Some things are impossible to escape at Halloween: "Monster Mash" on the radio, skeleton decorations in the yard and gobs of sugary candy in plastic pumpkins.

For kids who love to build, create, and explore, these 2025 toy picks spark imagination, confidence and curiosity—no screens required.

Shopping for big kids isn’t easy. They’re not quite ready to leave play behind, but might be too old for some of the toys ...