Long ago when Godzilla was just a tiny lizard, kids would run around their backyards enjoying plenty of outdoor games with friends, family, and neighbors. Today, this tradition has totally been suffocated by the modern technology that has introduced gaming gadgets that have forced kids to spend ample time on their TV screens, Smartphones, and Tablets. But, regardless of the struggle, the best marble runs for kids have been reintroduced as a reboot of the long-forgotten marble game in a bid to divert kids’ attention from mobile phone gaming.
Although it was hard to predict whether the game would be a success or a fail, it’s surprising to mention that the marble run was welcomed with positive criticism by kids of all ages. The psychology behind this game, which involves piecing together the pieces to build one huge structure, was somewhat mesmerizing as it allowed kids to develop great problem-solving skills as they traversed through the various levels of complexity. So, if you’re a parent looking to help your kids improve their cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills, then this guide will discuss 15 best-selling marble runs for kids that will generally make a difference.
Contents
Marble Runs: Editor’s Top Picks
Top 15 Best Marble Runs Reviews:
1. HapeQuadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction – Vertigo
So, at the top of our list, we’re going to discuss the HapeQuadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction. First and foremost, this is an exceptional toy that’s equipped with numerous pieces to enhance the excitement of your kids when playing. Inspired by German engineering, this wooden marble run toy consists of over 170 pieces made from natural wood with a non-toxic finish to guarantee your kids’ safety.
The set consists of 7 eye-catching color blocks that are set to arouse your kids’ moods when playing. There are key pieces that make up the structure that include three Da Vinci circles or spiral funnels, straightaway rails, and a seesaw.
To make this building game even more engaging, kids have been offered different construction alternatives meaning you can easily re-configure the game in various layouts. This is a smart move by Vertigo as it’s aimed at challenging your kids’ creativity and engineering skills. Weighing just 10.3 pounds, the HapeQuadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction is a Good Toy and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum award winner making it one of the best alternatives in the market.
Pros
- It’s both educative and entertaining.
- It’s suitable for kids of all ages.
- The wooden blocks used are non-toxic.
- It has been vigorously tested and certified by FSC.
- It has a great mix of pieces to combine.
Cons
- Needs a lot of time rebuilding rather than playing.
- Young kids below 3 years will require immense supervision.
2. Marble Genius Marble Run Extreme Set
If you happen to ask Marble Genius about the perfect marble run set for your kids, they’ll be the first to tell you that not all marble runs are constructed equal. Some, such as their latest offering, the Marble Genius Extreme Set, has gone beyond the usual marble run tradition to offer kids of all ages something more exclusive to enjoy.
One of the features that will generally excite your kids is the use of plenty of colored pieces. We all know how kids love colored pieces right? So, with this in mind, Marble Genius thought of adding pieces constructed from solid plastic and crystal clear glass to ensure that your kids enjoy the entire drama as it unfolds. With over 125 see-through building pieces, 57 action pieces, and 20 glass marbles all wrapped up in one package, your kids are guaranteed to stay busy all day long without turning their attention to the TV.
Other than the captivating pieces, something else your kids are tipped to enjoy is the easy construction process. With the advantage of a free app with easy interactive instructions, your kids are tipped to enjoy every bit of this marble run set from constructing the structure to enjoying the speed of the racing marbles. Therefore, if you’re looking for a set with endless add-on options to keep your kids well challenged at every level, then you’ve got the answer.
Pros
- The game has many colored pieces to assemble.
- It’s perfect for kids of all ages.
- There’s a free dedicated app with instructive instructions.
- The game has multiple add-ons for endless options.
- It’s easy to assemble and play this game.
Cons
- The structure is too flimsy when assembled.
- The plastic pieces are quite fragile.
3. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
If you’re not in a position to spend a lot of money just to get your kids a marble run game, then ThinkFun has offered you one of their latest offerings, the ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Set. Now, unlike the previous marble run sets we’ve just discussed, this one has a few notable distinctions one of which is the simplicity of the game.
The size too is quite different from the rest of the games as it’s smaller making the structure less strenuous to assemble and more stable once it’s set up. Although some kids might complain of the game being too binary and less interactive, the addition of multi challenging levels is one area ThinkFun has tried to compensate its loyal diehards.
To make this game highly engaging, ThinkFun has used a couple of structures during the construction that comprises of 9 towers, 3 marbles, a game grid, and 1 target piece. There are nearly 60 challenges to compete on that range from beginners, intermediate to expert levels. The game is also open to both boys and girls aged 8-years and above. Hailed for being a 2017 “Toy of the Year” award winner, this game is another brilliant addition to your homeschool curriculum that will generally make a difference.
Pros
- The game has plenty of challenges to keep your kids busy.
- It’s perfect for both boys and girls aged 8 and above.
- The instruction manual is child-friendly.
- The small size of the structure makes it stable when assembled.
- The pieces are multi-colored.
Cons
- Due to its small size, this game isn’t overly exciting.
4. MindWare Mega Marble Run Building Set
One of the biggest complaints most parents make after buying a marble run game is the lack of enough features to captivate their kids. With the knowledge of how fast kids get bored, MindWare has developed a marble run set that’s right out of the ordinary. Comprising of over 200 colored pieces, the MindWare Mega Marble Run Set has come to introduce your kids to physics entertainingly and interestingly.
One of the major selling points of this marble run set is how MindWare has designed the structure with a wide base. What this means is that stability is obviously guaranteed meaning the structure cannot wobble or fall apart after assembly. Another major selling point is the use of multiple colored pieces. The multi-colored chutes, drops-throughs, spinning paths, catchers, and funnels are just glamorous and eye-catching making the game a smart choice for kids of all ages.
Lastly, with a huge assortment of pieces at your disposal, kids have the perfect chance of creating eye-catching structures from their own imagination. There are 40 marbles to watch as they spin through the tracks at incredible speeds, a motorized elevator, and an interactive manual that will guide your kids in every step.
Pros
- The pieces come in an assortment of eye-catching colors.
- There are over 200 track pieces to work with.
- There are 40 marbles to work with.
- Great for kids 4-years of age and above.
- The structure is very easy to assemble.
Cons
- The motorized elevator is susceptible to damage.
5. Galt Toys, Marble Racer, Construction Toy
The Galt Toys Marble Racer Set is a British offering that has come to transform your kids’ cognitive and problem-solving skills into a fun experience through play. The set comprises of an assortment of multi-colored pieces that merge to form one stable structure. These pieces, which include 24 tubes, 9 chutes, 9 curves, 8 marbles, 6 bases, a pebble wheel, and rotary drop are designed to combine to give your kids hours of uninterrupted playing time.
With nearly 180 years of experience in designing kids’ toys, Galt Toys understands how critical your kids’ safety is when playing with such pieces. Therefore, to guarantee your kids’ safety, they’ve used quality materials in their construction that meet all the relevant safety standards.
Other than safety, they’ve also designed the Galt Toys Marble Racer Set with a mix of simplicity and complexity to ensure that your kids’ creative and cognitive skills are pushed to their limits as they try to solve the puzzles at different stages. Although it seems tiny, this marble race game is open to up to 4 players making it among the best multiplayer marble run toys in the market.
Pros
- This game is open to up to 4 players.
- It has passed all the rigorous safety standards.
- There’s a huge assortment of pieces to slot together.
- The multi-colored pieces add fun and glamor to this game.
- The base is quite stable and doesn’t wobble a lot.
Cons
- The pieces are quite complex to assemble.
- Sometimes the marbles get stuck.
6. Discovery Toys MARBLEWORKS Marble Run Starter
If your kids enjoy the thrilling experience of racing with fast toy cars, then they will generally love this racetrack-inspired marble run game. What’s fascinating about this game is the super-sized raceway that will create a chaotic racing drama enough to keep your kids entertained throughout their playing time. The pieces, which include the ramps, the start & finish gates, the base, the chutes, and the paddlewheel, are light and multi-colored making it easier for your kids to coordinate during the assembly process.
While the main purpose of this game is to improve your kids’ creativity and level of imagination and experimentation, Discovery Toys has not forgotten to use high-impact resistant materials during the construction. Since they’ve used polystyrene instead of contemporary plastic, this material is both strong and BPA-free.
With over 40-years of experience in manufacturing kids’ toys, Discovery Toys has opted to put all their effort on the line to engineering a toy that will be versatile enough to teach kids some basic physics while still enjoying the fascinating speed of the marbles. This marble run game is also an award winner in three categories making it a must-have for kids 5-years of age and older.
Pros
- It’s compact and doesn’t take much of your indoor space.
- There are 46 different multi-colored pieces to assemble.
- The pieces are made from non-toxic BPA-free materials.
- This game is both educative and very entertaining.
- The high-impact polystyrene construction bolsters durability.
Cons
- The marbles used are not compatible with those of other brands.
7. Temi 248 PCS Marble Run Deluxe Sets for Kids
Although you might not have heard of the Temi Marble Run Deluxe Set, this game is certainly one of the best you can consider for younger kids at the ages of 4 years and over. One fact that confirms this is the size of the pieces that are slightly larger than the usual size in most marble run sets. This simply means that your kids will have an easier time assembling the pieces without facing any turbulence.
To help boost your kids’ imagination, creativity, hand-eye coordination, and color/shape recognition, each piece has a familiar color and shape which your kids have already learned in their pre-school activities. One fascinating thing about this marble run game is that the pieces can be assembled to form a structure or to form smaller Lego creatures such as a giraffe, a buffalo, a horse, a scarecrow, a dear, and an alpaca among others.
To ensure your kid enjoys every minute of this game, the race track is open to multiple customization options. The parts are made from BPA-free ABS materials that are safe on your kids especially the little toddlers.
Pros
- There are 8 marbles you can play with.
- The game is open to a wide range of assembly options.
- All pieces are non-toxic and BPA-free.
- The structures are easy to assemble.
- Perfect for kids 3 years and above.
Cons
- There’s limited information about the assembly.
8. Marble Run Set, 149 Pcs Marble Super Set
The Magicfly Marble Run Set is a popular offering that has made a name in the marble run business. This jumbo set is among those toys that offer adults the perfect opportunity to bond with their kids while sharing their ideas on how to set it up. With different assembly levels, adults and kids alike can test their levels of creativity by taking the challenge.
With nearly 107 translucent pieces, 32 DIY marble parts, 6 glass marbles, and 4 light-up marbles, kids can assemble the structures in a variety of patent designs to take their gaming experience to premium levels. Among the features, most kids will be fascinated with are the motion-activated light marbles that glitter when rolling and only turn off when they’re put away.
Another feature that sets this marble run apart from the rest is the great stability. This is all thanks to the sturdy base that keeps the structure stable once it’s erected. The multi-colored pieces are another creative addition Magicfly has incorporated to ensure that kids of all ages can connect with the game without feeling bored.
Pros
- The beautiful colors and translucent design of the pieces are eye-catching.
- The multiple pieces provide hours of playing fun.
- The pieces can be assembled in a variety of patent designs.
- It serves as a perfect gift for both boys and girls above 3-years.
- The package comes with 4 dedicated light-up marbles.
Cons
- The light-up marbles sometimes fail to glow.
- Stability is sometimes an issue.
9. Meland Marble Run Sets for Kids
One of the factors most parents look at when choosing a marble run game is the amount of fun it can offer to your kids. Thankfully, Meland understands this fact far too well and has engineered a game that’s set to take your kids’ gaming experience to the next level. One area Meland has done right is using multi-colored pieces in this project.
Since the game is intended for kids 4-years of age and above, the sparkling pieces are the centerpiece that will lure the kids to love this game. Although the pieces are over 110, assembling the structure is super easy meaning your kids will only face a little turbulence which they’ll be required to solve using their creativity and brilliant imaginations.
There are 25 glass marbles, 4 LED marbles, and an assortment of colored pieces that your kids will have to work with to assemble the structure to the top. This game is a great educational milestone that will test your kids’ logical thinking, creativity, imagination ability, and hand-eye coordination among other skills.
Pros
- The transparent ABS pieces give you access to every movement.
- The colored pieces are very easy to assemble.
- Perfect for testing your kids’ creativity and logical thinking.
- Can be used as a birthday gift to both boys and girls.
- LED and glass marbles make the game even more captivating.
Cons
- The structure has slight instability issues.
- Some parts fail to latch together tightly.
10. MagicJourney Giant Marble Run Toy Track Super Set Game
One annoying thing about most marble-run games is their tiny sizes that restrict kids from using their creativity and imagination to create something unique out of the ordinary. While this is one of the greatest concerns most parents are having nowadays, the MagicJourney has come to overcome this fear by offering kids one of the largest marble run games that will suffocate them with multiple construction options enough to challenge their imagination and creativity.
With 230 pieces that comprise colorful funnels, ladder glides, U-turns, S-shape slides, wheels & windmills, straight slides, and translucent tubes, your kids will learn the science of construction and engineering right at the comfort of their homes.
Not only will they learn how to coordinate and think outside the box, but this game will also offer them hours of fascinating fun as they watch the marbles race at supersonic speeds through the translucent chutes. There are 30 marbles to play with and 4 fascinating levels to inspire you ranging from easy, medium, hard to hardest.
Pros
- Offers 4 levels of difficulty to play through.
- Offers a huge collection of colored pieces to assemble.
- Best for boosting your kids’ motor skills and logical thinking.
- Offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Available at an affordable price.
Cons
- The instruction manual is not consistent.
- The structure wobbles a lot.
11. WhizBuilders Marble Run Sets for Kids Activities
This marble run set by WhizBuilders is a cute piece of engineering that has come to add some dynamics to your kids’ playing experience. The structure consists of a total of 90 pieces 70 of which are building blocks while 20 are glass marbles to enhance your play. To help in stimulating your kids’ cognitive skills, this game allows you to assemble the plastic chutes in 4 immersive builds.
What’s interesting about this marble run set is how WhizBuilders have opted to use translucent chutes and tubes. What this means is that kids will be compensated for their effort in assembling the structure by viewing the marbles as they race at super-fast speed through the tubes. For sensitive parents worrying about their kids’ safety, the WhizBuilders Marble Run Set is entirely made from premium ABS plastic that’s 100% non-toxic.
Besides, WhizBuilders have curved the edges of the pieces to make them extremely smooth to prevent injuries during construction. The assembly itself is fast and easy as you only need to interlock the pieces together. In case this seems to be too overwhelming to your kids, then there’s a dedicated step-by-step manual you can consider.
Pros
- The game offers 4 levels of difficulty to work on.
- The pieces are translucent for easy access to the marbles.
- Assembly is a breeze thanks to the 12-page user manual.
- The pieces are made from premium BS plastic.
- Perfect for both boys and girls.
Cons
- The pieces are too few.
- It’s not very sturdy when assembled.
12. Gifts2U Marble Run Sets Kids, 122 PCS Marble Race Track Game
The best thing about the Gifts2U Marble Run Set is that the game is not just an ordinary toy. It’s also an architectural educational toy that will help develop your kid’s STEM skills practically. This means that apart from just enjoying the game, your kids will be boosting their science, technological, engineering, and mathematical skills at the same time.
Unlike our previous set that had a limited number of pieces, this one has a total of 122 pieces that comprise of 90 action pieces and 32 multi-colored glass marbles. The game is interactive thanks to the multi-colored chutes and tubes that make it easier for your kids to precisely match the pieces for easy assembly.
One key area Gifts2U has truly improved on is adding a sturdy base to this set. This allows the assembled structure to stand firmly on its own once it’s assembled. The tubes are also partially translucent making it easier to monitor the colored marbles as they race through the tracks. This marble run set is unisex making it a perfect option for both boys and girls from ages as little as 3 years old.
Pros
- There are multiple pieces to work with.
- The glamorous colors of the pieces are appealing to most kids.
- The best toy for improving your kid’s STEM skills.
- The pieces are made from safe ABA material for added safety.
- Assembling the structure is quite a breeze.
Cons
- Some kids might find it hard to assemble the pieces.
13. BATTOP Marble Run Building Blocks Construction Toys Set
The BATTOP Marble Run Set shares similar features with the Temi Marble Run Deluxe Set. In fact, these two are almost indistinguishable in terms of physical and phycology characteristics. The only minor difference is the number of pieces where Temi has over 200 pieces while BATTOP has only 97.
But, despite that, the BATTOP Marble Run Set has not failed its customers at all. In fact, the limited number of pieces means that your kids can enjoy an easy time assembling the pieces. These pieces are also multi-colored and they come in different familiar shapes meaning kids can learn how to match the shapes and the colors during the assembly process.
The game offers 4 interactive challenges to work on which is a brilliant step in sharpening your kids’ hand-eye-coordination, creativity, logical thinking, and color & shape recognition among other skills. There are 4 balls to play with that are multi-colored for added fun. This set is constructed from high-quality ABS materials that have passed all the required US ASTM 963 Safety standards.
Pros
- Few pieces reduce clutter in your kid’s working area.
- The game has passed all the required safety standards.
- The balls and the pieces are all multi-colored.
- Best for improving your kid’s shape and color recognition.
- The assembly process is a breeze.
Cons
- The game has few marble tracks.
- Not ideal for kids less than 3 years.
14. Hippococo Magnetic 3D Building Blocks with Marble Run Game
Hippococo is an American family-owned business that truly strives to develop the best kids’ products for its esteemed customers. One of these toys that have really caught the eyes of most customers is the Hippococo Magnetic 3D Building Blocks. What’s really fascinating about this building toy is how Hippococo has creatively improved this toy to not only focus on building blocks but also feature a marble run track in between for kids to enjoy the marble run game alongside building blocks.
This is a very bold step from such a company that’s still in its infancy. Like it’s not enough, they’ve also designed their 3D blocks with magnetic engineering meaning the blocks will connect magnetically instead of clipping together. This game is one of the best educational tools you’ll find that will allow your kids to learn STEM skills while still sharpening their motor skills, creativity, imagination, and visualization.
Since the blocks consist of shapes your kids are familiar with, there’s the possibility of creating different toys other than building blocks such as creating castles and a variety of Lego robots such as giraffes, snails, dinosaurs, scarecrows, and buffalos among others.
Pros
- Ideal for both boys and girls.
- Made from durable ABS materials.
- Best for sharpening your kids’ STEM skills.
- It’s a combination of a building block and a marble run game.
- Uses magnetic blocks.
Cons
- The magnetic block can lose magnetism over time.
15. BMAG Marble Run Set for Kids
Our last marble run set that has earned a spot in our review of the best marble runs is none other than the BMAG Marble Run Set. By just looking at this set, it’s pretty easy to tell how determined BMAG has been in constructing a building game that will meet all your kid’s playing dynamics. First and foremost, this game is two-in-one where it serves as a building game and as a marble run game all at the same time.
Two, all the pieces used in the assembly, including the 32 marbles, are multi-colored. This is a brilliant step towards improving your kid’s ability to match shapes and colors. Besides, your kids will improve in other areas such as their STEM skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and imagination.
Now, if you inspect this toy closely, you’ll notice that BMAG has constructed this game with a wide base. This is one way of ensuring that the structure stays solid and upright when erected. The base also serves as a cool collection point once the marbles race through the semi-translucent chutes. Constructed from eco-friendly ABS materials, the BMAG Marble Run Set is an educational, conventional, recreational, and inspirational type of game for kids in preschool and kindergarten educational levels.
Pros
- The game has 112 pieces to work with.
- All pieces including the marbles are multi-colored.
- It has a very wide base to boost stability.
- All pieces are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
- Perfect for both boys and girls.
Cons
- Some pieces fail to clip together perfectly.
Things to Consider When Buying a Marble Run Set
As you have seen in the review section, marble runs are impressive toys that offer a thrilling way of passing time to kids of all ages. Not only do they give your kids plenty of playing time, but they also improve your kids’ problem-solving skills, creativity, imagination, and STEM skills in a fascinating way.
Now, while these toys have become a major talk in most kids’ staff stores, most parents have confessed to facing lots of problems when choosing the right marble runs for their kids. Thankfully, this guide has stepped up to the challenge by discussing some key factors you need to be aware of before storming into the nearest store to get your order. Please read on to find out.
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1. Type of Marble Run:
To ease the tension running through your mind, you need to ask yourself how many types of marble runs are there in the market. At least by doing this, you’ll be starting your research from a point then working yourself up the ladder without facing any confusion. Although these games work pretty much the same, they come in a variety of styles that set them apart at some point.
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2. Plastic Marble Runs:
These are the most common types of marble runs in the market. They consist of multiple pieces all of which are plastic made and finished using bright colors to captivate your kids while playing. Most of the marble runs in this category feature translucent interlocking tubes, chutes, and ramps to give your kids a thrilling visual experience when playing.
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3. Wooden Marble Runs:
Regarded as the predecessor of today’s marble run sets, wooden marble runs are still popular today just as they were during their reign decades ago. Unlike plastic marble runs that rely on hollow tubes for dramatic drops, wooden marble runs use a series of wooden steep ramps interspersed with spirals to form a race track where marbles can race at thrilling speeds.
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4. Cubed Marble Runs:
While the previous two setups rely on-ramps and hollow tubes, this one relies on interlocking cubes to create some thrilling playing experience. In this game, kids design unique structures while still creating a racing track at the same time to be used for directing the marbles through the structure down towards the finished plate.
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5. Magnetic Marble Runs:
With this type of marble run design, all the pieces are magnetized meaning they attach magnetically to each other. What’s fascinating about this engineering is that these pieces can be attached to other surfaces such as the refrigerator door to create a more creative type of play.
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6. Safety:
Although we started by discussing the various types of marble runs that are available, your child’s safety is the number one priority making this factor the very first rule you must observe when shopping for marble runs for kids.
Now, marbles present a choking hazard for kids and are hence not recommended for kids below 3 years. Secondly, the material you choose can cause negative effects on your kid’s health if you’re not careful. Unless you’re buying marble run sets for adults, anything meant for kids should be made from eco-friendly ABS materials that are 100% non-toxic.
Lastly, make sure the plastic pieces are strong and lightweight. For the case of the marbles, avoid buying sets with glass marbles at all costs. This will help to reduce cases of accidents that might be caused by sharp dangerous edges in case the marbles break.
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7. Size and Parts:
The size and the number of parts a marble run has can have a huge impact on your child’s playing experience. As far as learning is concerned, your kid needs ample time to enjoy the game rather than spending the whole day assembling it. If the latter is the case, then your kid will end up being frustrated and in the end, they’re likely to give up and find something else to do.
So, when shopping for a marble run, always make sure that you pick a set with large pieces that will be easier to construct. Also, make sure the pieces available are enough to keep your kids entertained depending on their level of experience. Sometimes, more pieces don’t necessarily mean more fun.
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8. Colors:
Another factor you need to inspect besides the size is the color-coding. You see, kids are stimulated by colors and sparkles. So, to boost your kid’s visual interest, you need to choose interconnecting pieces with special appeal such as those pieces with bright sensory color stimulation.
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9. Room for Extension:
When choosing a marble run for your kids, you need to think outside the box by thinking about the future. You see, kids get bored really fast and in one way or the other, they’ll eventually damp this game for something else.
Therefore, to ensure that they enjoy this game for a longer time, you need to pick an open-ended marble run that will be open to various upgrades and customizations.
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10. Transparency:
Now, transparency is one of the factors that make this game more entertaining. Actually, nothing is more thrilling than watching the marbles as they race down the tracks at supersonic speeds. Although glass can fit perfectly in this scenario, it’s a major safety concern for most kids. Therefore, the best option is to consider plastic translucent parts during your purchase.
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11. Marbles:
This is one of the silent features most parents fail to consider when shopping for marble runs. When we mention marbles, what comes to mind is the number of marbles your favorite set has. Well, that’s a factor you need to look at. But, did you know that not all marble runs come with standard-sized marbles? You see, while some models use tiny marbles, others use large ones. So, if you’re looking for a model that uses standard marbles that are easy to replace, then this factor is worth your time.
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12. Stability:
One thing that will really frustrate your child is building a structure that wobbles a lot. Remember, other than assembling the structure, your child needs to see the marbles as they roll down the tubes. So, to avoid any frustrations, you need to shop for a marble run that will allow your kids to play with the marbles without ruining the integrity of the structure.
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13. Action Parts:
Lastly, you need to think of how you can make your kids more excited when playing. One way you can do this is by picking a marble run that has several exciting predesigned action parts such as twists, bridges, centrifugal wheels, staircases, and whirls. This will give your kids a reason to keep enjoying this block-building game while still sharpening their skills.
Choosing Toys That Challenge And Amuse
Although we’ve reviewed some of the best marble run toys for kids, choosing the right toys that will constantly interest your kids is something most parents are facing a huge problem in. You see, the brain of a child is designed to curiously explore and learn new things. To satisfy their active exploring nature, you need to shop for educational toys that will support your kids’ development throughout the different stages.
Now, when choosing kids’ toys, you need to be very keen on your child’s age and the main reason why you’re buying the toys. You see, some toys such as alphabet toys, play food, picture books, and farm sets are designed to improve your child’s vocabulary and the ability to identify letters and numbers.
Others such as dolls, cars, play phones, and dress-up costumes are intended to improve your child’s social and emotional development. Toys such as blocks, marble runs, Lego, shape sorters, puzzles, and card games are designed to improve your child’s IQ, creativity, hand-eye coordination, imagination, and problem-solving skills among others.
But, although toys do play a huge role in improving all areas of your child’s development, one of the key factors that play a key role in promoting your kid’s exploration of the things around him is you as the parent.
Cognitive & Physiological Benefits of Marble Runs for Your Kids
In our previous section, we’ve seen how educational toys help your kids grow as well as understand more about the things around them. During your kid’s development stage, there are a lot of things they need to learn. Thankfully, with specific toys such as the marble run toy, learning these skills is easier than ever as these toys are not only intellectually challenging but also fun to play with.
With that said, this section will discuss some key benefits marble runs have on your child’s brain development.
- Helps in Boosting Your Child’s IQ
The first and most important benefit of the marble run game is its tremendous impact in boosting your kid’s IQ level. During the developmental stages, kids are usually so curious to explore things around them. With educational toys such as this one, such curiosity is quenched in such a way that your child will end up improving his/her IQ level gradually.
- Enhances Development of Senses
Different types of educational toys are designed to develop specific senses in a child’s developing brain such as hearing, seeing, and touching senses. For the case of the marble run, each piece is constructed from a familiar shape and finished with bright primary colors that are easy for your kid to recognize.
By matching the shapes and the attractive colors to build a structure, your kid can improve his/her hand-eye coordination skills, motor skills, and sense of sight since they’re able to recognize the colors.
- Improves Problem-Solving Skills
In this time and age, one of the most critical skills every child should learn is how to solve problems in various capacities. The marble run is one of the best educational toys that are tasked to improve this skill. Alongside puzzle games, shape sorters, and alphabet blocks, the marble run boosts your child’s thinking capacity by challenging them to erect a structure using the available pieces.
Your child is forced to focus, imagine, and think outside the box as they follow a step-by-step sequence to build the blocks. This way, they’re able to solve mathematical problems as well as understand how the law of gravity reacts to marbles as they race down the tracks.
- Boosts Social and Emotional Development
Apart from the obvious skills, we’re aware of; marble runs boost another set of skills most parents are not aware of—social and emotional skills. You see, when building blocks, your child is expected to interact with you (as the parent) or with other kids in the surrounding. In the process, they learn how to share and cooperate as they build the blocks. When they succeed, they laugh and when they’re frustrated, they cry or get angry. In the process, your child can master the dynamics of life which is an important lesson during development.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marble Runs
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Which are the Best Marble Runs?
Now, there are many variations of marble runs in the market the most common ones being plastic, wooden, and magnetic marble runs. However, considering the price and the availability, plastic marble runs are considered the best due to their durability, transparency, and expansion.
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Are Marbles Included in the Sets?
Here, it all depends on the brand and the model of the marble race game you’re buying. However, from what we’ve discussed in the review section, all the 15 best-rated marble runs we’ve discussed have at least 4 marbles moving forward. In fact, there are some sets with over 30 marbles and others with a mix of plastic and glass marbles. However, if you get a set without the marbles, you need to ensure that it allows standard marbles to be used which can be bought separately at any outlet store.
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Can the Marble Runs be Used in a Classroom Setting?
Previously, we’ve mentioned that marble runs help your kids to develop social and emotional skills. The social side of this toy can easily be developed when kids are coordinating and working together as a team. This reason alone makes the marble run one of the best educational toys to use in a classroom setting.
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Do These Present Any Hazards?
The simple answer is Yes! However, everything melts down to your child’s age. For instance, the colored blocks, chutes, and tubes are safe for kids of all ages provided they’re not tiny enough to be swallowed. The marbles are quite dangerous and restricted to kids 4 years and above to prevent choking hazards. Finally, it’s highly recommended that you pick those models with plastic pieces rather than glass pieces. That’s because glass can break and cause accidental risks due to the sharp edges of the broken pieces.
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Are These Sets Gender Neutral?
Since marbles are synonymous with boys, most buyers are likely to ask this question before whipping out their credit cards. The best thing about the marble run is that the marbles are just part of a large game that’s designed to entertain your kids in all dimensions. That alone makes the marble run gender-neutral making it ideal for both boys and girls.
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Are Instructions Included With Each Set?
In most cases, the marble run doesn’t include any instructions. You see, this game is aimed at improving your kid’s brain at different developmental stages. Therefore, it’s up to your kid to figure out how the pieces are assembled to form a structure. However, some brands prefer to add a leaflet with a set of warnings and age restrictions.
Final Verdict
As you can see, the best marble runs for kids have been around since the time our grandparents were kids. The only difference between them and today’s marble runs is the materials used in the construction. While former toys were constructed from wood, today’s toys are made of translucent plastic that’s 100% non-toxic and safe enough for kids to play with.
Now that we’ve discussed 15 of the best marble runs in the market, we believe it will be much easier for you to make an informed choice.