Ah, LEGO—the timeless wonder that has captivated young minds (and not-so-young minds) for generations. These plastic bricks do more than just lodge themselves into the tender underside of my foot; they unlock a world of creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play.
But with a seemingly endless array of options—and prices that can make your wallet weep—how do you choose the perfect LEGO sets? Sets that will inspire hours of screen-free pretend play, rather than trigger a frustrated meltdown that sends tiny, colorful weapons of destruction flying across the living room rug.
As a mom of five, I’ve got your back! I’ve sifted through every set we’ve owned over the past decade—that’s over 40 sets, folks—and handpicked the top 10 LEGO sets that are approved by both mom and kids.
#10. Monkie Kid: Monkie Kid’s Team Secret HQ
With nearly 2,000 pieces, this set is a beast to build, and its hefty price tag doesn’t help its case. That’s why it lands at number 10 on our list. While some kids thrive on big builds, mine usually prefer shorter projects for more playtime. However, this set has delivered countless hours of fun. It comes with several characters (including a tiny cat that my daughters love), opens down the middle once built which makes play much more accessible, and the style is whacky and different from the typical LEGO feel.
#9. LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Dolphin and Turtle
At the other end of the spectrum is this tiny and adorable 3-in-1 set. Priced around $20 and featuring fewer than 200 pieces, it’s perfect for a budding LEGO enthusiast in kindergarten—or as a delightful bath toy for my twin second graders. Honestly, my 10-year-old still adores this set, and he’s had it for years! Its quick build means all three designs get plenty of love.
#8. LEGO City Gaming Tournament Truck 60388
This set made the list because it appeals to all of my kids, ages 2 to 11. My older two are all about the ‘gamer’ theme, while the middles are into the cool hair and fashion sense of the characters. And my toddler? He’s just thrilled that it drives and tows! It’s an easy build, but it looks flashy, with plenty of moving parts and adorable details.
#7. Marvel Groot and Venomized Groot
Okay, I know this is two different LEGO sets, but they are both Groot so I am counting it as one. Because Groot reigns supreme and I can’t be held accountable for choosing one or the other. I’m partial to the classic Groot set—who can resist that charming little face? My son, on the other hand, is all in on the Venomized Groot… he has a thing for the dark side.
Both sets are packed with movement, making them perfect for playtime battles (Groot vs. Venom? Yes, please!). They also look pretty snazzy on display, if that’s your thing. And let’s talk about that adorable little cassette tape that comes with Groot. Possibly my favorite LEGO accessory to date.
*note about Venomized Groot: The packaging makes it look like you can fully transform him into Venom, and you absolutely can—if you’re willing to play a game of “LEGO Rubik’s Cube.” The instructions are mysteriously MIA, so you’ll have to channel your inner detective and replicate the process from the first side on the second.
#6. LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Adorable Dogs
This LEGO set is a doggone delight for my kids. They can build multiple pups at once (3 in the first build, 2 each in the other 2 builds) and then each snag one to play with—talk about a tail-waggin’ good time. (Is that too many puns? Sorry ‘bout it.)
With three different builds and seven different dog breeds, it’s like a puppy parade. At 475 pieces, the build time strikes the perfect balance for my 8 and 10-year-olds—not too intense, but enough to keep them occupied for a good chunk of time before they leap into play mode. Between the building and the playing, this set can easily take up several hours of their day. Several hours of screen-free, creative play with their siblings is basically the peak of family life IMO.
#5. LEGO Creator 3 in 1 White Rabbit
Every animal-themed 3-in-1 LEGO set we’ve owned has been a decent success, but this one takes the cake—and the carrot, and the flower. All three builds are adorable and easy to play with. With fewer than 300 pieces, switching up the builds when inspiration strikes is painless. The bunny comes with a giant carrot and flower, and for reasons that baffle us all, my son is absolutely smitten with them.
#4. LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Mythical Creatures
I’ll be frank: I think this LEGO set is an eyesore. I genuinely don’t get the appeal, but all my kids disagree with me. Maybe it’s the Minecraft-ish aesthetic? As for the mythical troll guy, let’s just say he’s about as impressive as a soggy sandwich—I actually had to look up what it was supposed to be because it didn’t translate to my brain. The silver lining is that it’s just over 200 pieces, and my son managed to build it nearly by himself in kindergarten. He still loves it now as a fifth grader, which makes it so appealing that I am willing to look past the less than magical design style.
#3. LEGO Classic Creative Monsters
At just $10, this is a great starter set for littles. Kids can use the instructions to practice their skills or let their imaginations run wild and create whatever strange creature they can dream up. These monsters are cute, simple, and perfect for pretend play—because who wouldn’t want to have a tea party with a funk, buck-toothed beast?
#2. LEGO Creator 3in1 Monster Burger Truck
Another fan favorite in our house is this delightfully bizarre hamburger monster truck. My son managed to build it at the tender age of 6—thanks to a bit of parental assistance—though I must admit, it was a more challenging construction. Because of that, it has remained in its glorious hamburger mode since its initial assembly. The other two builds just weren’t tempting enough for him to undo his hard work. I’m a fan of all of the details, and my kids are obsessed with the working staircase that lets the little guy climb in and out.
#1. LEGO City Penguin Slushy Van
This LEGO set is practically perfect in every way! It’s kid-approved, mom-approved, and has survived countless close encounters with the toddler kind with minimal damage. My 8-year-old built it in about 30 minutes without breaking a sweat, and it looks seriously impressive. With so many details and functional features, this set is light-years ahead of other easy builds.
Most sub-200 piece sets leave my older kids wanting more, but not this truck! It boasts a sliding order window and a side that swings wide open for easy play access. Inside, you’ll find slushy machines, and there’s even a menu of flavors on the side. Oh, and one of the minifigures is in a penguin costume—because why not?
