Ask a few kids their favorite animal.
Yes, go ahead and do it!
Ok, so perhaps you don’t have more than one nearby, but if you did…
You would inevitably hear at least one response of dinosaur, or a specific type of dinosaur (T-Rex is of course one of the more popular choices).
There are lots of dinosaur toys available: dinosaur figures, dinosaur puzzles, dinosaur movies, etc.
But, some of our favorite dinosaur toys are those that engage kids in a fun game of build your own dinosaur!
Here, you will find a range of dinosaur building sets that will lead children through the process of how to build a dinosaur.
Meccasaur
Recommended Ages: 10 years or older
The meccasaur is by far one of the most interactive dinosaur building sets for kids.
It is a programmable robot that responds to petting and simple yes/no questions.
With over 700 pieces, this is not a simple building set. It will require at least 4-5 hours and perhaps even more.
Magformers Dinosaur Set (55-pieces)
Recommended Ages: 3 years or older
My household is a big fan of Magformers.
And I hope to add some of these pieces to our collection in the near future.
With the included 55 pieces, kids can build many different dinosaurs, including a brontosaurus, triceratops, stegosaurus, and tyrannosaurus.
ZOOB BuilderZ Glow Dinos
Recommended Ages: 6 years or older
The 250 pieces contain 11 glow-in-the-dark components, as well gears, axels, and joints that will provide children many ways to customize their creations.
The kit provides an instruction manual to guide builders through several different Zoob dinosaurs. But, like all building sets, half the fun is exploring your own configurations.
You can check our review on the Zoob Car Designer set for some more information about Zoobs.
Laser Pegs National Geographic Dinosaurs Building Kit
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older
This set offers 24 different dinosaur constructions (though you will have to take apart each dinosaur before building the next).
For more information, you can check out our in-depth look at the Laser Pegs’ Dinosaur Building Set.
K’NEX Beasts Alive – K’NEXosaurus Rex Building Set
Recommended Ages: 7 years or older
Not only does the set include over 250 K’NEX pieces, but it has motorized functions (e.g., the tail wagging seems to be a popular feature).
The instruction booklet walks young builders through two different builds: K’NEXosaurus Rex and Megasaurus.
Good luck finding either of those in your dino-dictionary.
Puzzle Wooden Blocks Dinosaur
Recommended ages: 2 years or older
This wooden puzzle is a great way to introduce toddlers to dinosaurs.
And, as they grow older, they can use it to learn numbers and letters (letters appear on the reverse side).
The wooden pieces provide a bit more durability than plastic counterparts.
Metal Works 3D Laser Cut Model Kit (Triceratops)
Recommended Ages: 13 years or older
This steampunk-looking triceratops is one of only two metal dinosaurs on the list.
By nature, metal toys provide immense durability and allow for heavy repeated use.
And if your child gets bored of it at some point, it can become an attractive shelf ornament.
Note: the set advertises no tools required, but pliers can be helpful to piece some items together.
Piececool 3D Metal Puzzle Dragon
Recommended Ages: 14 years or older
Another beautiful metal dinosaur–our personal favorite dinosaur building kit for kids listed on this page!–building set but not for the faint of heart.
t has been described as a complicated and difficult model to complete. No glue is required but you will need needle-nosed pliers.
LEGO Jurassic World T-Rex Tracker (75918 Building Kit)
Recommended Ages: 7 years or older
Lego doesn’t need much of a description.
They are consistently high quality, durable, and enjoyable. And, once you have built the model, you can choose to keep it created or take it apart to re-mix with other sets.
You can also check out:
LEGO Jurassic World Pteranodon Capture
LEGO Jurassic World Dilophosaurus Ambush
Mega Bloks Minions Dino Ride Building Kit
Recommended Ages: 5 years or older
Once built, the dinosaur is fully functional with a movable head, tail, arms, and feet. Bonus are the mischievous Minions.
With over 400 pieeces, it may take your child (or you, especially if your child is under 8 years) at least 4 hours to complete.
Like other similar building kits (e.g., Lego), they are made to be played with but pieces can easily break off.
K’NEX Beasts Alive Tri-Stego Building Set
Like the other K’NEX set on this list, this one features multiple building options and motorized features.