Learning Resources Skate Park: Engineering and Design

I like learning resources products- they are a little better thought through than your average kids’ toy. They involve scientific principles through play. They are reasonably priced and attractive. This skate park is no exception.

This pack sits in an awkward place, neither really a toy but not really much of an out-and-out science set either.The range of plastic pieces is reasonably generous, and allows for a variety of ‘free play’ building. The skater rolls nicely and there is certainly fun to be had in the skater’s rolling, or crashing, or whatever else it gets subjected to.However it does seem a little of a short-change that there are only five activity cards, none of which will tax a 5- or 6-year-old child for very long. The cards are clear and easy to follow, for sure, but for children who are already building Lego or other construction toys, much of what they’re about will be basic common sense stuff, and challenges that they can probably answer immediately, without needing to do any testing to prove a hypothesis. There’s also a bit of a shortage of follow-up “here’s the science” explanation that a parent could use to explain what’s just happened or what principles it’s intended to demonstrate. As a teaching aid, there’s barely one lesson’s worth here, and that’s disappointing. It says “ages 5+” on the box; it might have more of a draw at the younger end of that range, or maybe even 4-year-olds.We’ve tried other Learning Resources sets before and the build quality is always reliable- large, chunky, durable plastic pieces that click together reliably and without fuss, and this is no exception. For the current asking of fifteen quid it’s reasonably good value for the size and quantity of the pieces, but personally I think it falls between two stools, neither a great STEM educational tool, nor all that durable or engaging in the long-term as a toy.

My son and I had fun playing with this. It held his attention and I think he learnt about gravity etc.The toy itself is well made and very durable.Would recommend.

We thought this was brilliant and just on the right side of challenging for a 5 year old! The ramps and jumps all work really well (our 5 year old has used other cars on it too) and aren't too difficult (or too easy) to build. Perfect for an impatient 5 year old who bores easily!