Children are often fascinated by space, astronauts, our planet, and the solar system. We live in an incredible time where we have access to so many facts and knowledge about our solar system. No matter where on the earth you live, gazing up into the night sky can be calming. If you have noticed that your child loves the stars or is asking you a lot of questions about our planet and solar system, then you’ve come to the right place to find great resources for your child.
Best Solar System Toys
The Magnetic Portable Playboard Solar System is an inexpensive set of 39 magnets and 2 scenes for kids to be creative changing space scenes; however, the Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector is more costly than the magnet set but does have rotating stars in a night sky plus 32 different slides to teach your child about planets, constellations, stars, and the solar system.
Magnetic Portable Playboard Solar System
The Magnetic Portable Playboard Solar System is a perfect way to explore outer space on a rainy day or even on a road trip. It’s a magnetic set with built-in storage and kids can change the scene as often as they like with solar system-inspired magnets.
Children ages 3 and up can enjoy the sturdy construction and long-lasting fun. It comes with two scenes with a portable design ready to travel. All this is from a fabulous brand made with quality in mind.
Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector
The Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector has tons of options for your child to play with and learn about our solar system. It has several different modes and 32 different slides to enjoy. The space station design is unique and the stand was designed to be adjusted so that your child can use the projector to their liking.
I would suggest this for a child 4 years and up since there are small slides. This toy will encourage independent playtime as your child can work through the slides and learn about the different planets and galaxies.
Find more great toys for 4-year-old boys.
Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System
The Learning Resources Giant Inflatable Solar System is an inflatable solar system and it is a great way for your child to be able to learn with their hands. They can touch, rotate, and learn the different sizes of the planets in our solar system.
This kit comes with an activity guide that will give you some tips on how to use this kit. Each planet has a loop on it so that it can be hung from the ceiling. This kit is recommended for a child 5 years old and up.
Best Solar System Models for Kids
While the Great Explorations 3-D Solar System glows in the dark and your child can hang it from the ceiling and the Motorized Solar System Toy allows your child to watch the motorized planets rotate around the sun, the Solar System Planetarium is a hand-ons kit that allows your child to build and paint the solar system.
4M Solar System Planetarium
This 4M Solar System Planetarium is a great hands-on toy for your child to build, paint and interact with our solar system. Everything your child will need to build the solar system is included in this set. Plus, it comes with a wall chart with solar systems facts and kids quiz questions.
This hands-on toy will not only teach your child problem-solving skills as they work to build the solar system, but it will also build their creativity and be a fun way for them to learn. This toy is recommended for a child 8 years and up.
Great Explorations 3-D Solar System
The Great Explorations 3-D Solar System will immerse your child into our solar system as they visualize it in a new way. With this kit, your child can hang the entire milky way galaxy in their room. The kit comes with a planetary guide that has lots of facts about our solar system.
Motorized Solar System Science Kit
The Motorized Solar System Science Kit will encourage your little learning to explore the solar system as they watch it rotate. It is motorized and has 2 speeds that will give your child a realistic idea of how the planets rotate around the sun. The sun dome also serves as a night light and it can also be used to project constellations onto the ceiling.
This kit includes a guide that has planetary facts and riddles in it. This toy is not recommended for children 3 and under because of its small parts.
FloraCraft Solar System Kit
The FloraCraft Solar System Kit would be a great toy for a child who is ready to build a solar system model. It’s made from foam and has been pre-painted. They are just solid colors so your child could use their creativity to customize the planets more.
It will provide your child with an opportunity to learn with their hands as they put the model together. It would be great for a school project or a summer activity.
We’ve found more educational craft kits for your child here at Experienced Mommy!
Best Solar System Puzzles
Melissa and Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle
The Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle comes in 48 pieces and is made from extra-thick cardboard that makes it easy for kids to put together. Puzzles promote hand-eye coordination and this puzzle will teach your child the different planets in our solar system, while also helping your child to learn problem-solving skills.
This puzzle was designed with kids ages 3-6 years old in mind, but I think that kids a little younger and older will also enjoy this puzzle. It is made from an easy-to-clean surface so it will be easy for you to wipe it if there is an accidental spill.
48 Piece Wooden Outer Space Jigsaw Puzzles
The 48 Piece Wooden Outer Space Jigsaw Puzzles is the perfect puzzle for younger children who love space and our solar system. This puzzle shows some children in outer space playing with aliens and having a blast. Your child will also build fine motor skills as they learn to do this puzzle.
Best Solar System Books
The Little Kids First Big Book of Space and the Space: A Visual Encyclopedia are visual and factual books to teach both young and older children about space; whereas the [0679891153] [9780679891154] There’s No Place Like Space is from the Cat in the Hat Learning Library and teaches about space in a silly, fictional way.
Little Kids First Big Book of Space
This Little Kids First Big Book of Space would be the perfect place to start if your child is just starting to show interest in the solar system or if you are wanting to spark their interest in it. The colorful pictures and easy text is great for children who are learning to read, and it is going to teach them basic concepts of space.
There’s No Place Like Space
There’s No Place Like Space is a great place to start if you are wanting to teach your child more about the Solar System in a fun and memorable way and it allows you the opportunity to read to your child. Reading to your child is a great way to grow your child’s vocabulary and knowledge of the topic you are reading.
Space: A Visual Encyclopedia
Space: A Visual Encyclopedia is would be ideal for a child who is between 7-10 years old. One who is reading on their own and already has some knowledge and interest in space.
With this visual encyclopedia, they will learn about the galaxy and its planets. As well as the history of astronomy and what space travel is like. This encyclopedia will fuel their understanding and grow their knowledge of our solar system.
Comparing the Best Solar System Toys
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System | 9.6 | 9.0 | 43.36 |
Motorized Solar System Science Kit | 9.4 | 8.4 | 34.39 |
Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector | 9.3 | 8.8 | 29.99 |
Space: A Visual Encyclopedia | 7.2 | 9.6 | 27.45 |
Great Explorations 3-D Solar System | 9.8 | 9.0 | 19.99 |
Magnetic Portable Playboard Solar System | 8.8 | - | 13.99 |
4M Solar System Planetarium | 9.9 | 9.0 | 11.99 |
Melissa and Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle | 9.9 | 9.8 | 10.99 |
Little Kids First Big Book of Space | 9.6 | -0.2 | 8.99 |
There's No Place Like Space | 9.9 | 9.6 | 8.96 |
FloraCraft Solar System Kit | - | -0.2 | - |
48 Piece Wooden Outer Space Jigsaw Puzzles | 3.9 | 10.0 | - |
How We Selected Solar System Toys
Interest Level of Child
When looking at the best solar system toys for children, the interest level of the child was important. We wanted to have toys that were designed to spark your child’s interest in the solar system.
We also included toys that are for children who already have an interest in the Solar System and are wanting to learn and grow their knowledge of it.
Price
We know that toys can get expensive! And the older the child, the more expensive the toy. So we tried to find options for this toy list that were affordable, but still high quality and interesting. That way, no matter your budget, you can pick a winning toy (or even two or three!).
FAQs – Solar System Toys
What is considered an educational toy?
An educational toy is any toy that assists your child in learning while they are using the toy. All of the solar systems on this list would provide your child with a learning opportunity.
When should I introduce educational toys to my child?
I would recommend introducing educational toys to your child around 3 months old. The toys relevant to your child will change over time.
Providing your child with an educational toy will help them to develop several skills, such as sensory skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and logic-based skills.