
Seven-year-old boys have reached an exciting LEGO building stage. With improved reading skills, better dexterity, and longer attention spans, they can tackle more complex builds with smaller pieces and mechanical features.
LEGO sets for 7-year-old boys offer engaging themes from space exploration and dinosaurs to racing cars and superhero adventures. These more advanced sets include moving parts, transformation features, and authentic details that satisfy their growing interest in how things work.
Beyond building, these sets become platforms for creative storytelling and hands-on learning. As boys create epic adventures, they’re developing problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and basic engineering concepts through play they truly enjoy.
Here are our top LEGO recommendations for 7-year-old boys, featuring exciting themes and the perfect building challenge level for this age.
1.Baby Dinosaur Dolores LEGO Set

Dolores the baby Aquilops comes alive through moveable head, arms, legs, tail, and jaw pieces. This 339-piece dinosaur build includes a flowery plant snack that fits right between those chomping jaws. The finished dino stretches about as long as a school ruler.
Boys can pose Dolores protecting her territory, teaching her to hunt, or making friends with other LEGO creatures. The sturdy build means endless repositioning for different dinosaur adventures - stomping through jungles, defending nests, or creating peaceful grazing scenes. While boys might love dinosaur battles, girls often enjoy nurturing baby animal builds that let them care for prehistoric pets.
- Every joint actually moves and poses
- Builds confidence without overwhelming young builders
- Mixes easily with homemade LEGO habitats
- Solid enough for backpack adventures
- Jaw really opens to grab things
- No other dinosaurs included for herds
- Plant accessory uses tiny flower pieces
2.LEGO City Freight Train

Transform the playroom into a bustling freight yard with this motorized locomotive pulling three specialized cargo cars. The set delivers six workers, two electric cars, a reach stacker, and 33 track pieces that bend and switch however builders imagine.
Design custom track layouts around furniture or create depot scenarios with the charging station. Load vehicles onto the auto carrier, stack containers with the reach stacker, and control train speeds through the Powered Up app.
- Track rebuilds create new adventures daily
- Remote control adds real movement excitement
- Multiple vehicles expand cargo story possibilities
- Compatible with existing LEGO City tracks
- Requires 10 AAA batteries not included
3.LEGO Friends Hospital with Helicopter

This Friends hospital brings five unique characters including Autumn with her prosthetic arm, a therapy dog, and a futuristic medical robot. The three-story building connects rooms with an elevator while the rooftop helicopter pad launches rescue missions across Heartlake City.
Young builders race the helicopter to emergencies, guide the therapy dog through its special entrance, and operate the X-ray scanner. The robot assistant helps doctors move between the maternity ward and examination rooms while patients ride the elevator to different medical departments.
- Helicopter adds action to medical play
- Robot character brings tech element
- Special figures include therapy dog
- Elevator connects all three floors
- Small medical accessories easy to lose
- Friends theme might deter some boys
4.LEGO City Modular Galactic Spaceship

This 717-piece set builds a spaceship that rebuilds into a space shuttle or land base. Boys get 4 astronauts, 1 alien figure, and 1 driller robot, plus two meteorite pieces. The modular sections snap apart and reconnect using special joints.
Boys launch rescue missions, explore meteorites with the driller robot, and treat astronauts in the medical bay. The kitchen feeds the crew while the lab analyzes space rocks. Each module works separately or connects through airlocks for bigger adventures.
- Three completely different builds in one
- Builder app shows tricky steps clearly
- Connects with other space sets
- Modules rebuild without breaking everything
- Takes up lots of shelf space
- First build needs patience and focus
5.Super Mario Castle Battle Set

This 738-piece castle comes with Roy Koopa, Chain Chomp, and Toad figures, featuring walls designed to collapse and rebuild, a working catapult that launches projectiles, and a throne that spins to reveal hidden compartments. The drawbridge opens wide and Action Tags unlock digital adventures.
Boys catapult attacks at the castle towers, trigger wall collapses during battles, spin the throne to find secrets, and position Chain Chomp at different defense points. Roy guards the throne room while Toad sneaks through the opening drawbridge for rescue missions.
- Walls rebuild easily after every battle
- Challenging build without being frustrating
- Catapult mechanism teaches aim and force
- Works with other Super Mario sets
- Takes significant table space during play
6.LEGO Brick Display Shelf

This blue 6-stud brick shelf spans 18.5 inches wide and mounts on walls or sits on desks. The authentic LEGO brick design includes raised studs on top where small builds can actually connect. Holds books, completed models, minifigure collections, and treasures.
Young builders create rotating displays of their best creations, arrange minifigures in battle formations across the studs, or stack multiple shelves together for expanding galleries. Some kids even build directly onto the top studs, making the shelf part of their creations. For more active play options, check out these adventure-ready toys that get boys moving.
- Completed builds get proper display space
- Real studs connect with LEGO pieces
- Matches other LEGO storage systems perfectly
- Requires adult help for wall mounting
7.Monkie Kid Team Power Truck with Transforming Features

This 712-piece truck transforms with a removable bed that converts into a food stand, complete with awning and cooking accessories. Six minifigures join the action including Monkie Kid, Mei, Sandy, and Baby Mo the cat, plus a plane on spinning turntable and working excavator.
Kids drive the truck around obstacles, serve pretend meals at the food stand, spin the plane for takeoff sequences, and dig with the excavator's moveable arm. The Green Color Stone piece creates treasure hunts while minifigures climb in vehicles and swap between stations.
- Three separate vehicles increase play variety
- Removable parts encourage creative rebuilding
- App shows rotating 3D building views
- Characters fit perfectly in each vehicle
- Takes significant table space when assembled
- Small accessories easily roll under furniture
8.LEGO Yellow Travel Suitcase

This 184-piece set builds into a bright yellow suitcase with wheels that spin 360 degrees and a handle that pulls up and down. The suitcase opens to reveal tiny travel accessories – a buildable camera, toothbrush, passport, and boarding pass. Stickers let builders customize the outside however they want.
The finished suitcase rolls across floors while pretending to catch flights or pack for trips. Small hands practice opening latches and organizing the mini accessories inside. At under $20, this delivers more interactive features than most sets twice the price – making it a smart choice alongside other affordable gifts for 7-year-old boys.
- Working wheels and handle mechanism
- Great price for functional features
- Accessories store inside when done
- Reusable for years of pretend play
- Handle may need occasional reinforcement
9.Obi-Wan's Starfighter Building Set

The 282-piece set builds Obi-Wan’s red and white starfighter with an opening cockpit, two spring-loaded shooters, and landing gear that actually folds up. Three minifigures come ready for missions – Obi-Wan with his lightsaber, the tall Taun We character, plus R4-P17’s droid head attaches right to the ship.
Kids launch missiles at enemy ships, fold up the landing gear for space flights, and clip Obi-Wan’s lightsaber to the wing. The cockpit opens so Obi-Wan can jump in for rescue missions or chase bounty hunters. After battles, the starfighter lands on its gear while pilots plan their next adventure.
- Shooting missiles actually launch across rooms
- Landing gear mechanism teaches mechanical concepts
- Taun We figure nobody else has
- App shows rotating 3D building steps
- 282 pieces challenge without frustrating builders
- Missiles disappear under furniture easily
- Wing details fall off during crashes
10.Police Prison Island with Escape Features

The 980-piece island rises 14 inches tall with working escape hatches, a laundry room hiding tools, and cells that actually lock. Seven minifigures populate the prison alongside a police dog and circling shark. Three vehicles patrol different zones – helicopter overhead, police boat in the water, prisoner dinghy sneaking away.
Kids trigger the cliff explosion to reveal secret passages, lower prisoners through tunnel systems, or stage water rescues when sharks circle too close. The control room monitors all three escape routes while officers patrol between the break room and cells. Each building session unlocks new ways to modify security measures or create increasingly clever breakout plans. This complexity bridges perfectly toward advanced Lego sets for 8-year-old boys seeking gift ideas with engineering challenges.
- Multiple escape routes inspire endless scenarios
- LEGO Builder app guides tricky sections
- Vehicles add chase dynamics across terrain
- Modular design allows custom prison layouts
- Takes significant shelf space when assembled
- Small pieces need organized storage system
11.Animal Crossing LEGO Houses with Seasonal Rooms

This 814-piece set brings Animal Crossing to life with two houses that stack or sit side-by-side. Boys get Stitches, Fuchsia, and Fang minifigures, each with their own themed furniture pieces. Four seasonal room modules swap in and out – winter snowmen, fall pumpkins, spring flowers, and summer beach items.
The wheeled cart lets boys move villagers between houses for neighborly visits. Each character has unique furniture to arrange inside their homes. While slightly simpler than Lego sets for 8-year-old boys gift collections, this set offers the perfect building challenge with familiar gaming friends that boys already know and love.
- Three popular Animal Crossing character figures included
- Houses rebuild in different seasonal styles
- Combines with other Animal Crossing sets
- Digital app helps with tricky sections
- Takes several hours to complete fully
12.LEGO Creator Yellow Taxi

This bright yellow cab builds from 124 pieces into a classic city vehicle complete with rooftop advertising sign, side mirrors, and New York-style license plates. The rubber tires roll smoothly on any surface while the iconic checker pattern runs along both sides.
The taxi fits perfectly alongside City police stations and fire trucks for neighborhood adventures. Boys load minifigure passengers through opening doors and zoom between buildings collecting fares. This compact Creator vehicle joins nicely with other Lego sets that make great gifts for 8-year-old boys who love expanding their urban collections.
- Matches all Creator and City themes
- Sturdy build stays together during play
- Rolling wheels work on carpet and floors
- No minifigure driver or passengers included
13.Cole's Earth Mech NINJAGO Set

This 235-piece set creates Cole’s earth-powered mech with bendable joints at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. The chunky hammer weapon clips into either hand while the cockpit opens for Cole’s minifigure. Special textured armor pieces and stud shooters give the mech its tough appearance.
Kids position the mech into power stances, practice ninja moves with Cole’s katana, or stage confrontations between Cole and the Wolf Mask Warrior. The mech walks, punches, and swings its hammer while Cole pilots from inside the opening chest compartment.
- Right difficulty for independent building success
- Joints stay posed during active play
- Combines with other Elemental Mechs
- Digital app helps stuck builders
- Hammer falls off during rough play
14.NINJAGO Dragon Master Set

Rontu the dragon springs to life with posable wings, tail, legs, and snapping jaw. Four ninja heroes ride into battle alongside dual stud shooters hidden beneath the wings. A mysterious shrine holds secrets revealed by a special translucent blade.
Position Lloyd or Sora on the dragon’s back for aerial battles. Fire projectiles at enemy targets while repositioning wings for diving attacks. Decode hidden messages at the shrine between dragon flights. Mix ninjas from other sets to expand the adventure team.
- Dragon rebuilds into custom creatures easily
- Ninjas inspire original storyline creation
- Posable joints enable dynamic battle scenes
- Shrine adds mystery-solving creative play
- Stud shooters need careful aim practice
- Wings may loosen during intense play
15.Logan's Giant Panda Mech

This set brings Logan’s dream creature to life as either a mighty panda warrior or a mechanical panda machine. The bamboo-armored guardian stands 6 inches tall with posable limbs and an opening cockpit. Logan and his nightmare double Dogan come with the set, plus a 6-stud shooter that fires from the panda’s arm.
Kids position the panda in fighting stances or peaceful meditation poses. The cockpit opens for Logan to pilot his creation through dream realms. Rebuilding into the alternate machine form creates a different adventure. For boys who collect other adventure toys, this connects perfectly to the DREAMZzz TV series storyline.
- Two complete builds from one set
- Exclusive Logan and Dogan minifigures included
- Bamboo armor pieces unique to set
- Story instructions keep builders engaged throughout
- Connects with other DREAMZzz collections seamlessly
- TV show knowledge enhances play value
- Bamboo pieces need careful handling initially
16.Animal Crossing Caravan and Garden Shop

This 263-piece set builds a bright green car that connects to an opening caravan. Inside sits a fold-out garden shop with seed packets, watering can, water pump, and camp stove. Leif the sloth and Poppy the squirrel minifigures come with bell coins for shopping.
Children can drive the caravan to different spots, then unhitch and open it wide for garden shop play. They’ll plant pretend seeds, water gardens, cook on the camp stove, and trade bells for supplies. The caravan interior rearranges for camping trips or mobile shop adventures. While this set appeals to boys who love vehicles and building, girls enjoy equally creative Lego experiences with sets that match their interests.
- Caravan opens for interior access
- Vehicle actually tows the trailer
- Digital app guides tricky steps
- Combines with other Animal Crossing sets
- Small pieces scatter easily during play
17.Star Wars Mandalorian Battle Set

The 289-piece set builds a Mandalorian fortress with a spring-loaded door mechanism and rotating turret that shoots studs. Four minifigures include armored Paz Vizsla with jetpack, villain Moff Gideon, and two Imperial Guards with spears.
Action unfolds as Paz defends the base while Moff Gideon attacks. The turret spins to aim at different targets. Warriors fly through battles with the jetpack. Imperial Guards storm the fortress. The thermal detonator adds explosive drama to standoffs.
- Door mechanism works every single time
- Turret actually shoots plastic studs
- Popular characters from the TV show
- Connects to other Mandalorian sets
- Battles last way beyond building time
- Small studs can get lost easily
- Door spring needs careful assembly
18.Marvel Superhero Cars and Battle Set

This 295-piece set includes Iron Man’s red sports car with opening doors, Black Panther’s flying ship with fold-out wings, plus Red Hulk and the Dum-E robot. Both vehicles have stud shooters that actually fire, and there’s a special vibranium crystal piece to fight over.
Kids can race the cars against each other, shoot studs at targets, or have Red Hulk chase the heroes around. The minifigures fit inside both vehicles, and the wings on Black Panther’s ship move up and down for takeoff and landing moves.
- Two complete vehicles in one box
- Popular characters boys already know
- Sturdy builds survive rough play
- Works with other LEGO sets
- Stud pieces get lost easily
19.Adventure Camp Water Sports LEGO Friends Set

Transform 628 bricks into a waterfront camp complete with dual kayak launcher, stone-skipping dock, and equipment rental hut. Three Friends characters plus a curious bear arrive ready for action, equipped with life vests, helmets, fishing rods, and paddles.
Spin the dial to send kayaks zooming down the ramp, skip flat stones across imaginary water, or set up camp challenges at the ping-pong table. The dock becomes mission control where boys plan rescue operations, wildlife encounters, or racing competitions using all the outdoor gear.
- Launching mechanism adds realistic action play
- Multiple activity zones prevent play boredom
- Builds confidence through moderate challenge level
- Expands easily with other adventure sets
- Small accessories need organized storage solution
20.LEGO Mystery Minifigure Puzzle

This 126-piece jigsaw puzzle arrives in a mystery box hiding one of six festive LEGO minifigure designs. Cardboard pieces snap together forming a 10" x 7" picture - a nice change from brick-building that still captures LEGO's fun character style. Unlike gift sets for 6-year-old boys requiring complex building, seven-year-olds tackle this puzzle solo.
Assembling starts with edge pieces, then filling in the minifigure's holiday outfit and accessories. Once complete, the colorful artwork hangs on bedroom walls or gets broken apart for another rainy afternoon. The mystery element means siblings might trade designs if they get duplicates.
- Costs less than brick sets
- Compact storage in original box
- No tiny pieces to vacuum
- Can't rebuild into different designs
21.LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Tracking Mission

The Titanosaurus towers over the Velociraptor, both with poseable limbs for action scenes. Three exclusive Rebirth movie minifigures arrive ready for missions, equipped with an off-road vehicle pulling a trailer, speedy motorcycle, and buildable drone for aerial tracking.
Boys crash through the camp’s falling tree trap while dinosaurs chase the vehicles. The charging station holds research equipment and a mysterious syringe case. Heroes escape on motorcycles or launch the drone to spot approaching creatures from above.
- Rebirth movie minifigures debut early here
- Titanosaurus adds rare giant to collections
- Vehicles combine with other Jurassic sets
- Falling tree creates instant drama moments
- 582 bricks challenge without overwhelming builders
- Camp structures need frequent rebuilding
- Titanosaurus dominates smaller display shelves
22.LEGO House Building Book

This hardcover guide reveals building secrets for doors that swing, roofs that stack perfectly, and windows that frame minifigure views. Starting with simple cottages, builders progress through 30 designs including underwater bases, hamburger-shaped homes, and haunted mansions with hidden rooms.
Each finished house becomes a neighborhood landmark where minifigures move in, host parties, or solve mysteries. The log cabin shelters forest explorers while the haunted house challenges brave visitors. Mix techniques from different pages to invent original architectural masterpieces.
- Uses existing LEGO collections creatively
- Teaches real building techniques permanently
- Difficulty grows with builder's skills
- Requires decent brick collection already
23.The Minecraft Armory Set

This 203-piece set builds three connected areas: Alex’s workshop with working anvil and furnace, a weapon chest storing golden axes and enchanted tridents, and a swinging Nether portal door. Alex comes ready for battle with diamond sword and shield.
Kids forge new weapons at the grindstone, store treasures in the chest, and swing open the portal for monster attacks. The lava cauldron and terracotta tiles add authentic Minecraft details for defending the armory or trading weapons with friends.
- Just-right challenge for independent building
- Working doors and workshop tools
- Three famous Minecraft weapons included
- Connects to other Minecraft sets
- Small when fully assembled
- More fun with additional sets
24.Birthday Cake Building Set with Spinning Top

This 141-piece cake set features a rotating top tier mechanism, buildable candles, a balloon animal figure, and number stickers 0-9 for customizing ages. The special minifigure wears a festive top hat and holds a present.
Kids turn the cake top to spin decorations, swap number flags for different ages, and act out birthday party scenes. The finished cake stands 4 inches tall and works as a real party decoration or countdown display.
- Reusable for multiple birthdays and celebrations
- Under $20 for year-round play potential
- Teaches counting and basic gear mechanics
- Limited to birthday theme play scenarios
25.LEGO Wooden Brick Storage Drawer

This dark oak drawer looks exactly like a giant 8-stud LEGO brick with a sliding compartment inside. The wooden drawer pulls out smoothly to reveal space for Batman minifigures, Ninjago weapons, or Star Wars accessories that always get mixed up.
Kids can stack multiple drawers like building with actual bricks while organizing different themes. The top studs let boys display their favorite minifigures or small builds right on the drawer itself.
- Real LEGO studs on top work
- Sorts minifigures by theme easily
- Stacks with other wooden drawers
- Heavy oak needs careful handling
26.Magical Unicorn 3-in-1 Building Set

The set assembles into a rainbow unicorn with bendable legs and swishing tail, then rebuilds as a seahorse riding ocean waves or a peacock spreading colorful feathers. Rainbow and seabed display stands turn finished models into bedroom decorations between play sessions.
Unicorns gallop through enchanted forests defending kingdoms. Seahorses dive for underwater treasure while dodging sharks. Peacocks parade through jungle temples showing off brilliant plumage. Each creature poses differently for battles, races, or magical quests alongside action figures and dinosaurs.
- Three complete builds from one box
- Posable joints for action scenes
- Right difficulty for independent building
- Display stands keep models standing
- Mixes with any LEGO collection
- Small finished size for elaborate battles
- Rebuilding means taking apart favorites
27.Big Car Carrier Truck with Racing Cars

Smart value here – four vehicles in one box means serious bang for the building buck. The truck cab tilts forward, the trailer has two levels with actual working ramps, and each sports car represents a different era. Four driver minifigures round out the garage crew.
Boys drive cars up the ramps, secure them on the trailer levels, then haul the whole rig across the room. At the destination, lower the ramps and roll each car down for races. The truck cab opens for engine repairs between transport runs.
- Four vehicles for one price tag
- Trailer detaches for easier storage
- Sturdy enough for rough play
- Natural stopping points during building
- Works with other City road sets
- Takes up serious shelf space
- Cleanup means tracking four vehicles
Choosing the Right LEGO Set for a 7-Year-Old Boy
At seven, boys reach a sweet spot in their LEGO journey where they can handle more challenging builds while maintaining the pure joy of creative play. Finding sets that match this developmental stage creates rewarding building experiences that develop skills while delivering hours of imaginative fun.
Building Complexity: The Right Challenge
Most 7-year-old boys thrive with sets containing 200-400 pieces, providing satisfying building sessions of 45-60 minutes. The LEGO 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaur Set and LEGO Minecraft Armory Set hit this sweet spot perfectly, offering engaging complexity without overwhelming young builders. Sets that divide naturally into sections allow breaks during longer builds while maintaining enthusiasm throughout the project.

Digital building guides through the LEGO Builder app support independence by allowing children to rotate and zoom complex steps. This technology helps 7-year-olds complete more advanced models with minimal adult intervention, fostering problem-solving skills and building confidence with each completed section.
Mechanical Features: Learning Through Play
Seven-year-olds are fascinated by how things work, making sets with mechanical functions particularly engaging. The LEGO Technic Pull-Back Race Car introduces engineering concepts through moving parts and power functions, while the Monster Jam Megalodon Truck Set demonstrates how gears and levers work together to create movement and transformation.

These interactive elements do more than entertain—they create natural learning opportunities as children discover physical principles through hands-on experimentation. The satisfaction of building something that truly works creates powerful motivation for tackling increasingly complex projects.
Themed Collections: Following Interests
Seven is an age when specific interests become more defined, making themed sets particularly appealing. The Sonic Hedgehog Rescue Island Lego Set connects to gaming experiences many boys enjoy, while the LEGO Space Explorer Rover taps into fascination with astronomy and exploration. These familiar contexts create immediate engagement during building and rich storytelling opportunities after completion.

Consider how sets might connect to create expansive play worlds that grow with developing interests. Science-themed sets like the LEGO Race Car Science Kit introduce STEM concepts through play, while fantasy-based collections spark creativity and storytelling that extends well beyond the building instructions.
Building for Growth
The most valuable sets for 7-year-olds balance immediate building success with room for skill development. 3-in-1 sets like the LEGO 3-in-1 Truck and Helicopter Set naturally extend building skills by encouraging reconstruction into different models using the same pieces. This rebuilding process teaches flexibility and creative problem-solving as children discover multiple solutions using the same components.

For boys ready for more significant challenges, introductory Technic sets like the LEGO Mercedes Race Car with Pull-Back Motor create a bridge to more advanced building systems. These hybrid sets introduce specialized components while maintaining enough familiar elements to ensure building success, preparing young builders for increasingly complex models in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About LEGO for 7-Year-Old Boys
Can 7-year-olds handle Technic sets?
Many 7-year-olds are ready for introductory Technic builds, especially sets designed as entry points to the system. The LEGO Technic Pull-Back Race Car offers a perfect transition with its combination of traditional and Technic elements. Start with smaller sets (200-300 pieces) and provide occasional guidance on the more complex connections while allowing independence on familiar building techniques.
What’s the right piece count for this age?
Most 7-year-old boys handle sets with 200-400 pieces confidently, though this varies with building experience and interest level. The LEGO Super Mario Racing Kart (174 pieces) offers perfect complexity for shorter building sessions, while larger sets like the LEGO Mario Peach’s Castle Adventure Set work best divided across multiple sessions, creating mini-achievements that maintain motivation throughout longer projects.

How much help should parents provide?
Seven-year-olds typically build with increasing independence but still benefit from occasional support. Consider sorting pieces by type or color before beginning, being available for particularly challenging steps, and offering encouragement rather than taking over. This approach balances independence with success, building confidence while preventing the frustration that can diminish building enjoyment.
Which sets best develop STEM skills?
Sets with mechanical functions naturally introduce engineering concepts through play. The LEGO Race Car Science Kit explicitly connects building with scientific principles, while transforming sets like the LEGO 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaur Set teach how different designs solve various mechanical challenges. For boys particularly interested in how things work, early Technic sets provide hands-on experience with gears, levers, and other simple machines.

How should we organize growing LEGO collections?
Seven-year-olds often develop their own organizational preferences. Some prefer sorting by color, others by piece type or set. Clear, compartmentalized storage allows visual scanning of available pieces. Consider implementing a simple labeling system that grows with the collection. Many families find that shallow drawers or stackable containers with dividers offer the perfect balance of accessibility and organization.
Are licensed character sets worth the investment?
Character sets like Miles Morales Spider-Man Battle Racer and Sonic Hedgehog Rescue Island Lego Set often become favorites because they connect to media experiences children already enjoy. For many 7-year-olds, these familiar characters provide motivation for tackling more challenging builds while creating immediate storytelling opportunities after construction. The character connection often helps maintain interest in the set for longer periods.

How can we extend LEGO play beyond building?
Encourage LEGO storytelling through comic book creation or stop-motion videos. Many 7-year-olds enjoy designing modifications to existing sets or creating instruction manuals for their original builds. Science-minded boys might enjoy challenge cards that introduce engineering concepts: “Build a bridge that can hold 10 LEGO figures” or “Create a vehicle that can travel down a steep ramp without tipping over.”