About Us

We Empower Today's Young Minds To Shape Tomorrow.

We spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning by creating hands-on science toys and kits, game experiences, activity toys and curricula.

Thames & Kosmos Core Competencies

What Sets Us Apart

200+ years of science kit heritage, in every product. We make the difficult feel approachable and the approachable feel exciting.

We solve engineering problems most wouldn't attempt. GeckoBot climbs glass, and the Mega Cyborg Hand, a wearable hydraulic exoskeleton, was the #1-selling science toy in the US in 2025 (Circana)

Educational Toy of the Year, TIME Best Inventions, Toy Insider's Top 10 STEM Toy, Parents Best Toy and more: 25 years of hands-on learning recognition.

Manuals developed by educators and scientists: clear steps, accurate science, and visuals that show how it works.

Rigorous testing keeps our products safe, reliable, and compliant with global requirements.

Our full-time customer service team works to make every experience frictionless and customer-first. Real people. Real expertise. Real care.

Science Kit Publishing

200+ years of science kit heritage, in every product. We make the difficult feel approachable and the approachable feel exciting.
Innovation

We solve engineering problems most wouldn't attempt. GeckoBot climbs glass, and the Mega Cyborg Hand, a wearable hydraulic exoskeleton, was the #1-selling science toy in the US in 2025 (Circana)
Award Recognition

Educational Toy of the Year, TIME Best Inventions, Toy Insider's Top 10 STEM Toy, Parents Best Toy and more: 25 years of hands-on learning recognition.
Content & Curricula

Manuals developed by educators and scientists: clear steps, accurate science, and visuals that show how it works.
Quality & Safety

Rigorous testing keeps our products safe, reliable, and compliant with global requirements.
Personal Customer Service

Our full-time customer service team works to make every experience frictionless and customer-first. Real people. Real expertise. Real care.

THAMES & KOSMOS HISTORY

Curiosity is just the beginning

"How could a museum extend its reach beyond its local community and bring wonder and learning to children and families everywhere?"

1948-1990's

Thames Science Center

The Thames Science Center becomes a leader in hands-on science learning, museum innovation, robotics, and environmental education under the leadership of visionary director, Jane Holdsworth.
Early 1990's

Move to Newport

A second location opens in Newport, RI, featuring a large science toy store that becomes a vibrant community hub for interactive learning, play and curiosity-driven discovery.
2001

Thames & Kosmos is Founded

Thames Science Center partners with 180 year-old publishing house Kosmos, bringing high-quality European science kits to North America. Thames & Kosmos is officially established.
2001-2005

Early Success

The company launches groundbreaking kits, like the Fuel Cell Car, and wins major awards. Jane's son, Ted McGuire carries on her vision after her passing in 2003.
2006-2012

Growth & Expansion

Thames & Kosmos continues to diversify its product portfolio, establishes their reputation as a trusted voice in STEM, and grows into a nationally distributed brand.
2013

A New Chapter

Kosmos acquires a majority share of Thames & Kosmos, strengthening global collaboration, and opening the door to new and exciting ventures.
2018-Present

Learning Toys for All Ages

2026 marks its 25th anniversary. Today, our commitment to the power of learning remains at the heart of everything we do - and everything still to come - because when everyone loves to learn, the possibilities are endless!

Our Story

Twenty-five years ago, in a small science museum in Newport, RI, a simple question sparked a bold idea: How could a museum extend its reach beyond its local community and bring wonder and learning to children and families everywhere?

That intention inspired a partnership between the Thames Science Center, led by visionary director Jane Holdsworth, and Kosmos, a 200-year-old German science publisher, resulting in the founding of Thames & Kosmos.

The launch of its Fuel Cell Car set a new standard for hands-on science learning. Today, Thames & Kosmos creates science kits, games, activity toys, and curricula, inspired by a vision of a world in which everyone loves to learn.

We envision a world where everyone loves to learn.

Our products inspire kids and families to think deeper, play longer, and figure stuff out.

Heritage Fuels Discovery

With 200+ years of science publishing behind us, we've helped shape the STEM category worldwide. That heritage guides every product decision, from content development to quality standards.
Curiosity, Engineered

We solve engineering problems most toy companies wouldn't attempt. GeckoBot climbs glass, Gecko Run builds marble runs on walls, and the Mega Cyborg Hand, a wearable hydraulic exoskeleton, was the #1-selling science toy in the US in 2025 (Circana).

Curiosity, Engineered

We solve engineering problems most toy companies wouldn't attempt. GeckoBot climbs glass, Gecko Run builds marble runs on walls, and the Mega Cyborg Hand, a wearable hydraulic exoskeleton, was the #1-selling science toy in the US in 2025 (Circana).
Everyone's a Scientist

We turn complex science and technology into fun, hands-on experiences for kids and families. From crystal growing to advanced robotics, we make the challenging feel approachable and the approachable feel exciting.

Everyone's a Scientist

We turn complex science and technology into fun, hands-on experiences for kids and families. From crystal growing to advanced robotics, we make the challenging feel approachable and the approachable feel exciting.