Shopping for kids is a joy. Toy aisles and websites are jam-packed with potential presents. And there’s no rule that says playthings can’t be educational as well as entertaining. Here’s a selection of toys that aim to satisfy kids’ thirst for exploration:

All ages

•  Science kits: The selection at the Museum of Science and Discovery’s Explore Store in Fort Lauderdale (401 SW Second St., 954-467-6637) includes DNA kits, a popular Cool Slime Kit and a mini-light saber kit for Star Wars fans ($8-$40). Other sources; Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., 305-373-5437; www.discoverystore.com.

•  Art kits: Create Your Own Spin Art ($6) uses a spinning top to form patterns with droplets of paint. It’s at Young At Art Museum, 18584 W. State Road 84, Davie; 954-424-0085. Budding sculptors might enjoy Constructibles ($10), interlocking pieces in bold colors and patterns, at The Frost Art Museum, 10975 SW 17th St., Miami, 305-348-2890.

Babies & toddlers

•  Discovery Kids DJ Danny plays tunes in various styles with buttons, sliders and wheels for adding instruments, singing, sound effects and applause. Ages 18 months and older; $29.95 at www.discoverystore.com

Topzy Tumblers Twirlin’ Tumblin’ Fun Park is a set of circular smiling tumbler characters that make clickety-clack sounds as they cavort in a playground with a spiraling slide and ferris wheel. Ages 6 months and older; $40-$45 at Toys R Us, www.fisher-price.com, Amazon and other websites.

•  PBS KIDS Take-Along Shape Sorting House includes a dozen shapes, from hexagons and triangles to people and a dog, that fit into a portable house. For ages 2 and older; $29.99 at pbskidstoys.shop.pbskids.org.

Ages 4-8

• The Backyard Safari Outfitters Bird Watcher’s Field Kit includes binoculars, three bird-call devices and a field guide to winged creatures. The Parent’s Choice award winner for kids 5 and older is $25 at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and other retailers.

•  Discovery Kids 3D Star Theater, complete with 3D glasses, projects the evening skies on a wall. For ages 6 and older, it’s $39.95 at www.discoverystore.com.

Ages 8 & up

•  Math Dice is a quick, competitive math game that builds flexible thinking. Players use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponents on the numbers they roll with 12-sided and traditional dice. About $6 at www.thinkfun.com.

• The Klutz Book of Animation teaches techniques for fun stop-motion videos. Scripts are included; users supply their own video camera and computer. For ages 9 and older; $19.95 at www.klutz.com.

•  Scrambled States of America Game, a Parent’s Choice pick, is promoted as a "whimsical, mad-dashing, geography game" based on the 50 states. Ages 8 and older; $14.99 at www.gamewright.com.

• The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy includes an assemble-it-yourself telescope, star and moon maps, a sun dial and various activities for young astronomers. Ages 8 and older; $19.99 www.klutz.com.

•  Rubber Band-Powered Flying Machines provides lessons in aerodynamics with three adjustable, build-it-yourself airplanes that loop and turn. Ages 8 and older; $19.95 at www.klutz.com.