LEGO is something you never grow out of. Anyone of any age can feel the simple joy of placing bricks on bricks to create something incredible, and it isn’t something you leave behind when you’re not a little kid anymore. I’m the perfect example of that.
LEGO knows this, which is why so many incredible sets are made for older kids (aka fully grown adults).
From a Stormtrooper helmet to Hogwarts Castle to real-life architecture like the Taj Mahal and the Tokyo skyline, these sets are real projects to challenge older LEGO fans. They are incredibly satisfying and look great as decorative pieces when you’re done.
It’s essential to choose wisely when buying LEGO for older kids, of course, as you don’t want to get them something aimed at much younger children accidentally, so we’ve picked out only the 20 very best sets for this age group and have ruled out any fake online reviews to be sure.
1. LEGO Architecture London Skyline Collection 21034
The LEGO Architecture series is perfect for older children. This 468-piece set builds a beautiful replication of London’s Skyline. Featured in the finished skyline are Big Ben, The London Eye, The National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, and Tower Bridge. Each piece represents authentic cityscape colors. Notably, the London Eye Ferris Wheel is a working piece that spins.
The scene measures approximately ten by seven by two inches, making it a perfect display set for dressers, desks, and bookshelves. Best of all, builders can adorn the base with a decorative nameplate when finished with the scene. Perfect for older teens, this set is a beautiful gift for kids interested in history, architecture, culture, and design.
What we love:
- This LEGO set comes with a lovely collectible booklet that describes the architecture and history of each landmark
- Utilize the most miniature standard LEGO bricks to create a highly detailed aesthetic.
We don’t like this as much:
- We wish the hands of the clock on the Big Ben clocktower had moving arms
2. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 31313
This robotic LEGO build is excellent for tech-minded kids. The Mindstorms Robot Kit comprises 601 pieces; it’s a challenging and fun build that enhances their engineering skills. This LEGO Robot employs intelligent EV3 bricks, motors, and color/touch sensors. Best of all, after the robot is built, kids can program it to move with the remote control operated from a smart device.
With a coordinating app’s quick and free download, builders can program and operate the robot. The set comes with handy instructions that delineate 17 programming functions. The robot can be programmed to walk, talk, shoot, and more. This LEGO set is the perfect gift for older STEM-minded kids.
What we love:
- It comes with color, touch, and IR sensors.
- There are enough pieces to build a second more miniature companion robot.
We don’t like this as much:
- There is a little learning curve with the programming language at the beginning, but with a little patience, they’ll be wizzes in no time
3. LEGO Creator Expert Taj Mahal 10256
The LEGO Taj Mahal is an intricate architectural build of nearly 6,000 pieces. Intended for children 16 and older, this set is both fun and challenging. With highly detailed and minute features, this LEGO build is not for the faint of heart. A perfect gift for LEGO lovers, travelers, and history buffs, this set will surely delight builders.
Like the real thing, this Taj Mahal LEGO set features curved arches, ornamental domes, high-reaching towers, and ornate finials. Not a single detail is spared with this impressive LEGO set.
What we love:
- Each piece of the Taj Mahal’s fantastic architecture is affixed to a base so that the finished elements are one unified set
- This is a modular-style LEGO set, so larger chunks of the build can be taken apart and quickly moved.
We don’t like this as much:
- The tall towers are delicate, so be sure to display it out of a young child or pet’s curious reach.
4. LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle 71043
This massive yet awe-inspiring set answers the pressing question of what to buy your LEGO-loving Harry Potter fan. A great construction set for kids 16 years old and up, this set replicates Harry Potter’s wizarding school, Hogwarts Castle. This epic LEGO set features recognizable Hogwarts settings and elements such as the Whomping Willow, the Chamber of Secrets, and other iconic settings.
The Great Hall, Hagrid’s Hut, classrooms, towers, and beyond are all featured within the castle, with many moving elements such as secret staircases and lovely details like stained glass windows. Finally, Hogwarts Castle has a complete set of characters represented as LEGO micro-figures.
What we love:
- All four Hogwarts House founders are included as LEGO mini-figures; Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, and Rowena Ravenclaw.
- The castle comes with some of its scariest pests, including Hagrid’s spider Aragog and the Chamber of Secrets’ Basilisk.
We don’t like this as much:
- The micro-figures are a must for roleplaying; we wish it included more of them.
5. LEGO Star Wars Stormtrooper Helmet 75276
This LEGO building kit creates a super cool Stormtrooper Helmet that measures approximately 7 x 14 x 5 inches when finished. Star Wars fans will delight in building and displaying this fabulous piece to show their allegiance to the Empire. The set comes with 647 pieces in primarily black and white with accents of gray in just the right places.
The Stormtrooper Helmet has a display stand and plaque perfect for LEGO enthusiasts and Star Wars fans. The Stormtrooper Helmet is one in a series of collectible LEGO Star Wars sets, including a Boba Fett Helmet.
What we love:
- An excellent set for not only older kids but for adults too
- The Stormtrooper Helmet is excellent and built from the inside out.
We don’t like this as much:
- The helmet’s black side vents are decals instead of LEGO bricks; we wish the vents were also built using bricks.
6. LEGO Creator Expert Ford Mustang 10265
This LEGO Creator set equips builders to engineer a classic 1960s Ford Mustang. With nearly 1,500 LEGO pieces, the Ford Mustang is intended for kids 16 and older or expert-level LEGO builders. The body on the finished Mustang GT is a gorgeous dark blue with white racing stripes. It has iconic Mustang features such as five-spoke rims, rugged tires, and a V-8 engine.
The Mustang has a detailed interior with two-tone bucket seats, a gray steering wheel, a rearview mirror, and more. The finished model has the iconic Mustang hood ornament, license plates, and an original hood scoop. Speaking of the hood, a LEGO-built motor replica beneath it adds to the model’s authenticity.
What we love:
- The completed LEGO Mustang has other realistic features, such as windshields and side-view mirrors
- The roof of the Mustang can be removed to turn the muscle car into a convertible
We don’t like this as much:
- Although the dark blue body is beautiful, we wish the car came in other color options
7. LEGO Architecture Skylines: Tokyo 21051
This super unique LEGO Architecture kit depicts the eclectic and colorful Tokyo skyline featuring iconic Japanese landmarks: the Tokyo Tower, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower, Tokyo Big Sight, TOKYO SKYTREE, Chidorigafuchi Park, and Shibuya Crossing, among others. This 547-piece set makes a beautiful coffee table or bookshelf ornament.
Although each building is an individual build, they all come together on a cohesive baseplate that can be easily moved and displayed. Each building is constructed of bricks that perfectly represent its iconic color scheme. As such, this is a bright and colorful LEGO set.
What we love:
- This set makes a great souvenir for those who have or long to visit this fantastic city
- The variety of building bricks and formations used with each of the individual landmarks provides builders with a dynamic LEGO experience
We don’t like this as much:
- Tokyo is a city of bright neon lights; we wish this LEGO set came with a lighting kit to improve its authenticity
8. LEGO Technic Off-Road Buggy 42124
The LEGO Technic Off-Road Buggy couples the love for and joy of building a LEGO set with the pride of automating the vehicle with a remote control kit. Older kids will be both challenged and have fun building their new RC vehicle, but beyond that, the fun will continue for ages as builders race their buggy both on and off-road.
The Off-Road Buggy’s body is a colorful combination of turquoise, Fuschia, and black. The 1980s color scheme, coupled with the wild graphic decals, makes for an outrageous aesthetic. Once the buggy’s body is built, teens can use a downloadable app to operate and steer the vehicle over obstacles and down straightaways.
What we love:
- The Off-Road Buggy has huge wheels as well as front and rear suspensions making it perfect for cool tricks
- The app that operates the car allows kids to unlock challenges and utilize fun sound effects
We don’t like this as much:
- It only comes with 374 pieces, so it can be built relatively quickly
Amazon Link:
9. LEGO Creator Expert Winter Village Cottage 10229
This beautiful Winter Village is a 1,490-piece set that’s lovely to display any time of year, especially around the holidays. The gorgeous village scene consists of small builds surrounding a bigger cottage house. Covered with snow-capped roofs, each building conjures your favorite wintertime memories. The main chalet is outfitted in twinkly Christmas lights and warm, inviting sconces that light up.
Besides the sweet buildings, it includes a flatbed truck with an affixed snow plow, a snowblower, and a sled. The set also comes with eight mini-figures, members of a big family, who can articulate to roleplay with the fun winter accessories. This is a super fun LEGO set to get you in the holiday spirit.
What we love:
- The battery-operated set features other lighted elements, including a fireplace, chandelier, and Christmas tree
- The smaller structure is a storage shed that holds firewood and snow tools
We don’t like this as much:
- Some of the set’s features require a high level of patience
10. LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle 92177
The LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle is a fantastic build that hobbyists will love. Suitable for older teens, this set comes with 962 pieces that make a ship in a bottle. The schooner within the bottle features a pirate ship’s elements, such as full-mast sails, captain’s quarters, a cannon, a crow’s nest, a flag, and more. The sails have decal markings, giving them a more genuine aesthetic and authentic-looking planks flank the ship.
What’s more, the clear plastic bottle is even a buildable structure. On the floor of the bottle, small bubble-like bricks make the water upon which the schooner “floats.” A beautiful display piece, the LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle, is highly recommended.
What we love:
- One of this set’s most excellent features is the plastic bottle’s buildable cork and wax closure.
- The bottle has a lovely display stand with a nameplate, globes, and a compass.
We don’t like this as much:
- We wish the set came with a captain mini-figure to display in the captain’s quarters
11. LEGO Stranger Things The Upside Down 75810
This astounding LEGO kit includes the popular Netflix series’ two settings as one cohesive build. This LEGO set comes with 2,300 bricks and is perfect for “Stranger Things” fans who want to bring the show to life. The set features the Byers’ home, a primary locale in “Stranger Things” juxtaposed by the show’s secondary setting: The Upside Down.
One of the set’s most remarkable features is that when the build is complete, it can be flipped upside down to display one or the other of the two settings. Best of all, it will stand upright on either side. Moreover, the set has eight “Stranger Things” mini-figures, such as Eleven, Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, and Chief Jim Hopkins.
What we love:
- This set has many excellent show details, such as Chief Hopkins’s recognizable cruiser with police decals and lights
- We love the authenticity of Barb and the Demogorgon featured prominently in the Upside Down (if you watch the show, you’ll know)
We don’t like this as much:
- Some of the house’s interior accessories, such as furniture pieces, must be affixed to the base before flipping; otherwise, they may fall out
12. LEGO Technic: Ducati Panigale V4 R 42107
The perfect gift for motorcycle enthusiasts, this fantastic LEGO set is an authentic replication of the Ducati Panigale. A dream bike for exotic motorcycle lovers, it’s highly detailed. The set comes with approximately 650 pieces and is intended for detail-oriented teens. The body of the bike is the iconic Ducati red finish; it has a two-speed gearbox and two working wheels that enable kids to race the Ducati around their homes.
This stellar motorcycle has a genuine-looking front and rear suspension and other moving operations. Other life-like elements include a working kickstand, silver exhaust pipe, transparent windshield, and intricate gearwork.
What we love:
- Whether gifting this LEGO Ducati to a child or an adult, it can either be played with or displayed.
- You can easily remove the body to show off the LEGO engine you built underneath
We don’t like this as much:
- We wish it came with working headlights
13. LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System 71374
In a time where vintage is fantastic, kids will adore this faithful set that pays homage to the classic NES. The Nintendo Entertainment System LEGO set replicates the old-school game console with the tethered game controller and game cartridge. Moreover, a secondary build produces a realistic-looking 80s tube television set atop a piece of brown furniture.
Depicted on the television is an image of Mario, mid-action, in his first NES outing. Best of all, the game’s action can be scrolled through by using a hand lever on the television. This NES display model is a must-have if they are a Nintendo fan.
What we love:
- Brand decals adorn the game console, television, controller, and game cartridge
- The television has many cool features, including knobs, speakers, and antennae.
We don’t like this as much:
- A LEGO Mario figure that can be placed in a slot on the top of the television but isn’t included with the set
14. LEGO Ideas Wall-E 21303
The Wall-E LEGO set is the perfect gift for Disney fans; suitable for teens and adults alike, the set contains 676 pieces and is challenging and fun to build. This set comes together to build the Disney movie “the last robot left on Earth.” A real Disney animator designs the Wall-E LEGO set and has perfect realism and excellent details.
Some of this model’s most realistic elements include a poseable neck and an adjustable head and arms. The maneuverability of the model makes it super fun for roleplaying games. Moreover, the Wall-E model has gripping hands and moveable track wheels. Lastly, the sweet Wall-E model has a trunk that opens and closes.
What we love:
- Wall-E’s arms move up and down in an authentic robotic motion
- With the additional purchase of LEGO motor modules, Wall-E can be motorized and operated by remote control
We don’t like this as much:
- The treads of the moving wheels don’t move easily over outdoor and carpeted surfaces
15. LEGO Creator Expert Winter Holiday Train 10254
The LEGO Creator Winter Holiday Train is a whimsical build that older kids will marvel at. Suitable for teenage builders, the train set includes 734 colorful pieces. This set includes a locomotive, caboose, and plenty of train tracks. Additionally, it comes with a family of mini-figures that includes a grandmother, boy, and girl; there is also a locomotive driver and a ticket collector, both of which add to the authenticity of the scene.
Beautiful decorative pieces like holiday wreaths, Christmas lights, and buildable toys/presents make fun add-ons. Some cute toys include a micro-robot, walkie-talkies, and a fire truck. Finally, an upgraded kit can be purchased separately to motorize the train.
What we love:
- Once built, the tracks can be arranged around your Christmas tree for a beautiful LEGO display
- The finished train is packed full of excellent details, such as a billowing smokestack, a pretty light post near the ticket booth, and more
We don’t like this as much:
- Although we love the holiday theme, we wish the train incorporated some snowy elements
16. LEGO Harry Potter Hedwig 75979
Your favorite Harry Potter fan will delight in building this beautiful model of Harry’s pet owl, Hedwig. This 630-piece set is just the right level of difficulty for older teens. This LEGO model is a near-exact replication of Hedwig with astounding details such as her big golden eyes and intricate feathers. Best of all, she’s carrying a letter under her beak to deliver to her best guy. One of this set’s most remarkable features is that, with the crank of a handle,
Hedwig’s wings flap. An impressive display piece, Hedwig comes with a stand and nameplate; when finished, she measures approximately eight by eight inches from beak to tail with a 13-inch wingspan. This LEGO Hedwig model will undoubtedly wow your Harry Potter fan.
What we love:
- The set comes with detachable Harry Potter and Hedwig mini-figures that are more realistic for playing with than the large Hedwig model
- Hedwig is displayed in flight with her wings beautifully spread to their full extent
We don’t like this as much:
- Some of the pieces must be outfitted with included decals which are super tiny, making it a little tricky to apply them perfectly
17. LEGO Star Wars Slave l – 20th Anniversary Edition 75243
This LEGO Star Wars Slave 1 celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the movie franchise. This LEGO set will surely be a hit when shopping for older children who love Star Wars. Geared toward teenage builders, the Star Wars Slave 1 LEGO set comes with over 1,000 pieces. Although this model will be a challenging build for older kids, it will fill many hours of focused fun.
The Slave 1 model is well-detailed; it has rotating guns and even a handy storage compartment that stores some small included accessories. Slave 1 features a hatch that opens to a cockpit, a pilot’s seat, wings, and mounted shooters.
What we love:
- The set comes with Star Wars mini-figures like Princess Leia, Boba Fett, and Han Solo; they enable perfect roleplaying possibilities
- All of the pieces of this set are compatible with all other standard bricks, so it can be built creatively too
We don’t like this as much:
- We wish the Star Wars Slave 1 featured decals or logos indicating it’s the 20th-anniversary edition
18. LEGO Ideas Dinosaur Fossils 21320
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossil Kit is a delicate and intricate build intended to be displayed and not played with. As such, this set is most suitable for children 16 and older. Older kids will adore roleplaying as a paleontologist while they build these excellent models. This set has all the pieces to build a poseable Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Pteranodon. Each can be perfectly displayed on the included stands.
Additionally, the set comes with paleontologist and Sapien skeleton mini-figures. It also comes with a small kit of paleontologist tools. The collectible fossils set comes with 910 pieces, providing dinosaur enthusiasts or natural history buffs with hours of unabated fun.
What we love:
- These awesome fossil models make excellent conversation pieces that display nicely on dressers, bookshelves, and desktops
- Each of the models is scaled to the other so that they are sized perfectly in comparison to one another
We don’t like this as much:
- The models are very fragile so they should be only displayed and not played with
19. LEGO TECHNIC Motorized Excavator 8043
This fantastic LEGO Technic set is designed with teenage builders in mind; it contains 1,127 pieces and comes together to build a working Motorized Excavator. Measuring approximately 23 by four by 19 inches, the excavator is a good size for roleplaying. Whether they are into construction vehicles or just a LEGO Technic enthusiast, this set will surely wow older kids.
Not only does the motorized excavator support a teen’s love for building but also engineering. The motorized excavator is fully operational by use of intuitive remote controls. The excavator can also move in 360° rotations and the dual controls can cause it to move back and forth on its track wheels.
What we love:
- The LEGO Technic Motorized Excavator can be taken apart and rebuilt into a tracked loader
- A flip of the switch on the remote control can switch the excavator from driving mode to digging mode
We don’t like this as much:
- Although the excavator can dig through soft matter such as sand, it digs through firm matter, such as packed dirt, with greater difficulty
20. LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street 21324
The 1367-piece LEGO Sesame Street is a fantastic model set and interactive toy. After the joy of building Sesame Street from the ground up, teens will delight in roleplaying show scenes and creating all new ones. The mini-figures included are perfect for roleplaying, such as Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar, Cookie Monster, Bert & Ernie. The Sesame Street buildings include the 1-2-3 Sesame Street Building, Elmo’s bedroom, and Bert & Ernie’s apartment.
Each setting showcases iconic Sesame Street details such as portraits, pets, and toys like Rubber Ducky and Radar the Teddy Bear. The authentic details in this set are astounding; it even features the iconic Sesame Street street sign on the corner.
What we love:
- The Sesame Street street corner features so many favorite show settings such as Hooper’s Store, Big Bird’s Nest, and Oscar’s Trash Can
- The Sesame Street LEGO set has other cute adornments, such as a bird perched on the roof, landscaping, and accurate furnishings.
We don’t like this as much:
- Although Count is depicted in a wall hanging, we wish a Count mini-figure was included with the set
Full List of LEGO Sets for Older Kids:
| EGO Set | Set Number | Number of Pieces | Age Rating | Estimated RRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Adventures Starter Course | 71360 | 231 | 6+ | $59.99 |
| City Space Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control | 60228 | 837 | 7+ | $99.99 |
| Creator Expert Ford Mustang | 10265 | 1471 | 16+ | $149.99 |
| Art World Map | 31203 | 11695 | 18+ | $249.99 |
| Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Millennium Falcon | 75257 | 1351 | 9+ | $159.99 |
| Ideas International Space Station | 21321 | 864 | 16+ | $69.99 |
| Architecture Statue of Liberty | 21042 | 1685 | 12+ | $119.99 |
| Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship | 31109 | 1264 | 9+ | $99.99 |
| Creator Expert Bookshop | 10270 | 2504 | 16+ | $179.99 |
| Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 | 42115 | 3696 | 18+ | $379.99 |
| Stranger Things The Upside Down | 75810 | 2287 | 16+ | $199.99 |
| Technic: Ducati Panigale V4 R | 42107 | 646 | 10+ | $69.99 |
| Nintendo Entertainment System | 71374 | 2646 | 18+ | $229.99 |
| Ideas Wall-E | 21303 | 676 | 12+ | $59.99 (Discontinued) |
| Creator Expert Winter Holiday Train | 10254 | 734 | 12+ | $99.99 |
| Harry Potter Hedwig | 75979 | 630 | 10+ | $39.99 |
| Star Wars Slave l – 20th Anniversary Edition | 75243 | 1007 | 10+ | $119.99 |
| 123 Sesame Street | 21324 | 1367 | 18+ | $139 |
| Ship in a Bottle | 92177 | 962 | 12+ | $159 |
| Architecture London Skyline Collection | 21034 | 468 | 12+ | $39.95 |
What to look for when buying LEGO sets for older kids:
When selecting LEGO sets for older kids (12 and up), consider these points:
- Interests and Themes: Does the child enjoy franchises like Star Wars or Harry Potter? LEGO offers themed sets. If they’re into architecture or engineering, consider the LEGO Architecture or Technic series.
- Complexity: Bigger sets with thousands of pieces offer more challenges. The age recommendation on the box helps gauge difficulty.
- Innovation and Learning: LEGO Mindstorms and Boost ranges integrate with coding and robotics, providing an interactive experience ideal for tech-savvy kids.
- Display or Play: Some sets, like the Creator Expert series, make great display pieces. Others, like City or Ninjago, offer more playability.
- Collectibility: Consider this when purchasing if the child enjoys collecting specific sets.
- Price: LEGO sets vary in cost. Choose one within your budget. Price doesn’t always equate to entertainment value or quality.
Remember, LEGO is about the building process and the end product. An enjoyable building experience can be just as appreciated as a display piece.
FAQ
Q: At what age should kids stop playing with LEGOs?
There is no specific age to stop playing with LEGO; it’s a creative activity enjoyed by all ages, including adults. LEGO offers a range of sets, from simple to complex, catering to a wide age spectrum, proving that one is never too old to appreciate and engage with LEGO.
