With so many different types of toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to know what your kids will like and what they won't.

One aspect of a toy to consider is expandability. In other words, are there additional components/features you can buy as an add-on to enhance it? Some toys start gathering dust as soon as they're out of the wrapper, but the best toys are expandable and stay fresh and exciting over time.

EXPANDING YOUR MARBLE RUN

Marble run toys fit into the expandable toy category because there are many different expansion options. At Marble Genius, we offer marble runs that can be combined together to allow you to make bigger and more complex marble run setups.

People who buy our Starter Set or Super Set often go on to buy another set or two, because they want to make bigger and better marble run designs.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXPANDING YOUR MARBLE RUN

Compatibility of Marble Run Pieces:

Before purchasing an additional set, it's important to understand what marble run pieces are compatible with your current set. Marble Genius marble runs are compatible with all Marbulous pieces. So if you have an existing Marbulous marble run, you'll be able to buy a Marble Genius set and add to your fun!

Types of Marble Run Pieces:

Once you've determined compatibility, it's important to understand what you're looking for when adding on to your existing marble run set. Chances are if you're looking to add on, you'll want to buy nothing less than our Super Set. Based on the feedback we've gotten from those who love our sets, this is the most popular choice for an add-on.

Marble Genius also has an Extreme Set with twice as many action pieces as our Super Set, including jumps, loops, etc. Or for those looking for specific pieces, such as extra tubes, automatic chain lift, or sky-high circles, you can check out our Accessory Sets.

MARBLE RUN EXPANSION IN ACTION

Having a marble run toy is the pinnacle of fun, and adding on to it makes it even better. When you combine two or more Marble Genius sets, the excitement is unlimited.

When looking for a toy, always keep in mind the expandability of it. If there's nothing to add over time, it won't keep your kids engaged for long and will just collect dust.

Marble runs are the perfect expandable toy that can stay fresh for years. Add components to keep it new and exciting, and most of all, HAVE FUN!

Many of us have fond memories of playing with marble games when we were kids, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our own kids or grandkids having a blast with the very toys that brought us joy.

While some aspects of marble games have remained the same, a lot has changed over the years. Many more products are on the market, not to mention new innovations and mind-bending challenges that have been introduced. When it comes to choosing the right marble game for you, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. 

What are some of the key categories of marble games on the market today?

1. Marble Roller Coasters

These come unassembled, often with many small parts, and the track is open rather than tubed. The building process can require a lot of imagination and patience, making these a better fit for older kids. Once built, marble roller coasters create lots of excitement as the marble follows the path. Since they’re geared toward older kids, these sets tend to look less vibrant, focusing more on the construction aspect than providing a variety of colors.

(Spacerail Star Coaster Level 2)

2. Marble Runs

These of course are our specialty here at Marble Genius. Marble runs are similar to marble roller coasters in that they require assembly and create lots of exciting action once they’re built. However, the pieces are tubed and slightly larger, making them much easier to assemble and modify for kids of all ages. Marble runs feature bright colors, and most sets feature see-through pieces, allowing kids and parents to watch the marble as it races down the track.

(Marble Genius Super Set)

3. Magnetic Marble Runs

These marble runs contain larger pieces that can be arranged on a magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator or magnet board. Once they’re arranged, the marble rolls from top to bottom. Placement is important to avoid dropping the marble between pieces. These sets typically work best for younger children, since the pieces are larger and require less construction work. Older kids may get bored with these quickly due to the limited creations that can be made and fewer unique pieces.

(Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run)

Once you decide which type of marble game you want, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Set up your marble run or coaster on a smooth surface, preferably in an open space for free movement around the track. If setting it up indoors, a large table or sturdy flooring work well. Softer carpets aren’t ideal due to lack of stability.
• Let your imagination have fun as you explore new combinations and structures. The best way to make the most of these toys is to allow for free play.
• Challenge a friend or family member with a competition, such as building the tallest marble run, using pieces of all the same color, or creating a marble race down the stairs. The possibilities are endless! For more ideas to take your marble game to the next level, check out our YouTube channel for creative ways we’ve used our Marble Genius sets.

Marble games are the perfect toy to have around the house. They’re an appealing alternative to screens, and they provide endless possibilities of creativity and fun. Let your kids’ imaginations run free!

Marble runs can be great toys that provide hours of entertainment for you and your children. However, a number of very cheap and poorly designed marble runs have emerged on the market that will lead to nothing but headaches.

To an untrained eye, all marble run pictures on the internet might look the same, leading you to buy the cheapest priced product. However, we've learned from firsthand experience that this is definitely not the case.

There are six questions you should ask yourself to ensure you buy the sturdiest marble run possible:

1. What does the marble run look like up close?

Marble run products that have few pictures and no close-up pictures are ones to stay away from. Nine times out of ten, the companies selling these products are trying to hide something. If you can’t see the marble run pieces up close, keep looking!

Here's an up-close image of our Super Set pieces. You can see the plastic is thick and strong, and there aren't any tiny parts that can easily break.  You can also tell that all the pieces fit together snugly.

2. How big are the marble run bases?

The base of the marble run is the equivalent of a strong foundation of a home. If you have weak bases like the green one below, the marble run will be weak and wobbly. However, if you have at least one or more large bases like the blue one on the right, this will go a long way to help ensure the marble run is stable and strong.

3. How thick and strong is the plastic of the marble run pieces?

To the untrained eye, it might appear that the two pieces below are the same. However, the marble run piece on the left is significantly thicker and stronger than the piece on the right. This leads to a strong structure and allows the pieces to stick together better.

4. How well do the marble run pieces stick together?

Most marble run sets won't show this to you because their pieces don't stick together well. Below is a picture of the Marble Genius pieces being held sideways over the floor. They didn't budge through the multiple takes of this photo.

If you buy a set with pieces that don't stick together well, you'll know it instantly because your set will keep falling down as you try to build it. If you're lucky enough to get your marble run assembled, you won't be able to move it because it will quickly fall apart. 

5. Does the set have miniature pieces?

The orange pieces below are a great example of tiny parts that will break in no time once your child starts playing with it. These can also become a choking hazard for small kids. Stay away from marble runs that have a bunch of miniature parts like the orange pieces below.

6. Which marble run looks stronger?

When you put two marble run toys side by side, you can easily tell which one is sturdier. The marble run on the right has stronger bases, and the quality of materials doesn't compare. When shopping for a marble run, you might not have the luxury of putting two pictures side by side, but hopefully this gives you an idea of characteristics to look for.

If you use these six questions as a guide when buying your next marble run, it will go a long way in saving you time and frustration! Always read the product reviews, and try to watch any videos that the manufacturer has created so you know what you're buying.

To save yourself a lot of time and hassle, rest assured that if you buy a Marble Genius marble run, we've thought of all these things and produced our toys accordingly.

Happy shopping and happy building!

Developing a child’s creativity and skills is a goal of every attentive parent. And toys are a perfect way to do that. Playtime doesn’t have to be wasted time. It can be a fertile ground of learning and discovery and an expansion of mental, emotional, and physical skills. 

Toys that challenge kids will increase their mental capacity over time. This is known as “active learning.” It's what happens when children use toys that make them think through challenges, problems, and scenarios.

In children aged six to twelve years, the advantage of using toys as teaching tools is that they think they're just having fun. But we know that the game they're playing is teaching important life-long skills.

Here are some of the skills we believe kids can learn from marble runs:

1. Marble runs build self-esteem.

Between the ages of six and eight, kids are beginning to exhibit some independence. They want to do things on their own. They also begin to understand the feeling of a sense of accomplishment.

This is a great place where marble runs come into play. Not only are they building cognitive and motor skills, but they're also building self-esteem through the accomplishment of building and playing with the marble run.

2. Marble runs foster teamwork.

While we as parents love to encourage independent play, we also have the responsibility and privilege of helping our kids learn. Working together as a team, we can encourage and guide them to maximize learning opportunities that come from marble runs. This ensures that they get the most out of their toys – and the learning experience they bring.

3. Marble runs encourage goal-setting.

We can assist our kids with marble runs by helping them set goals, as well as identifying the steps to reach those goals. Building a marble run is a lesson in creativity and patience, and we're the ones who can break down the ultimate goal of a completed marble run into manageable steps for our kids.

4. Marble runs develop the ability to focus.

Let’s face it, children in the age bracket of six to eight years have trouble focusing. We can help improve that focus by encouraging manageable playtime goals. Giving them pictures of run designs that they could make would give them something to shoot for. Many children are visual learners, so this is the perfect way to help them. 

The truth is that children have the ability to focus, but often their attempts are thwarted by their environment. Things like computers, phones, and tablets can offer distraction, but not necessarily learning experiences. Removing these, as well as clutter from other toys, from the play environment helps them focus on the task at hand.

5. Marble runs improve memory and recall.

One of the great advantages of marble run sets is their ability to improve children's memory and recall. If we show a picture of a marble run and encourage our kids to replicate that run, we're effectively exercising and expanding their ability to memorize and recall. This teaches them how to gather, store, and retrieve the data they need for specific tasks.

Kids in this age group have a greater memory capability because many routines (such as tying shoes, brushing teeth, and bathing) are automatic now. Once they figure out how to do basic marble run structures, you can give them more complex challenges. (To see different levels of design ideas, check out our Starter Set, Super Set, and Extreme Set, or download our app for interactive ideas and instructions.)

Your children are a precious gift. You love them deeply and want what's best for them. Creating a loving environment in which they feel secure is obviously most critical. However, finding ways to develop their mental and physical skills at home is important as well.

By using marble run toys in patient and creative ways, parents can help their children learn and exercise those abilities that will last a lifetime.

Marble runs are a long-lasting toy because you can design so many different types of games with them.

Setting up a marble race is a perfect example of the toy's versatility, and it can be a great learning opportunity for kids. It also introduces a competitive aspect, which further extends how much the toy gets played with.

TO CREATE A MARBLE RACE WITH YOUR MARBLE RUN, HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Make sure you have a high-quality marble run.

There are lots of different marble runs on the market, and not all of them are created equal. (Check out our buying tips to find a fun and sturdy marble run.)

The best marble runs for racing have plenty of tubes and action pieces. See-through pieces are also a must-have, since they allow you to see the marble action from start to finish.

2. Decide which type of race you'll create with your marble run.

You can either build a race with interconnected pieces (like the one pictured below), or you can build two separate structures. Building an interconnected race requires a little more teamwork and planning, while separate structures allow for independent construction.

3. Evenly divide your marble run pieces.

Once you decide what type of race to set up, evenly divide the number of bases, tubes, and action pieces. This is very important so the race is as fair as possible. As you set up the marble run, you might find that one needs more bases or tubes than the other, which is okay. The key is that you don't want an imbalance of action pieces because it will greatly impact the outcome of the race. 

4. Decide how you'll conduct your marble race.

Now that your marble run is ready for the race, you have some options for how to conduct it. You can either release the marbles down the marble run simultaneously, or you can get a tablet/smartphone/stopwatch to time the marbles from top to bottom. We recommend trying both options and conducting the race at least three times before declaring a winner. This guarantees the result is consistent.

LEARNING BENEFITS OF MARBLE RACES

If you've been around here long, you know we believe strongly in the value of marble runs as an educational toy.

Marble races are a perfect learning opportunity for the following reasons:

• Kids can analyze which action pieces produce the fastest results and why.
• They learn basic physics concepts by noting how steepness and length affect the speed of the marble.
• They learn time concepts and comparison of results.
• They gain the ability to analyze processes and make adjustments to achieve faster results.

Setting up and executing a marble race is also an opportunity for us as parents to work alongside our kids and show them how we problem solve.

Marble runs provide kids so many opportunities to play and learn. The marble race is just one of the many ways you can use your marble run to help your child grow and develop.

We would love to learn how you use your marble run to have a marble race at home. Please send your pictures to us at support@marblegenius.com and we'll find a way to share with others!

Interactive toys are an inseparable part of kids' lives, playing a vital role in their development in early phases of life. The main purpose of interactive toys isn't simply limited to having fun, but also to learn. 

FUNCTIONS OF INTERACTIVE TOYS

In our view, there are five primary functions of interactive toys for kids:

1. Improvement in Cognitive Skills

Interactive toys help kids recognize colors and develop memorization and problem solving skills. Kids also learn about numbers and size when playing with certain interactive toys.

2. Development of Social Skills

It's important for children to know and master social skills from a young age. Some of the interactive toys like board games prepare them to understand emotions, explore the environment by turns, and learn to cooperate with others.

3. Growth of Imagination and Logic

Children use their logic and imagination while playing with toys that are open-ended and allow for flexibility. Interactive toys also develop awareness and recognition of the surrounding environment.

4. Development of Motor Skills

Some interactive toys work on various parts of the body like legs, hands, and fingers to balance and develop kids' muscular abilities. This is necessary for continued growth as they explore the environment around them.

5. Growth of Speaking Skills

Today some robotic interactive toys are available in the market, teaching kids how to speak a language properly. With guidance from parents or older siblings, they can learn speech skills while enjoying the fun of the toy.

TYPES OF INTERACTIVE TOYS

Various types of interactive toys are available in the market today, including educational toys and digital games. While you can find a wide variety of interactive toys, here some of the most popular.

Gear Sets

These interactive toys improve children's imagination and logical skills. They're very kid-friendly, with bright colors, and can be assembled easily. In addition to providing kids a new building experience, gears also develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Children think like engineers as they interact with different components, such as pillars, gears, axels, handles, and interlocking bases.

(Gears! Gears! Gears! Deluxe Building Set, 100 Pieces)

LEGO Blocks

A long-standing classic, LEGO blocks are a perfect choice for developing kids' intelligence while having fun. There are many different LEGO toys, including free-form sets with no instructions to highly scripted sets that build boats, cars, planes, and more.

(LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box)

Marble Run Toys

Marble games have been played by kids for decades. With the advancement of new technologies and manufacturing innovation, they've emerged as a leading interactive and STEM development toy in recent years. This is particularly true of the marble run.

Though you can find a variety of marble runs at stores or online, there are only a select few that offer the highest quality while maximizing the development benefit for children. At Marble Genius, we consider our marble run toys among the best you'll find anywhere.

(Marble Genius Super Set)

Whether you decide to move forward with the purchase of gear sets, Legos, or marble run toys, it's always important to do your research so you know what you're buying.

Marble runs in particular have had a number of very cheap and flimsy versions being sold on the Internet. Do your homework and read this blog post to find the best marble run money can buy!

Various types of marble games have been played by kids for decades. Some of the popular ones these days include marble tracks, marble races, marble runs, and marble roller coasters.

You can find plenty of information about marble run toys on our blog, but today we want to spend some time highlighting marble roller coasters.

(Quercetti Skyrail)

WHAT ARE MARBLE ROLLER COASTERS?

Marble roller coasters are science-based interactive toys that work on the principles of physics, particularly changing potential energy into kinetic energy. They're miniature versions of the types of roller coasters you'd find at amusement parks, and they include twists, turns, and loops.

You could attempt to make a homemade marble roller coaster using leftover paper towel roles, pipes, and duct tape. Or you could spend a little money and buy an official roller coaster set.

TYPES OF MARBLE ROLLER COASTERS

There are many different varieties of marble roller coasters on the market. Some are manual, while others are automated so that the marble returns to the top by a battery operated lift.

Manual Marble Roller Coasters

Manual roller coasters can be easily operated because they have less moving parts and are often shorter than their automated counterparts.

Automatic Marble Roller Coasters

Battery operated or automatic coasters have longer tracks with various types of twists and turns, allowing the marbles to cover a much longer distance than manual coasters. They're usually multi-level tracks that contain other features like lighting to make the game more interesting.

MARBLE ROLLER COASTER EXAMPLES

Here are some of the marble roller coasters available on the market today:

Quercetti Skyrail Mini Rail Rollercoaster

This 150-piece coaster allows you to construct its glow-in-the-dark track up to 27 feet. It can be built using the designs in its instruction booklet, or you can design your own roller coaster with its pieces. This marble roller coaster is made in Italy and is suitable for kids ages 6+.

SpaceRail Marble Roller Coaster

This marble roller coaster has 16,000mm of track line. It includes two different tracks and a variety of pieces, such as a full loop, spirals, and drops. The set also includes an elevator and a freestanding base to make for more functional use. This interactive toy is recommended for kids over 15 years old.

SpaceRail Glow in the Dark Marble Roller Coaster

This marble coaster is similar to the other SpaceRail coasters, except that it offers significantly more pieces and glows in the dark. Featuring 36,000mm of track line, it offers infinite possibilities and hours of fun. Similar to the other SpaceRail coasters, it's recommended for kids 15 years and up.

Marble roller coasters are just one of the many marble games and toys on the market today. In our experience, they're best suited for older kids and teenagers looking for a challenge in physics and engineering.

To round out your library of marble games, be sure to check out our Marble Genius marble runs, which can be adapted to any age group!

In today's technology-driven world, kids seem to be strapped to screens rather than playing and interacting with other kids. But with the reinvention of classic toys like the marble run, they have the opportunity to be inspired through interactive play.

WHY MARBLE RUNS ARE THE PERFECT TOY

At Marble Genius, we've put a lot of work and thought into the designs of our marble run toys. Here are two of the many reasons we think marble runs are the perfect toy:

Marble runs offer endless building options.

Our system of see-through plastic tubes can be built in a massive array of heights and widths. You can make structures from a small tabletop design to a gargantuan structure that fills up a room. Creativity runs free as you connect action pieces with tubes, loops, spinning wheels, and more. If you get tired of your current structure, you can always build a new one. The possibilities truly are endless!

Marble runs inspire learning through play.

Marble runs are the ideal toy because they're not only fun, but they build important life skills in kids. Through trial and error, children are able to develop logical thinking skills, memory and recall, motor skills, and more. (For more on this topic, check out the following articles on promoting child development and the importance of interactive toys.)

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MARBLE RUN

Marble runs are intended to be open-ended, meaning you can let your imagination go free as you design and build your own structures. However, some people like a little inspiration to get started.

To get the most out of your Marble Genius marble run, we've created four videos below that show builds from start to finish -- two for our Starter Set and two for our Super Set. The videos are set to music and move slowly enough that you can build your marble runs alongside them.

Our hope is that these videos will build your confidence, spark your creativity, and inspire you to dream up your own structures in the future. Happy building!

Marble Run Instructional Videos: Step-by-Step

Finding the best marble run can be a daunting task because there are so many options and the quality differences between products can be significant. No matter how difficult it might be, doing a little research up front will save you a lot of money and frustration later.

Here are some tips to make your marble run search a little easier...

DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE OF BUYING A MARBLE RUN.

It's essential to know the specific reason of your purchase when considering a marble toy. Do you want to build a marble race? Are you looking for a marble roller coaster that requires complex construction? Or are you looking for a traditional marble run toy that allows your kids to create numerous configurations and endless fun?

Once you're clear that you want to move forward with purchasing a marble run, there are additional considerations to take into account.

UNDERSTAND THE COMPANIES MAKING MARBLE RUNS TODAY.

There are a number of companies that sell at least one type of marble run, and each of them have their pros and cons.

Galt

This is one of the better companies that has mostly satisfied customers. Customers who have complained mention its poor design and quality for the price. Galt's primary marble runs don't have see-through pieces -- a feature that tends to be a kid favorite.

(Galt Mega Marble Run Toy)

Quercetti

This is an Italian-made product that has received an average response. Many people are unhappy with its poor quality and flimsy structure. However, Quercetti offers a variety of eye-catching pieces in their sets.

(Quercetti Super Marble Run)

Imaginarium

This company is well known for creating education toys, but reviews suggest that Imaginarium's marble run doesn't live up to their usual standards. The run is difficult to assemble, and once built, isn't sturdy for long-lasting play. They do, however, offer colorful, eye-catching pieces that are sure to get kids excited to play.

(Imaginarium Deluxe Marble Race)

Mega Fun / Mindware / Toysmith 

Each of these companies makes several different marble run toys, but have mixed reviews regarding the quality of product. Mega Fun and Toysmith get the worst reviews in terms of flimsy structure and quality, while Mindware is a more solid option. Toysmith and Mindware marble runs don't have see-through pieces, whereas Mega Fun offers a mixture of both. Be sure to research and read reviews for pros and cons of each one before purchasing.

(Toysmith 80-Piece Marble Run)

Edushape

Edushape has a number of different marble run products. Many of their designs are bright and colorful. Unfortunately, many of their sets get mixed reviews due to the pieces not staying together very well and the bases not being solid enough.

(Edushape Marbulous Marble Run)

Discovery Toys

The Discovery Toys Marble Run was one of the originals and still receives a good response. The pieces are easy to assemble for older kids, but can be challenging for young kids. It's an entertaining set because of additional add-ons, but unfortunately these products have failed to innovate over the years, so the colors and some of the pieces are a bit outdated.

(Marbleworks Starter Set by Discovery Toys)

Marble Genius

Here at Marble Genius, we've gone to tremendous lengths to build high-quality marble runs that are stable and durable. We've researched every product on the market, noting its strengths and seeking to improve on its weaknesses.

Our designs are bright and colorful and feature a number of exciting action pieces. From the very simple to the very complex, Marble Genius has a marble run for every age group that's both challenging and engaging. Our pieces stick together well, but they can come apart easily when built by younger kids. We also provide a higher number of large bases to support the tallest of marble runs.

(Marble Genius Super Set)

DO PLENTY OF RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING YOUR MARBLE RUN.

Before you purchase any marble run, we highly encourage you to do your own research on each of these products so you can come to your own conclusion. Don’t get sucked in by pictures alone, but make sure you pay attention to all of the quality aspects mentioned above. For more specific buying tips, check out these articles on purchasing a fun and sturdy marble run.

Happy shopping!

We all know that kids learn best with hands-on toys, such as Legos, building sets, science kits, and marble runs. But what exactly do our kids learn while they play with them?

The benefits of educational toys cover many aspects of a child's development. Here are a few we'd like to highlight.

BENEFITS OF EDUCATIONAL TOYS

1. Educational toys enhance creativity.

Through educational toys, kids are exposed to different ways of learning and playing. This ultimately enables them to try new things and explore their imagination. A good example is building blocks. While building a structure, kids have the opportunity to explore the world from their unique lens and imagine it in new and exciting ways.

2. Educational toys teach new subjects.

From a young age, children can be exposed to a variety of subjects through educational toys. Examples include learning about different colors, shapes, and words. Older kids can expand their knowledge of science, mathematics, writing, and more. One example is marble runs, such as the ones we make here at Marble Genius. When kids put together a marble run, they're exploring the concepts of physics, engineering, and math...all while having fun.

3. Educational toys develop problem solving skills.

Hands-on toys are designed to provide a problem that needs to be solved. Kids use their own ideas and thoughts to solve it and ultimately reach the given goal. Puzzles are a great toy that enhance problem solving skills. By developing these skills at an early age, kids are equipped to tackle bigger problems as they grow older.

4. Educational toys foster critical thinking.

In order for kids to reach the goal in educational toys, they need to engage their minds with plenty of thought, sequencing, and memory. Multiple senses come into play as they make observations and analyze different problems. Tracking, sequencing, and sorting are among the other skills they learn.

5. Educational toys boost kids' confidence.

Everyone gets a boost of confidence from doing something successfully, and this is definitely true of kids. Once they've worked hard to solve a problem and see the fruits of their labor, they feel more confident to tackle other challenges in the future. By introducing new varieties of educational toys, kids have the opportunity to test new skills and gain confidence in new areas.

6. Educational toys keep kids busy.

As parents, it's a continual challenge to keep our kids entertained without putting a screen in front of them. Educational toys are the perfect solution for boredom, as they offer continual challenges and ignite the imagination. Interactive toys that allow for future expansion are the best at occupying a child's interest for hours.

MAKE EDUCATIONAL TOYS A PART OF YOUR HOME

Keeping a wide variety of educational toys on hand will allow your kids to expand and grow in new ways every day. By stocking your home with puzzles, building blocks, marble runs, and more, kids can explore their creativity, learn new subjects, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and grow in confidence. Best of all, they'll have FUN!