Best STEM Subscriptions for Kids

KiwiCo excels with the high-quality, engaging, fun, and educational activities and projects included in each box. The company includes numerous different plans, or "crates," catered to different age groups and different STEAM (the A is for art) interests.

The themed crates are delivered monthly and include one to three hands-on projects exploring different topics, such as light, robots, animals, or the solar system. Instructions are simple to follow and kid-friendly for most ages, but depending on the age of your child you may need to help. Subscriptions automatically renew, but you can cancel or pause your subscription anytime.

KiwiCo offers the following crate options:

• Panda Crate (ages 0-24 months)
• Koala Crate (ages 2-4)
• Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8)
• Atlas Crate (ages 6-11, world-culture themed)
• Yummy Crate (ages 6-14, cooking themed)
• Doodle Crate (ages 9-16, art themed)
• Tinker Crate (Ages 9-14)
• Eureka Crate (Ages 12+)
• Maker Crate (Ages 14+)
  

Pricing starts at $24 per month with free shipping in the U.S.; international shipping rates vary. You can receive discounts on your subscription if you pre-pay for a three-, six-, or 12-month subscription.

The Beautiful Discovery subscription box offers a combination of nature-inspired art projects and scientific concepts. Each box comes with specimens from nature. The contents range from patterned seashells, crystals and minerals, to flowers, pinecones, fossils, and feathers. Additionally, geometric models along with corresponding science and art projects and illustrated instruction booklets are included with each box.

If your kid isn’t that enthusiastic about math or science, the artistic slant of this subscription will help them see just how prevalent both are in the natural world. Once they make that connection between art and natural patterns, they might be more inclined to learn more about the science behind it. 

You will save $2 per box when you sign up for a three-month subscription, $5 per month on a six-month subscription, and $6 a month on a 12-month subscription. Shipping is always free in the U.S. and the box ships within five business days of purchase.

• $35/month for a monthly subscription
• $33/month for a 3-month subscription
• $30/month for a 6-month subscription
• $29/month for a 12-month subscription 
  

The Spangler Science Club allows kids to conduct their own science experiences with easy-to-follow instructions that also explain the science behind what they are doing. 

Each box comes with five to eight hands-on experiments and challenges with up to 12 different themes ranging from water discovery, electricity science, bubbles, physics, and color mixing.

In addition to a monthly subscription box, Spangler Science also offers individual kits and experiments you can purchase for $33 plus shipping. The monthly subscriptions automatically renew and you must cancel within one day of your renewal date to avoid being charged. Subscriptions come with free shipping.

• $30/month for a 3-month subscription
• $28/month for a 6-month subscription
• $25/month for a 12-month subscription
  

The welcome box for Superpower Academy will tap into your child’s imagination with a secret recording inviting them to join a society of heroes. Then, each subsequent box comes with challenges encouraging kids to earn more “superpowers” through hands-on STEM activities and open-ended art projects.

The hope is that your child will look forward to completing the activities and that learning to understand STEM concepts will foster a love of the subjects. The activities also have a subtle social-emotional learning component.

Superpower Academy offers four separate subscription plans: 

• $30/month for a monthly subscription
• $89 for 3-month prepay
• $169 for 6-month prepay (save $11)
• $325 for 12-month prepay (save $35)
  

Bitsbox is designed to make coding fun for kids ages 6 to 12. Each box will include some computer science concepts that are easily understandable for kids, along with instructions for how they can create their own apps. 

Since Bitsbox subscriptions are digital, each box functions slightly different than traditional subscriptions. Rather than unpacking an object or a physical kit, your child will be sent educational materials and from there they can choose the app project they want to do. The next step is to type the name of their project into the Bitsbox website and follow the instructions to make it their app. Once finished, your child can share their apps on any mobile device.

Choose from three different types of boxes with four different payment plans for each Bitbox:

• Digital subscription: Monthly ($20/box); three months ($19/box); six months ($18/box); 12 months ($17/box)
• Basic subscription: Monthly ($30/box); three months ($29/box); six months ($28/box); 12 months ($25/box)
• Premium subscription: Monthly ($55/box); three months ($54/box); six months ($53/box); 12 months ($48/box)
  

The Mel Science Chemistry Kit is designed specifically for older kids. Each month, your child will receive up to seven experiments that encourage them to explore chemistry concepts. The starter kit also comes with all the supplies your teen will need to set up a chemistry lab, including safety goggles, a beaker, and a flask. There are experiments like igniting hydrogen soap bubbles, turning water into different colors, and making beautiful patterns grow on tin with the help of electricity.

Some of the experiments involve the use of fire, but every kit complies with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements and comes with detailed instructions that prioritize safety. 

The Mel Science Chemistry kit offers two separate plans for either a monthly, 3-month, 6-month, or annual subscription

• $40/month for a monthly subscription
• $39/month for 3-month subscription
  
• $35/month for 6-month subscription
  
• $30/month for an annual subscription