The Solar System for Kids: 11 Out of this World Options

People have been looking up at the sky for thousands of years of human history wondering about what is up there. We now have telescopes and satellites that take some of the mystery away for us adults – but kids still have the wonder. Children are naturally curious about the world, ours and the ones beyond. Studying the solar system is a brilliant way to fuel that curiosity and encourage an interest in science and exploration. As members of this solar system, it’s important we educate ourselves and our kids about it. To that end, check out these amazing solar system for kids toys.

The Best Solar System Toys, Games and Gadgets – Reviews

Best Solar System Introduction: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space (Little Kids First Big Books)

TheNational Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space may answer all the space questions your curious little one may have about the solar system and beyond. David Aguilar’s colorful images and the book’s exciting space facts are some of the best solar system toys for space-loving kids. It is also an excellent gift to introduce children to outer space and inspire them to improve their reading skills.

Your child may impress grandparents and peers with their impressive space knowledge. The book features facts about planets, space, and rockets; it also teaches kids how to identify the eight planets. Information starts with planet Earth, Earth’s moon, the planets around the sun, and beyond.

The pages are filled with beautiful images that may stir any budding astronaut’s space exploration desires. Without much effort, kids should quickly memorize the facts about the planets, rockets, nebulas, and more. Although kids who can read may appreciate the book, the entertainment value is that younger children may astound parents with their solar system knowledge by simply listening when adults read to them.

Ages: 5+ years old

Best World Globe Night Light: Discovery Kids 2-in-1 World Globe LED Lamp w/Day & Night Modes

The Discovery Kids 2-in1 World Globe LED Lamp is a classic turning globe that lights up at night. This world globe night lamp is an excellent educational toy to teach kids about planet Earth before they venture into space.

The globe features political and geographic boundaries. Tilted to the side, it rotates on its fixed base for children to examine the clearly labeled countries, cities, oceans, and latitude and longitude lines. Automatic sensors detect darkness. The world globe lights up, creating an illuminated night sky map of cities worldwide, giving buddy astronauts an idea what they would see looking at our planet from outer space.

Functioning as a night light, the illuminated world globe is an excellent toy for kids interested in geography or space enthusiasts who want to know more about their planet.

Ages: 6-8 years old

Best Sports Equipment For Active Children: Crocodile Creek 2214-1 3 Blue Soccer Ball Solar System

The Crocodile Creek, 2214-13 Soccer Ball Solar System, is an excellent gift for astronomy fans who are soccer enthusiasts too, or, like most kids, simply enjoy kicking a ball. The size three soccer ball is the perfect size for 3-year-old toddlers to 8-year-old kids.

A solar system decorated soccer ball has double benefits; it entices kids to play outside, and it may interest kids in science and other STEM-related topics. Kicking, catching, and throwing the ball may develop motor skills, improve coordination, and strengthen their muscles.

The brightly decorated ball may also motivate children to find out more about the solar system. Imagine kicking a goal with a fantastic design! Your child may even impress peers with their knowledge of planets printed on the ball.

The ball is 7 inches in diameter, which is the standard introductory size for organized soccer activities. Made from phthalate-free PVC leather and rubber, the heavy-duty material may withstand the best kick, even an attempt to reach the stars. The material is suitable for playing indoors or outside.

Age: 3-8 years old

Best Hands-On Learning Wall Decoration: DECOWALL DA-1501 The Solar System Kids Wall Stickers

The DECOWALL DA-1501 Solar System Kids Wall stickers are great for a child looking to move outer space indoors. It is like a mini solar system for a kid’s room.

Each sticker can be placed and removed with ease – so if your kid wants to track the movement of the planets in real-time, peel and stick away!  These stickers are a learning resource as well – the individual planets are all labeled with their names.

If your child changes their mind, it is easy to move the space experience to other house walls. The stickers are designed for removing and repositioning without leaving a sticky residue on the walls.

You will get four large sheets in total.  It is excellent for decorating a baby or preschooler’s room.

Best Visual Solar System For Toddlers: Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Solar System, Whiteboard Display

The Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Solar System Whiteboard Display presents astronomy concepts visually to preschoolers and elementary school kids. Seeing the planet visually in bright colors on the whiteboard could be more impressive and noteworthy than reading or hearing a planet’s name.

The eight planets around the sun, Earth’s moon, dwarf planet Pluto, the sun, and an asteroid belt features high-quality large-sized magnets that stick to any magnetic surface. The realistic detailed solar system is an excellent teaching tool to introduce novices to the wonderful world of space; it may even create a lifelong interest.

The magnetic solar system comes with an activity guide with suggested activities for kids who want to learn and play independently. The durable magnetic pieces are designed for frequent attaching and detaching to magnetic surfaces. It is one of the best solar system toys for kids to enjoy in a classroom setup or may even be a decorative wall display for a budding astronomer’s bedroom décor.

Ages: 5+ years old

Best Hand-Eye-Coordination Solar System Toys: iPlay, iLearn Kids Wooden Solar System Floor Puzzles

The iPlay iLearn Kids Wooden Solar System Floor Puzzle is one of the best solar system toys to inspire creativity and improve your child’s hand-eye coordination. The 1:1 scale instruction makes the puzzle easy to assemble for toddlers and puzzle building novices.

Large, chunky wooden pieces are designed for comfortable handling by young children. The floor puzzle is made of natural wood and is tested and certified as child safe by CPSC accepted third-party laboratories. The 36 pieces are polished, providing smooth edges. The sturdy material may withstand rough play and consistent handling by small hands.

The puzzle is circular, which makes it an exciting challenge for preschoolers to 8-year-old kids. The kit comes with an easy-to-use geography and zoology guidebook containing interesting information and details about our planet.

Ages: 3+ years old

Best Constructive Solar System Set: Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle

Solar System Floor Puzzle is a wonderful way to create a solar system for kids in younger age groups. This 2 x 3-foot, 48-piece puzzle will bring the solar system to be large and colorful life in your home. Parents can easily wipe off the puzzle pieces when they need cleaning from sticky fingers.

Rough handling won’t damage the pieces because they are made of extra-thick cardboard. The durability is perfect for a puzzle intended for this age group. My preschool-age daughter loves large floor puzzles. The big pieces are easy to handle and not too hard to assemble to develop fine motor skills. I loved introducing her to the solar system with this puzzle.

Ages: 3–6 years old

Best Solar System Game: Moons and Planets Game

Moons and Planets Game is a fun, space inspired take on the traditional memory game. The cards are pictures of the actual planets, not cartoon images. I found them stunning. These beautiful images are sure to inspire an interest in our stars and planets in young players and adults alike.

Included with the game, you will find a guidebook with facts about all the stars and planets. This game has broad age appeal, and while a fun way to introduce your six-year-old to space, it will also appeal to a twelve-year-old who is already dreaming of becoming an astronaut.

Ages: 6+ years old

Best Solar Sytem Toy For Preschoolers: Teach My Preschooler the Solar System

Teach My Preschooler the Solar System may not have the most creative name, but it is packed with solar system information and educational fun. As a mom and daycare provider for children in the preschool and younger years, I love this toy.

This unique solar system for kids includes a puzzle within a puzzle to the delight of my kids. Not only can you take apart the puzzle pieces, but you can also remove the individual planets from the puzzle pieces. The set also includes a book, poster, and flashcards. If you have a curious preschooler, this is a fun way to learn about our fascinating solar system.

Ages: 18 months to 6 years

Best Glow-In-The-Dark Solar System: Great Explorations 3-D Solar System

Great Explorations 3-D Solar System includes over 200 planets and stars your child can hang from their bedroom ceiling. It is not just a science toy; it’s a whole room decoration. You can hang the planets from the ceiling, then surround them with the adhesive stars, asteroids, and comets in whatever pattern suits your child’s taste.

Surrounding yourself with your very own solar system will teach and inspire curiosity about outer space. The set also includes a list of fun planetary facts. This hanging solar system is high quality and comes with a Lifetime Glow Guarantee.

Ages: 5+ years old

Best Executive Desktop Ornament: 4M Solar System Planetarium

4M Solar System Planetarium is the perfect combination of art and science.

Kids will love the opportunity to paint and build this solar system model from scratch. The space enthusiast in my house prefers doing everything on his own, rather than relying on pre-painted planets or pre-made models.

Learning through creating your model is educational and fun. This set features the planets, paint pens, stencils, rods, string, and a fact-filled wall chart. The paint included with the kit glows in the dark for added fun once the model is complete. Many space fans will love the start to finish chance to make their solar system.  A great solar system mobile to build scientific knowledge.

Ages: 8+years old

Solar System Toy FAQ

What Important Skills Will, My Child, Learn From Solar System Toys?

Solar system toys spark a child’s imagination, adventurous spirit, and the desire to discover answers to questions about space and reveal its secrets. Your child may find out that planet Earth, the sun, and the Earth’s moon are not the entire universe but that there are more celestial bodies and galaxies to be discovered.

Your child may learn astronomy, geometry, climatology, geology, and other STEM-related subjects when playing with solar system toys. Preschoolers may discover and know things about our solar system school kids still need to learn.

Playing with solar system toys help kids develop, strengthen, and improve skills like hand-eye-coordination, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and creativity, imagination, and more. Solar system toys improve kids’ knowledge about their planet and expand and introduce them to space.

How old should my child be to start playing with solar system toys?

Like most toys, solar system toys are manufactured for a particular age group, milestones, and development stages. Parents should consider age-appropriate toys and their child’s unique development journey for the best playing and learning experience.

Generally, toddlers and older kids enjoy solar system toys. Newborns and babies are too young to comprehend these toys’ educational features; their world consists of their immediate environment and expands as their senses develop.

The complexity of solar system toys as kids grow older. If parents purchase a too complicated toy or with too many teaching lessons for the age group, the child may lose interest in the toy and the topic. However, choosing the right toy for your child may create an interest in astronomy, STEM-skills, and a possible science or space career.

What benefits will my kids get from playing with solar system toys?

The benefits of playing with solar system toys surpass improving a child’s knowledge about planet Earth. It introduces them to the world and space where astronomers, astronauts, physicists, and scientists thrive. An interest in space may create a desire for a career in these cosmology-related fields.

Solar system toys often feature exciting science facts and information about the universe that may benefit them in school and the grown-up world. Playing with these toys also improves mental and physical abilities.

Kids are curious and ask questions about everything; adults do not always have the answer. A solar system toy kit includes answers parents often do not have. A toy may have an activity guide to inspire innovation and engage kids even more.

Can a group play with solar system toys?

Yes, friends, siblings, or peers can play together with solar system toys. Most of the toys in our list are designed for individual use or a group. For example, a child may construct one of the puzzles or examine the world globe by themselves or enjoy it in a group. Enjoying a space story, exploring the night sky for night stars, or enjoying an activity guide is sometimes more fun together than alone.

The Crocodile Creek 2214-1 3 Blue Soccer Ball Solar System is a great way to get your child interested in sports if they are space fans. The soccer ball is also a great solar system toy for group play. However, some toys, like DECOWALL DA-1501- The Solar System Kids Wall Stickers, are not suitable for play but work well to enjoy them together when displayed on walls.

What to look for when buying solar system planet toys

Creativity, educational, entertainment value, and age appropriateness are the main features you should look for when buying a solar system toy for your kid.

Creativity and Imagination

All children are creative, and a child’s imagination never ceases to amaze parents. When buying a solar space toy or any other toy, parents should consider the creativity feature. Does the toy initiate your child’s creativity and imagination? A great toy helps a kid think out of the box and encourage role-playing or pretend-play in younger children.

Entertainment and Educational

The purpose of a toy is primarily to entertain your child. The higher the entertainment benefit, the more kids play with the toy. However, what a toddler deems entertaining could be tiresome to a teenager.

The same type of toys may have different challenging and complex features affecting the entertainment value. For example, a floor puzzle with a solar system design may infatuate a preschooler. In contrast, a tween prefers building a solar system themed puzzle made with smaller and more puzzles pieces.

Most solar system toys are designed to be educational due to the nature of the topic. The best solar system toys for kids combine the learning aspect with entertainment creating a fun and educational toy. If you want to teach your child about celestial bodies in a fun way, buy them a learning toy with a high entertainment value; the kid may not even realize they are learning because they are having so much fun. A predominantly educational solar system toy may interest some solar system enthusiasts but could be less attractive to most kids.

Age Appropriate

Manufacturers consider safety, age, and development skills when designing a toy. A three-year-old solar system toy could be stimulating for their development like motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In contrast, a teenager’s solar system toy would challenge problem-solving and mental skills instead of motor skills.

Parents should always consider their child’s age and development level before choosing a toy. However, a space enthusiast kid may require more challenging solar system toys than a novice of the same age.

It is good practice to read the manufacturer’s age recommendation for a toy before purchasing the gift for your child.

Why Teach Your Kids About the Solar System?

The solar system is a fascinating topic and has a mysterious, adventurous element that may create the desire in any kid to want to know more. By teaching kids about the solar system, you may provide awareness and willingness for STEM-related topics. Kids learn about science, technology, engineering, and math when exploring the planetary system.

Learning with solar system toys creates an opportunity for young kids to improve and strengthen essential skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic, necessary for their education. It also exposes them to physics and sciences, teaching them at an early age about gravity, mass, temperature, oxygen, and other gasses in a fun, entertaining environment. Learning about the world and planets, kids also expand their knowledge in geography, geology, astronomy, and other topics they would normally associate with school and not with engaging fun play.

Are these toys good for teaching about the solar system?

Our list’s solar system toys are perfect learning toys to teach little ones more about the solar system, celestial bodies, and other related topics. These toys are great in a classroom, for parents to spend time with their children, or your kid may explore and learn by themselves.

Maps, wall decorations, whiteboard magnets, and the world globe are all toys with educational features for individuals or groups in a classroom. These solar system toys can be used by themselves or together with other learning toys and teaching tools.

Teachers may use a toy as a starting base to create a foundation for more complex concepts, as a guide, as an activity complementing a lesson, or for creative activities.

When should I introduce educational toys to my child?

You can introduce educational toys to a one-month-old child. At an early age, your baby develops sensory play. Toys like mobiles, soothers, and blocks are perfect educational toys to stimulate your little one’s senses. At one-year-old, a child may benefit from toys that teaching them balance and coordination, like themed toys and push cars.

In general, educational toys offer a kid the opportunity to develop and improve the abilities, skill-level, and talents relevant to their growing years.

How can I tell if these toys are safe for my toddler?

Toys with small pieces are potential choking hazards for toddlers and babies younger than three years old. Manufacturers use child-safe and state materials. On their websites and packaging, they should indicate the certified safety standards the toys adhere to.

It is recommended that the buyer check the recommended age and any cautions and warnings related to the toy before purchasing it.

These are but a few of many great solar system toys out there. What are your favorites? Let us know below.

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, Hubble Space Telescope / ESA.