It’s a well-known fact that kids love toys but we should not forget that there are many kinds. Bug toys are one of them. Even if parents might find it odd that some children love insects and bugs, these toys are actually educational. Your kids are actually interested in science in general and nature in particular. It’s not the creepy crawly sight that they really see, it’s watching the little critters live and grow in an environment that the kids can observe closely.
Bug toys provide a safe and educational way of discovering the natural world. Parents may not like insects and bugs so much but children love them. Bug toys therefore offer an excellent compromise. The kids get to play with the little creatures while moms and dads can rest assured that the children will not be harmed. The kids will not eat the toys, nor will the ‘insects’ bite them. Plus there is no need to go outside and look under the rocks or leaves. Without further ado, here is our list of 10 cool bug toys in 2018.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Backyard Exploration Critter Case
- 5 out of 5
Our rating - Easy to Carry Around
- Price: See Here
- Darice Plastic Insects
- 4.5 out of 5
Our rating - 16 pcs. Insect Set
- Price: See Here
- Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzle
- 4.3 out of 5
Our rating - Fine-Motor Skills Development
- Price: See Here
Our Picks Of The Top Bug Toys:
1
Our Top Pick
Backyard Exploration Critter Case
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Age Range: 5 to 15 years old
The best way to study other living organisms is in their natural environment, out there in the wild. We’re not saying that your child should also venture into the wilderness. What we are saying is that he or she can take some twigs, grass, or even fallen leaves where insects happen to reside and then place these altogether inside the Toysmitth Backyard Exploration Critter Case. Just think of it as a dog kennel kind of temporary shelter for bugs, critters, and insects so your kid can get to study them a lot closer and with their natural environment partially undisturbed. The Backyard Exploration Critter Case may not be your idea of insect toys but it sure can provide a fantastic opportunity for children to safely observe insects and critters a lot closer and without the risk of being bitten, stung, or even left with very itchy substances. The Critter Case has flattened base to help secure it against accidental tipping over or being knocked over. The tubular body is made of high grade plastic screen frame and completed with mesh fabric on both sides of the case. There’s a hatch that can be easily opened so your child can easily deposit and remove plants, twigs, branches, leaves, and even his or her insect guests. The Critter Case comes with a sturdy carry handle for optimum transportation.
BENEFITS
This sturdy build is best for wild adventurers. It can hold sticks and leaves along with the bugs which gives a better observation in the natural environment. With the ability to hold a lot, high energy kids can collect whatever they would like, keeping busy for hours. The mesh give a view from multiple angles for maximum observation. The simplistic design of the door makes it easy for little ones to open and close while working on their hand-eye coordination. When you’re done playing with these bugs, it’s simple to dump out and start collecting again.
Pros
- Not easily spilled
- Simple design
- Large observation area
- Safe for bugs
Cons
- Some bugs might chew through mesh
- Door doesn’t lock shut
It’s an entirely different kind of “toy”. The mesh and screen frame allow for easy and safe observation of bugs and other critters.
2
Darice 1029-03 16-Piece Plastic Insects
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Age Range: At least 3 years old
Most adults are squeamish every time they see a cockroach or even a spider or any kind of crawlers and critters. Some are morbidly afraid of centipedes and scorpions and even tarantulas. That’s why there are also some people who love to play pranks on these individuals by purchasing insect toys and toy bugs that are almost as real as their counterparts in the real world. One such plaything is the Darice 16-Piece Plastic Insects. Al of these bugs measure about 2 inches in length so it would really freak out someone who is mysophobic or germophobic of ordinary flies since these don’t necessarily grow 2 inches in real life. Such is the realism of the craftsmanship of some of these Darice bugs. We said some because not all of these come with realistic features or even colors. The only critters that we think come really close to representing the real animals in the wild include the fly, the spider, and the ant. The grasshopper and the caterpillar also look real but are missing in some detail. Nevertheless, detailed or not, these can be fascinating insect toys for kids since it’s a great introductory tool to the world of arthropods.
BENEFITS
These plastic insects have detailed design in flexible plastic which is perfect for sensory exploration. They work perfectly for bathtime and for learning anatomy. Science lovers will love the hands-on education with the variety of insects. Older kids can learn different names of species and types of bugs while little ones can still explore the body parts and different shapes. Don’t forget to pull out a bug book to play some matching games to take this toy to the next level. These bugs are even sturdy enough to withstand younger, handsy children. Bonus points if you manage to scare someone!
Pros
- Realistic features
- Great for sensory exploration
- Many learning opportunities
- Good variety of insects and colors
Cons
- Does not state that it’s BPA free
The realism of the Darice insects is admirable although it can actually be made even better.
3
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Wooden Puzzle Game Set
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Age Range: 3 to 5 years old
If you can remember the classic fishing game where you have wooden blocks of fish fully embedded with rings that you’d have to hook, the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Wooden Bug-Catching Puzzle Game is just that. It’s a wonderful wooden puzzle that features insects in the garden like a grasshopper, a butterfly, a spider, a firefly, a caterpillar, a dragonfly, a bee, a ladybug, and a moth. Your kids will have plenty of fun catching these insects with his or her magnetic net which will stick to the magnets atop each of these lovely insects. Melissa & Doug has always been known for incorporating a variety of learning concepts in their toys. In the Bug-Catching Puzzle Game, kids are destined to expand their vocabulary with the names of these insects and help enhance their language development. Kids, too, can master their spatial intelligence, motor and visual coordination, and balance to fish these insect toys from the puzzle board. It even helps reinforce their knowledge of colors. Just think of the Bug-Catching Puzzle Game as a very bug-gy board game designed specifically for young kids.
BENEFITS
This traditional fishing game has a fun, colorful twist. These insects pieces are caught by a magnetic “net” which develops hand-eye coordination. While actively playing, kids can also expand their vocabulary and knowledge of our outdoor environment. It is engaging and fuels children’s imagination. Ages 3 and up can be inspired to explore and pushed to increase their curiosity. Children are also encouraged to be independent with this solo game and grow their fine motor skills and use of tools.
Pros
- Colorful and eye-catching
- Engaging learning tool
- Adds knowledge of nature and the environment
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Easy to use for toddler age children
Cons
- Puzzle pieces may become lost
It’s the bug world’s version of a classic game where precision aiming and steely hands are required.
5
Insect Lore Ladybug Growing Kit Toy
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Age Range: At least 4 years old
For kids who already had a terrarium or even an aquarium, they already know how it’s like to watch animals grow in their habitat. That’s exactly what the Insect Lore Ladybug Growing Kit Toy promises. These are not insect toys for kids because these are habitats that are designed specifically for raising beautiful ladybugs from larvae. Each purchase of the Ladybug Growing Kit entitles you to a voucher which you can use to obtain 15 to 20 ladybug larvae which will be shipped separately. Also included in the larvae shipment are special instructions on the care of these immature bugs and their special food. Your kid can then place the larvae in the volcano diorama where these will form cocoons and emerge as beautiful Francis’ from A Bug’s Life. The whole experience will be priceless as your kid gets to grow these lovely insects right in the comfort of home. There are special gels on the volcano reservoir for the larvae to thrive on. The dome of the Insect Lore is built like one huge magnifying glass so kids can easily see their work in progress. We strongly recommend, however, that kids release the ladybugs a few days after turning into adult forms so they can work their wonders in your garden.
BENEFITS
Kids love to watch the life cycle of ladybugs while learning about their transformations. After the bugs are done with their metamorphosis, you can release them into your yard so they can benefit your garden. Then the life cycle can start over again in your backyard. This is also perfect for classroom settings. The dome lid allows viewing from all angles as the larvae grow into adult ladybugs. We recommend young biologists to keep a journal to record all observations like activity level and how they transform.
Pros
- Educational tool
- Magnifier at the top
- 360-degree view
- Includes watering area and food
- Repurchase larvae over again
Cons
- Some insects may not survive
- Requires maintenance
The Ladybug Growing Kit is the perfect instrument for teaching kids about the lifecycle of one of the most adorable insects in the planet. At any rate, your child gets to play mother ladybug for these larvae.
6
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Bag of Bugs
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Age Range: 3 to 5 years old
Designed specifically for pretend and play activities, the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Bag of Bugs are just the perfect insect toys for kids who love nothing else but to explore their natural environment. Now, parents can feel more confident and more secure every time their kids set out in the garden in search of colorful bugs as you will be using the Sunny Patch critters as wonderful hide-and-hunt tools to train your child’s observational and exploratory skills. It can also be played as a sorting game since the sturdy plastic insect toys come as two of each kind. So you get a pair of centipedes, grasshoppers, June beetles, ants, and ladybugs. These also come in vibrant colors so kids can also use color as a sorting parameter. Their language abilities as well as motor skills can also be enhanced just playing with the Sunny Patch bugs. These are very friendly insects that will never bite your kid.
BENEFITS
These colorful bugs can be used for numerous games. Little ones can learn to count, sort and match with the 10 creepy crawlies. Add some outdoor time by playing in your yard to hunt for these fun critters while working on color recognition. This sturdy plastic is safe and well made so kids can be entertained for hours without fear of breaking off pieces. Recreating “bug homes” and different environments pushes children to develop their imagination and creates a love of nature and all creatures.
Pros
- Bright, fun colors
- Tactical stimulation
- Well made, sturdy plastic
- Variety of bugs
- Multitude of games to play
Cons
Melissa & Doug did it again. Their Sunny Patch line continues to reap accolades from adoring fans primarily because of the developmental benefits their products bring to children.
7
Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit
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Age Range: 4 to 15 years old
A lot of people don’t look at the Scientific Explorer Backyard Kit as anything resembling toy bugs or insect toys. It’s a kit, that’s for sure. And it’s especially designed for exploration. Your kid gets a 2-way bug viewer for magnifying even the smallest critter he or she can find, serving as a portable field microscope. It also comes with a bug net for catching specimen and a collecting case for keeping and organizing catch. There are tweezers so your child doesn’t really have to hold the bugs or critters he or she has caught. And in case your little angel doesn’t know how to proceed with the exploration, he or she can simply follow the accompanying guide where he or she can make a sundial or even a “worm” hotel. The science kit also guides your kid to experiment with shadows. The Backyard Kit offers young explorers the chance to really get up close and personal with the critters and bugs that live right in their backyard.
BENEFITS
One way to learn about bugs is up close and personal. With this kit, you can do everything a scientist does. Magnifying glass observes the tiniest of insect with tons of other tools to explore the outdoors. Don’t forget to write down everything you learn! Kids can even make a sundial experiment and learn about the sun and space. It also can be used as a worm hotel or observing space for other live bugs. Overall this kit comes with everything necessary to have tons of outdoor fun while making sure your kids never stop learning.
Pros
- Versatile
- Includes many tools
- Up-close learning and observations
- Expands natural curiosity
- Creates compassion for nature
Cons
- Some projects require things not included
The Backyard Kit is a young entomologist’s starter kit for exploring the treasure trove of bugs, insects, and critters that are readily available in one’s backyard.
8
Wild Republic Polybag Insect 10 Pieces
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Age Range: 3 to 6 years old
Looking for real insect toys? How about the Wild Republic’s 10-piece Polybag Insect? These are way better-looking, more realistic than the other toy bugs we have in this particular list. The details of each of these creatures are so life-like that you wouldn’t really believe them to be playthings. At the very least, this should help young children hold these creatures without having to worry about getting nasty bites or itchiness because these can supplant the real creatures they represent. These bugs are also huge and are constructed of very durable materials. These also make for superb décor in your kid’s room. However your little one intends to play with these, he or she is guaranteed to have a better understanding of these members of the animal kingdom.
BENEFITS
These life-like, giant bugs are perfect for some fun education. The bugs are unique types of beetles and insects that kids can learn about. Kids can see all the details up close without fear of bug bites or stings. Adults can even use these in a classroom setting for everyone to learn about all the different species of bugs. The accurate details can teach kids about anatomy and create a compassion for all creatures.
Pros
- Realistic
- Variety of insects
- Durable with a high-quality construction
- Detailed and colorful
- Cultivates creativity
Cons
- Might have trouble figuring out what species the insects are
The realistic detailing of the critters in the Polybag Insect is simply phenomenal. It’s the closest we can ever get to the real thing.
9
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Bug Jug Fill and Spill Soft Baby Toy
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Age Range: 18 months to 3 years old
It’s never too early to introduce members of the insect world to infants or babies. In fact, if you’re going to get the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Bug Jug Fill and Spill Soft Baby Toy, we promise you your baby will appreciate you for life. The Bug Jug is actually a see-through jug that comes with a lid made of mesh. There’s only one function of the Bug Jug: to provide a home to 4 lovable, plush, and adorable bugs that include a butterfly, a grasshopper, a ladybug, and a spider. What’s amazing is that these 4 little friends come with built-in sensory toys such as a rattle, a squeaker, a crinkle, and a jingle bell. These are important for auditory stimulation. Helping develop babies’ tactile senses are the different fabric materials used in the construction of each of these bugs, not to mention how soft they feel to the touch. And with soft yet lovable colors, too, you have just completed the troika of sensory development for infants.
BENEFITS
This interesting toy is one of a kind. The concept is still simple enough for younger kids to increase their fine motor skills. There are different rattles, squeaks and crinkles for babies to explore and work on sensory development. Bright and fun patterns are perfect to start introducing colors. Perfectly developed for little hands to practice “filling and spilling” and develop their hand-eye coordination.
Pros
- Sensory development
- Improves fine motor skills
- Lid is attached
- Bright and colorful
- Fosters imagination
Cons
- Some kids may have difficulty with the small opening
These are the bugs that will help your baby optimize his or her brain development because of the superb sensory stimulation that these toy bugs provide.
10
Read Parent Reviews >>
Age Range: 3 to 6 years old
What if you have toy bugs that can serve as a great introduction to early math concepts such as counting and sorting? That would be great, wouldn’t it? In that case, you’d better get the Bug Counters Set from Learning Resources. There’s actually two each of six different bugs in 6 different colors so you get a total of 72 counters. There are grasshoppers, dragonflies, bumblebees, caterpillars, beetles, and spiders in 6 different colors. Each of these bugs are made of soft rubber making the processes of sorting, classifying, grouping, counting, and patterning of these creatures superbly wonderful. These are conveniently stored in a clear plastic tub so any time your kid wants to hone his or her counting and math skills, then it’s as easy as opening the lid and pouring all of its contents. With such number of critters, your kid will sure master some of the basic math concepts early on.
BENEFITS
There are so many games and ways to play with these counters. Perfect for introducing concepts such as counting, sorting, and colors. Older kids can create patterns with the different colors and bug types. Younger kids can match colors and name them. All different age groups can benefit from the versatility of these counters. The details and textures can develop tactile senses while having fun with bugs.
Pros
- Many different games
- Works for a wide range of ages
- Soft rubber for hands-on learning
- Packaging can be reused for storage
Cons
- Can be distracting instead of educational
The Bug Counters is a very insect-y way of teaching kids about certain math concepts while also strengthening their color awareness.
Criteria Used in Evaluation of The Coolest Bug Toys
Bugs may be creepy to many adults but they play many important roles in the development of children. Some of those roles include sensory developments and the different types of insect toys help grow those skills. Each new sight, sound or color is a learning experience. Stimulating toys encourage children to continue growing those skills. Plus, kids can have so much fun with these bugs they won’t even notice they are learning so much. Remember the focus is on experimenting and exploring, so there shouldn’t necessarily be a right or wrong way to play.
All the different types of bug toys create a compassion for all creatures. They can develop their unique interests while building experience in the great outdoors. It’s never too soon to teach your little ones how the world around us works. These bug themed toys also provide imaginative play. They can take the knowledge they learn and apply it to games around the house. All these toys can strengthen curiosity and role-playing skills.
Developing fine and gross motor skills are very important for child development. Gross motor skills are things that use large muscles of your body. We start learning how to use these skills from birth, starting with the trunk and upper body and then the lower body. These skills grow and develop over time and lead to more specific skills that kids can do. Gross motor skills need to be strengthened before fine motor skills. These are so important because they build confidence and strength. Children will need all these skills entering Kindergarten.
There are also numerous social aspects to playing with science-based toys. Children can experience first hand the way things work through a cause and effect process. This can work on a physical level as well as a social level. By using these bug toys in their environment, kids can experiment with this cause and effect. Children can explore their relationship with the world and other creatures around them. These toys become tools to help your child build skills and learn new ways to interact with people and nature.
Understanding the Importance of Bugs in Our Lives
The importance of nurturing kids’ love for animals goes beyond showing them how to care for their dogs and cats. It is equally important for children to learn to understand and appreciate bugs, too. And while we can always accompany our kids to go bug hunting, it is equally crucial that we have a clear understanding of the importance of insects and critters in our lives.
- Bugs kill pests – Many critters are the predators of other critters. For instance, aphids can easily destroy crops which can have an impact on our food sources. Ladybugs are known to be the natural predators of aphids.
- Bugs are excellent at recycling – Have you ever heard of the dung beetle? If you have then you know what it does. There are a lot of insects, bugs, and critters that use all of the materials that we consider as wastes and turn these into something more useful. This is recycling at its best.
- Bugs spread pollen – We wouldn’t be able to enjoy the colors of spring and the blooms of summer without insects that fly from flower to flower, carrying with them precious pollen that impregnates another flower. As flowers become the fruits that we enjoy in our tables, without these insects, there wouldn’t be any fruit at all to have.
- Bugs are producers of stuff we enjoy – You know that expensive type of fabric known as silk? It’s made by a type of insect called the silkworm. The honey we use in many of our dishes are produced by bees. There are many other products that we now enjoy because of the work of these insects.
The Bottom Line
Some members of the bug family have very important roles to play in preserving the balance in the ecosystem. With these 10 cool bug toys in 2018, we are essentially helping our kids to understand and appreciate this invaluable role that bugs play.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Melissa and Doug Magnetic Wooden Puzzle Game Set: Fishing and Bug Catching waterproof?
A: No, it is not waterproof. Each piece is made out of wood with a printed design on the top. These toys are best played inside. Other bug toy options listed here are waterproof plastic and would work perfectly in the bath or outside.
Q: Is the Carson BugView Bug Catching Tool and Magnify humane for bugs?
A: Yes. Because of the design, bugs can be safely placed inside the viewing box and then released outside. It is designed like how someone would place a cup over an insect and sliding a piece of paper under. This is an all in one convenient tool with no harm to the critters.
Q: Are the Wild Republic Polybag Insect 10 Pieces safe for bath time?
A: Many families have fun incorporating these bug into bath time. They are large and they float, so perfect for some fun in the tub. Not to mention, these bugs are made out of a sturdy plastic and are high quality.
Q: Can the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Bug Jug Fill and Spill Soft Baby Toy fit in a bag for travel?
A: These toys are squishy and easily collapsed. Therefore, they can be compressed to fit in different bags for travel. As long as you don’t mind the silly noises these toys make while driving around.
Q: How big are the Bug Counters?
A: They are all about 2 inches. The size is important because it requires growth of fine motor skills. Fingers have to grasp the smaller pieces and sort them during the different games. They are also easy to store all 72 pieces conveniently. At the same time, they are not too small. Children on the younger end of the spectrum can still enjoy these fun creepy crawlies.
Q: How do you order bugs for my Insect Lore Ladybug Growing Kit Toy?
A: The ladybug home and the larvae are delivered separately. Once you order the growing kit and it delivers, it comes with a coupon. Send in that coupon and your larvae will be delivered straight to your door. This is for the safety of the bugs and so they have the best potential of making the long trip.
Sources
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Angela Thayer , Gross Motor Skills {and why they are important!}, Blog,
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Michaela , How Toys Impact Children's Development, Blog Article,
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BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board , Play: Why it's so important, Online Article,
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The Kiwi Families Team, Preschoolers: Toys Science and nature toys, Informative Article,
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Admin, Educational Benefits of Providing Toys To Children, Article,