Insect Lore Creature Peeper
(Insect Lore $10.75 Score:)

A well-designed bug viewer that allows kids to see bugs from top or side. It can be used for viewing tadpoles or small fish, as well, for a short time, since it is water tight. Designed to be escape proof, it is still suggested that kids keep their creatures just for a short time and then, let them go. 4 & up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

 

Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Nature House
(TWC of America $11 Score:) This sturdy hut-shaped wooden house with screened sides makes a perfect temporary habitat for captured bugs. Also top rated, Soil Dweller Nature House Kit ($20). Kids can make their own earthworm or ant farm with this kit (approx. 8" x 11") with wooden frame and Plexiglas windows. Captive creatures can be returned to the wild with ease. 8 & up.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2001.

Build a Bird Bath
(Creativity for Kids $24.95 Score:) A parent/child project for the garden. Three pieces need to be put together and painted. Part of the National Keep America's Birds Clean Campaign.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2004.

Deluxe Clear-View Nature House
(TWC of America $15.99 Score:) The Deluxe Clear-View Nature House ($15.99) is a sturdy hut-shaped wooden house half see-thru, half screened with sliding door; a perfect temporary habitat for observing bugs and small critters. 6 & up. Also, Soil Dweller Nature House Kit ($20) for making a wooden-framed house for earthworms. 8 & up.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2004.