Family Life Fun Toys Kid Toys Best Toys of 2020 for School-Age Kids Lure 5- and 6-year-olds away from their screens with toys they can build, crafts they can make their own, dolls and action figures, and STEM-powered toys that might even teach them a thing or two. By Adrienne Farr and Jessica Hartshorn Jessica Hartshorn Instagram Jessica Hartshorn has covered the baby and kid-product market for 22 years and is a mother of two herself. At the holidays, she helms parents.com/besttoys. our editorial guidelines Published on October 28, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Jeffrey Westbrook 01 of 09 Best Toys of 2020: Surprise Toys 02 of 09 Build It Set Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now Kids enraptured by construction sites can play building supervisor with the Playmobil RC Crane With Building Section, controlling the crane via remote control to hoist some of the 80 pieces. Includes two characters. Ages 5+ 03 of 09 Companion Doll Healthy Roots Dolls Buy Now Healthy Roots Dolls Zoe is an 18-inch rendition of the best-friend doll. "I can wash and comb her hair just like my mom does mine," one girl enthuses. It's true—you can even use product on her hair, then rewash. Ages 6+ 04 of 09 Pretend Pet Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now When Little Live Pets Lil' Dippers hit water, they spring to life like a real fish (yet less risk here of a tragic demise). Each finned friend comes with a bottle to simulate feedings and shuts off after about five minutes to save battery life. Try one in the tub to entice your kid to hop in. Ages 5+ 05 of 09 Frozen 2 Play Set Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now This petite Arendelle set is fun and simple to build, and it closes up like a book, "so great for not losing pieces!" raves one mom. LEGO Disney Anna and Elsa's Storybook Adventures comes with all the stars—Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf—plus a zippy sled for adventure outside the gates. Ages 5+ 06 of 09 Marvel Avengers Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now Hasbro Marvel Bend and Flex Action Figures aren't stuck in stiff positions. Kids can move the 6-inch heroes into poses and create little scenes. "They stand on their own," says a mom. The 18 figures (and counting!) include Black Panther, Iron Man, and Captain America. Ages 6+ 07 of 09 Science Kit Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now Kids create fast-growing crystals from nontoxic salts using the Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs: Colorful Crystal Lab. A 24-page book walks them through 11 experiments that make use of tools like a centrifuge. Yeah, science! Ages 6+ 08 of 09 Jewelry Kit Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now The Just My Style All-in-One Jewelry Carry Case has the goods for 100+ bracelets, including more than 2,000 beads, and everything stores inside. "My daughter has been making bracelets nonstop," a tester mom says. Ages 6+ 09 of 09 Hidden-In-Slime Prize Jeffrey Westbrook Buy Now Cut the shark's belly for slime and booty, then rescue a figure from its jaws. The chomping sea creature remains fun long after kids open Treasure X Sunken Gold Shark's Treasure. Ages 5+ Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit