When researching toys for a 9-year old boy, we looked for picks that are age-appropriate, have adequate safety measures in place, and help them learn about the world around them. Some of our favorite options include a challenging STEM-based toy from ThinkFun, a Marvel themed guessing game from Skillmatics, and an archeology set with real fossils from National Geographic. Here are the best toys for 9-year-old boys. The object is to build a tower that will take the marble from the starting point designated on the challenge cards to the target tower. To do so, it takes spatial reasoning, visual perception, planning, and other important engineering skills, which kids will build as they have fun building these mazes. Adults can even give them a whirl as they fit shoe sizes from youth 12 to adult 12 and will support up to 250 pounds. Note that the spark pads are removable and refills are sold separately. Not only will kids have a blast building the coasters, but they’ll be building on important STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills as they play. Once the thrill rides are built, they can send the air-propelled, motorized coaster car (included) soaring around the tracks. After all of the 12 robots are built, disassembly is easy so kids can start all over again and use their imagination to create even more innovative and completely customizable bots. Perfect for independent play or for fostering collaboration with friends and siblings, this fun and challenging set secretly teaches young ones about scientific concepts as they imagine and create. Even if you don’t guess the character, you learn awesome trivia about your favorite heroes and villains, guaranteeing a great time each round. Even better, this game easily slips into a purse or backpack for playing in the card, on a picnic, or on the go. An infrared remote control lets kids send the car racing forward, backward, and in 360-degree spins. Lights make for fun nighttime driving, too. It’s all the action of a traditional remote control car, with amplified add-ons that make it super cool. The objective: To capture creatures and enchantments by rolling dice, collecting cards, and strategizing the best moves. Along the way, you’ll encounter angry ogres, giggling goblins, and other creatures that you must stomp, shriek at, or strike. It comes with 108 cards, six customized dice, and easy-to-follow instructions. Winning requires a good mix of strategy and luck. While Lego sets offer a fun challenge for all levels, 9-year-olds may need help from an adult to complete this build, making this a great collaborative activity. The challenge will add to the feeling of success once the Jeep is complete and ready to display or disassemble and build all over again. Kids wear mesh vests with a target on their chest that opponents try to hit with soft and safe balls. Perfect for playing together with friends or family members of various aged, Diggin DodgeTag is a great choice for outdoor play. The best part—this game collapses for easy storage in a convenient carrying case, perfect for bringing to the part or the beach. The sturdy weather-proofed materials are guaranteed to last for years to come, which helps justify the high price tag.
Safety
Channel your 9-year old boy’s energy into an active, outdoor toy to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Just make sure to encourage appropriate safety habits while you are at it, by including a helmet, knee pads, or other protective gear with your gift.
Educational Value
Learning through play is great for any age, but especially 9-year old boys. They can play a game that is tailored to their interests or favorite subject in school to learn new facts. They can also benefit from puzzles and design challenges that engage their mind and imagination without ever feeling like school. Great toys for 9-year old boys incorporate learning right into the fun. Your gift may also spark a new interest in your child. Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, likes open-ended toys. “For me the best ones are the ones that don’t have an automatic answer or can be solved in multiple ways. They should lead the child to a sense of curiosity where he wants to learn more.”
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This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays.
