Space. The final frontier. Since the beginning of humankind, we’ve been fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos. For today’s kids, that sense of wonder and exploration is brought to life through amazing space-themed toys.
At age 6, children are rapidly developing their imaginations, critical thinking, and motor skills. Space toys allow them to launch into endless pretend play, acting out scenes of cosmic voyages, astronaut missions, and alien encounters. Educational space toys also introduce core STEM concepts like astronomy, engineering, and physics in a fun, engaging way.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the different types of space toys that make the best gifts for 6 year olds. We’ll also discuss the developmental benefits of space toys and provide tips for choosing the right space-themed toys for your child. Let’s blast off!
Why Are Space Toys Great for 6 Year Olds?
Space toys align perfectly with the natural interests of 6 year olds, while also promoting key developmental milestones. Here are some of the benefits of space toys for 6 year olds:
Encourage Imagination and Role Play
Around age 6, children become extremely imaginative. They start engaging in more elaborate pretend play. Space toys fuel their creativity by letting them imagine they are on a mission to outer space. Kids can role-play scenarios like:
- Piloting a rocket ship
- Repairing equipment as an astronaut
- Discovering new planets
- Communicating with ground control
- Battling menacing aliens
- Training to live in zero gravity
Acting out these thrilling space adventures builds narrative skills and creativity.
Develop Spatial Skills
Space toys like model rockets, robot kits, and building block sets require assembling, careful construction, and following visual-spatial instructions. These hands-on activities help improve fine motor control, eye-hand coordination, and spatial reasoning abilities.
Promote Problem-Solving
Space-themed puzzles, board games, and strategy games let 6 year olds flex their mental muscles. Figuring out how to achieve “lift-off” or navigate through the Milky Way galaxy strengthens critical thinking, logic, and problem solving skills.
Foster Interest in STEM
Space themes inherently integrate core STEM topics like astronomy, engineering, physics, and mathematics. Space toys can inspire future careers and get kids engaged in science, technology, and math concepts through play.
Teach Teamwork
Multiplayer space games and activities require collaboration, communication, and compromise. Group play with space toys promotes important social skills.
In short, the best space toys combine fun and learning for well-rounded development.
Types of Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
There’s a vast universe of space-themed toys out there for 6 year olds. Here are some of the most popular categories:
Rocket Ship Toys
For many kids, rocket ships are the quintessential space toys. Some top picks include:
- Model rocket kits – Build and decorate your own rocket, then launch it sky-high.
- Inflatable space shuttles – Bounce away in this indoor space jumper.
- Toy rocket launch pads – Have blast-off adventures right in your living room.
- Remote control rockets – Control where your rocket flies with a handy remote.
Playing with rocket ship toys inspires dreams of outer space travel. Kids can pretend to be on a mission as they soar their rockets high into the sky.
Astronaut Action Figures and Costumes
What’s an astronaut without a slick spacesuit? Kids can dress up as astronauts and act out scenes of life in space with fun costume sets. These usually include a jumpsuit, helmets/gloves, and mission badges.
For action-packed galactic adventures, astronaut action figures and playsets bring the excitement. Popular options include:
- Lego City space sets with astronaut mini figures
- Playmobil astronaut and Mars space station sets
- Fisher Price Little People astronaut and space rover sets
Space-Themed Building Toys
Blocks, Lego sets, and other construction toys with space themes allow kids to build the solar system, rockets, space stations, lunar landers, and more. As they follow the visual building instructions, they’ll develop spatial skills and engineering concepts.
Some top-rated space-themed building sets include:
- Lego City Space Mars Research Shuttle
- Mega Construx Planet Mars Base
- KidKraft Space Shuttle & Launchpad
- Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set – For building spaceships and space station models
- K’NEX Education Intro to Structures: Rocket Science Set
Space Puzzles and Games
Solve a mystery in outer space, journey through the Milky Way, or prevent an alien takeover. There are endless games that let kids save the galaxy and explore the universe.
- 3D solar system puzzles – Build a model of the planets and sun
- Space-themed board games – Race through the planets or battle alien invaders
- Space strategy games – Navigate through asteroid fields and enemy fire.
- Space-themed memory games – Match astronaut helmets, planets, rockets, and more.
These games build STEM knowledge about space and develop strategic thinking.
Educational Space Toys
The best educational space toys mix stellar cosmic fun with key science concepts like astronomy, engineering, and physics. Look for toys that are interactive, hands-on, and support STEM learning.
(Image caption: Osmo Space Awareness Kit teaches STEM concepts)
Some top picks include:
- Osmo Space Awareness Kit – Kids can scan reality cards to explore the surface of the moon, satellites, rocketry
- Snap Circuits Arcade – Build space-themed circuits like a cosmic quasar and mars rover
- National Geographic Mega Space Robot Factory – Assemble a walking, talking robot with
- Learning Resources Jumbo Space Explorers Rocket – Stuff the rocket, blast off, and identify planets
These hands-on educational toys make STEM and space exciting through interactive play.
Must-Have Space Toys for Ages 6-7
Here are 10 of the most beloved space toys for kids ages 6-7 based on reviews and recommendations:
1. Playmobil Mars Space Station
This 157-piece playset provides hours of pretend play on Mars. The set includes two astronaut figures, a Mars rover, research station, and alien soil sample experiments. Kids can recreate the excitement of space travel and living on Mars.
Age Range: 5-10 years
Price: $39.99
2. Melissa & Doug Wooden Solar System Floor Puzzle
This 48-piece wooden puzzle teaches kids the order of the planets while building motor skills. The vibrant colors make assembling the solar system fun. It also doubles as cool galaxy floor decor.
Age Range: 3 years and up
Price: $16.99
3. Smithsonian Anti-Gravity Space Explorer Activity Kit
Budding astronauts can conduct 20 cool experiments that demonstrate the science of space and microgravity. Activities use household items to explore concepts like acceleration, atmosphere, and more.
Age Range: 5 years and up
Price: $24.99
4. National Geographic Break Open 10 Geodes – Space Volcanoes
Crack open these space volcano geodes to uncover 15 different crystal treasures including amethyst, calcite, fool’s gold and more. It sparks cosmic curiosity and teaches earth science.
Age Range: 4 years and up
Price: $16.25
5. Legends of the Universe: Board Game
In this fast-paced family game, players race through the Milky Way Galaxy completing missions and collecting space treasure before black holes destroy their progress. Exciting way to learn about space!
Age Range: 7 years and up
Price: $16.97
6. Playmobil Mars Mission Rocket
Kids will have a blast launching this rocket that includes flashing lights, sound effects, a detachable probe, and Mars landscape playmat. Two astronaut figures add to the pretend play.
Age Range: 4-10 years
Price: $34.99
7. OOLY Space Exploration Color Your Own Window Art Kit
Kids can color and decorate six space-themed cling stickers, then display their space art masterpieces on any window or mirror. Includes rockets, astronauts, aliens, and more sticker templates to color.
Age Range: 3 years and up
Price: $14.99
8. ALEX Toys DIY Wear Space Suit Costume
Children can build and customize their own space suit costume with stickers, patches, and glow-in-the-dark accessories in this convenient carry case set. Perfect for budding astronauts!
Age Range: 5 years and up
Price: $19.99
9. Thames & Kosmos Remote Control Machines Space Explorers Kit
Future engineers will love building their own remote controlled space explorer machine complete with flashing lights. Comes with 190 snap-together parts for easy construction.
Age Range: 6 years and up
Price: $34.95
10. Operation Outer Space Game
Try to remove funny alien ailments in this exciting version of the classic Operation game. It’s a fun way to build hand-eye coordination and learn some space science too.
Age Range: 6 years and up
Price: $19.82
With engaging and educational toys like these, 6 year olds will have a blast exploring the cosmos and developing a lifelong love of science and space!
Choosing the Best Space Toys for Your 6 Year Old
Keep these tips in mind when picking space toys to delight your 6 year old:
- Developmental Stage – Look for toys that align with your child’s emerging skills in areas like motor control, problem-solving, and social play. Toys labeled for ages 6-7 are tailored for this age range.
- Interests – Does your child love building and construction toys? Are they fascinated by planets and asteroids? Choose space toys that relate to their unique passions and interests already.
- Quality – Be sure the toys are durable and well-made from non-toxic materials. They should stand up to active, creative play.
- Safety – For kids under age 8, avoid small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Make sure toys don’t have sharp edges or loose parts.
- Reviews – Check reviews and ratings online to gauge the quality and appeal for kids. Other parents can help identify the most engaging and beloved space toys.
- Price – Space toys range from $10 basic models to $100 elaborate playsets. Set a budget and look for good quality toys that encourage imaginative play and learning.
By carefully selecting toys suited for your child’s age, skill level, and interests, you can fuel their passion for space while supporting healthy development through play.
Final Thoughts on the Best Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
At age 6, kids are ready to blast off into galactic adventures. With the right space toys, their imagination will be unleashed as they explore the mysteries of the cosmos. All while building key developmental skills.
Top benefits of space toys include:
- Fostering interest in STEM
- Promoting problem-solving and critical thinking
- Developing fine motor control and eye-hand coordination
- Encouraging imaginative role play and narrative skills
- Teaching teamwork and cooperation
Rocket ships, astronaut costumes, space-themed puzzles and games, building sets, and interactive educational toys are all excellent options for 6 year olds.
Just be sure to choose toys that are high-quality, safe, and matched with your child’s emerging abilities. With so many wonderful space toys to pick from, your 6 year old is sure embark on many thrilling space missions and develop a lifelong love of science and exploration!
To infinity and beyond!
Additional Resources:
The Best Space Toys for Kids, By Age – More age recommendations from Fatherly
Top Space Toys for Brilliant Little Minds – Award winning space toys from Best Products
25 Out of This World Space Games and Toys – More space toy and game ideas from Good Housekeeping
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the best space-themed building toys for 6 year olds?
Some excellent space-themed building toys include Lego City Mars Research Shuttle, Mega Construx Planet Mars Base, KidKraft Space Shuttle & Launchpad, Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set, and K’NEX Education Intro to Structures: Rocket Science Set. These introduce core STEM concepts like engineering and physics through hands-on construction play.
2. Which space toys best encourage pretend play and imagination?
Toys like astronaut costumes and action figures, rocket ship playsets, space-themed play tents, and model planets and spaceships are great for make-believe. Kids can act out scenes of space travel and life as an astronaut. These toys spark creativity and imaginative role play.
3. What are the best space-themed games for 6 year olds?
Top-rated space games include 3D solar system puzzles, space-themed memory games, cooperative board games like Legends of the Universe, and strategy games where kids navigate through asteroid fields. Games teach strategic thinking while reinforcing space concepts.
4. How do space toys promote STEM learning for 6 year olds?
Building rocket models introduces engineering and physics concepts. Solar system puzzles integrate astronomy learning. Circuit-building toys teach electronics and robotics. These hands-on activities make STEM exciting and accessible through playful space themes kids love.
5. Are space toys educational as well as entertaining?
The best space toys blend fun and learning. Kids may not realize they’re developing skills like critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem solving as they construct glow-in-the-dark model rockets or complete anti-gravity experiments. Educational space toys make learning hands-on and engaging.