Once children are around age 10, they start to phase out of toys and into projects.

Keeping inquisitive minds of this age busy and occupied can be a challenge, but one way to combine science, building, and fun is with mechanical wooden toys.

Unique and interesting, these toys come in kits that you fashion yourself for hours of learning and fun.

Dinosaurs are particular favorites for these kits; assembling scales and plates and armor coupled with movement seems suited for mechanical toys.

Other varieties of these toys include helicopters, cars, and robots, all natural complements for mechanical toys and small scale, simplified versions of the real thing.

Mechanical wooden toys are systems of gears, pulleys, switches, and wires awaiting assembly by future engineers.

Most kits come with wooden pieces that are pre-punched and ready to assemble, but the mechanical parts require simple tools like screwdrivers and pliers.

So, not only do mechanical wooden toys allow children to practice assembly and following directions, they teach fundamentals about how gears, pulleys, and basic electricity work.

Mechanical wooden toys come in a variety of models, and while they are designed for children ten and up, children will need parental supervision and assistance. That works out well, though, since parents may find them irresistible.

Most sets come with paint as well for finishing the project and personalizing it.

What’s more, the models of dinosaurs and robots can be used to extend the assembly lesson by discussing how dinosaurs moved, what makes for sound automotive design, and what features work best for robots.

Use the experience of creating these toys together as a way to discuss cause and effect, test hypotheses, and make predictions.

Fine motor skills, logic, spatial relations, and patience are also skills that mechanical wooden toys teach. What a fantastic way to combine toy and learning project in one!