As someone who understands that children become antsy and bored quickly, I began searching for fun projects for kids to do at home. I even found some great ideas on Twitter. Early Start Nutrition suggested making some creative snacks:
🌟Snacks are a great opportunity for little ones to get creative & practice basic cooking skills
🙂It’s also a fun & engaging way for children to learn about & try new foods
🖥️For more info & recipe ideas, check out our snacks blog- https://t.co/viFFvuRpYy#SugarAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/dGCgjrRiQ5
— Early Start Nutrition (@EarlyStartRNutr) November 12, 2021
But my child recently discovered volcanoes and has been amazed ever since, so I thought it would be perfect to find something volcano related. I also wanted to find something that is entertaining, centered around learning, and action packed. Therefore, I began ordering several kits and trying them out with my child, which led me to creating this list of the best volcano kits for kids out there.
I researched and tested out around 30 different products and chose 13 of them for this list. I discovered that even SOLMOD Science Kit и TUNISY Volcano Science Kit aren’t best ones.The ultimate goal is to help parents who are also searching for fun ideas to incorporate into their child’s schedule.
My list is based on my child’s reaction, the learning experience, and how much fun the kit seemed to be. With my parenting and educational background, I am confident with my choices and believe that you will find a few selections that you and your child will enjoy.
After reading this article, you will officially know:
- The best volcano kits for kids out there.
- The guide to buying a volcano kit for your child and what exactly to look for.
- My detailed review on each kit on the list.
- A few other products that will benefit your child.
My Choice
National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit
What’s inside?
- A lot of eruption powder and pop crystals.
- Updated, reusable volcano mold.
- Realistic paint colors to give the volcano a real-life look.
- Real volcano rocks for kids to see and touch.
- A guide that teaches children about each rock.
Killer Feature: It provides your child with an authentic look at volcanoes!
Buying options:
The National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit is at the top of my list because I felt like it provided the best overall learning experience. My child thoroughly enjoyed playing with this kit and it taught us a lot. Another unique aspect of this kit is the fact that it came with more powder and pop crystals which the other kits lacked. The reaction on my child’s face was priceless as the volcano came to life with these realistic effects!
Once you have checked out my top pick , I will go on to explain two products that are great, too.
Great Choice
4M KidzLabs Volcano Making Kit
What’s inside?
- Volcano mold made out of quick drying plaster.
- Paint, paint brush, and stir stick to make your volcano look realistic.
- Instructions that tell you exactly what to do.
Killer Feature: This is a very affordable kit that creates a simulated volcano from your child’s imagination.
Buying options:
The 4M KidzLabs Volcano Making Kit is a wonderful choice because it challenged my child’s imagination. Some of the kits that we tried out were on the boring side, but this one did not disappoint. We used a little vinegar and baking soda, and the volcano became a hands-on science project that my child could not stop talking about for weeks!
Next, I will give you my second great choice.
Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Kit
What’s inside?
- 22 different tools, parts, and ingredients to play with.
- A detailed instruction book that teaches you how to do everything.
- A lab guide that is colorful and filled with facts, pictures, and beneficial information.
Killer Feature: After playing with this kit, your child will have learned a lot about volcanoes!
Buying options:
The Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Kit is another great kit that I think parents and educators should consider. You not only learn about volcanoes, but you also learn all about poisonous gas, fizzing mineral pools, mineral and crystals, and more. This kit comes with a lot of tools and ingredients that will keep your child’s mind engaged!
Buyer’s Guide
It may feel overwhelming when trying to decide what type of volcano kit you should buy your child. This is understandable because there are so many out there to choose from. However, I will help you out with this dilemma in which you are experiencing. Take the steps below into consideration when determining the best kit on my list for your child.
Step 1: Analyze your budget
This step is very important because you do not want to spend more than your budget can afford. If you are looking for a cheaper or more affordable volcano kit, you should stick to the lower priced options. However, if you have a higher budget, I recommend purchasing a really nice volcano kit or even more than one kit to give your child a variety to play with.
I do want to point out that sometimes the price does not match the quality of the volcano kits. My child enjoyed some of the cheaper options on my list more than the more expensive ones. Therefore, it is ultimately up to you and what you think your child will enjoy, which leads me to the next step.
Step 2: Consider the interests of your kid
Every child is different and has unique interests. If your child has a wandering mind and cannot focus for long, you should consider purchasing a volcano kit that has several different experiments and activities to do. By doing so, you can move on to a different activity quickly when your child starts looking bored.
If you have a very curious child, I recommend purchasing a kit that comes with crystals and rocks and other volcano-related items. This will help engage your child more and show them different things that evolve from volcanoes.
Step 3: Consider the age of your kid
This is another crucial step because you do not want to purchase a volcano kit that is for a different age limit than what your child is. For example, if you choose a volcano kit that is for ages 3 to 5 and your child is 7, you may have a difficult time keeping your child occupied with the kit. The reason for this is because they are too mature for the kit and their IQ level will be higher than what the kit is supposed to be for.
You also typically do not want to purchase a kit for older children because it will be difficult for your child to understand. However, every child is different and if you feel like your child needs a challenge, go for it! By purchasing a higher age level, keep in mind that you may have to do more explaining, supervising, and teaching though.
Step 4: Consider the number of experiments you can do with the chosen kit
Step 4 is another big one! My advice is to select a volcano kit that has many other experiments that you can do. This will make it seem like it was worth your money if your child gets hours of entertainment and learning experiences from one kit. Children get excited once they realize there is so much more that they can do after one experiment is completed.
For a short, informational video that teaches kids what a volcano is and what it does, check out Peekaboo Kidz YouTube Video. This video is animated, fun, and works like a charm for children interested in learning about volcanos.
We will now jump into my list of volcano kits for kids.
List of 13 Best Volcano Kits for Kids
Each of these products are highly recommended and will keep your child busy for hours. They are not only fun but are very educational and information based. The goal is to stimulate your child’s mind and teach them all there is to know about volcanoes.
 | Best for children who enjoy realistic, hands-on experiences. My Choice | Amazon → |
 | Good for elementary age children who like doing experiments over and over again. | Amazon → |
 | For science loving kids who enjoy pretending that they are in a real-life science lab. | Amazon → |
 | Best for volcano lovers who want to learn all there is to know about these interesting earth creations. | Amazon → |
 | Perfect for children who aspire to be scientists and love all things science. | Amazon → |
 | For older children who are interested in volcano eruptions, poisonous gasses, lava bombs, and other earthly creations. Great Choice | Amazon → |
 | Best for children who have a deep interest in weather, science, and natural elements of the earth. | Amazon → |
 | Good for elementary age children who are ready to take on all the science projects possible. | Amazon → |
 | For children who enjoy hands-on, colorful projects that will keep them busy for hours. | Amazon → |
 | Best for children with a big imagination and have a growing obsession with volcanoes. Great Choice | Amazon → |
 | Perfect for children who are very curious and enjoy learning about volcanoes, and other science-related experiments. | Amazon → |
 | For children who like to dress up and pretend to be scientists while actually participating in real-life experiments. | Amazon → |
 | Best for children who enjoy learning about volcanoes and other earth science aspects. | Amazon → |
I will now provide personal reviews for each of the volcano kits on the list.
Choose the Right Volcano Kit for Your Kid
These reviews are for your convenience, they should help you with deciding which one you would like to purchase for your child. If you find yourself debating between more than one kit, buying two is also a good option because this will give your child different experiences when it comes to forming volcanoes.
1. National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit
This Volcano Kit is a fun, entertaining set.
Your child will have countless hours of fun with this ultimate set!
Features
- Eruption powder.
- Pop crystals.
- Volcano rocks.
- Paint colors.
- Detailed learning guide.
Pros
- Great quality.
- Affordable price.
- Very colorful and informational.
Cons
- The instructions may be a little confusing.
- Plaster dries very fast.
- Parents will need to assist often.
Best for
The National Geographic Ultimate Kit is best for children who enjoy realistic, hands-on experiences.
If you would like to see a child playing with the National Geographic Volcano Kit, take a look at Sparksmania’s Youtube video. This video gives you an authentic reaction to a child unboxing, putting together, and playing with this volcano kit. Your child will love watching this video as well as having one of their own volcano kits to create an eruption themselves!
Buying Options
2. Beaker Creatures Bubbling Volcano Reactor
The Learning Resources Volcano Reactor is an excellent kit that challenges children’s imagination and intellectual abilities.
This is a fun learning set that will show your child how lava bubbles out of a volcano.
Features
- 5 fizzing and foaming science experiments.
- 1 mysterious creature.
- Classification card and poster that tells a lot of science facts.
- Plastic bubbling volcano.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Can be used repeatedly.
- Easy to use; all you must do is add water.
- Extremely fun gift for science lovers.
Cons
- May be messy.
- May need other tools that do not come with this kit such as tweezers.
- Smaller than presented in the picture.
Best for
The Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Bubbling Volcano Reactor is best for elementary age children who like doing experiments over and over again.
Buying Options
- Check price on Amazon →
- Check price on Learning Resources →
- Check price on Rainbow Resource →
- Check price on Christianbook →
3. Learn & Climb Science Kit
The Kids Science Kit is loaded with over 60 different experiments.
It comes with everything your child will need to get started being a scientist.
Features
- Chemicals and ingredients.
- Easy to follow instructional DVD.
- Colorful manual.
- Plastic volcano.
- Crystals.
Pros
- This is a great quality product filled with many experiments.
- If your child cannot read, there is a DVD for them to watch to see the instructions.
- Can be used repeatedly.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- The instructions may be difficult to understand.
- There are several other household items that you will need to carry out some of the experiments.
Best for
The Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit is best for science loving kids who enjoy pretending that they are in a real-life science lab.
Buying Options
4. National Geographic Mega Earth Science Kit
The kit is packed with 15 different experiments that revolve around weather and earth science.
A few of the activities include creating a tornado, watching a volcano erupt, forming a crystal, and digging for rocks and minerals.
Features
- Rocks, crystals, and minerals.
- A plastic volcano.
- Two dig kits.
- Detailed instruction guide.
Pros
- Very entertaining for children.
- Great choice for kids who love earth science and weather.
- Instructions easy to follow.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- May be better for older kids and teenagers.
- Parents may need to assist often.
Best for
The National Geographic Earth Science Kit is best for volcano lovers who want to learn all there is to know about these interesting earth creations.
Buying Options
5. 4M KidzLabs Kitchen Science Kit
The Kitchen Science Kit consists of six different chemistry experiments. All your child will need are a few common kitchen ingredients, and the fun will begin.
Before you know it, you will have a little scientist on your hands!
Features
- Necessary tools and ingredients to turn your kitchen into a science lab.
- 6 different experiments to try such as launching a rocket, writing invisible messages, watching lava erupt from a volcano, and more.
- Plastic volcano.
Pros
- Easy, compact set for fun projects at home with your child.
- Can be used over and over again.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- May be messy.
- You will need to buy other household ingredients and items.
- Directions may be difficult to understand.
- Parents may need to assist often.
Best for
The 4M KidzLabs Kitchen Science Kit is best for children who aspire to be scientists and love all things science.
Buying Options
6. Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Kit
The Lab Kit is an incredible way for kids to learn about volcanoes hands-on.
They will not only learn about volcanoes but will also learn about lava bombs, fizzing mineral pools, poisonous gas, and crystals.
Features
- Over 22 tools and ingredients.
- Easy to read instruction book.
- Plastic volcanoe.
- Paint.
- Goggles.
- Plastic tweezers.
Pros
- All you need is vinegar and baking soda, and you will be able to let your creativity shine by forming volcanoes.
- Product is reusable.
- Majority of supplies are provided.
- Not too messy.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- Will not occupy younger kids as it is meant for older children.
- Parents will likely need to assist occasionally with experiments.
Best for
The Playz Volcanic Eruption & Lava Lab Kit is best for older children and teenagers who are interested in learning about volcano eruptions, poisonous gasses, lava bombs, and other earthly creations.
Buying Options
7. Discovery Extreme Weather Activity Kit
The Activity Kit is a one-of-a-kind set that gives children the option of performing 4 different experiments.
Its focus is on extreme weather, which is easily noticeable because the experiments consist of creating a tornado, watching a volcano erupt, creating artificial snow, and building a solar oven.
Features
- 4 climate changing experiments based on weather.
- Instructional booklet.
- Paint, paint brush, baking soda, snow powder, and citric acid.
- Mask and gloves.
- Molding of a volcano that is easy to decorate and bring to life.
Pros
- Easy to put together; expected to only take an average of ten minutes.
- Little science lovers will love this kit.
- The volcano can be a great keepsake for your child’s shelf.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- May be messy.
- Cannot be done over and over again.
- May need to purchase other items such as 2-liter bottles.
Best for
The Discovery Kids Extreme Weather Stem Science Kit is best for children who have a deep interest in weather, science, and natural elements of the earth.
Buying Options
8. Whiz Kid Science Kit
The kit contains over 20 different experiments to keep your kids busy. Some of the experiments include volcanoes erupting, air blowing, slippery polymer beads, and more.
This set is guaranteed to stimulate your child’s brain while keeping them entertained for hours at a time.
Features
- 28-piece experiment kit.
- Chemicals and tools included to carry out experiments.
- Instruction kit.
- Plastic volcano.
- Paint, Storage bags, citric acid, glow powder, baking soda.
- Balloons, balloon racecar, crystals.
- Test Tubes, Measuring Spoon, and Beaker.
Pros
- This kit is great for young kids.
- Easy and fun to do.
- Can reuse over and over again.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- May need to buy more balloons and other household items.
- May be difficult to understand directions and may require some parental assistance.
Best for
The Whiz Kid Science Kit is best for elementary age children who dream of being scientists and are ready to take on all the science projects possible.
Buying Options
9. The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes Science Kit
The Erupting Volcanoes Science Kit is definitely worth considering. This set will bring you back to your childhood of watching the Magic School Bus while you are helping your child carry out the experiment.
It is a fun way to teach all there is to know about volcanoes!
Features
- 20-page manual with instructions.
- Plastic volcano.
- Real volcano rock.
- Poster, stickers, and pictures telling interesting facts about volcanoes.
Pros
- Can be used repeatedly.
- Created by Harvard graduates and scientists which gives parents a sense of comfort.
- Very affordable.
- Great way to teach your child at home while having a blast.
Cons
- Volcano may be difficult to keep stable.
- Parents may need to supervise as some of the kit may be difficult for young kids to understand.
- Suggest introducing your child to the Magic School Bus or they may find this set to be on the boring side.
Best for
The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes Science Kit is best for children who enjoy hands-on, colorful projects that will keep them busy for hours.
Buying Options
10. 4M Kidzlabs Volcano Making Kit
The Volcano Making Kit is a unique hands-on science project that will show your child how a volcano erupts.
This set is guaranteed to make learning fun.
Features
- Fast drying plaster.
- Plastic volcano mold.
- Paint and paintbrush.
- Stir Stick.
- Detailed instructions included.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- A lot of fun for volcano loving kids.
- Will keep your child occupied for hours.
Cons
- Instructions may be difficult to understand.
- Intended for older children and teenagers.
- Parents may need to help and supervise younger children with this product.
Best for
The 4M Kidzlabs Volcano Making Kit is best for children with a big imagination and have a growing obsession with volcanoes.
If you are interested in seeing other children use this kit and give their opinion of it before making the purchase, check out Tatum Billings’ YouTube video. It is a quick video in which Tatum says the kit was a lot of fun to play with. Therefore, I believe this kit along with many others on this list will be a hit for your child.
After you have watched the video, let’s get back to the list of best volcano kits for kids.
Buying Options
11. National Geographic Stunning Chemistry Set
The Chemistry Set is awesome for children interested in science.
They will have the opportunity to conduct 45 different experiments which involve bubbly and fizzy reactions, creating an erupting volcano, launching a rocket, forming a geyser, and so much more.
Features
- 45 different experiments.
- Easy to follow instructions.
- Balloons, gloves, goggles, plastic volcano, and a variety of chemicals and ingredients.
Pros
- Very good value.
- High quality educational kit.
- A variety of different experiments.
- Very engaging and easy to use.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- May be messy.
- Intended for older children; parents may need to supervise.
Best for
The National Geographic Stunning Chemistry Set is best for children who are very curious and enjoy learning about volcanoes, rockets, fizzy reactions, and other science-related experiments.
Buying Options
12. Learn & Climb Lab-in-a-Box
The set brings the science lab to your home!
This wonderful kit will wow your child with its science experiments and their very own lab coat.
Features
- 20 different science experiments.
- Lab coat, ID Tag, and goggles.
- 3 petri dishes, 3 test tubes, measuring spoon, pipette, funnel, beaker, plastic volcano model, and stirring stick.
- Citric acid, glow powder, baking soda, and more.
Pros
- Your child will feel like they are a scientist with all the accessories included with this kit.
- Great for younger children.
- Excellent value for price.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- May need other household items to carry out some experiments.
- Some of the products are on the flimsy side.
Best for
The Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit with Lab Coat is best for children who like to dress up and pretend to be scientists while actually participating in real-life experiments.
Buying Options
13. Erupting Cross-Section Volcano Model
The kit is a wonderful way to help get your child interested in science class.
This set will give them a hands-on learning experience that a textbook could never fulfill.
Features
- Easy to make lava recipe.
- Plastic volcano model, tray, and removable tube.
- Instructional guide filled with activities and interesting facts.
Pros
- Can be reusable.
- Fully assembled and ready to begin using.
- Easy to clean up.
- Incredible quality and value.
Cons
- On the pricey side.
- Not a lot comes with this kit.
- Will need to keep it cleaned because the baking soda can get clogged inside.
Best for
The Learning Resources Erupting Volcano Model Kit is best for children who enjoy learning about volcanoes and other earth science aspects while also participating in hands-on projects to keep their mind engaged.
Buying Options
Other Must-Haves
The following are a few must-haves that I recommend purchasing along with or separate of your volcano kits. Each of these kits are guaranteed to provide a fun, educational experience for your child that is certainly worth it!
Crystal Mining Kit →
This crystal mining kit is an incredible kit that can accompany your volcano. Sometimes volcanoes produce rocks and crystals, so this kit can lead into the subject of how volcanoes can form real life rocks and crystals.
Your child will have a lot of fun digging for their own crystals as well as examining them with the magnifying glass included.
Magic Chemistry Set →
This magic chemistry set consists of 10 different science experiments that will wow your children immediately! A few of the experiments include making a coin float, changing the color of the water, creating snow, and so much more.
White gloves and a wand are also included which gives kids the feeling of being a real magician.
Glow in The Dark Slime Lab Kit →
All children love slime which is why I had to include this Glow in The Dark Slime Lab Kit! This kit is packed with 19 different experiments which are all about ooey gooey glow in the dark slime. Your child will have a ton of fun playing with this slime while also learning how to do different educational experiments with it.
That is a win-win for parents and educators!
Useful Links
- What are volcanoes? →
- 17 Explosive volcano facts →
- The best volcano videos for kids →
- Solar system – Volcano experiment →
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you with your search to find the best volcano kits for kids. I enjoyed developing this list and am positive that each of the products listed above are a lot of fun, offer teaching experiences, and will keep your child occupied for hours at a time.