Reviews
Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, box front with microscope
Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, microscope
Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, kit contents
Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, box back
Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011

Images: Thames & Kosmos

Researched

Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011

A first microscope kit for ages 6+ with LED light and eight prepared specimen slides.

$29.95 at Thames & Kosmos · Price checked Oct 6

Check price at Thames & Kosmos

Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer

Our verdict

This is a beginner microscope and biology kit for ages 6 and up, listed at $29.95 on the Thames & Kosmos store. The plastic-body microscope has 80x, 360x and 720x settings and LED lighting, and the kit adds eight prepared slides (four plant, four animal), a blank slide, slide covers, a dropper, tweezers and an eight-page guide. It needs two AA batteries.

It came out in 2025 and we could not find any owner reviews on the maker’s site or at Target, so we can only describe it from the maker’s listing. The kit ties in with the Wow in the World podcast and includes bonus audio from its hosts.

It suits a 6- to 8-year-old who wants to look closely at wings, feathers and onion skin. Skip it for an older child who wants a sturdier metal microscope.

Key details

  • Ages 6+
  • 32 pieces
  • STEM kits
  • Thames & Kosmos
  • Available

More info

  • Item number: 545011
  • Age: 6+
  • Magnification: 80x, 360x, 720x
  • Prepared slides: 8
  • Piece count: 32
  • Batteries: 2 AA
  • Released: 2025
  • Price: $29.95
Best for and who should skip it

Best for

  • Kids aged 6 to 8 trying a microscope for the first time
  • Families who listen to the Wow in the World podcast
  • A science gift around $30

Skip it if

  • Your child wants a sturdier microscope for years of use
  • You want owner feedback before buying; we found none yet
What we like and what to keep in mind

What we like

  • Eight ready-made slides to start right away
  • Three magnification settings with LED light
  • Tools for collecting your own samples

Keep in mind

  • Needs 2 AA batteries
  • No owner reviews were published when we checked
  • The body is plastic, per the maker
How we reviewed it

Researched, not hands-on tested. This review is based on the sources listed below. We have not tested this product ourselves. Check the current product listing and packaging before buying.

Based on the maker's specifications and public owner reviews, checked Oct 6, 2026.

Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, box front with microscope

Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011

Researched · Ages 6+

$29.95

Links go to the retailer

Check price at Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011

$29.95 · Links go to the retailer

Check price

Sources.

What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.

  1. 01 Thames & Kosmos. Wow in the World: Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit thamesandkosmos.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026
  2. 02 Target. Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope listing target.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026

How it compares.

This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.

Detail Thames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011, box front with microscope This reviewThames & Kosmos Wow in the World Kids’ Microscope & Biology Kit 545011 Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105, box front Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105 Little Passports World Adventures, Brazil box contents with macaw mobile Little Passports World Adventures
Price$29.95$39.95$32
Maker’s ageAges 6+Ages 6+Ages 6–10
CategorySTEM kitsSTEM kitsSTEM kits
Pieces32––
Good forCurious kids aged 6+ who like bugs and plantsKids aged 6+ who like messy scienceKids aged 6 to 10 curious about other countries
StockAvailableAvailableAvailable

Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.

If this isn’t quite right.

Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105

Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105

Beginner chemistry for ages 6+

See review
Little Passports World Adventures

Little Passports World Adventures

A monthly kit for ages 6–10

See review

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