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!

In today's busy world, finding time to spend together as a family can be a challenge. Most evenings may be taken up by homework, sports, or other activities. However, keeping your family close means spending time together in a fun setting.

THE VALUE OF FAMILY GAME NIGHTS

Game nights are valuable for many reasons, but here are three we'd like to highlight:

1. Family game nights build relationships.

The importance of spending quality time together can't be overstated. With this time, you'll bond with each other and improve communication. Seemingly meaningless conversation can open the door to more meaningful times that might be missed otherwise.

2. Family game nights create learning opportunities.

Kids can learn a lot while interacting with their parents through play. From sportsmanship to following directions and improving communication, you can help your children build important skills simply by letting them watch your example.

3. Family game nights are inexpensive and build healthy habits.

Because they're a good brain exercise, game nights keep your family from sitting in front of the TV or playing video games all day. Instead, your family enjoys quality time together, creating memories that will last throughout your kids' lives.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT IDEAS

There are thousands of games available, and having a variety to choose from keeps it interesting. If you have young kids, an interactive game is the best option so they don't have to sit still.

Here are some of our ideas for interactive toys and games...

Classic Games

Classic games are ones that never go out of style. Pictionary and charades are easy to play and fun for the entire family. You can purchase the official games or make up your own versions easily. These games work well for mid-size or large families since you'll want at least two players on each team. Other classic games that work well for any sized group include Uno, dominos, and Yahtzee.

Strategic Games

These are a good option if you have older children who enjoy strategy and logic. Risk and Settlers of Catan are perfect examples. The only downside to these games is that they may take several hours to play. Save these for nights when you have a enough time to enjoy them. Or if you don't have time to finish in one sitting, set up the game on a card table and return to it periodically. You may enjoy spreading out the playing time.

Marble Run Games

Marble runs are perfect for both kids and adults. They come with a variety of pieces that let you assemble a range of easy and complex structures. Designing the run and watching the marbles roll down is guaranteed to make your kids smile. To add a competitive aspect, you could create a marble race with teams, or set up a bracket for the entire family.

MAKING FAMILY GAME NIGHT A HABIT

Use these ideas to create your own family game night, and have fun! We recommend making it a habit by scheduling it on a certain night every week or a certain weekend every month as your schedule allows. You may even want to combine game nights with another family and rotate hosts.

Enjoy this time with your kids as you build lasting memories!

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!

If you have school-aged children, you know the value of education in their lives and the impact STEM toys can have. This is why it's so important to provide them with resources to learn both at school and at home.

STEM toys are multi-purpose learning tools that sharpen kids' knowledge and enable them to have fun at the same time. The toys are not only entertaining and engaging to play with but educational too. In the recent past, the use of these toys for educational purposes has grown tremendously, boosting their popularity among parents across the globe.

DEFINING STEM TOYS

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM toys are developed with an educational concept for use in learning. They aim at sparking interest in science, technology, and mathematics in kids at a very young age.

For parents and guardians who wonder what benefits their kids get from playing, these learning toys have a significant impact in the educational wellbeing of a child. The attractiveness of STEM toys is seen in the uniqueness and creativity used in the design and making of the toys.

BENEFITS OF STEM TOYS 

Enhancing Divergent Thinking 

There's nothing more fulfilling than seeing a kid with a divergent thinking approach to various situations in life. Kids have become masters and crafters of their destinies, and STEM toys are one way to keep that type of thinking going.

Enhancing Creativity 

Playing with STEM toys from a young age allows kids to be creative and develop problem solving skills. Children often come up with fascinating creations that are not only out of this world, but have also dwarfed other similar innovations by grownups. Such high-level creativity and innovation can be traced back to the use of learning toys at an early age. 

Develop Hand-Eye Coordination 

For kids who get exposed to STEM toys at a young age, hand-eye coordination is a natural skill that's developed. Through building and manipulation of the toys, kids learn the connection between what they see and what their hands are able to do.

Promoting Spatial Skills

Several research studies have shown a strong connection between construction play and spatial skills. Kids who play with STEM toys show a profound interest in construction and often build sophisticated structures that portray the use of fine spatial skills and intelligence.

Building structures invoke kids to use their imagination in creating a mental image on the structure they want to build even before beginning construction. Recent experimental studies have shown that kids with learning toys outperform their peers in mental rotation and spatial visualization.

TOP STEM TOYS 

There's a wide variety of STEM toys available in the market today. Here are some of our favorites:

Magnetic Tiles 

Designed for use by kids ages 2 to 12 years, these toys are a great investment. The main reason they're a favorite choice for parents and teachers is because they come with endless play possibilities. The tiles are joined using magnets, which make it easy for kids to create elaborate structures that can often be taller than them.

(Jack & Roo Mag Builders)

Marble Runs 

The marble run is arguably one of the best STEM toys for kids across the globe. They come in different variations, including starter sets for beginners and extreme sets for pro players. Well-made marble runs boast attributes such as strength, durability, ease of use, ability to invoke high-level creativity, high-end quality, and limitless options of play. (To learn more about our Marble Genius marble runs, you can visit this link.)

Snap Circuit Toys 

Snap Circuits teach the basics and principles of electricity. With over 60 pieces, the toys can be used in creating 300+ different electronic projects. Some of the common pieces in these toys include slide switches, snap wires, music integrated circuits, and alarm circuits.

(Snap Circuits Snaptricity)

STEM TOYS: THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE

We all want to see our kids grow in their skills and knowledge, and inspiring them through play is the ideal way to do that. With the continual creation and development of sophisticated STEM toys, kids are equipped to be an innovative and bright generation in our future and today.

Marble Genius was founded to bring the best quality marble runs, marble mazes, and games to the market.

In recent years, a good number of products have flooded the market that are substandard in quality, so we decided to do something about it. As parents ourselves, we know the frustration of investing in toys that don't hold our children's interest for long. We also know the frustration of spending our hard-earned dollars on toys that break or malfunction soon after purchase.

Each product we introduce to the market has been through a thorough research process, as well as in-person testing by our own kids (who are often our toughest critics!).

You have our assurance that every product we sell will meet or exceed your expectations. If you're not 100% satisfied, you can personally reach out to us, and we'll make it right.

To stay connected and learn about new product releases, be sure to follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter (links at the bottom of this page).