Best Augmented Reality Toys and Games in 2024 (Updated)
Augmented Reality technology gives life to elements in the virtual world and helps us see, feel and hear them. This advanced technology is extremely popular and has been adopted in many fields like health, education and even toys. Thanks to this amazing technology, augmented reality toys for kids are more interesting, engaging and highly educational.
According to Ahren Hoffman, business development director at the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, in the case of children learning via auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile play is more impactful and long-lasting. We have listed some of the best augmented reality toys in 2020 that are extremely popular among kids and also their parents. You might also be interested in our post on the best educational electronic toys and best electronic toys for tech-savvy kids.
Contents
Best Augmented Reality Toys and Game for Kids
Shifu Orboot : Augmented Reality Interactive Globe for Kids (4 - 12 years)
- World Expeditions – Imagine a fun play time for kids where they can explore the world on their own, talk to the app, listen to stories and poems, or play quizzes.
- Imagination & Curiosity – One of the best augmented reality toys for a ever-curious 4 year olds as it sparks their imagination and curiosity.
- Endless Learning Materials – This exploring AR app includes cultures, monuments, inventions, animals, maps and weather for various countries across the globe – all in 3D, enhanced with voice and music
“This Orboot was everything I hoped it would be. A totally upgraded and way cooler version of the globe I knew and loved as a young kid! It’s Educational, a STEM toy, encourages learning through augmented reality and is totally interactive.
Once you download the app, you can download all the features onto your smart tablet or iPad and use without WIFI, which is a big bonus for me!
Tons of features for kids to explore (plus they earn coins which my boys think is awesome)!
You can go over any area of the globe and learn about animals, culture, food, stories, maps and locations. Really an incredible supplement to learning geography and about our world.
It also comes with a passport for your kids to really make them feel like they are “traveling” around the world with each learning experience.” – Family
PlayShifu Interactive Science Kit - Orboot Mars - Explore Planet Mars (6 - 12 Years)
- ORBOOT MARS – It is an AR-powered interactive visualization of the mysterious planet. Scan the Orboot Mars globe with the app to bring it alive. Take your child on an adventurous exploration across the solar system!
- Space Exploration – Kids can explore many Mars missions and spacecraft. This educational augmented reality toy lets them learn all about these missions in detail, when was it launched, equipment on board, discoveries made, and more. Interact, visualize, and learn all about the secrets of the Red Planet!
- STEAM ahead – A perfect educational AR toy that encourages scientific thinking and space exploration. It helps build problem-solving skills and physics fundamentals through action-packed games.
“Orbooth Mars: for 12 year old girl. she said: “Cool! great quality, easy to use and scan, really informational and realistic”. Likes the feet pads on base that holds the globe steady on surfaces. She really liked the informational letter taped to to globe bag in unboxing. Thought note was informational and personal. nice touch The breakdown of equipment on the Mars landers was awesome when you get diving into the missions, great way to lean about all the equipment & sensors and use.
discovered the game at bedtime, and stayed up another 30 minutes last to start the game. thought was fun, suggested a “?” or help key on game for some places she thought wasn’t intuitive or natural, but it was neat to see her figure it out. didn’t get to any frustration point
Wanted to know what will be updated when USA launches to Mars.
GUESS WHAT??? THE APP HAS ALL THE SPRING 2021 LANDERS AND ROVERS! HOLY COW
this Dad wishes that I had this Orboot Mars when I did a seventh grade report on Mars” – Dirk W.
MERGE Cube Augmented Reality STEM Toy (5+ years)
- Popular STEM Toy – The Merge Cube and paid subscription-based Merge EDU Platform is used by schools to engage kids in lessons on math, science, engineering, art and more! It also has free trial available.
- Merge Explorer App – Kids can learn with augmented reality using standards-aligned STEM app, Merge Explorer. They can hold the solar system, explore DNA, play math games, investigate plate tectonics, dissect a frog, and more!
- Free Version – The free version of this augmented reality toy gives kids access to Mr. Body, Galactic Explorer, Earth AR activities, collection of 3D objects and different brain games.
“I got this along with the Merge VR/AR Goggles. Playing with it combined with the goggles definitely make some of the apps much more entertaining but the goggles aren’t required. This technology is incredible. Most of the apps and games I can find right now are more meant for kids (I am a college student) but it is still fun to play around with. I am excited to show my younger cousins and let them play with it.
The cube itself is made of a firm and durable foam. It comes with instructions on how to set it up and how to find apps compatible with it. I was playing with a campfire in my hand (the Merge Things app) within 20 minutes of opening the Amazon box.
I am excited to see this technology continue to progress. Definitely worth the current price!” – Nathan
Osmo - Detective Agency - Solve Global Mysteries - STEM Toy (5 - 12 years)
- Popular Augmented Reality STEM Toy – Fun-filled & award winning learning games. Children interact with actual hand held pieces & an iPad or Fire Tablet, bringing a child’s game pieces & actions to life (No WiFi necessary for game play).
- Teaching – Use a game piece magnifying glass, search for landmarks around the world while also learning trivia facts about geography, culture, and history (Detective Agency).
- Skills Learned – Critical thinking, geography, history, international landmarks, learn about local cultures, listening, observation & solve mysteries. Osmo sees and reacts to every real-life move. Geared towards children & love of learning.
“We bought this augmented reality toy for our daughter along with the Super Studio Disney Princess to add to her Osmo play system. She loves how the characters take you on an adventure solving mysteries and learning about places all over the World. It is so clever how this game combines the fun of Wheres Waldo and Where in the World is Carmen San Diego but does it with Osmo MAGIC and quality – it really is fun and we have enjoyed playing along with her. I am hoping Osmo introduce more to this Osmo Town series. Highly recommend to anyone who has an Osmo system.” – Angus
Professor Maxwell's VR Universe - Virtual Reality Kids Space Science Book and Interactive Learning Activity Set (Full Version - Includes Goggles) (6+ years)
- Ultimate Immersive Learning Experience – This amazing augment reality set lets kids go into the depths of space and time with an 80 page interactive book. Kids can explore the science behind our planet, solar system, galaxy, universe, and more as each spread comes to life in virtual and augmented reality!
- Play and Learn – This layered learning experience provides the prime opportunity to absorb information across various channels and mediums, ensuring improved retention of knowledge!
- Tangible Play – This interactive virtual reality set lets kids experience hands-on learning through a variety of physical crafts and activities incorporated throughout the book!
“We bought this for our 11-year-old who is extremely interested in astronomy. The virtual reality and augmented reality effects were amazing! She actually felt like she was floating in space and flying in a space ship! The graphics in the book literally jump off the pages. She will have so much fun while learning from the projects in the book. This was an awesome gift. So happy we found it!” – Happy Grandparents
Osmo - Little Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet + Early Math Adventure (3 - 5 years)
- Skills Learned – EARLY MATH (number recognition, counting, shapes). EARLY READING (letter formation, pre-reading, phonics, age-appropriate vocabulary) OTHER ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS (fine-motor skills, attention to detail, social-emotional, imagination, critical thinking, empathy, problem solving, early literacy, colors, emotions, spatial reasoning)
- Teaching – Use Sticks & Rings for 4 creative games: Fill a magic mansion with furniture & incredible things you create exploring shapes & colors (Shape Builder)! Practice counting as you build numbers creating a town of buildings & friendly animals (Counting Town). Learn letter formation & phonics with 300+ words (ABCs), creating images in 5 playgrounds & watch them come to life on screen (Squiggle Magic). Use Costume Pieces for 2 fun games: Experiment with clothes & colors to make party outfits, watch characters react (Costume Party) solve creative stories & find solutions to obstacles
“We bought Osmo Little Genius starter kit for our 4-6 year old. This lit up our little one’s face on Christmas day and I have to say it’s literally the favorite (educational) “toy” for all our boys. They have not put this down and they are loving explorings and creating. We are able to hear our sons reiterate what is being taught and also working together to solve the Newton bounce games.
I would like to say that we took the time to set up everything prior to wrapping this gift and it made their first experience with Osmo seamless. We recommend doing this for your kids as well so that play can happen straight out of the box.
An amazing product, and this kit is worth every penny because there’s so much to do and so much to add on. We will be purchasing all add one in the coming months!” – Andre M
LEGO Hidden Side Graveyard Mystery 70420 Building Kit - Interactive Augmented Reality Playset (7+ years)
- Unique Experience – Introduce youngsters to the exciting world of LEGO Hidden Side : A unique play experience that combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys for kids with an augmented reality app
- Features – This augmented reality toy for kids includes 4 minifigures: Jack Davids and Parker L. Jackson with smartphones, Captain Jones and Jones Jr., plus the ghost dog, Spencer, and an albino alligator for ghost-hunting adventures
- Creative Playtime – This AR Graveyard Mystery playset lets kids build their very own haunted graveyard toy with a twisting statue, grave that opens and haunted toy tree for hours of creative play.
“Great set! There is a lot of detail and my 6 year old loved putting it together. There are a lot of negative comments about the interactive portion. I think this is very family dependent. My 6 year old plays almost no video games so getting to do this was a real treat and she loved it. Both my husband and I enjoyed playing it with her. I’m not sure how many times she’ll want to play but for a a very reasonable price (especially for Legos) and an afternoon of fun we give this 5 stars.” – Ryan
Shifu Plugo Count - Augmented Reality Based Math Games with Stories & Puzzles (5 - 12 years)
- STEM Skills – A perfect STEM augmented reality toys for kids who love numbers as it helps to enhance auditory, visual, and tactile senses in kids and spurs their comprehension abilities, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and mathematical intelligence.
- Educational Games – This learning app, one of the five kits of Shifu Plugo, is an AR-powered educational game. It combines unlimited activities that put kids in different thrilling situations that test their Math abilities and make numbers fun.
- Hands on Play Without Touching Screen – With this cool AR toy, kids can solve Math questions ranging from simple arithmetic to interesting word problems. It adjusts the difficulty of math problems to the child’s age.
“I’d like to share with all of you just how personally blown away I am with how accurate the plugo count is. My 6 year old and I played with it today and I had to quickly message my teacher friends to inform them of this amazing product. My child isn’t too fond of math but this app/game has totally changed her mind. She wants to stay on this device and play for hours while learning. It’s extremely educational and uses visual and hands on tactics to keep the child engaged. It begin easy and as you continue it gets more difficult. The concept of the story line and colors used in the game are absolute genius!! This is definitely worth every penny for kids of all ages since you can input what grade level they’re in. Can’t wait to continue watching my daughter gain confidence and motivation through Plugo Count.” – Emz
LEGO Hidden Side Wrecked Shrimp Boat 70419 Building Kit - Interactive Augmented Reality Playset (7+ years)
- Unique Experience – Introduce youngsters to the exciting world of LEGO Hidden Side : A unique play experience that combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys for kids with an augmented reality app
- Features – This augmented reality toy for kids includes 4 minifigures: heroes Jack Davids and Parker L. Jackson with smartphones, a skeleton figure and Mr. Branson, plus the ghost dog, Spencer, for the best ghost-hunting adventures
- Creative Playtime – This AR Wrecked Shrimp Boat playset lets kids build their very own nautically-inspired shrimp boat that can split into two for hours of fun.
“This is the third unit we got of the Hidden side and my family loves it.
My 5-year old loves the whole “scary” and interactive part, and couldn’t wait to put it together. My wife and I play with our phones while my daughter plays with us. The interactive part works really great and is definitely bringing Lego to the next level. It is fun to capture the ghosts, finish tasks etc. I hope Lego will not drop the line and keep investing in it.
The build was easy (my daughter put it all together). Maturity 7+ is more about reading with the interactive part and the theme then it is about the set complexity.
I am thinking of getting the school bus next!” – Steven
PLAYAUTOMA Explore World (App Based) - Augmented Reality Interactive Learning Games on World Map (6 - 12 years)
- AR-powered STEM Gaming Kit – Kids can explore the world with the magic of Augmented Reality. Bring life to your jigsaw world map floor puzzle with 3D effects of.
- Augmented Reality Toy – This fun engaging set allows kids to play multiple augmented reality missions on the physical maps.
- Innovative and Educational – It helps in building knowledge of the planet we live on . Merges the Physical world maps with the power of Augmented Reality to create hours of Fun & Learn engagement for Children. Exploratory Learning with Interactive Quizzing. Enhances Play with Visual Effects.
- App Compatibility – Works on ios and Android phones and tablets with minimum 2GB RAM. ipad 3 and above. ipad mini 2 and above. iphones 6 and above. Android 4.4 and above. Download free app Playautoma Explore World on ios and android devices.
“Augmented Reality enabled Interactive Learning Games we bought was way beyond our expectations. My kids enjoyed each and every feature of it be it solving the jigsaw puzzle, searching and getting to know about world monuments, countries, flags, continents though AR enabled app through different levels of games inbuilt in it. Way i feel after our kids used it like it sparks the imagination and creativity and encourages the little ones to explore and discover on their own and builds knowledge as well as develops linguistic and cognitive abilities in the process” – Megha
Shifu Plugo Link - Construction Kit with Puzzles, Augmented Reality Stem Toy (5 - 10 years)
- AR-powered STEM Gaming Kit – It transforms your device into a fun-filled learning system and gives your kids the chance to solve real-world problems and develop their engineering skills.
- Spark STEM Skills – Plugo Link is designed to spur the essential elements of STEM curriculum such as creativity, critical thinking, reasoning abilities, and spatial intelligence in kids.
- Unlimited Learning and Engagement – This fun augmented reality gaming set comes with 5 STEM games and 250+ levels. It ensures unlimited learning & engagement!
“The toy has a great quality and I believe that it can be of great help in the development of small children.
The game is really easy to set up and play, you will only need a phone or tablet, but it is really important to check first if you have a device that is supported by the game since there are some limitations in that area.
My daughter is 4, and at first she really enjoyed the magnetic feature of the links, but with a bit of guidance she started to understand the system and she was interacting with the game by herself, having fun and learning at the same time.” – Antonio
Curiscope Virtuali-Tee: Educational Augmented Reality T-Shirt for Anatomy (8+ years)
- Ultimate Experience for Anatomy – Kids and Adults can dive into the bloodstream, lungs and small intestine with 360 VR videos and the NEW heart rate tracker for a truly immersive way to discover the human body.
- Exciting and Educational AR Toy – Perfect learning augmented reality toy for children aged 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years old. Verified by medical and educational professionals and loved by both parents and teachers.
- Simple and Fun – Download the included app, put on your Virtuali-Tee or get a friend to wear it. Open the app and point your device at the Virtuali-Tee. Interact with the body by clicking on hotspots where the anatomy expert, Hans Glover, will guide you through the vital organs in the body. Works in selfie mode and can be streamed to your TV and projector.
- Visualize Heart Rate – The Virtuali-Tee’s brand new heart rate tracker is a completely new way to connect you to your body. The award winning app measures your heart rate and allows you to visualize your heart rate beating live in AR!
“This item is fun! The app works with the t-shirt to engage people beyond what can be achieved by just watching videos. I haven’t had a chance to use it with students yet, but the teachers were impressed. The app can measure heart rate then simulate the heart beating on the screen, as well as depicting respiratory, circulatory, digestive systems. Very well done. I’m looking forward to more augmented reality educational products.” – JWeaver
LEGO Hidden Side Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 70423 Augmented Reality [AR] Building Kit with Toy Bust (8+ years)
![LEGO Hidden Side Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 70423 Augmented Reality [AR] Building Kit with Toy Bust](https://mylittleeinstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/LEGO-Hidden-Side-Paranormal-Intercept-Bus-3000-70423-Augmented-Reality-AR-Building-Kit-with-Toy-Bus.png)
- Unique Experience – Introduce youngsters to the exciting world of LEGO Hidden Side : A unique play experience that combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys for kids with an augmented reality app
- Features – This augmented reality toy for kids includes powered-up school bus ghost toy with a pull-out command center, flip-out ‘de-haunting’ cannons, rooftop scanners and space for 4 minifigures: heroes Jack Davids and Parker L. Jackson with smartphones, a skeleton figure and Mr. Branson, plus the ghost dog, Spencer, for the best ghost-hunting adventures
- Creative Playtime – The Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 70423 set can be built together with all other LEGO toys and LEGO bricks for creative play. This model can be enjoyed right out of the box and a tablet or mobile phone is required (neither are included) for the full AR app play experience.
“Unique and awesome Lego set, the minifigures (and the dog figure) are really good along with the accessories that they come with. The build was enjoyable although this set does have a number of stickers, I felt like they added a good level of detail. The regular/ghost bathroom is a unique thing to have and play with. As for the bus it looks like an apocalypse type bus to me, useful space inside and out” – Randy
Shifu Plugo STEM Pack - Math & Construction (Link & Count), Augmented Reality Games with Fun Building Blocks (5 - 10 years)
- AR-powered STEM Gaming Kit – It transforms your device into a fun-filled learning system and gives your kids the chance to solve real-world problems and develop their math skills.
- Spark STEM Skills – This fun AR apps has 8 interactive games with age-adaptive progressive levels. Kids can solve math puzzles, word problems, build gravity-defying structures, and many other fun STEAM/STEM activities.
- Learning and Engagement – Plugo games trigger auditory, visual, and tactile senses in kids. The games spur their creativity, critical thinking, reasoning abilities, mathematical and spatial intelligence.
“I have a 6 year old who has loved playing on this – He sat for over an hour playing the games on it which is not like him! He enjoyed the link game and figuring out how it works and the counting one – it really is learning but mad fun. I love the fact you can put different levels on it to suit your own childs needs by making it easier or harder. This is great educational tool and would be great for a classroom. I was worried about the mat connecting but we have not had any problems with this which I am impressed by.” – Everythingbabyreviews
UBTECH Marvel Avengers: Endgame Iron Man MK50 Robot (5+ years)
- Fun and Educational – This cool Augmented Reality toy lets kids create, control, code, and battle against enemies inspired by iconic Marvel Cinematic universe battles. Also, they can control the robot’s motors, lights and sounds using a mobile device; complete augmented reality (AR) missions; customize by uploading your face and recording Audio phrases; code original, unique action sequences that only your robot can perform!
- Nanotech Development – Complete Augmented Reality (AR) Missions to build your Iron Man MK50 Robot’s arsenal in the free, downloadable App.
- Custom Protocol – Customize the Iron Man MK50 Robot by building unique sequences using block-based programming for one of a kind adventures. So, you don’t necessarily need to have a knowledge of coding.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I hadn’t heard of this product when I purchased him. The physical makeup of the robot alone was enough to get me to order him. And after having this guy for about a week now, I can honestly say that we (my son and I) are thrilled with the purchase. I am a collector of all things Marvel, especially Iron Man, and my son who just turned 7 is also into it. The number of things that you can do with this robot is impressive. The AR gaming experience is much better than I would have imagined and the on screen visuals are really good! My son gets a kick out of being able to put his face inside the mask which is also a fun feature. The pre-programmed movements paired with Tony Starks one liners is another positive and authentic to the franchise. Overall, the price is a little steep but considering all the stuff this thing does makes it very much worth it.” – Parsons
LEGO Hidden Side El Fuego’s Stunt Truck 70421 Building Kit - Interactive Augmented Reality Playset (8+ years)
- Unique Experience – Introduce youngsters to the exciting world of LEGO Hidden Side : A unique play experience that combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys for kids with an augmented reality app
- Features – This AR toy construction set is full of cool play-starters, including a monster truck for kids with rear suspension that’s great for playing out cool stunts and jumps, and a 3-wheel motorcycle toy for car-chasing fun. It also includes 4 minifigures: Jack Davids with a smartphone, stuntman El Fuego with a cape, bikers Joey and Dwayne, plus a ghost dog figure for the best high-octane ghost-hunting adventures.
- Interactive Playtime – With continuous updates, a unique boss ghost to battle in each set, new mysteries to solve, cool items to find, games to play and ghosts to collect, this augmented reality LEGO Hidden Side set offers kids a whole new way to play and interact with building bricks!
“Lego nerd and college student here. I did not get paid to write this review. I was a bit underwhelmed when I first saw pictures of this set, and the entire Hidden Side range in general. However, now that I’ve bought this set, I’ve completely changed my opinion. I think this set is very well done. The figures are interesting, and two of them include two heads (one to represent their normal forms and one to represent their “possessed forms.” They come with unique parts including a gun and some creepy wings in light green. The vehicles are sturdy and fun to play with. I really like the big tires on the truck. The gun is also a very cool feature. Overall, this is a fantastic set and I cannot recommend it enough.” – Phil
Smart Globe - Augmented Reality Educational World Geography (5+ years)
- Interest Children in Learning – Compared to the traditional world globe, this smart globe does well in stimulating children’s learning interest. Geography, Astronomy and encyclopedic knowledge can be acquired through this entertaining globe. Helps cultivate children’s spatial imagination and creativity. APP takes the child on an Augmented Reality based journey around the world.
- Entertaining and Educational – The contents of the AR globe are all 3D stereoscopic, very vivid, intuitive and image, which helps students understand and remember. With augmented reality technology, the classroom experience of students jumped from 2D to 3D, and lifelike 3D content was presented.
- Realistic 3D Scene – AR’s visualization and interactivity can naturally design a very attractive gamification teaching content, which is fun and entertaining. Also, high-definition 3D scenes to help children understand the structure and details.
“I ordered this globe for my son 5 yo, who began to be very interested in different countries, distances and time of the day in them. I was looking for such a globe, according to which the child will easily understand the information.
The size and graphic style was important in this case. And this globe fits to my requirements. A wonderful addition is the night mode (works from the socket), when you turn on the backlight.
I had no problems with packaging or quality of the product, everything works fine.
My son was delighted when he saw his gift and with pleasure began to study our planet. So seems I made a right choice.” – Unknown
LEGO Hidden Side Ghost Train Express 70424 Building Kit - Interactive Augmented Reality Playset (8+ years)
- Unique Experience – Introduce youngsters to the exciting world of LEGO Hidden Side : A unique play experience that combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys for kids with an augmented reality app
- Features – This augmented reality toy for kids includes 5 minifigures: heroes Jack Davids and Parker L. Jackson with smartphones, J.B., Ms. Santos, and Chuck for the best ghost-hunting adventures
- Imaginative Play – This fun and engaging AR Ghost Train Express playset lets kids build their very own train and train station for hours of imaginative play.
- Interactive Playtime – This Augmented Reality Ghost Train Express 70424 toy building set and app toy can be built together with all other original LEGO toys and LEGO train tracks for creative play
“I’m gonna keep saying it with these fantastic hidden side sets; the price per brick seems off. Overall very fun set, easily modded with a motor, fits in Lego City or Harry Potter or Western Themes.” – Kevin
