If you and your kids love to build and experiment with K’NEX and already own too many sets, you may look toward a new, fresh horizon. If so, below, you will want to hear about building toys similar to K’NEX.
Building and construction toy brands that are similar to K’NEX sure to offer a variety of building experiences. From classic construction sets like LEGO, Meccano, and Tinkertoys to magnetic building options like Magna tiles, they cater to different ages and foster your creativity in the most engaging building way.
Check out our list below of building toys that draw some similarities to K’NEX. You can find constructing and building sets for all building levels, ages, and interests:
Whether you are looking for boxed sets, plastic bricks, or building blocks for a DIY project to build something from your imagination, LEGO must be the perfect choice for you.
Similar to K’NEX and a very worthy option, you can count on the STEM education that both LEGO and K’NEX building sets encourage. LEGO Education SPIKE Prime set is aimed at inspiring learning of STEM subjects. From easy entry lessons to limitless creative designs, SPIKE Prime is designed to engage students regardless of their learning level in thinking critically, analyzing data, and solving complex problems with real-world relevance.
Meccano, also known as Erector, offers metal construction sets with nuts, bolts and metal plates. This classic toy company has endured for decades and is very similar to a K’NEX set. With this set, you can think of your own creative ideas. Using engineering principles, kids build mechanical or non-mechanical items such as cars, structures, and more, allowing them to design realistic, functional items.
If you remember playing with Meccano Erector as a child, it can be a joy to share this love with your children now. Although they are not budget-friendly, they can keep kids busy for hours and are high-quality.
Like K’NEX Tinkertoy is also a classic building toy brand. With Tinker toys sets, kids can create imaginative structures such as buildings, vehicles, and creatures with rods, spools, and connectors that connect together. Their endless construction possibilities promote creativity and fine motor skills.
This classic engineering toy brand offers limitless options for imaginative construction and is famous for its stick-building kits. The wooden set has been upgraded to plastic, which improves the original classic toy. There are now flexible bendable rods and frames that click into place, giving you even more creative options. You can build 30 different models with this set which includes 200 brightly colored rods, spools, and flags. Take apart one design and build another.
The Magnetic Tiles building kit allows children to create geometric constructions, houses, bridges, castles, and more. Magna-tiles set is a great building set for toddlers and preschoolers from ages 3 and up that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Building this set encourages creativity while learning shapes recognition and fine motor skills as well as social and design skills.
Magna-Tiles is a brand of magnetic building sets that allows kids to build three-dimensional structures with various geometric shapes that snap together thanks to the magnetic sides. They are STEAM-approved and promote important math, science, spatial, and tactile skills while providing hours of fun!
Marble runs are great for developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Meland’s 132 piece set comes with 102 colorful translucent construction pieces (ramps, dishes, tubes, and more) and 30 glass marbles to send rolling down. Marble building parts can be interchanged, so kids can create endless models. This booklet guides toddlers step by step so that they can build regardless of their skill level. The brand designs marble race toys to meet every stage of a boy’s or girl’s development and encourage play-based learning. While building it with little builders parents can be close to kids and have a stronger and closer relationship with them.
Whether you are a beginner builder, an experienced K’NEX enthusiast, or a parent looking for the perfect building toy for kids, here are some frequently asked questions about K’NEX and its similar toys.
LEGO interlocking bricks are very similar to K’NEX pieces. As with Legos and other compatible brands, they feature post-and-stud connections and K’NEX rod holes between the studs that can be inserted.
In educational settings, K’NEX can be used to teach kids engineering, physics, and problem-solving concepts. Building sets are great for younger and older kids alike as they enhance spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and creativity.
K’NEX offers replacement parts for purchase on their official website. Additionally, some online retailers sell new and second-hand pieces and expansion packs at great deals.
It is very safe for children to play with K’NEX pieces. However, it’s important to follow the age recommendations for each set and supervise younger children to prevent them from swallowing small parts.
It’s best to shop K’NEX toys directly from the manufacturer, who sells most of their products through the Official K’NEX store on Amazon, or head to your local toy shops. For further benefits, K’NEX sets usually come in plastic storage tubs or robust cardboard boxes, which you can use as a storage tackle box and keep your place tidy.