Users are impressed with this set’s versatility. For example, for a 3-in-1 set, each dinosaur requires its own build, while other multi-use sets might have a main build and then smaller add-ons or adjustments.

Letting your young kids make the animal noises themselves helps with language development and creativity. “Children learn everything at a young age through play,” says Nuernberger. “Whatever toys you have for your child, the most important thing is to get down to their level and interact and engage with them and the toys.” Experts from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) concur: “The less a toy does, the more the child can do with it,” according to ASHA. “The more the child can do with it, the more opportunities for interaction it allows.” Quiet for CreativitySimple toys that do not have fancy lights, music, or movement are great because they are versatile,” says Liz Nuernberger, M.A., CCC-SLP, a pediatric speech-language pathologist. “You choose what you want to do with them, and it gives you a chance to use your imagination.” This set features two raptors attempting to escape the reigns of enemy explorers. A little dark—not to mention anachronistic—but kiddos can rescue the dinosaurs and trap the hunters in the cage.

And as for that T-Rex that says rawr, here’s good news for parents and caregivers: When it comes to speech and language development for younger kids, toys that make noise are not the best option. Yes, you heard us right.ToyVelt’s Take Apart Dinosaurs are meant for children ages 3 and up and are designed to help them develop problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience. We saw firsthand how our son’s hand-eye coordination improved after using the screwdriver just a few times.

Our biggest issue is that there weren’t any instructions. We were left wondering if we could switch body parts for the dinos or if there was a way to use the wrench that we didn’t realize. An instruction book with images would’ve been helpful.For the true dino enthusiast, this remote-controlled T-Rex does it all. It makes noise and even sprays steam for a more intense playtime experience. This 23-inch T-Rex can respond to some half-dozen commands, including walk, shake head, roar, and spray steam. The remote control also plays music and controls volume. The dinosaurs and the tools don’t feel incredibly sturdy…so we aren’t sure if these dinosaurs will ever secure hand-me-down status.

Kids (or kids with their grown-ups) will build a 1:32-scale Tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, and pteranodon, with the T-Rex measuring 15 inches long and 7 inches tall. The finished pieces sit on their own labeled stands for display or play, along with two Lego mini figures: a paleontologist for role-playing and a skeleton (with the label “Lego sapiens”) for laughs. If that’s not enough to teach the power of hard work, the set also includes two manual screwdrivers to put the pieces together.Is there anything for which Lego doesn’t have a set? This 910-piece kit is a challenge for older kids but makes for a good rainy- or snowy-day family activity. It’s unique, too, in the fact that it features dinosaur bones versus the “living” animal, for a museum-style display.