Do you have a budding architect or designer in the house? Here’s our family review of ArcKit, the architectural model building kit that’s been picking up awards for letting kids (and adults) design, build and modify real structures — no glue required.
What is ArcKit?
ArcKit is described as “the architectural model system that lets you design, build and modify.”
It’s a freeform model-making system that lets you physically explore designs and bring architectural projects to life. The system uses interconnecting components that are completely modular and based on modern panelled building techniques, making it possible to create a diverse range of scaled structures that can be quickly assembled and endlessly modified.
And the bonus? You don’t need glue.
There are four different kits to choose from:
- ArcKit Go, with 160 pieces
- ArcKit 60, with 220 pieces
- ArcKit 120, with 385 pieces
- ArcKit 240, with 620 pieces
What our reviewers thought
We tested ArcKit 60 with our 10-year-old and 14-year-old. The kit contains:
- 220 pieces with 22 unique components (including up to 4 floor panels)
- 5 printable adhesive sheets
- A component tray to store the pieces in
- The ArcKit Handbook, which explains all the pieces and how to use them
- Online access to the ArcKitexture image library, where you’ll find a range of surface material images to print on your adhesive sheets
The kit is described as being suitable for age 12+, but our 10-year-old was perfectly capable of trying out the pieces and fitting them together.
Recommended reading: 8 Inspiring Do It Yourself Toys for Kids to Make
Our rating
Fern’s verdict: 4 out of 5 — “It’s a bit like real Minecraft.”
Blythe’s verdict: 5 out of 5 — “I loved this, it’s so flexible, you can design anything you like!”
Our verdict: This appealed to the Grand Designs fan in us, and we could genuinely see it being handy for working out layouts for any kind of home remodelling job. We also liked the size of the box and the fact that everything stores away neatly afterwards.
Have you tried ArcKit with your kids? Tell us what you thought in the comments below.
Frequently asked questions
What age is ArcKit suitable for?
ArcKit is officially recommended for ages 12 and up, though in our review a 10-year-old was well able to handle and assemble the pieces with a bit of guidance.
Do you need glue or tools to build with ArcKit?
No. The system is designed to be glue-free — the components interconnect directly, so models can be built, taken apart and rebuilt again and again.
Which ArcKit set should I choose?
ArcKit comes in four sizes — Go, 60, 120 and 240 — with piece counts ranging from 160 up to 620. The right one depends on how big and detailed you’d like the models to be and how many components your budding architect wants to work with.
Is ArcKit good for creative or STEM-minded kids?
Yes. It suits children who enjoy design, building and spatial problem-solving, and it works equally well as a solo project or a shared family activity.
Related articles
- 8 Inspiring Do It Yourself Toys for Kids to Make
- More toy and building kit reviews from the MyKidsTime team
Looking for more ideas like this?
We haven’t got a printable for this one, but if you enjoyed this review, browse our other toy and activity reviews for more inspiration, or save this page to come back to when you’re planning your next gift or activity.
Want more ideas like this in your inbox?
Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly activity ideas, reviews and offers for families — straight to your inbox, no spam.
