Kids are always curious about the solar system. These STEM toys are perfect for getting kids excited about science and space exploration. From models of the galaxy to motorized planets, these 10 solar system toys will have your little one’s head spinning with excitement.
Some of the best STEM solar system toys include:
- 4M Solar System Planetarium – DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model
- Educational Insights GeoSafari Motorized Solar System
- 4M 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit
- Playz Solar System Model Kit with 4 Speed Motor
- Great Explorations 3-D Solar System Glow In The Dark Ceiling Hanging Kit
- Qurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game
- Learning Resources Shining Stars Projector
- Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle
- Mudpuppy Solar System Jumbo Puzzle
- ERWEI 3D Solar System Model Crystal Ball
Although all of the options listed above have great STEM benefits for your kid. Let’s have a look at each in detail so that you are able to choose the best solar system toy for your child.
4M Solar System Planetarium – DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model
4M 3427 Solar System Planetarium – DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model Stem Toys Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys Multicolor, 1 EA
Price: 14.99*
Ages: 8 years and up
Type: Model
Your kid will learn about the wonders of outer space with this Solar System Planetarium by 4M. Just assemble, paint and learn. No batteries are required and it includes planet figures, stencils, a squeeze glow paint pen so they can make their own custom designs too, rods, string all packaged in an adorable little box.
Thousands of teachers in elementary schools love this toy, so you can rest assured it’s a great option to teach your kids about such as abstract concepts like the universe and the movements of the planets. It will definitely challenge your kid’s imagination and teach them in a fun way.
Besides promoting math and science principles related to physics, the planetarium toy kit also promotes artistry. Your little ones will need to paint as they create their own galaxy with this great set.
Moreover, 4M stands out as one of the top STEM toy manufacturers in the world. So you can rest assured that all pieces and materials have been made to guarantee the maximum safety of your kids.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Motorized Solar System
Educational Insights GeoSafari Motorized Solar System, Rotating Solar System, LED Sun & Constellation, STEM Toy, Ages 8+
Price: $49.99*
Ages: 8 years and up
Type: Model
Next on our list, we have this motorized solar system by Educational Insights. This is another great STEM toy option because it encourages your budding astronomer to learn more about the ins and outs of the universe.
The set features a model that includes the sun, 8 planets (which move at 2 different speeds), and Earth’s moon. The inner planets in this toy realistically simulate planet movement around the sun, providing a fantastic way for children in grades four through eight to learn about the orbits of the planets as well as how they affect our world.
The sun figure in this toy has a LED light that automatically turns off when it detects night-time. You can also swap the dome with an included star dome, so any ceiling becomes a planetarium, a fun way to bring the night sky into your child’s room.
The 28-page guidebook included in the kit contains vital information about astronomy, space exploration, how constellations were formed and fun facts about the planets.
4M 3 Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit
4M 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit – DIY Science Astronomy Learning Stem Toys Educational Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys
Price: $19.99*
Ages: 8 years and up
Type: Model
4M is back on our list again with its 3D Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Making Kit. This toy is nice because it features a mobile solar system, measuring 29.5 inches across, with planets that glow in the dark, which can help kids feel less scared when the lights go off.
This toy kit will provide hours of fun for little ones. It includes a full set of snap-together planets, a hanging frame and string, two strips of paint, two glow paints and a paintbrush. One of the great benefits of this set is that it includes full assembly instructions in addition to a poster with fun facts about the solar system.
With this in their hands, kids can explore the galaxy with ease as they mix colors together to create new shades. Once constructed, this model makes an excellent decoration or even works great as a nightlight for when children want to sleep under the stars instead of just looking at them through curtains.
This toy teaches children basic STEM skills such as measuring angles for accurate assembly while teaching them about astronomy too. Kids will have a lot of fun playing with this toy and may even surprise themselves by picking up some new knowledge along the way.
Playz Solar System Model Kit with 4 Speed Motor
Playz Solar System Model Kit with 4 Speed Motor, HD Planetarium Projector, 8 Painted Planets, and 8 White Foam Balls with Paint and Brush for a Hands-On STEM DIY Project
Price: $49.95
Ages: 8 years and up.
Type: Model
This is a solar system model that will make an engaging and educational addition to the room of any young learner. This toy comes with more than 75 parts, including detailed instructions on how to assemble them into this 26″ x 18″ x 11″ masterpiece. Your child can learn about physics, astronomy, science and engineering while putting together their new space-themed plaything.
They will have a blast creating their own planets for this solar system model. The included paint set and foam balls or the high-quality laser-printed planet options ensure that students can really get creative with it.
Whether they want to make an excellent science fair project, display it at school, or just enjoy painting on them themselves – these are great toys for kids on any occasion.
It’s worth mentioning that the sun in this model is a portable HD projector. It projects 8 beautiful planets on any surface, so it can be used as an awesome nightlight or flashlight.
Great Explorations 3-D Solar System Glow In The Dark Ceiling Hanging Kit
Great Explorations 3-D Solar System Glow In The Dark Ceiling Hanging Kit 3D Planets and Star Stickers Create the Milky Way Teach Science STEM, Multicolor (UG-19862)
Price: $14.98*
Ages: 5 years and up
Type: Model
This toy stands out as one of the top hanging toys in the market. It features 3D planets figures of Mars, Pluto, Jupiter, Earth Neptune and Saturn. It also has glow-in-the-dark stickers that are shaped like stars as well as a guide to understanding the different solar system bodies. This makes it the perfect companion for any child who is interested in exploring and discovering outer space.
Moreover, Great Explorations products are so durable that they offer a Lifetime Glow Guarantee, which means your hanging model will continue to glow and create an everlasting bond with your child.
Qurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game
Qurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game | Explore, Match, Quiz & Spin Through The Universe. Perfect for Astronomy Fans and Future Astronauts
Price: $16.99*
Ages: 3 years and up
Type: Card game
This space card game by Qurious stands out on our list because of its uniqueness. This toy features double-sided cards with trivia, challenges and questions about space science like:
- How many moons does Jupiter have?
- What is a shooting star called?
- What is the distance from the Earth to Mars?
- What is the term for a planet that has rings around it like Saturn?
The curious space card game will bring hours of fun to your family. The cards are designed by moms, so you know it’s safe for kids and perfect for a little one on the go.
This set is great at developing social skills, spatial reasoning, memory retention, STEM interest, and analytical logic in children who may be struggling with these concepts.
Learning Resources Shining Stars Projector
Learning Resources Shining Stars Projector, Solar System Space Toy Set, 5 Piece Set, Ages 3+
Price: $24.99*
Ages: 3 years and up
Type: Projector
The Shining Starts Projector by Learning Resources is another great STEM solar system toy. This set will be a great way for young astronomers to explore early space science.
With the press of one button, kids can beam images from outer space onto any surface they want and get up close personal with stars, planets, comets. All without even leaving Earth.
The sky is the limit with this toy set. Little ones can explore outer space and make their own galaxy adventures. With a projector, 3 image discs that show 8 different scenarios each (24 total), they will be able to project stars, planets, spacewalks.
It also includes a complete activity guide with step-by-step instructions so you can join in on all the space adventures too. Watch out moon because there are some new astronauts coming through town.
Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle
Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle (48 pcs, 2 x 3 feet)
Price: $11.82*
Ages: 3 years and up
Type: Puzzle
Mellisa and Doug, one of the top STEM toy manufacturers, make our list with this beautiful Solar System Floor Puzzle.
Your kids will have an out-of-this-world time while putting the 48 extra-thick cardboard pieces together to create a solar system scene. When assembled, this cool puzzle measures 2 feet by 3 feet. The surface of the puzzle board is easy to clean, and spills are typically an issue because they’re such a breeze to wipe up.
This STEM solar toy is a favorite among many parents because it can foster hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and visual perception.
You can rest assured that this puzzle is top-notch and will provide hours of fun for your kid. Mellisa and Doug have more than 30 years creating education toys, so you know the quality’s there.
Mudpuppy Solar System Jumbo Puzzle
Mudpuppy Solar System Jumbo Puzzle, 25 Pieces, 22” x 22” – Outer Space Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids with 25 Oversized Pieces, Learning Puzzle Ideal for Ages 2+ – Makes a Great Gift Idea, Multicolor
Price: $30.99
Ages: 2 years and up
Type: Puzzle
Time for another puzzle. This time Mudpuppy delights us with this 25-piece jigsaw. With the help of this planet puzzle, little ones will be able to get a glimpse at how our solar system is organized. The extra-large pieces are just the right size for them and can also double as toys that kids love playing with.
ERWEI 3D Solar System Model Crystal Ball
ERWEI 3D Solar System Model Crystal Ball 80mm 3.15″ Laser Engraved Hologram with Light Up Base Planet Model Science Astronomy Learning Toys Educational Gift for Kids
Price: $14.99
Ages: 13 years and up
Now let’s have a look at this amazing 3D Solar System Model Crystal Ball by Erwei. This beautiful toy is made with K9 crystal, very transparent and glossier. It features laser carvings of the planets and stars, which are a part of our solar system that we live in. This crystal ball toy is great for those kids who want to learn more about the universe. It makes a perfect desk lamp and can be used as a nightlight too.
As you could see from all of the options reviewed, STEM solar system toys are very important because children can explore their curiosity. Learning about the planets and universe is a vital foundation for any child.
Over to you
We hope you enjoyed our guide on the best STEM solar system toys. There are so many fun and educational options out there for your kids to enjoy. If you have any questions about what we’ve covered, or if you want to share it with a friend or family member looking for gift ideas this holiday season, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for reading!
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