palace.
- A storybook, play mat and over 15 figurines spark imaginative role play. Your little one can reenact beloved stories or craft new tales of her own.
- With a jewelry box, vanity, outfits and tiaras, princesses will delight in getting the dolls ready for royal balls and enchanted encounters.
PROS
- Encourages creativity and artistic expression.
- Combines traditional drawing with interactive technology.
- Provides step-by-step guidance and tutorials for drawing Disney princesses.
- Offers interactive storytelling and animation features for children to bring their drawings to life.
- Features beloved Disney princess characters that children can engage with.
CONS
- Requires a compatible device and the Super Studio app for full functionality.
- Relies on screen-based interactions, which may limit tactile and kinesthetic learning experiences.
- Limited drawing options and activities compared to traditional art supplies.
- May require adult assistance or supervision, especially for younger children.
- Some users may prefer more open-ended drawing experiences without character-specific constraints.
The Super Studio set encourages creativity through open-ended play. Your 5-year-old can build confidence by directing the story and characters. By recreating familiar fairy tales or inventing new ones, she develops language and narrative skills that will serve her well in school and beyond. Most of all, this magical toy set inspires little girls to dream big and believe in happy endings.
Educational Insights Design & Drill Adventure Circuits
The Educational Insights Design & Drill Adventure Circuits set provides an engaging way for 5-year-olds to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This toy set features –
circuit boards, wires, switches and other components that children can connect in different configurations to power a motorized fan or light up a bulb. By following the illustrated activity cards, kids can build basic circuits to complete challenges like powering a fan to make a pinwheel spin or lighting up a bulb.
As children explore the different circuit designs, they’ll gain an intuitive understanding of how electricity flows through a circuit. The snap-together pieces are easy to connect and manipulate, allowing kids to be hands-on inventors as they problem-solve to achieve the goal on each activity card. With 60 challenges ranging from beginner to expert, this toy will spark an interest in electronics and keep kids learning for hours.
For budding engineers, the Design & Drill Adventure Circuits set is an exciting way to develop skills that will serve them well in our increasingly tech-driven world. Hands-on, open-ended toys like this teach kids to think logically and creatively solve problems, all while having fun.
Specifications
- Design & Drill Adventure Circuits is an educational toy that introduces children to circuit building and STEM concepts through hands-on play.
- Suitable for children aged 5 years and above.
- The set includes colorful electronic components, adventure-themed designs, a motorized power drill, and a screwdriver for building and connecting circuits.
- Develops fine motor skills, fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities, introduces basic electrical concepts, encourages hands-on exploration.
PROS
- Promotes hands-on learning and creativity.
- Develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Introduces basic electrical engineering concepts in a fun and engaging way.
- Provides opportunities for open-ended play and design exploration.
- Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
CONS
- Sufferers that relax Limited information on specific features and activities.back muscle.
- May require adult supervision, especially when using the power drill.
- Some children may require assistance or guidance in building circuits.
- Requires batteries for the drill, which may need periodic replacements.
- May not provide in-depth understanding of advanced circuitry concepts.
What To Keep In Mind While Getting Best Educational Toys
When shopping for the best educational toys for your 5-year-old, keep a few things in mind:
Age
Look for toys suitable for 5-year-old children. Toys with small parts can be choking hazards, while toys that are too advanced won’t hold your child’s interest or help them learn. The best educational toys for 5-year-olds will stimulate their mind while still being fun to play with.
Skill Building
Choose toys that help build important skills for kindergarten readiness. Look for toys that encourage:
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Motor skills
- Early math concepts like counting, sorting and patterns
- Early reading skills like letter recognition and phonics
Interactive Play
The best educational toys engage a child’s senses and imagination. Look for toys that inspire interactive, hands-on play. Toys that light up, make sounds, have different textures or encourage role play are great options.
Durability
Since 5-year-olds can be rough on toys, look for ones that are well-made and durable. Toys with breakable or loose parts may not last long. High quality toys that can withstand drops and tumbles are your best bet.
Reviews
Check reviews from other parents to determine if a toy is engaging and helps build key skills for kindergarten. Their experiences can help guide you to the best educational toys for your 5-year-old.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some of the best educational toys for 5 year olds that will stimulate their minds and keep them engaged. With options for building skills in science, math, reading, problem-solving and more, you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. The most important thing is finding toys that match your child’s interests and learning level.
At this age, play is learning, so look for toys that will spark their curiosity about how the world works in a fun, hands-on way. With the right educational toys, you’ll give your 5 year old a head start and set them up for success in kindergarten and beyond. The time they spend playing now will pay off down the road.
