12 Best Space Toys For Kids That Are Out Of This World

Grace Lea
Dec 22, 2023 By Grace Lea
Originally Published on Jul 06, 2021
Little boy playing with his homemade planetarium as he holds an astronaut
Age: 4-12
Read time: 7.7 Min

Outer space is often a much-loved topic amongst kids, and this is partly because you can make it so much more interesting with interactive, educational but super cool space science toys and games.

There is no reason why learning about space, planets and the solar system should ever be boring. There is such a wealth of activities, games and other toys that can help to make science and space for kids more enjoyable and much easier to understand. Whether building rocket ships, making puzzles or creating crazy solar robots, there is plenty to keep them entertained... so read our handy list below of our top 12 favourite space toys and get learning today.

Kidadl's Top Pick

Whilst all the great space toys on our list are highly recommended, if you're short on time, here's our top pick based on price and features.

1. LEGO City Deep Space Rocket And Launch Control‍

LEGO City Deep Space Rocket And Launch Control.

Featured as Amazon's Choice, and made by an extremely popular brand, this outer space extravaganza is an excellent buy. The NASA inspired multi-stage rocket ship and opening launch tower makes this a super realistic toy rocket to keep your kids entertained, as they launch their astronauts off into space. Your child will also have all the help they need with an entire team of helpers; two astronauts, two scientists, a launch director, a ground crew technician and a robot figure.

You can really bring outer space to your living room with this!

Main Features

  • Price: £54
  • Age: 7+
  • 7 figurines
  • Multi-stage rocket ship
  • Launch tower
  • Launchpad
  • Rover
  • Space telescope
  • Magnifying glass
  • 2 cars

Best Educational Toys For Kids

2. Skillmatics Space Explorers‍

Skillmatics Space Explorers.

This is a wipe and write space explorers educational toy that helps your child learn about planets, asteroids, comets, constellations and so much more. The Space Explorers pack comes with 12 different activities to help you learn and encourages important problem-solving skills, creative thinking and even communication if they play together.

Main Features

  • Price: £41.50
  • Age: 6-9
  • 6 double-sided activity mats
  • 2 magnetic pens
  • 1 achievement certificate

Best For Creative Learning

3. Galt Toys Space Lab ‍

Galt Toys Space Lab.

The Toy Space Lab is a STEM-focused learning space science game that helps to make science fun. Included in the Space Lab is: a make your own, glow in the dark constellation set; a build-it-yourself telescope; and a launch your own rocket. Not only that, but you can also mix up galaxy slime and even create a solar system for your room. The Galt Space Lab covers every single aspect of learning about space.

Main Features

  • Price: £10.39
  • Age: 6-12
  • 22 glow stars
  • 10 constellation straws
  • Rocket bottle and fins
  • Galaxy slime powder
  • 3 telescope lenses
  • A3 constellation guide
  • Glow planet stickers

Best Robot Toy

4. Sillbird Stem Education Solar Robot Kit‍

Sillbird Stem Education Solar Robot Kit.

The Sillbird Stem lets you and your tween make 12 different robots that can move on water or land! However, this could be suited to younger space enthusiasts if you feel they are ready. The robots come in two different complexities; the entry-level is suited to new robot lovers and the more advanced is suitable for older children and for veteran robot builders.

Not only is this great fun, but it is also great for your child. It develops motor skills, encourages problem-solving, helps with manual dexterity and logical thinking. It is far more than just a robot!

Main Features

  • Price: £22.94
  • Age: 8-10
  • 12 different robots
  • 190 easy build parts and accessories
  • Non-ABS plastic

Best For Families On A Budget

5. Melissa And Doug Planets Floor Puzzle

Melissa And Doug Pattern Blocks And Boards.

This is a 48 piece puzzle that creates an excellent image of our solar system. When your little one completes the puzzle, it is a fun and enjoyable to do, and it also teaches them the different planets and the order they are in. With this puzzle, the aim is to develop problem-solving skills, assist with hand-eye coordination and also help your child learn all about the solar system.

At a reasonable price, this is also one of the best space gifts for kids.

Main Features

  • Price: £9.99
  • Age: 3-6
  • 48 piece puzzle
  • 100% happiness guarantee

Best Solar System Toys

6. GeoSafari Motorised Solar System

GeoSafari Motorised Solar System.

This motorised model takes any solar system mobile to the next level! The planets revolve and rotate, which replicates the natural movement of the solar system in the sky. Not only does it move, but it also projects a star show onto any ceiling or blank surface, which comes from the constellation dome in the centre of the model. The aim of the Geosafari is to make learning more exciting, to encourage genuine curiosity and to allow for endless outer space exploration.

You will need 4 AA batteries which are not included.

Main Features

  • Price: £31
  • Age: 8-12
  • Motorised solar system
  • Constellation dome
  • Star show projection

Best Space Toy For Crafts

7. 4M Kidz Labs Solar System Planetarium Model‍

4M Kidz Labs Solar System Planetarium Model.

These toys about planets are designed to encourage learning whilst making it exciting. With this, you can build your own glow in the dark solar system planetarium- build it, assemble it and then paint the planets with glow in the dark paint to bring space to your child's bedroom. This is a super fun craft is a great way to make science hands-on.

Main Features

  • Price: £10.80
  • Age: 8+
  • 3D model
  • Brush
  • Paint pots and glow paint
  • Rotating arms

Best For Under 10s

8. Janod Wooden Magnetic Rocket‍

Janod Wooden Magnetic Rocket.

Why not get your kid learning about outer space from a young age? The Janod wooden rocket has 5 magnetic pieces that fit together with ease and mean that even the smallest of toddlers can start building. This develops your child's motor skills by encouraging building, and, with a moving propeller, your little one can jet off into the night sky with their very own mini rocket whilst learning too.

Main Features

  • Price: £15
  • Age: 2-6
  • 5 magnetic pieces
  • Wooden rocket
  • Small wooden figure

Best Toy Space Rockets

9. Hape Four Stage Rocket Ship‍

Hape Four Stage Rocket Ship.

Buying the Hape rocket ship means that your little kid can fly off to outer space with their very own rocket extravaganza. The wooden rocket has 20 pieces and four different levels, which means there is plenty of space for the entire team to head off on an outer space adventure.  

The rocket comes with a selection of space accessories, including an alien and a wooden astronaut, to add to the imaginary play.

Main Features

  • Price: £80
  • Age: 3+
  • 20 piece rocket
  • Planetary lander
  • Space ship accessories

Best Realistic Space Toy

10. LEGO Mars Research Shuttle‍

LEGO Mars Research Shuttle.

Another buy from the popular LEGO brand, the research shuttle for kids is fully equipped for ultimate outer space fun. The shuttle has an opening cockpit, two opening doors and a storage drone inside. You also get two astronauts included, so you can place them in the cockpit and get them flying around the galaxy. The storage drone comes with a helidrone and compartment, a spinning blade and a scanner to read special symbols found on Mars.

Bring outer space to life with this space toy- this is also a great gift for any space fanatics too. It focuses on the detail but still makes it accessible to young children, so you can be sure of a realistic space rocket perfect for your little one.

Main Features

  • Price: £19.99
  • Age: 5+
  • 2 astronauts
  • Shuttle ship with storage drone, cockpit and doors
  • Rover with an articulated grappling arm
  • Mars scenery build
  • LEGO smartphone app

Best For Older Kids

11. LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander ‍

LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander.

This is great for a true outer space enthusiast and it comes with a more expensive price tag. The Lunar Lander is aimed at older children, due to the fact it has almost 1100 pieces! However, the final product is well worth as it replicates the real-world lander.

The LEGO approved age is for 16 and above, however, this product has been reviewed by parents and has been made by younger, avid LEGO fans or space enthusiasts. If you feel your child is capable, this is can be suitable from 11 upwards.

Main Features

  • Price: £84.99
  • Age: 11+
  • 2 astronaut mini-figures
  • Detachable stages
  • United States flag
  • 'Famous' lunar lander ladder

Best Space Games For Kids

12. Astronauts- Wildcards Ultimate Space Game ‍

Astronauts- Wildcards Ultimate Space Game.

This kids' space card game is a fun, educational and award-winning model that allows you to race your fellow astronauts to explore the planets and return safely back to Earth first. There are also special moon and planet cards included that have fascinating facts too. Another good thing about this game is that you can adapt it for a whole variety of ages, so everyone can play and hopefully learn something new about space.

Main Features

  • Price: £9.99
  • Age: 8+

Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for best space toys then why not take a look at our favourite diverse dolls, or for something different take a look at our kids sliders.

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Written by Grace Lea

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Grace Lea picture

Grace LeaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

The oldest of three sisters, she was born in Portsmouth but currently studying at the University of Birmingham. With a 13-year age gap between her and her youngest sister, she enjoys finding activities that will make her the cool big sister. In her free time, she is an avid reader, writer, and has her own show on the university radio.

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