4 Things to Know Before Buying the National Geographic Rock Tumbler

It is best for science-minded kids The tumbler appeals to children who enjoy hands-on, process-driven projects. Kids who need instant results will likely lose interest.

The noise is a real issue The constant low rumble is loud enough that you will want to keep it in a garage, basement, or laundry room. It is not suitable for a bedroom or shared living space.

The wait time is weeks, not days The tumbling process takes several weeks to produce finished rocks. Only buy this if your child has the patience to wait for the payoff.

The finished rocks are rewarding The polished rocks look great and kids feel genuine pride in the results. The payoff is real, but only if you can tolerate the noise and wait.