Go ahead and lose your marbles!
1.8.2018
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
What seems like a pretty straightforward toy is actually available in many different designs, which are suitable for different age groups. To give you an overview, I’ve put together a buying guide. Have fun finding a marble run that is right for you!
Marble runs are a toy your grandparents probably played with in their childhood. Although the principle hasn’t changed, the constructions are a lot more elaborate. Not only are marble runs fun, they also have an educational factor that boosts your child’s development. They improve visual thinking, promote cognitive ability and improve hand-eye coordination. To help you find your way through the dense jungle of products, I’ve picked out a few marble runs and sorted them by age group.
Ages 0 to 3
These fixed marble runs are particularly suitable for infants. As the name suggests, these constructions do not consist of multiple elements but are fixed. Unwrap, set up, have fun! Perfect for small children who are still too young for a modular system.
Ages 3 to 6
Once a child has reached kindergarten age, fixed marble runs are probably already too babyish for them. Kids from the age of three need a bigger challenge! This is where modular marble runs are perfect: Kids can create their own constructions and let their creativity run wild.
Ages 6 to 9
For 6 to 9-year olds I recommend GraviTrax by Ravensburger. The starter set consists of more than 100 modules that can be assembled in any number of ways. What’s more, the manufacturer offers plenty more additional modules. In other words, this marble run is ever-extendable!
Ages 9 to 15
Fishertechnik is famous for its mostly green and red construction sets. Alongside vehicles and 3D printers, the company also features marble runs in their range. Thanks to additions such as a motor or a looping, there is no limit to your imagination.
Ages 15 plus
Hold on to your seats for this one! It’s a whopping 70 metres long and the death star of marbles. Consisting of over 1,500 parts, assembling this marble run will already take around 17 hours. The marble run has six different stretches with different actions and stunts. Thanks to its two motors, the marbles are transported back to their starting position once they’ve finished their round and the whole thing starts from the top. For as long as you like and until the batteries stop fuelling the motors.
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.
Toys
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