The Best Terrarium Kits for Kids

Dan & Darci Light-up Terrarium Kit

Learning doesn’t just happen in school. And while there are many activity kits on the market today that combine education and experience, few beat the fun benefits of this particular Light-up Terrarium Kit by Dan & Darci. Authenticated by major STEM organization, this kit is a bona fide learning tool that introduces your children to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, all while having a blast. And in addition to teaching them about the water cycle and lifespans of plants, you’re also getting your kids to feel more responsible in caring for and maintaining what they planted.

Pros:

• You’ll likely see growth within days
• Easy-recharge LED light lasts up to five hours
• Includes super cute bunny and mushroom miniatures as well as removable decorative stickers

Cons:

• Light switch is located on the side of the lid and can be hard to press

Uptown Farmer Kids Terrarium Kits for Kids

While the process is an essential part of any interactive kit, the end result of your efforts is just as important. That’s why we love this terrarium kit by Uptown Farmer. Not only do your kids get to exercise creative decision-making with the placement of figurines and stickers in this kit, but they also get to decide what to do with the glowing structure afterward. With an LED lid that functions as a nightlight and fairy lights that add a safe amount of sparkle to the space, this terrarium adds a bit of movable, maturing magic to your home.

Pros:

• Easy-to-assemble instructions
• Fairy lights included in addition to LED light-up lid
• Durable jar construction

Cons:

• Not a lot of room for growth after putting in all the soil

Brave Finder Light-up Terrarium Kit

As parents, we know the frustration of receiving a gift for our children that requires extra parts or effort on our side. That’s why interactive kits are such a popular option these days. While most terrariums available today come with most of the required materials, it’s hard to top this super-thorough kit by Brave Finder. From soil to seeds, the light-up lid to its associated charging cable, small shovels to a light spray bottle, your child will get everything they need to make their own miniature garden.

Pros:

• Chemical-free soil composition
• Includes a range of accessories
• Super easy to assemble

Cons:

• The kit’s packaging is a little messy

Dan & Darci Light-up Dino World Terrarium Kit

While fairy houses and mushrooms are traditional garden decorations, a lot more can be found on both sides of the soil in this Jurassic-themed terrarium kit by Dan & Darci. The dino-lovers in your life are sure to enjoy the assortment of themed figurines included in this kit, including a Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and more. As you assemble the kit and watch the seeds sprout over a few days, the dinosaurs will slowly start “hiding” behind the new growths, making for a fun and interactive educational activity.

Pros:

• Certified by a leading STEM organization
• Includes five dinosaur figurines and themed stickers
• Great customer service

Cons:

• LED light may be finicky

Sopu Terrarium Kit for Kids

Terrarium kits are a great example of developing creative motor skills without the need for high-tech devices, and the Sopu kit takes this idea one step further with their affordable terrarium. This kit skimps on nothing to provide an accessible interactive educational opportunity, proof that learning can happen everywhere and on any budget. As a bonus, the jar’s luminous effect is solar-activated, meaning that this ecosystem is fully self-sustained and powered without the need for extra cables or wires.

Pros:

• Great cost value
• All-inclusive kit
• Fast-growing grass
• Solar-powered LED light

Cons:

• Smaller-sized terrarium

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I keep my terrarium?

While sunlight might seem like a terrarium’s best friend, most seeds you plant inside one don’t need direct light. Also, due to the slight magnifying nature of your container glass, direct light can quickly cause the interior temperature to rise and create more condensation within, hurting your green babies. For the same reason, we recommend keeping your terrarium away from high heat sources like radiators. Overall, a spot with diffused, indirect light in a regulated temperature area is best.

How often should I water my terrarium?

While each kit will have its own watering schedule, we recommend getting the soil adequately damp after initially building it. Following this, water your plants about once a day using a spray bottle. This watering method will prevent mold from growing within your ecosystem while keeping your new buds moist and healthy.