.Com TLD crunchlabs com

crunchlabs com

May 24, 2025

Want to make engineering fun for your kids (or even yourself)? CrunchLabs is doing it right—with serious science and zero boring lectures.

What Exactly Is CrunchLabs?

Imagine getting a box every month that dares you to build something cool from scratch. Not with the usual “follow this instruction sheet or else” vibe, but with storytelling, trial-and-error, and real-world engineering principles baked in. That’s CrunchLabs in a nutshell.

Founded by former NASA engineer and YouTube megastar Mark Rober, CrunchLabs is built around one core idea: teaching people how to think like engineers. That means experimenting, breaking stuff, fixing it, and figuring out what actually works—not just memorizing formulas.

Who’s It For?

The sweet spot is kids between 8 and 14, but honestly, the appeal stretches way past that. If you’re the type who loved taking apart toys as a kid or gets excited watching MythBusters, CrunchLabs will hit the mark. The monthly boxes (called Build Boxes) are designed so kids can do them mostly on their own, but they’re also great for co-building with a curious adult.

Got a teen who’s all about robotics or a parent who wants to relive their RadioShack days? This is a safe bet.

What's in the Box?

Each CrunchLabs Build Box includes:

  • A build-it-yourself STEM toy, like a card-throwing robot, a safe-cracking machine, or a working catapult.

  • All the tools and materials, no extra trips to the hardware store.

  • An exclusive Mark Rober video that walks through the science and engineering behind the build.

  • A step-by-step visual instruction booklet (because no one likes a 20-page text wall).

Everything is packaged in a way that says, “Let’s have fun,” not “Do your homework.”

What Makes CrunchLabs Different?

Most STEM kits feel like school projects in disguise. CrunchLabs boxes feel like engineering playgrounds. The whole thing is designed around discovery. You don’t just learn what a gear does. You see how it affects your machine’s speed. You test it. You swap it. You fail, then you fix it.

And Rober doesn’t treat the kids like babies. He talks to them like smart humans. The videos are funny, insightful, and filled with the kind of “Whoa, no way!” moments that get replayed at the dinner table.

And Mark Rober? That Guy Delivers

Mark isn’t some corporate mascot. He’s an ex-NASA engineer who worked on the Mars Curiosity rover. His YouTube channel has nearly 70 million followers, and his CrunchLabs builds are just as thoughtful as his viral squirrel obstacle courses or glitter bomb videos. When he says “this is fun,” he means it in a launch-a-frisbee-100-feet kind of way.

You’re not just getting toys. You’re getting the design philosophy of someone who literally helped send stuff to space.

Hack Pack vs. Build Box

Here’s the deal. CrunchLabs offers two subscription types:

  • Build Box is the main event: one toy per month with video instructions.

  • Hack Pack is newer and leans more advanced—great for kids who’ve already been through a few Build Boxes or want a bigger challenge.

The Hack Pack often includes more modular builds, longer projects, and deeper dives into engineering thinking. Think less “snap together a catapult” and more “modify this turret for accuracy using Newtonian physics.”

The STEM Summer Camp Twist

CrunchLabs even launched a virtual summer camp option. You get 12 builds over 12 weeks, paired with videos, challenges, and community projects. Perfect for keeping brains busy when school’s out. The best part? No early morning bus rides or questionable cafeteria food.

Can You Buy Boxes Individually?

Sometimes, yes. The Merch & Extras section on their site sells refill kits, extra parts, and even some past boxes. There are also disc refills for their popular launcher kits and accessories that let you expand your builds.

But most people stick with the subscription. It’s the easiest way to keep the momentum going month-to-month. Plus, it keeps things feeling like a surprise—which turns engineering into something kids look forward to.

Any Downsides?

Nothing major, but here’s what to know:

  • Shipping is mostly limited to the US and Canada. Some international shipping exists, but it’s not universal yet.

  • It’s not cheap. Around $29.99/month depending on the plan. But considering it replaces screen time with engineering time, that’s a pretty decent trade.

  • You might need to lend a hand. Especially for younger kids, there may be moments where an adult needs to step in—tightening a bolt, deciphering a tricky concept, or just cheering them on.

Is It Actually Teaching Engineering?

Yes—but not in the dry textbook way. CrunchLabs teaches engineering the way good engineers learn: by doing, by failing, and by iterating. It’s packed with lessons in physics, design thinking, trial-and-error, and even soft skills like patience and resilience.

Here’s a real-world parallel. Let’s say the monthly build is a coin-flipping machine. The kid doesn’t just follow steps—they get asked: What if the arm is longer? What if the launch angle changes? They’re forced to think about variables, torque, weight distribution—all without ever using those words directly.

And that’s the genius of it. The science is embedded in the play.

What Are People Saying?

CrunchLabs has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, with over 500 reviews. Most parents rave about how their kids are suddenly obsessed with “engineering time.” Others say the boxes gave their kids confidence—especially those who previously struggled with focus or traditional school formats.

There are a few mentions of shipping hiccups or delayed boxes, but nothing widespread. Customer support seems responsive and active.

Final Take

CrunchLabs isn’t just another STEM kit. It’s a creative lab disguised as a toy box. It’s hands-on, it’s mentally challenging, and it’s driven by someone who genuinely gets what makes kids curious. If you’ve got a child who’s into building stuff—or one who isn’t yet but could be—this is one of the best investments you can make.

Bottom line: It’s less about teaching facts and more about building minds.

And if it helps a kid grow up to launch rockets, build robots, or just not give up after their first mistake—that’s a box worth opening.