Best Space Toys for Kids in 2023

Embarking on an interstellar quest to find the best space toys for your young astronaut? You’re in for a journey that transcends the boundaries of imagination, exploration, and celestial wonders. Space toys, with their intriguing designs and educational aspects, have the power to ignite a child’s passion for astronomy, science, and the mysteries of the universe.

The toy market is abundant with space-themed offerings, from rocket ships to alien figurines, each promising a unique adventure and learning experience.

Leveraging my expertise in child development and toy trends, I’ve curated a comprehensive guide spotlighting the top space toys for kids. This guide aims to guide you through the cosmos of options, aligning with toys that promise to launch your child’s imagination and learning to new celestial heights.

Let’s journey through this selection together, zeroing in on the space toy that will undoubtedly become the shining star of your child’s playtime experiences.

Best Space Toys

The PetraFlor Space Exploration Shuttle Toys is a great value for money and offers a wider variety of building projects than most of the other space toys in the market. This toy is perfect for children who love space and want to learn more about it. The toy is an excellent educational tool that stimulates children’s curiosity and imagination. Children will have a lot of fun assembling and playing with this toy while learning about the mechanics and science behind real spaceship designs.

• Educational: 5/5
  • This toy not only provides hours of fun but also serves as a valuable educational tool. It introduces kids to the captivating world of space exploration, allowing them to learn about the mechanics and science behind real spacecraft designs.
• Durability: 5/5
  • Designed with safety in mind, this space exploration toy is made from high-quality materials and has undergone rigorous safety tests. It’s built to last, ensuring that kids can enjoy it for a long time.
• Engagement: 5/5
  • With over 648 pieces, the possibilities for creative play are endless. The detailed step-by-step instructions make assembly easy and enjoyable, ensuring that kids remain engaged and entertained.

Our experience with the TOY Life Space Toy Rocket Toys has been positive overall. The realistic light and sound effects have kept our child engaged and excited during playtime, and we appreciate that the toy is designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The versatile design of the toy has also allowed our child to explore their creativity and imagination.

However, we have noticed that the toy is made of cheap plastic and may not be as durable as other space toys on the market. Additionally, the sound effects can be quite loud and overwhelming for young children, so it may be best to supervise playtime to prevent any discomfort. Finally, the toy does contain small parts that may pose a choking hazard, so it’s important to keep an eye on younger children during playtime.

1. Educational: 5/5 – This toy not only provides fun but also serves as an educational tool. It inspires young minds, fosters a love for space exploration, and helps develop critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills.
2. Durability: 4/5 – The toy is made of plastic, and while it seems to be of decent quality, like most plastic toys, it might not withstand rough play over an extended period.
3. Engagement: 5/5 – With realistic light and sound effects, as well as the unique water-based mist to simulate rocket smoke, this toy is bound to keep kids engaged and fuel their imaginations.

We recently purchased this game for our 7-year-old daughter, and she absolutely loves it. The activity mats are easy to use, and the instructions are straightforward and easy to understand. We appreciate that the mats are reusable, which makes it an eco-friendly option.

The game includes 20 highly engaging and repeatable activities that build core skills through fun learning. We were impressed with the innovative content, which is age-appropriate, skill-oriented, and infinitely engaging for young learners. Our daughter has already learned so much about space from playing this game.

However, some of the activity mats are not sturdy enough for young ones and may bend easily. Additionally, the game only includes 12 activities, so it may not provide enough variety for some kids. We also found it frustrating that the answer keys are not included on a separate card.

1. Educational: 5/5
   • The product offers a range of activities that teach about space, gravity, and other related concepts. It’s a great way for kids to learn about the wonders of the universe in an interactive manner.
2. Durability: 4/5
   • The product comes with reusable activity sheets and dry-erase markers. However, some reviews mention that the sheets can bend easily, especially when used by younger kids.
3. Engagement: 5/5
   • With over 20 highly engaging and repeatable activities, kids can immerse themselves in learning about space. The activities are designed to be fun and interactive, ensuring that kids remain engaged while learning.

The Creativity for Kids Crystal Space Terrarium Kit is a fun way to be creative while learning about chemical reactions. Kids can mix and make their own quick growing crystals by simply adding hot water. The kit also includes colored space stickers, squishy sticker, foam sticky dot, rhinestone stickers, and space rocks to personalize the terrarium.

This DIY night light craft is perfect for kids who love outer space and want to create their own pretend planet. The terrarium measures 4.75 H x 6.5 W and is shaped like a UFO. Simply hit the lights and press the top of the terrarium to add a beam of light to your pretend planet.

1. Educational: 4/5
   • The kit offers a blend of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning by allowing kids to grow their own crystals. It teaches about chemical reactions and the wonders of science. Moreover, the terrarium concept can introduce kids to basic concepts of ecology and space.
2. Durability: 3/5
   • The product involves growing crystals and setting up a terrarium, which might not have the same long-lasting durability as solid toys. The terrarium is made of plastic, and while it might be sturdy, the crystals and other components might degrade or lose their appeal over time.
3. Engagement: 4.5/5
   • The process of growing crystals, decorating the terrarium, and the added feature of it being a night light can keep kids engaged. The glow-in-the-dark feature and the personalization options (stickers, moon rocks, etc.) add to the engagement factor. The only reason it’s not a full 5 is that once the crystals are grown and the terrarium is set, the active engagement might decrease.

We recently purchased this set for our child, and we were blown away by the quality and attention to detail. The set comes with a city space rocket, a launch control tower, and various other vehicles and equipment to transport the astronauts to space. The set also includes three fun astronaut dolls, stickers for decorating, and an instruction book.

The set is easy to follow and build, and our child had a blast putting it together. The set is compatible with most major brand-building bricks toys, allowing for even more creative possibilities.

1. Educational: 4.5/5
   • The toy promotes STEM learning, allowing kids to understand space exploration, engineering concepts, and the mechanics of building. The inclusion of astronauts and various space vehicles adds an educational layer about space missions.
2. Durability: 4/5
   • Made of high-quality ABS plastic, the toy is designed to be durable. However, as with most building sets, there’s always a risk of pieces coming apart with rough play.
3. Engagement: 4.5/5
   • With 12 different build-and-play experiences and a total of 885 pieces, the set promises hours of engagement. The variety of structures and the inclusion of astronauts add to the play value, allowing kids to create various space scenarios.

The Wbzle Space Shuttle Rocket Toys provide a unique and engaging experience for children who are interested in space exploration. The function of the air rocket allows children to separate and assemble each section of the space rocket separately. The hatch of the middle section can be connected to the scooter, which can be connected to the astronauts, so that the figures can quickly get off the spacecraft when reaching the destination. The scooter also allows the characters to act as a vehicle on the outer planet to complete the exploration mission more quickly.

The space rocket toys can truly simulate the lighting, sound effects, and spray effects when the rocket is launched. You need to open the water-filled cover on the propeller first, fill it with water, install three 1.5V AA batteries (not included) at the bottom of the rocket, and then press the orange button on the rocket to restore the scene when the rocket is launched, so that the child can be in the scene.

Playing with space rocket toys can let children play to truly feel the magic and beauty of going to the outer space. This toy allows parents to participate with children, so as to accompany their children’s growth together and bring them closer to their parents. The Wbzle Space Shuttle Rocket Toys can be an excellent gift for children who love space exploration.

1. Educational: 4.5/5
   • The toy promotes understanding of space exploration, rocketry, and the mechanics of space missions. It also stimulates children’s interest in space technology and allows them to role-play rocket lift-offs, enriching their scientific knowledge.
2. Durability: 4/5
   • Made of ABS material, the toy is designed to be fall-resistant and safe for children. However, as with many toys, its longevity might be affected by the intensity of play.
3. Engagement: 5/5
   • The toy offers a multi-sensory experience with lighting, sound effects, and spray effects simulating a rocket launch. The interactive features, combined with the ability to separate and assemble different sections of the rocket, ensure prolonged engagement.

We recently had the chance to play with this set, and we were impressed by the attention to detail and quality of the figurines. Our kids loved playing with them in the bathtub, and we appreciated the educational information included on the back of the package.

The Wild Republic Figures Tube is a great option for parents looking for a fun and educational toy that can spark their child’s curiosity about space. While the size and durability of the figurines might not be perfect for everyone, we think that this set is definitely worth considering.

• Educational: 4/5 – The set offers a variety of space-themed figures that can be used to teach children about space exploration, astronauts, and various spacecraft.
• Durability: 3.5/5 – Made of plastic, these figures are designed for play, but might not withstand rough handling over time.
• Engagement: 4/5 – With a variety of figures and the potential for imaginative play, children can create their own space missions and adventures.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying space toys, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get the best product for your child. Here are some features to look for:

Age Range

Make sure you choose a toy that is appropriate for your child’s age. Most space toys have a recommended age range on the packaging. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure your child’s safety and enjoyment.

Educational Value

Space toys can be a great way to introduce children to science and astronomy. Look for toys that have educational value, such as models of the solar system or books about space exploration.

Durability

Children can be rough on toys, so it’s important to choose a toy that can withstand some wear and tear. Look for toys that are made from durable materials and have sturdy construction.

Interactivity

Toys that encourage imaginative play and exploration can be especially engaging for children. Look for toys that have interactive features, such as lights, sounds, or moving parts.

Price

Space toys can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a toy. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality or more educational value.

Developmental Benefits of Playing Space Toys

Many experts suggest that children learn new things and develop their skills through play. Space toys are good examples of toys that offer a good balance between entertainment and development value. Children are always fascinated about space so even if your children do not have any interest in anything space-related yet, you might still get them playing with space toys.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of playing with plane or space toys.

Hand Eye Coordination and Fine Motor Skills – When children use their hands and fingers to play with their space toys, they are practicing and improving their fine motor skills and hand eye coordinations. These are abilities that help children perform simple tasks like buttoning, tying shoelaces, using a pair of scissors and more.

Gross-motor skills – Gross motor skills is defined as our body’s ability to do purposeful movements using large groups of muscles. Actions like sitting upright, standing, running, walking and jumping require gross motor skills. When children play with space toys, they are more likely to sit up and even stand up and run around the house with their favourite rocket in hand.

Cognitive Development – As children play with their space toys, they improve their cognitive ability and other mental capacities like analytical thinking, memory, concentration and attention.

Speech and Communication Skills – Children are most likely to develop their speech and communication skills when they interact with others. It is important to let your children play with others from time to time. This is also good for boosting your children’s confidence and allow them to be more comfortable in the company of others.

Sensory Development – Children use their senses when they play. Their auditory, visual and tactile sensory are stimulated when they play with different kinds of space toys.

Problem-solving Skills – Space toys are good toys for developing children’s problem solving skills. Though the challenges and problems that need solving with space toys are not as complex compared to other toys designed specifically for problem solving, space toys allow children to experiment with their new ideas and they try to figure out things on their own.

Creativity and Imagination – Space toys are the kind of toys that stimulate children’s imagination and creativity. They can do a lot of things with space toys and they can engage in hours upon hours of imaginative play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular space toys for kids?

Space toys are always popular with kids. Some of the most popular space toys for kids include rocket ships, space shuttles, astronaut figures, space-themed Legos, and telescopes.

What age range are most space toys designed for?

Most space toys are designed for kids between the ages of 3 and 12. However, there are also space toys available for older kids and adults.

What are some good space gifts for a 5 year old boy?

For a 5 year old boy, some good space gifts include space-themed puzzles, books, and games. You can also get him a rocket ship or astronaut figure to play with.

What are some fun space-themed activities for kids?

There are many fun space-themed activities for kids, such as building a model rocket, making a solar system mobile, creating a space-themed art project, or stargazing with a telescope.

What are some educational benefits of playing with space toys?

Playing with space toys can help kids develop their curiosity, imagination, and creativity. It can also teach them about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. These educational toys
are more than just a toy, space themed toys can ignite a deep enthusiasm for the night sky and allow little astronauts and space enthusiasts to lean all about the stars, moon and the milky way! A Deep Space Home Planetarium is a great astronomy gifts, combine with a space capsule to get young astronomers creative skills and fine motor skills developed! Its all about the space news for these toys and gifts. You can also combine with some craft activities to make your own planets in a play tent.

What are some space-themed books or movies for kids?

Some popular space-themed books for kids include “The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System” and “Mousetronaut”. Some popular space-themed movies for kids include “Wall-E” and “The Iron Giant”.