In the current digital era, limiting your child’s screen time by ensuring they engage in other activities that positively contribute to their development is essential. One of the best ways to do so is by getting them learning toys that allow them to develop skills, go on adventures in the comfort of their home, and have fun at the same time.

Atlas Crate is a monthly subscription box from KiwiCo that does just that. If you are thinking about getting your child one of the Kiwico Atlas Crate subscriptions, this Atlas Crate review should help you know whether it is the right choice for your little one.

About the Atlas Crate

The Atlas Crate is a subscription activity box from KiwiCo that focuses on geography and culture for kids aged 6 to 11 years. It aims at exposing your child to global cultures and the rest of the world through activities without necessarily leaving home.

Once you subscribe, you get the box delivered every month with all the materials your child needs for the included projects. You also get fun and educational materials for your child to learn about the featured countries.

If you are a parent that values experiential learning, the Atlas Crate is a great addition to your child’s educational resources that combines learning and fun.

What’s in the Atlas Crate?

Crates are filled with materials and inspiration to encourage creativity and curiosity about the world. While the specific products will depend on the month’s theme, there are constant materials that you can expect during each of your subscriptions.

The first box usually comes as World Box, complete with an adventure book, World Map, and continent pages for organizing the book. You will also get a note from Anya the Cricket and Milo the Sandpiper, who will be your kid’s travel buddies around the globe. After that, the contents of your box will feature materials depending on the country of the month.

Regardless, here’s what you can expect in your Atlas crate.

STEAM projects: Two projects and materials for globally inspired games, crafts, or activity, which create a sense of adventure

Inspiration booklets: The booklets contain step-by-step instructions that are clear and easy to follow.

Atlas cards: The 7 Atlas cards highlight facts that help your child learn about the geography, customs, history, and foods of the subject country. The collectible cards also contain an activity for your child to do. This can be learning a specific dance or a recipe for the country’s cuisine.

Atlas Adventure Book: With the Atlas Adventure Book, your child can collect and keep memories from various crates as keepsakes.

Besides the above contents, some crates may feature recipes and keepsakes like flags and keychains. While everything your child needs is in the box, you may not find common household accessible items for the projects like water since you can easily find it at home.

Countries Featured in the Atlas Crate

The Atlas Crate takes you on a global adventure. Your child will be able to learn about the following countries in the course of their subscription.

  • Asia: Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, China, India, South Korea
  • Africa: Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, Nigeria, Kenya
  • North America: Canada, Guatemala, Mexico
  • South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru
  • Europe: England, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Russia, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden
  • Australia

Pros and Cons of the Atlas Crate

An Atlas Crate review will be incomplete without discussing its pros and cons. As an educational resource that opens up kids to new worlds, the Atlas Crate has its advantages and limitations. Below are the upsides and downsides of the Atlas Crates to give you a glimpse of what you can expect when you sign up for this geography and culture activity box.

Pros

The Atlas Crate is an excellent educational tool for kids interested in other cultures. Not only does it encourage creativity, but it also helps your child develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Below are a few advantages of the Atlas activity box.

  • The box requires little planning for parents as it has everything your child needs for their projects and activities.
  • It covers a wide range of countries and includes numerous activities to keep your child engaged and informed about other cultures outside their own.
  • While the Atlas Crate is designed for kids aged 6 to 11, older kids can also enjoy it. However, it may be too cumbersome for younger kids as they require lots of assistance.
  • The Atlas Crate is an excellent choice for kids interested in geography and learning about other cultures.
  • It offers flexibility as you can stretch the activity sessions to your liking while also allowing you to split activities into shorter sessions. As such, it can fit into your schedule seamlessly.
  • The Atlas Crate also keeps messes to a minimum when it comes to crafts and activities. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up after your child once they are done.

Cons

Despite the many benefits of the Atlas Box, it also has its limitations. For example, while most kids can use the Atlas Crate, it may not be appropriate for those younger than five years. The activities and projects may be too complicated and tasking for children below six years. Also, while the boxes may be age-appropriate, they may occasionally require parental assistance and supervision, which may not work well for busy parents.

Cost of Atlas Crate

The Atlas Crate offers you value for money considering the thoughtfulness that goes into the box. The subscription costs are as follows:

  • Monthly – $23.95
  • 3 months – $21.95
  • 6 months – $19.95
  • 12 months – $18.50

You can opt for a pay-as-you-go subscription where you only pay for the current month or select the long-term plan. However, the 12-month subscription is more cost-effective than a monthly subscription. The various subscription plans allow you to choose the best one according to your financial situation and needs.

Final Take

The Atlas Crate reviews are full of positive responses from parents who have had the chance to go through it with their kids. It is an excellent educational tool to broaden your child’s horizons while offering fun and adventure. Your child will appreciate the diverse global cultures, history, and geography courtesy of the crate’s engaging activities. If you want to teach your child about the world while spending quality time, the Atlas Crate is for you.