With so many building block sets available today, it is hard to know what brand to purchase for your kids. K’Nex is The World’s Most Creative Construction and Building Toys. It is easy to select the right K’Nex set because they have their products nicely organized by age and complexity levels. I have reviewed several K’Nex toys and their age recommendations have ran true when tested by my kids.
With a 5 year old in the house, we are ready to embark on the K’Nex Beginner Collection. This collection includes lots of great cards, airplanes, construction vehicles, safety vehicles, and dinosaurs – exactly what 5 year olds love!
We were given the opportunity to review the K’Nex Construction Crew line which includes the Excavator, Front Loader, Steam Roller, and Backhoe. I will review the Excavator and Front Loader in this post.

Hands On Review of K’Nex Construction Crew Excavator
The first of the Construction Crew set is the Excavator. The instruction guide for the beginner set of building blocks are all visual, no words. This is excellent for 5 year old kids. The set is for kids 5 and up. There are many small pieces so be careful if you have kids under 3 around the house.

The first step is to separate all of your pieces to ensure you have every part in the box. If a piece is missing, a simple phone call or email will get your replacement shipped to you free. We had all the pieces.

Above, you will see how intent my 5 year old, Elijah is at building the excavator. This is an excellent exercise in building fine motor skills for kids at this age. With some direction from dad, Elijah was able to construct most of the K’Nex Excavator by himself.

When it got to the wheel belt, Elijah needed help. It was just too difficult for a 5 year old to put on himself and less frustrating for dad to do it for him.

Elijah likes to take a break from the instructions to build his own creations too. Above it looks like the Excavator has dug up a Bakugan! 🙂 Below, he created Long Leg Man – the yellow blocks are the man’s robot legs according to my 5 year old. This kit comes with 1 Excavator crew man as seen in the picture below.

The picture below shows Elijah holding the lever that actually moves the excavator shovel up and down. This kit is so fun because it has moving pieces, you can drive the excavator around as the wheels move too.

Hands On Review of K’Nex Construction Crew Front Loader
The second of the Construction Crew set is the Front Loader. To be fair, our 3 year old daughter had to have a chance to play with her kit as well. As mentioned above, keep this away from kids under 3 as it has small pieces. Below, you will see the contents of the box. Elizabeth was drawn to the 2 little construction guys that came with this kit.

This kit is intended for kids 5 and up. My daughter was able to enjoy building this kit with Daddy. It is still a learning experience and exercise in fine motor skill development at this young age. She was able to sort the blocks and retrieve the right colored blocks as we followed the directions together.

Even though technically, she is too young for this kit, she had fun building the Front Loader. Be careful not to frustrate your child with products that are not suited to their age. With this project, we had to walk her through each and every step to get it completed while providing a fun experience. She was so excited and proud when she was able to accomplish the tasks we gave her.

Below is the completed K’Nex Construction Crew Front Loader. The front shovel actually moves, making this a fun kit to build and play with afterwards.

K’Nex builds a quality product that my kids love. I like that the kits are interchangeable so that our K’Nex collection can grow as my kids grow to build bigger and more elaborate creations.
Buy K’Nex Construction Crew Excavator and Front Loader
You can purchase the K’Nex Excavator for $11.99 on the K’Nex website.You can purchase the K’Nex Front Loader for $11.99 on the K’Nex website. Or buy online at Amazon.com with below links:
Win the K’Nex Construction Crew Excavator and Front Loader (Closed)
Updated: 9-15-10 Winner Announced: Congratulations, Lauren Presutti, entry #174. Thanks to all who entered.
K’Nex would like to give you a chance to win your own Construction Crew Excavator and Front Loader! ($24 value)
Required Entry
You must visit K’Nex website and leave one comment on this blog post regarding another product your child would like.
Increase your Chances of Winning with Extra Entries
Leave an additional comment for the value of each extra entry and a way to verify the entry.
- “Like” us on Facebook (posting a comment is appreciated but not required)
- Follow us on twitter
- Tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day! Copy and paste: Win KNEX Excavator and Front Loader Beginner Block Sets https://www.akronohiomoms.com #contests #sweepstakes
- Tell us about a construction site you’ve seen lately around Akron, Ohio
- For 2 entries/day, tweet my Pillsbury Finalist status. Copy and paste: Vote for my friend Cindy Orley and win $5,000 http://bit.ly/dmnKWS #sweepstakes #contest
- For 2 entries, comment on my (voting not required but APPRECIATED)
- For 3 entries, comment on any Total House Remodel post
- For 5 entries, blog about this giveaway on your website and link back to this article and to K’Nex
- For 3 entries, Stumble Upon this post with button on top of screen
- Yahoo Buzz this post with button on top of screen
- Google Buzz this post with button on top of screen
- Join us with Google Friend Connect (on the sidebar)
- Email 5 friends about this giveaway and CC me. I do not keep email addresses
- Cast a vote for us on Top Baby Blogs
- Rate my site on Top 100 Mommy Blogs
- Leave one new comment on any other post or giveaway
For complete contest rules, please see our Contest Statement and Blog Disclosure. If you ever have any questions on entering to win, just ask cindy@ akronohiomoms .com.
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on September 13, 2010 when a winner will be drawn at random and announced the next day. When commenting, please include your email address (not visible to public). I will notify the winners and they will have 36 hours to respond!
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to K’Nex who provided products for review & giveaway.
Commented on Pillsbury Contest 🙂
My son would love lincoln logs and the robot k’nex 🙂
I had not really looked into these toys until you posted your review. My son is always building with his legos and prefers the bigger legos to the smaller ones that are designed for older kids. Once I saw your post and went to the site, and realized the box of blocks that he won from his Kindergarten teacher last year that he plays with all the time is KNex I was so excited. So checking out the list I know he would love to add the different combos to his set, dinosaurs and robots are a favorite right now. PLUS I didn’t realize lincoln logs were by the same company as his sister loves to play with his lincoln logs. This truly is a toy for the whole family 🙂
rated on top 100
tbb vote
gfc
your fb fan
GFC follower.
I love all the Sesame street knex stuff!
My boys would love the Pirate Adventure Building Set.
Akron Moms is sweeeeeet
tweet
https://twitter.com/fce431/status/24427924188
felicia.431 at gmail dot com
follow you on twitter @fce431
felicia.431 at gmail dot com
My son would like the Pirate Adventure 20 Model Building Set.
felicia.431 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/24427350602
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tweeted Pillsbury status. http://twitter.com/rowellowl/status/24427141807 #2
Tweeted Pillsbury Status http://twitter.com/rowellowl/status/24427141807 #1
I like akron Ohio moms on FB!
Tweet http://twitter.com/rowellowl/status/24426853899
Follow you on Twitter. @rowellowl
Like you on Facebook.
I would choose the Light Up Ferris Wheel, it looks fun!
Rated you a 10 at Top 100 Mommy Blogs (Karine Traverse)
Voted for you at Top Baby Blogs
GFC follow (Karine Traverse)
Tweeted http://twitter.com/SAHMofDQ/status/24423929668
Follow you on twitter (@SAHMofDQ)
Like you on FB (Karine Capobianco Traverse)
I also love the Spongebob set, my girls are addicted to anything Spongebob
daily tweet 9/13
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/24414972834
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24389398266
🙂
Voted and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24388062350
🙂
entry #2
Voted and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24388062350
🙂
entry #1
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/24374476582
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/24286348582
I Yahoo Buzzed this post.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. I commented on Pillsbury Finalist status.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. I commented on Pillsbury Finalist status.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/24255030298
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
5. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-beginner-knex-construction-crew.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
4. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-beginner-knex-construction-crew.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
3. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-beginner-knex-construction-crew.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-beginner-knex-construction-crew.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-beginner-knex-construction-crew.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. Vote Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/24254510182
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. Vote Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/24254510182
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
daily tweet 9/11
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/24236761206
ljatwood at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/24191009854
Tweeted your Pillsbury entry!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24148202583
entry #2
Tweeted your Pillsbury entry!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24148202583
entry #1
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24148159279
🙂
My son would love the Amp energy building set.
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/24112967371
I love the new line of Nascar KNex coming. The kids would have a blast with them.
I stumbled this post! #3
(twifanheather)
I stumbled this post! #2
(twifanheather)
I stumbled this post! #1
(twifanheather)
I rated your site on Top 100 Mommy Blogs!
I voted on Top Baby Blogs!
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/_HeatherAnne_/status/24042085636
Following you on Twitter! (_heatheranne_)
Following via Google Friend Connect!
The Pirate Adventure 20 Model Building Set looks like fun!
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24013067777
🙂
Wouldn’t let me vote today. Kept telling me my email already exists….I will try again later!
But I did tweet for ya!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24012031556
entry #2
Wouldn’t let me vote today. Kept telling me my email already exists….I will try again later!
But I did tweet for ya!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/24012031556
entry #1
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/24003087537
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/23973446614
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/23955306448
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/23942405454
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Voted again and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23924010330
Entry #2
Voted again and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23924010330
Entry #1
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23923944979
🙂
my kids would also love the Police and Fire Rescue Combo Pack
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/23857623331
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23242613637
🙂
Voted and tweeted your Pillsbury entry!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23229125718
Entry #2
Voted and tweeted your Pillsbury entry!
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23229125718
Entry #1
follow you publicly on GFC
Tweeted the giveaway http://twitter.com/all4clay2004/status/23194598799
Follow you on twitter (all4clay2004)
My kids would love the Panda Pals building set.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/23178647609
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Tweeted and voted for your entry:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23146742295
entry #2
Tweeted and voted for your entry:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23146742295
entry #1
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23146677350
🙂
tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/23141256060
I voted on Top Baby Blogs.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I follow you on GFC.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
3. I commented on :How to choose the best bathtub faucet for kids
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. I commented on :How to choose the best bathtub faucet for kids
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. I commented on :How to choose the best bathtub faucet for kids
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
2. Vote tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/23114499683
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
1. Vote tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/23114499683
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I follow you on Twitter – Janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/23111553546
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Voted on top mommy blogs
Rated site on Top 100 mommy blogs
I follow on GFC
Tweet
http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/23099621638
I am following akronohiomoms on twitter
@italiaangel80
I like AkronOhioMoms.com on facebook
(brooke comperchio)
My son would love the Dinosaurs building set.
google buzzed post
stumbled this post #3
stumbled this post #2
stumbled this post #1
commented on pillsbury finalist post (and voted)#2
commented on pillsbury finalist post (and voted) #1
following on twitter as @angiewith3
tweeted giveaway message: http://twitter.com/angiewith3/status/23090070543
already like you on facebook.
I love the “kick it elmo”
Casted a vote for your baby blog. 🙂
Tweeted to get you votes:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23056167735
entry #2
Tweeted to get you votes:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23056167735
entry #1
voted/commented on your Pillsbury post…best of luck to you!! 🙂
Entry #2
voted/commented on your Pillsbury post…best of luck to you!! 🙂
Entry #1
Daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/23056578894
🙂
google friend connect
skipthelaundry
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/skipthelaundry/status/22899113419
skipthelaundry
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com
follow you on twitter
skipthelaundry
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com
like you on facebook
amber jackson porter
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com
My son likes the monster trucks.
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/22894831378
ljatwood at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/22846377034
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
like you on FB
we would like Drop-N-Swing set
voted on tbb
follow via GFC
commented on finalist status and voted #2
I commented on finalist status and voted
tweeted #2
http://twitter.com/ape2016/status/22794529768
i tweeted your pillsbury status
#1
http://twitter.com/ape2016/status/22794529768
follow on twitter
@ape2016
liked you on FB
FB ID april yedinak
I like the Zoo Buddies line of toys.
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/22769194432
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Rated @ Top 100 Mommy Blogs
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Voted @ Top Baby Blogs
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Follow via google friend connect
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Google Buzzed
http://www.google.com/buzz/104459498701742652436/5fVUbZiqcUv
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Stumbled (ljatwood)
ljatwood at gmail dot com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/22731045261
ljatwood at gmail dot com
follow on twitter
ljatwood at gmail dot com
“Like” on facebook
ljatwood at gmail dot com
My son would like the Collect and Build Ferris Wheel
ljatwood at gmail dot com
stumbled post (chelleb36)#3
http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/4glKTP/www.akronohiomoms.com/reviews-and-shopping/toys/knex-construction-crew-excavator-front-loader/t:4c7e5a53e7cd6;src:all
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
stumbled post (chelleb36)#2
http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/4glKTP/www.akronohiomoms.com/reviews-and-shopping/toys/knex-construction-crew-excavator-front-loader/t:4c7e5a53e7cd6;src:all
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
stumbled post (chelleb36)#1
http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/4glKTP/www.akronohiomoms.com/reviews-and-shopping/toys/knex-construction-crew-excavator-front-loader/t:4c7e5a53e7cd6;src:all
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
gfc follower
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
voted @ top baby blogs
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/22710442171
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
twitter follower (chelleb36)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
like on fb (michelle b)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My daughter would like the double dare dueling coaster
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I like you on FB – Janet Fri
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
My grandson would like Turbo.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
The dinosaur Kinex looks fantastic! I am sure my little T rexes would have hours of fun.
I join you with google Friends
I ike the Speed Coaster
I entered your Fling Bins Giveaway
I follow you on twitter @1outnumberedmom
I “like” you on Facebook
Pamela Olsen
My kids would love any of the Monster Jam Sets!
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/97hockeymom/status/22641630028
Twitter follower: @97hockeymom
like you on Facebook: Connie Cawthern Black
I think my kids and I would have a blast building and playing with the Knex ferris wheel!
I follow with GFC.
tweet: http://twitter.com/TibMay/status/22639107185
I follow you on Twitter. TibMay
I like you on FAcebook.
My son would like the RAILROAD PALS BUILDING SET too.
I know my son would love the Stunt Jet. Thanks!
I think my Nephew would love the twin Serpent Truck!!
Thanks!
Nicole Hatch
Coleeol42784@aol.com
http://nicoleandstevie.blogspot.com/