Before COVID, “Critter,” the 4-year-old, was enrolled in an arts-based preschool that also encouraged STEM-based projects. The pandemic forced the preschool to close in mid-March. They aren’t expected to reopen until sometime in 2021. With parks, playgrounds, and other activities off-limits, we struggled to find activities to encourage STEM learning and outdoor play. Then, to our relief, we discovered Blue Marble Toys. For over a decade, they’ve been delivering fun educational activities through their 3 brands; National Geographic, Discover with Dr. Cool, and Blockaroo.
National Geographic Toys
The National Geographic toy line promises “the highest quality hands-on science toys” backed by exceptional service. We tested two of the National Geographic Toys over the past month; the National Geographic Glowing Marble Run and the National Geographic Light-Up Sky Rockets. Here’s what we discovered.
We opened the National Geographic Glowing Marble Run first. It’s available in several sizes and all sets are compatible so it’s easy to expand on the fun. Our 150-piece set included 120 construction pieces, 30 glow-in-the-dark marbles, 1 UV light keychain, a storage bag, and 1 learning guide with instructions. All the building parts are made from sturdy plastic, are easy to attach to one another, and stay in place once they are snapped together.
In this set, you’ll find 9 bases, 26 action pieces, like slides and spinners, and 85 tubes. All of the pieces are brightly colored in shades of blue, red, green, orange, purple, and yellow, but are transparent so kids can still watch the action as the marble moves through the run.
Although the marble run is geared for ages 8 and up, this toy has been a hit with everyone in the family. Not only does it hold Critter’s attention for up to an hour at a time (no small feat), I find my son and son-in-law setting out the pieces to create runs when the 4-year-old isn’t around. Sometimes I even join in to create my own run.
The instruction booklet helps us explain scientific concepts, like motion and aerodynamics, in simple terms she can understand. Plus, designing new marble run designs fascinates her. I often find her puzzling over how to attach pieces to create the results she wants. She’s learning critical thinking skills without realizing it.
Retails for $59.99.
Next, we tried the National Geographic Light-Up Sky Rockets. The set includes 1 Rocket Launcher base, 1 launch tube, 3 LED-equipped Rockets, and an instruction guide. It’s designed for ages 6 and up, but Critter set it up by herself in minutes. Since it doesn’t require assembly, it’s ready to use as soon as it’s removed from the box.
This is one toy that makes her excited to go outside and play. The stomp pad is extra-large, allowing her to jump on it, and the launcher is adjustable so she can shoot the rockets at different heights or lengths. Because the rockets light-up, we can use the toy during twilight or in the evening for extra fun. And, bonus, although the rockets require product-specific batteries, they’re already included.
She enjoys the rockets so much she often walks around the back yard clutching them to her chest. The rockets are foam-tipped so it doesn’t really hurt if you accidentally get hit and can launch up to 100-feet. Have This is a great way to teach aerodynamics and other science concepts while encouraging gross motor skills and outdoor play.
The 150-piece National Geographic Marble Run retails for $59.99 and the National Geographic Light-Up Sky Rockets retail for $19.99. Both of these toys would make an excellent holiday or birthday gift. They are available for purchase on Amazon.
Have you experienced National Geographic Toys? Which one is your favorite? Do you know someone on your Holiday shopping list that would enjoy one of these toys?
Oh man! I remember a few friends having something like this when I was a kid, and I enjoyed playing with them so much! I’ll have to get these for my kids!
Love toys that are fun like this, adding it to our holiday list of presents for the kids
Love these toys! Sounds a lot of fun not only for kids!
My nephew hasn’t played any of these yet. But I’m sure he’ll love these when grew older.
Marble Run looks like a blast! My kids would love setting that up. Thanks for the gift idea!
I had no idea National Geographic had a marble set and a sky rockets, my kids would love them! They look like so much fun!
I just love this! I have to look into getting this for my nieces and nephews.
This toy looks so cool and kid’s will definitely have a great time playing this while their developing their creativity and imagination.
Sure do looks colorful and fun. Aside from playing this toy, our kid’s creativity grows more. I too enjoy playing marble run when i was young. My kids would definitely enjoy this game.
What a great toy! We got a similar marble toy for our oldest child when she was 4. She played with it until she was 12, and then helped the younger kids build things with it for a few years. It is one of the toys we’ve saved for the grandkids.
I love this! National Geographic has some pretty awesome toys that also educate! I think we have a volcano kit from them waiting to use during homeschool here someday soon.
These sound like some great toys, I used to love making up all different marble structures when I was kid so much you do with them.
Marble Run is hands down my son’s favorite gift as a child. I always tell everyone it is the best gift to get a child. Hours of entertainment.
How fun! I can see kids loving these. I’ve always loved that marble run. I had one when I was a kid.