8 LEGO SMART Play Sets to Keep Your Kids’ Screen Time Down This Summer
These have tech cool enough to tempt anyone offline.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
There are few activities as seductive as those on screens, but LEGO® sets are always at the top of our—and your children’s—lists. For generations, LEGO has promoted independence, creativity, fine motor skills, problem solving, and more. And now the sets are tech savvy too. The LEGO SMART Play™ system is one of our favorite ways to level up kids’ interactive play.
This new iteration of LEGO features SMART Bricks, SMART Tags, and SMART Minifigures that responsively react to movement and placement, lighting up and creating dynamic sounds that bring each build to life. Think: the whir of blades and blinking lights of a helicopter as it’s moved through the air, or the sound of swallowing after placing a cup to a figure’s mouth.
It’s important to note that the LEGO Smart Play system is separated into two types. All-In-One sets include a SMART Brick, which powers lights, sounds, and digital connections, and Compatible sets which don’t include a SMART Brick, but still feature the same fun build experience. Once a SMART Brick from any All-In-One set is added, the minifigures and accessories will react visually and audibly to movements—revealing an entirely new level of play.
Star Wars sets are on sale now, and Pokémon sets are available for pre-order. Here are eight of our favorites.
If your Star Wars fans prefer to take a walk (or in this case, a launch) on the dark side of the Force, they’ll love navigating Darth Vader through space. His TIE Fighter engines roar around the noise of Rebel fire, and the sounds of filling up and repairing between battles emerge from the Imperial fuel station. Just don’t let the Jedi catch wind of his whereabouts…
This set features the most popular Pokémon character powering up for battle. Enthusiasts can lead him through an interactive course complete with a treehouse, training dummy, Poké Ball target, lunch break sandwich (topped with plenty of ketchup, surely), and more—all of which react to kids’ role-playing movements with specialized sounds and lights.
Featuring the iconic Death Star-destroying X-wing and its pilot, this set is equipped with Skywalker, Princess Leia, and a range of accessories. Luke and Leia react to movements, and kids can hear the fighter fly as they move it through the air, activate laser-shooting sounds from the X Wing and turret, and learn vital communication info at the command center. Pair it with Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter above and they can reenact the pivotal Star Wars story—or create their own narrative.
What happens when a fire Pokémon picks a fight with an electric Pokémon? Only your kids will know, and—thanks to the SMART Bricks and Tags included in this set—the results will be different each time they make the dueling figures battle. Charizard and Jolteon come to life with flame and electrical burst sounds, and their responsive skill-building station helps kids prep them for their challenge. Pair it with Pikachu’s above course, and you can start their very own Pokémon training center.
This diorama of the epic showdown between Luke and Darth Vader will become a favorite reenactment piece—not only do the Lightsabers make their signature humming sounds, but the included A-Wing has a revving engine, and Emperor Palpatine’s “Imperial March” plays when he sits on his throne. Encourage aspiring storytellers by having them change the steps and stakes of the fight, rewriting the script of the story they know so well.
Create a performance setup for their favorite Balloon Pokémon with this fun set. Once the speakers and mic are arranged and the SMART Brick is added to the figure, Jigglypuff lights up and sings in response to movement. Celebrate the finished build with a round or two of spontaneous karaoke on the TV.
This four-module version of the Star Wars universe’s busiest spaceport tavern includes a stage for the Cantina Band where SMART Minifigures from any set can perform. There’s also a bar area to cater to weary travelers, a seating space complete with ejector couches, and an entrance to ride through on their Dewback. SMART Bricks activate everything from drink mixing to singing to music sounds—there are endless options for play, though they may spend a good chunk of time debating their adherence to the Cantina’s no-droids policy.
The dynamic duo of evolving Pokémon and transport Pokémon team up in this set to seek hidden riches (complete with a filled treasure chest, pirate ship, and X-marked map). The scene comes to life when SMART Bricks are added—tails and flippers flap in reaction to touch, a melody plays when treasure is carried, and coin sounds emerge during the search. Once the kiddos are finished assembling, they’ll be inspired to create their own hunt and bring their new pals along.
Give your kids the gift of offline inspiration with LEGO SMART Play: the brick that plays back.
40 Cool Gifts for 13-Year-Old Boys
The Best Holiday Gifts for Girls
The Best Holiday Gifts for Boys This Year
40 Best Toys and Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
