With the summer holidays not that far away now, you may be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained on rainy days.
Get them off their iPads, tablets and away from the TV by turning their attention to hobby and craft sets - educational kits to help them learn new skills in fun and imaginative ways.
Let them channel their inner scientist for instance, or get to grips with how to knit or even master calligraphy. The options are plentiful and wide-ranging.
Whether you are looking for independent activities for your child or those the whole family can enjoy together, take a look at our edit - hours of fun guaranteed.
Science Museum Science Laboratory Set
Suitable for: 8+ years
Ignite or build on your little one’s love of science with this Science in the Laboratory set. Featuring laboratory equipment to enable your kids to conduct at-home investigations, there are 150 different experiments to explore in all different areas of science: chemistry, microbiology and genetics. Produced by the Science Museum, with this kit your kid can practise how to be a researcher using a worktop station, microscope, centrifuge and equipment, all included in the set.
£35 | Science Museum | Buy it now
Galt French Knitting
Suitable for: 6+ years
This set contains all the tools needed to create colourful knitted jewellery. Your child can make headbands, necklaces and bracelets with the multi-coloured selection of beads and threads and there is also a step-by-step guide included.
£9.99 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Great Gizmo Glow Embroidery Stitches
Suitable for: 6+ years
This fun embroidery set will encourage your kids to create colourful works of art that light-up in the dark. Featuring an embroidery project, you children can learn how to stitch and create a Glow Fairy bag with multi-coloured thread.
£15.50 | Bright Minds | Buy it now
Calligraphy Masterclass Kit
This beginner’s guide has instructions on how to master the italic typography with 16 pages of calligraphy fun as well as top tips from a professional. The engaging and easy introduction set includes an art pen, two nibs and three ink cartridges.
£4 | The Works | Buy it now
Slime Cra-Z-Slimy Creations Slimy Fun Kit
Suitable for: 6+ years
The slime craze shows no signs of subsiding and we have to admit that even we find the stuff rather appealing. Your little one can create their very own glittery and neon slime with this set, which includes white glue, clear glue, neon colourant, glitter, a measuring cup, slime sticks and the slime activator.
£10 | Selfridges | Buy it now
FabLab Nail Art Kit
Suitable for: 8+ years
Your kids can master the art of nail design with this nail art kit for truly funky fingertips. It contains seven nail polishes and an illustrated guide, as well as information on how to create custom patterns.
£9.99 | John Lewis | Buy it now
FAO Schwarz Fashion designer activity set
Suitable for: 8+ years
Let your little ones explore their love of fashion through this creative set. Stored in a portable, wooden case - ideal for travelling - it contains colouring pencils, crayons and more, so your kids can design their very own catwalk-ready outfits.
£35 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Science Museum Clementoni Create Your Own Crystals kit
Suitable for: 8+ years
This set has all the equipment needed to design eye-catching crystals. The nature-inspired kit has animal moulds, safety goggles, gloves, beakers and illustrated manuals to create sparkling pieces your children can display proudly in their bedrooms.
£15 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Personalised Sew Your Own Doll Kit
Suitable for: 8+ years
Your little one can make their very own doll with this starter project. Designed for beginners, follow the dotted lines and use the scissors, needle and thread included to make up a delightful model. You can even personalise the doll with your child's name on an embroidered tab and choose between two brightly coloured designs for the figure's outfit; rainbow or chevron.
£12 | Not on the High Street | Buy it now
Craft Teen Soy Wax Candles
Suitable for: 8+ years
Do something a little different and create lightly perfumed soy wax candles with your little ones. The candles are very easy to make and could become great gifts. The set includes three candle tins, coloured dyes, perfume to scent to your preference, stickers to personalise the exterior, and wicks.
£16.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Great British Sewing Bee Sewing Studio
Suitable for: 6+ years
Teach your kid to sew with this child-friendly sewing machine (with a safety guard to protect little fingers). The device has two different speeds, a foot pedal and is lightweight yet robust. It also comes with assorted fabrics and patterns as well as easy-to-follow instructions.
£49.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Verdict:
The Science Museum Science Laboratory Set opens a world of possibilities with the sheer number of experiments that can be conducted by your little ones. The kit promises entertainment with an educational twist, as your kids are encouraged to explore all different areas of science.
