Thames & Kosmos Kids First: Robot Safari – Introduction to Motorized Machines for Ages 5 to 7

Meet a playful primer in mechanical thinking

Thames & Kosmos introduces Kids First: Robot Safari, a motorized discovery kit designed for curious explorers aged five to seven. The adventure follows Remus, a robotic teddy bear, and a safari crew that includes eight charming robotic animals: unicorn, sea otter, fox, polar bear, cat, narwhal, baby llama, and crab. Children follow a storybook-style manual as they assemble each creature from large cubic building pieces and power them with a simple motor box. The combination of narrative and hands-on building creates a tactile entry into basic engineering concepts without overwhelming young builders.

What you build and how it moves

Each model uses a battery-powered motor and thoughtful mechanical pieces to move in its own distinctive way. The unicorn can prance, the polar bear slides on the ice, and the crab crawls sideways—enabling kids to compare movement patterns while tweaking connections for different results.

• Eight animal models to construct, including unicorn, sea otter, fox, cat, narwhal, polar bear, crab, and baby llama
• Large cubic pieces designed for little hands, promoting fine motor skills and spatial reasoning
• A 32-page colorful storybook that frames the builds as part of an adventure with Remus

Learning through story and play

The storybook-style manual weaves simple engineering tasks into the tale of the omegas—the family of makers featured in other kits—helping children see cause and effect as they power and adjust each robot. Parents and teachers can use the narrative to spark curiosity about how gears and motors translate to motion, while keeping sessions short and focused for a young audience.

• Introduces basic STEM ideas in an age-appropriate way
• Supports early problem-solving, planning, and spatial thinking
• Encourages hands-on experimentation with different model configurations

Practical details for caregivers

The kit centers on a single battery-powered motor box (requires 2 AA batteries, not included). The durable parts are designed for repeated play and easy repair, helping children explore trial-and-error learning in a safe, age-appropriate format. The included pieces are compatible with other Kids First early engineering kits, creating a family of learning tools that can grow with your child.

In home play, kids can narrate the safari and share discoveries with siblings or friends, while teachers can weave the kit into early STEM centers. The story's illustrations and chunky blocks invite visual engagement and tactile exploration, turning a quiet reading moment into a hands-on challenge.

• Supports collaborative play with peers
• Portable kit for quick, focused sessions
• Encourages repeated builds with fresh configurations