Here’s a collection of over 25 STEM challenges for kids focusing on building, engineering, and design. What I especially like about these specific STEM and STEAM activities are how open-ended they are and how they allow children to really take part with minimal adult assistance.

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Not only are taking part in STEM challenges super fun, but they offer so many benefits to kids of all ages! While completing a STEM challenge, kids explore problem solving and design using creativity and scientific skills. These challenges help children develop skills and the self-confidence needed not only in a classroom setting, but in the real world as well.

Although there are many amazing STEM challenges out there, I really wanted to put together a collection of challenges that focused on open-ended and mostly child-centered activities. In this list you’ll find all kinds of fun ways to get your children or students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math!

25+ STEM Challenges for Kids

Mystery Bag STEM Design Challenge from Buggy and Buddy

Design a Paper Plate Marble Maze from Buggy and Buddy

Design a Sun Shelter for a UV-Sensitive Bead Animal from Buggy and Buddy

Egg Drop Challenge from Buggy and Buddy

STEM Challenge: Build Something that Floats from Fireflies and Mud Pies

Build a Stick Raft from Kids Craft Room

Build a Hexbug Maze Using Straws from Buggy and Buddy

Craft Stick STEAM Challenge from Fantastic Fun and Learning

Red Cup STEM Challenges for Kids from Kids Activities Blog

Wind Powered STEM Challenge from STEAM Powered Family

STEM Paper Airplane Challenge from Kids Activities Blog

Button and Playdough STEM Challenge for Kids from The Educators’ Spin on It

Fidget Spinner STEM Challenge Cards from Preschool Powol Packets

Newspaper Engineering Challenge from The Educators’ Spin on It

Straw Engineering Challenge from Lemon Lime Adventures

Cups, Craft Sticks, and Blocks Engineering Challenges from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Lego Boat and Penny Engineering Challenge from Handmade Kids Art

Design a Seed Engineering Challenge from Share It! Science News

Clothespin Airplane Engineering Challenge from Schooling a Monkey

Spaghetti Tower Marshmallow Challenge from Tinkerlab

Build a Homemade Marble Run from Buggy and Buddy

Build an Igloo with Toothpicks and Marshmallows from Lemon Lime Adventures

Star Wars STEAM Challenge Cards from Left Brain Craft Brain

Make It Move! from STEAM Powered Family

Mondrian-Inspired STEAM Playdough Challenge from The Preschool Toolbox

Balance a Rock Sculpture from Handmade Kids Art

Log Pile House Building Challenge from Inspiration Laboratories

Be sure to check out STEAM Kids book and ebook for even more creative STEM and STEAM ideas!