You can also select a convenient day to receive your delivery by choosing a named day delivery (delivery on working days only). Once your child reaches the age of 4 or 5, you can start introducing them to more complex marble runs. There are some elaborate sets out there, made from brightly-colored plastic or even glow-in-the-dark materials that incorporate ramps, launchers and swings. These can provide a real “wow” factor, and as your kids build bigger and bigger sets they’ll be learning engineering concepts in a sneaky way. If you go with a wooden set, they might also learn a thing or two about traction — although those marble runs are typically geared more toward toddlers. Why it made the cut: Kids 8 and up can enjoy the Speed Set, the deluxe version of the Starter Set, plus extra features and accessories like flips, loops, spirals, and cannons. The plastic dome is a fantastic extra touch and I especially liked the marble catchers as with our other Quadrilla run the marbles go everywhere! Although I have just spotted you can buy marble catchers separately as well. Here at Science Sparks we love a good wooden marble run and the Quadrilla range from HAPE toys are the best we’ve found.

We would 100% recommend this awesome marble run, it’s a toy that will last for years and definitely one we’ll be keeping for grandchildren too! Working days are defined as Monday-Friday 8am-7pm inclusive, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Next Day & Named Day Delivery Every year, kids’ toys seem to get more complex. Go to any department store or online outlet today and you can find toys that incorporate everything from lasers to virtual reality. Chances are your own kids have already asked you for many of them. But while these toys aren’t necessarily detrimental to young minds, sometimes the most entertaining and educational toys don’t need you to plug them in. Some marbles are made of glass, while others are made of plastic. You can find magnetic sets, wooden options, and more. Some sets can expand if you buy more pieces to go with them, so if you think it may be a big hit, opt for something you can build on later. DurabilityThe GraviTrax encourages kids to start simple and build, allowing this set to grow with your kid developmentally with more challenging elements. It doesn’t require batteries. Please note that during particularly busy periods, it may take a little longer to receive your delivery and our carrier may attempt to deliver to you on a Saturday. Some reviewers recommend getting at least two sets to really make this product shine. Add marble run tubes to your tiles to help them snap into place for added sturdiness.

This budget-friendly set comes with 105 marble run pieces to create elaborate, continuous setups. The bright, colorful nature of the pieces will likely do well to keep a little one’s attention. Why it made the cut: Made from high-quality and durable birch wood, this marble run has tons of fun features like seesaws, straightaway rails, and three spiral funnels to keep your kids engaged. Scottish Highlands & Islands postcodes: AB, FK, HS, IV, KA, KW, PA, PH, ZE, LL58-LL78, IM, TR, PO30-41 Marble toys will list their age restrictions or recommendations. Be sure to look for an age-appropriate toy when shopping for your little one. Marbles are, by their very nature, choking hazards, so these are probably best to avoid for very little ones. And make sure they’re stored in a safe place, like a toy organizer, when not in use. Materials Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Overall Take

Case in point: The marble run. This whimsical toy is one of the best STEM activities around for younger kids, and it’s powered by nothing more than gravity. Your youngster will learn a lot about that fundamental force of nature by playing with a marble run, and they’ll get to see friction and some basic engineering principles in action as well. Unlike consumer electronics for kids, marble runs don’t have a ton of hard specs or setup requirements to compare. We started by taking a wide survey of the available models and then narrowing it down to specific options that promise durability and flexibility. Kids can get bored easily when toys only offer one play pattern, so flexibility is critical in keeping little ones interested. Note that the plastic is BPA-free and non-toxic, but because of the price point, the material isn’t the highest quality. Hot tip: some users recommend constructing your run on a rubber mat—the dining table can make it less sturdy and tip over. What to consider when buying the best marble runs The Quadrilla Vertigo features a mix of spins, drops, seesaws, straightaway rails, and three spiral funnels to keep kids (and curious parents) entertained. Some of the pieces have toggles, which keep the marbles going in unpredictable directions. Anything of a nature that for hygiene or associated health and safety - this includes the Outdoor Spas, Mattresses and Divan Sets

These brainy toys are a great way to get creative juices flowing and reduce tablet time. Here is what you should know when shopping for the best marble runs. Age This is not intended to be a full statement of your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Full details of your rights are available from your Local Authority’s Trading Standards Office. How To Return A Product

Marble runs are the perfect educational toy that not only entertains and excites your little ones but also helps build valuable skills! Get off the screen and into twists, turns, slides, flips, loops, and spirals with the fun of the best marble runs. Why trust us There are loads of marble run accessories available from Hape too, so you can keep adding to the fun.