If your child is interested in learning about space, planets and rockets, what better way to engage them than giving them space toys and toy rockets to fulfil their imaginative dreams? But with so many toys out there, it can be difficult to know which one is going to be right for your kid in relation to their age and interest.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a buying guide of everything you need to know about space toys and toy rockets and have even included some of our top picks of best toys on Amazon. These toys cover all ages and budgets and so you will be sure to find a toy that your child will love. Keep reading to find out more.
What is a Toy Rocket?
A toy rocket is a toy built to emulate a real space rocket, educating your child while also being something fun to play with. These toys rockets are usually built to capture the attention of your little one with bright colors, lights, sounds and accessories and so, while they are not always exact depictions of real rockets, they serve to keep your child entertained while teaching them a little bit about rockets and astronauts too!
Things To Look For In Space Toys and Toy Rockets
There are a few things you should consider before you purchase a space toy or toy rocket to make sure you are buying the right toy for your kid. You’ll need to factor in their age and their interest, and whether you want the toy to be something recreational to play with or a means of education.
Size
The size of the toy is very important because there is normally such a range! Some space toys come in the size of your hand, while others come the size of your toddler! You’ll need to decide what is going to be best for your child — do they need a person-sized, interactive toy space rocket, or will they enjoy a smaller toy they can easily hold and carry around with them?
Weight
If the weight of the toy is too much, then your child won’t be able to play with it properly. Of course, the larger the toy, the more it is going to weigh and the harder it is going to be to move. If you purchase a toy rocket the size of your three year-old, it might be worth making sure it can’t be easily moved. But if you want a toy that fits into the palm of your child’s hand, you’ll need to make sure it’s not too heavy so they can really immersive themselves in imaginative play.
Design and Functionality
The design and functionality of the space toy is one of the most important factors to look for. If the toy isn’t interesting to your child and doesn’t capture their attention, then they are not going to want to play with it. Does your child want a more life-like rocket that has been scaled down? Do they want one with lights and sounds? Do they want a toy rocket that they can build? Finding the right design for your child is imperative to keeping them entertained and educated.
Materials
You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a toy and then find that it breaks right away. Most of the toys in our list are made out of plastic, although you can also find toys that are made of wood. Plastic is fairly durable and will survive lots of playing from children. You should also look out for any toxic paint or other materials that could harm your child.
Accessories
Lots of space toys come with extra accessories to further the experience for your kid. For example, a toy rocket might also come with a launching pad and a small astronaut, so your child gets the full experience and is able to engage with the toy more. Just be careful — the more accessories, the more expensive the toy becomes.
Realism
How real the toy is can be important if you are using the toy for educational purposes. For very young children, it may not be important for you to have a realistic toy because they are simply playing and slowly learning about space and rockets. However, as your child gets older, you may want to look for a more realistic toy so they can be further educated on space and rockets.
Warranty
You should always check the warranty on your toy before you buy. Some of these toys can be expensive and children can be rough with them. You don’t want the toy to break quickly and not be able to get a replacement or refund!
The Best Space Toys and Toy Rockets — Reviewed
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07PS65RKM” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]1) LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle[/easyazon_link]
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This 273 piece LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle is a great way for your kids to have fun while also learning. Not only is it great for imaginative play, but your child builds this toy themselves and so it will keep them occupied for hours! Even better, it comes with two astronaut minifigurines, plus a helidrone and storage drone. This toy is designed for anyone over the age of 5 — everyone will want to get involved!
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B01MUANC80″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]2) LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V[/easyazon_link]
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Another build-it yourself toy from LEGO, this NASA Apollo Saturn V is a replica of the rocket launch that took humans to the moon (approximately 1: 110 scale). With 1969 pieces, this toy will certainly keep your kids entertained and the kit includes 3 removable rocket stages below the launch escape system, command and service module. Plus, there are 2 minifigures included to stimulate imaginative play and 3 stands that allow you to display the spacecraft horizontally when built so you can show off your work! There is also a booklet about the manned Apollo Moon missions, for further educational reading.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B074CHJMPG” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]3) hand2mind 86413 Launch Rocket STEM Kit[/easyazon_link]
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This rocket science lab kit offers your child 18 different fun and practical experiments in science technology engineering and math, keeping them both educated and engaged! Designed for children over the age of 8, you are able to make and launch your own rockets while learning about space and the science behind rockets. This kit was created by educators and has been tried and tested by students and teachers. While you do need a few household items to complete the experiments, this kit will keep your kids busy for hours.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B08D5G57X4″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]4) Tiny Epic Galaxies Blast Off![/easyazon_link]
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Tiny Epic Galaxies Blast Off! is a two to four player board game of intergalactic conquest for your kids ages 8 and up. The aim of the game is to take over new stretches of the universe to be the leader of a Type IV civilization, but with only room for one supreme commander in this galaxy, players will have to quickly move their fleet across as many of the available planets as possible. This game will help to keep those interested in space and rockets interested and is great fun for all the family.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07QSCLHHK” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]5) LEGO City Space Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control[/easyazon_link]
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Another toy from LEGO, this 837 piece kit invites you to build a large multi-stage rocket and opening launch control tower as well as a functioning monorail system to transport astronauts from the tower to the training grounds and rocket! Not only is this kit fun to build and will keep you and your kids entertained for hours, it also encourages imaginative play with 6 LEGO City minifigures: 2 astronauts, 2 scientists, Launch Director, ground crew technician and a robot figure, plus a space telescope, rover with articulated arm and a launchpad. This kit is detailed and educational and is designed for anyone over the age of 7.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0006O8Q7Y” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]6) Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket[/easyazon_link]
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This Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket is completely kid powered! All they need to do is run, jump and stomp to launch these rockets up to 20 stories high (200 feet!). With no batteries required, this rocket launcher is very easy to assemble and will keep them entertained during the summer months in the back yard or garden. Not only will this toy get them outside, but is also a great interactive toy for those just getting interested in space and rockets. It is designed for ages 5 and up and, with four rockets, provides fun for the whole family.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0714716G2″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]7) Skillmatics Educational Game: Space Explorers[/easyazon_link]
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Space Explorers from Skillmatics contains 6 double-sided activity mats with 20 highly engaging and repeatable activities which build core skills through fun learning. Easy to wipe-clean, these mats are perfect for children who want to learn about space as they can be used over and over again. They will learn about planets, asteroids, comets, constellations and more while being encouraged to engage in critical thinking and observation. Designed for children aged between 6 and 9 years, these mats are great for introducing space in a fun way, without them ever realizing that they are learning!
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B07NJZHV6N” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Daron NASA Space Adventure Series: Space Shuttle with Lights & Sounds & Figure[/easyazon_link]
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Young kids love this toy from Daron. It’s a simplified version of a real NASA space shuttle. It even has some unique play mechanics that simulate what astronauts do in real life!
Open up the cockpit to find an astronaut figure donning the full regalia. Pop open the main compartment to reveal a mechanical arm. Your little tyke can attach the astronaut to the arm for a spacewalk. Look towards the back, and you’ll find the engine. It produces lights and sounds to add a touch of immersion to your child’s gameplay session.
Key Features:
- About nine inches tall
- Many interactive elements
- Produces lights and sounds
- Official NASA branding
- Uses AAA batteries
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B07W4M54CJ” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]9) LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander[/easyazon_link]
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This space LEGO set of the NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander was developed in cooperation with NASA to mark the 50th anniversary of man’s historic walk on the moon. With 1,087 pieces to build, this model is not only fun and educational but makes a great display piece once built! There are amazing details to this toy, including detachable ascent and descent stages, a lunar surface display base and 2 astronaut minifigures with NASA-detailed spacesuits. While this building kit is designed for those aged 16 and over, with adult supervision younger space enthusiasts can have a go at building this amazing Lunar Lander!
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B083JWZNW7″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]10) LEGO Ideas International Space Station[/easyazon_link]
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Another LEGO building set, this replica of the International Space Station features 2 rotating joints with 8 adjustable ‘solar panels’, posable Canadarm2 and other authentic details that provide an educational and realistic model. While this 864 piece set is designed for those over the age of 16, younger space enthusiasts can get involved with adult supervision. There is a stand to display the ISS once you have finished building, as well as 2 astronaut figures, a brick-built mini NASA space shuttle and 3 mini cargo spacecrafts. Even better, there is a 148-page booklet featuring fascinating facts about the International Space Station for further education.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B07PM8J9GJ” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Air Rocket Toy[/easyazon_link]
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Teach your kid the aerodynamics and propulsion! The National Geographic rocket launching kit is a fun way to present simple scientific principles. Plus, it’s a fun toy that your youngsters will have a blast with!
The kit comes with three rockets and a foldable launcher. The launcher utilizes air pressure. To make the rocket fly into the sky, just stomp on the included footpad! Kids can use both feet to make the vessel fly up to 100 feet in the air!
Don’t worry! The rockets are all foam-tipped for safety. They also have some LED lights to illuminate the night sky and make them easier to find after they land.
Key Features:
- Includes three rockets
- LED lights
- Air-powered launcher
- Safe and easy to use
- Foldable launch base
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07H44FPSY” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]12) Astronaut NASA Pilot Costume with Movable Visor Helmet[/easyazon_link]
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What young space enthusiast doesn’t want their own spacesuit?! This NASA pilot costume comes with a tinted movable visor helmet to make your child really feel like their going to space! Perfect for pretend play, this costume has realistic detailing to not only educate them but keep them entertained as they prepare for lift off. This costume can be used at home, for halloween, in school plays and for many other occasions and is made of completely safe materials. It also comes in 5 sizes, so no matter how old your child is, they can imagine they’re about to head off into space.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B07PV1LQMQ” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]13) Daron NASA Space Adventure Space Capsule[/easyazon_link]
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This Space Capsule from Daron NASA is an interactive toy that teaches your child all about space capsules. The capsule is detailed and has sensors that will automatically light up, keeping your kids entertained while they also learn. Included is a figurine that has multiple body movements, including arms, legs and a head that can be re-positioned. There is even a window on the space capsule so your child can see the figurine inside! Fully compatible with other Space Adventure toys, like the Space Station below, you child can build a whole world with their astronaut figurine.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07NJZHV6N” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]14) Daron NASA Space Adventure Space Station[/easyazon_link]
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This Space Station, also from Daron NASA, is completely compatible with the Space Capsule above. While this is a toy, it is great for space exploration and teaches your child all about the International Space Station as they play. It comes with a figurine and features such as control rooms, a hoverboard and a tether, all of which you can attach the figurine to and allow your kid’s imagination to run wild! Perfect for kids over the age of 3, this toy is completely safe and non-toxic.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B01HC86RH2″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]15) Four Stage Toddler Rocket Ship Playset[/easyazon_link]
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The rocket toy is a large space shuttle toy from Hape and is designed to emulate an actual real-life space shuttle and station design with various functional areas. Included with this toy are multiple accessories such as a radar, a space rover, a solar panel and a bio experiment plant, as well as a string elevator that can be used to pull the toy astronauts between the four levels. While this toy is designed for toddlers, it is still educational and the wall stickers make the space shuttle more realistic. Standing at 22 inches tall, it is just the right height for toddlers to stand and play with.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B001CWBVH6″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]16) Wooden Stacker Toy Space Rocket[/easyazon_link]
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Designed for the youngest space enthusiasts, this wooden stacker space rocket toy is made up of 5 stacking pieces with magnets. Not only is this perfect for those kids who love all things rockets and space, but it helps with their hand-eye coordination and problem solving, which is very beneficial to their overall learning. Made from solid, durable wood, this toy is completely safe and painted with non-toxic materials, too.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07WGYV2VM” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]17) Astronaut Helmet with Movable Visor[/easyazon_link]
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Perfect for pretend play, halloween, school plays and themed parties, this astronaut helmet with a movable visor encourages young space enthusiasts to imagine they’re getting read for lift off! This is a great gift foray child interested in space and is not only fun for them to put on, but also educational as it teaches them all about the outfit real astronauts must wear. The movable visor makes the helmet even more realistic, alongside the USA flag and NASA logo. Completely safe and made of non-toxic materials, there is built-in foam padding to protect your child’s head.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B005DPWECE” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]18) 4M 4605 Water Rocket Kit[/easyazon_link]
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Perfect for older kids who want to learn about science while also launching a rocket, this water rocket kit from 4M uses the power of water pressure to blast its rocket up to 90 feet in the air. This kit contains all the parts required to transform a recycled soda bottle into a functioning water rocket and is ideal for young science enthusiasts. This will keep your kids entertained while also being educational and is great fun for all the family. Parent supervision is required when using this kit.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07BLNNPD2″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]19) Rocket Ship Play Tent Playhouse[/easyazon_link]
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If your child loves space and rockets, then this play tent is for them. The vibrant, detailed illustrations of this playhouse will let your child’s imagination soar and can be the perfect learning tool to teach them all about planets and the solar system. The two person cockpit illustration on the inside floor encourages cooperative play and gives your kids a great place to hang out while being educated at the same time! Easy to set up and pack away again, this tent is very easy to use and is made out of non-toxic materials.
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[easyazon_link identifier=”B00V7IP2WA” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]20) SCS Direct Astronaut and Space Toy Action Figures[/easyazon_link]
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This 60 piece astronaut and space toy set is perfect for any child who loves to let their imagination run and create their own world. Included are 50 astronauts and 10 other space accessories, such as spaceships and flags, to keep your kid entertained and engaged. This kit can also be used for educational learning, party favors and decorations and it is made from BPA-free plastic and non-toxic paint. Even better, this kit comes with a convenient carrying case for easy storage and transport.
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Space Toys and Toy Rockets FAQ’s
Are space toys and toy rockets educational?
Yes! Space toys and toy rockets can be very educational. They keep your child entertained and engaged and, without them even knowing, they are learning about our universe and how astronauts explore other planets. The older your child gets, the more educational the toys become.
Are toy rockets and model rockets the same thing?
They are similar but they are not the same. Toy rockets are toys and, while a lot of detail is usually included in these toys, they are not always quite accurate in comparison to a real spaceship. They also don’t usually have an engine and are there to be used in imaginative play.
Model rockets, on the other hand, are model sizes of rockets and are therefore very accurate. Often, they do have engines and can actually be launched a few feet into the sky.
Summary
If your child is interested in space and all things to do with our universe, why not encourage their curiosity with some space toys or toys rockets? Not only will these toys keep them entertained for hours with different features, they can also be educational and teach them without even knowing they are learning! There are so many different types of toys out there and we know that you’ll be able to find something suitable for your child’s age and your budget in our list above.