For hours of screen-free entertainment
chool holidays, rainy days, long weekends – kids are always longing to be entertained.
Why not take a break from iPads, TV and technology and set your kids up with a craft or hobby kit to keep them busy, have fun and give parents a little respite.
There’s a huge range available, from jewellery-making kits and pottery sculpting, to tie-dying and growing veg. Whether they’re toddlers, primary school kids, or nearing the teen stage, there is something for everyone to get stuck into.
Let them channel their inner scientist for instance, or get to grips with how to sew or even master herb growing. The options are plentiful and wide-ranging.
They are great ways to get your kids learning new skills, encourage imagination and creativity, and are generally super fun for the whole family to come together and enjoy.
Just make sure you always check the age range the kits are suitable for.
Whether you are looking for independent activities for your child or those all the family can enjoy together, take a look at our edit that promises hours of fun guaranteed.
Shop the best hobby kits for kids below…
Spark your kids’ creativity with this vibrant light-making kit. Using the pre-cut paper flowers and leaves, they’ll be able to create a string of 10 dazzling LED lights to adorn in their bedroom or around the house. A great hands-on activity, full of colour, fun and encourages self-expression.
Kids can squish, stack and slice sand using the magical sand swirler. It also comes with moulds and tools that make up this exciting kinetic kit. Simply fluff up the colourful sands – choose from red, blue, green and yellow – and let them show off their artistic skills to create inventive sculptures and carvings from kinetic sand. Let their imaginations flow.
Bring the science lab to your home and let your kids play together for hours of endless fun. Watch as they conduct their own out-there and wacky experiments with a mixture of slimes, colour-changing putty and play sand, all while learning about the science behind it with the detailed learning guide included. Complete with a convenient play tray to keep the mess at bay.
This high-quality jewellery set is an aspiring fashionista’s dream. Sort through more than 200 wooden beads of butterflies, hearts and flowers and string together necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Kids will love to wear their creations proudly or can gift them to friends and family.
Kids will love flexing their green-finger prowess with this make-your-own veggie kit. Plant seeds of carrots, radishes and spring onions and follow their growth as they sprout over the next three to ten weeks. An educational kit with instructions, and a yummy, healthy end result to enjoy.
A wonderful set for animal lovers. From wild, safari creatures to farm cattle and domestic pets, kids can mix and match a selection of stamps to create colourful scenes of land and sea. Let their storytelling play out onto paper, cards and notebooks using a mix of washable inks. All packs away into a sturdy wooden box for ideal storage.
Get involved with your kids’ activities and spend time painting together with this kit from Lekebaby. The animal-themed pack includes brushes, paints, googly eyes and stickers to decorate the glowing rocks and transform them into mini bumble bees, ladybirds, tigers or wherever your kids’ imagination takes them. Apron and sleeves are also included to keep paint off clothes.
Take your kids back to the 60s and 70s with this funky tie-dye kit. Use the surface cover provided to protect your kitchen table, pop the gloves on and get customising T-shirts and sweatshirts with funky psychedelic patterns. Mix colours, tie clothing with elastic bands and create vibrant patterns to wear away that are totally unique.
Build Your Own’s endangered animals mini-builds are great ways for kids to learn about species at risk, while having fun with the construction.
Slot together the pre-cut parts to bring the turtle to life, and finish with the unique pull-tab flipper to create a moving action. Read the information card and fact stand to learn while playing – why not try the white rhino, snowy owl or mountain gorilla next? All the models are 100 per cent plastic free and can be personalised.
Kids can get crafty with this pottery kit, learning the basics and creating pinch, slab and coil pots following the step-by-step guides. Using the rolling pin and modelling tool provided, they are encouraged to shape and sculpt the air-drying clay into fabulous designs and finish with colourful patterns and coatings with the ceramic paints included.
This fun embroidery set will encourage your kids to create colourful works of art that light-up in the dark. Featuring an embroidery project, you children can learn how to stitch and create a Glow Fairy bag with multi-coloured thread.
The slime craze shows no signs of subsiding and we have to admit that even we find the stuff rather appealing. Your little one can create their very own glittery and neon slime with this set, which includes white glue, clear glue, neon colourant, glitter, a measuring cup, slime sticks and the slime activator.
Your kids can master the art of nail design with this nail art kit for truly funky fingertips. It contains seven nail polishes and an illustrated guide, as well as information on how to create custom patterns.
This set has all the equipment needed to design eye-catching crystals. The nature-inspired kit has animal moulds, safety goggles, gloves, beakers and illustrated manuals to create sparkling pieces your children can display proudly in their bedrooms.
Your little one can make their very own doll with this starter project. Designed for beginners, follow the dotted lines and use the scissors, needle and thread included to make up a delightful model. You can even personalise the doll with your child’s name on an embroidered tab and choose between two brightly coloured designs for the figure’s outfit; rainbow or chevron.