Space. The final frontier. Since the beginning of human imagination, space has captivated kids and adults alike. 10 year old boys are no exception. Space toys allow them to explore the galaxies, imagine epic space battles, and conduct hands-on science experiments – all from their bedroom.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the exciting world of space toys for 10 year old boys. You’ll discover the benefits of space toys, the top types to consider, and reviews of our picks for the 10 best space toys on the market. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the right space toys and give ideas for DIY astronaut fun.
Blast off into our guide to discover the most stellar space toys that will launch your 10 year old’s imagination into orbit!
Why Space Toys are Great for 10 Year Old Boys
Space toys provide a galaxy of benefits for 10 year old boys. Here are some of the top reasons why space toys are out of this world:
Promote STEM Learning
Toys like science kits, telescopes, and robots introduce STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and math) in a hands-on, engaging way. As your 10 year old creates spacecraft models or views planets through a telescope, he’ll pick up knowledge about space, physics, engineering, and more.
Spark Imagination and Creativity
The infinite possibilities of outer space allow your child’s creativity to soar. Open-ended building toys, like LEGO sets and K’Nex, encourage innovative thinking as he constructs his own spaceships and bases. Novelty space toys also unlock make-believe play.
Foster Critical Thinking
Space toys get those brain gears turning. Puzzles, strategy games, and building kits strengthen critical thinking abilities. As your 10 year old completes missions, solves problems, and experiments, he’ll sharpen his analytic skills.
Provide Educational Fun
Learning about space happens naturally through play. Your child will pick up fascinating facts about the Solar System, astronomy, and space travel as he interacts with engaging, educational toys. He won’t even realize he’s gaining knowledge as he’s having a blast!
With all these stellar benefits, it’s easy to see why space toys are a great idea for 10 year old boys. Let’s explore some of the top types of space toys available.
5 Types of Space Toys for 10 Year Olds
1. Educational STEM Toys
Toys that focus on STEM education incorporate science, technology, engineering, or math concepts. Popular types include:
- Science kits – Perform experiments like building rockets or crystal growing kits.
- Telescopes – Gaze at the moon, stars, and planets.
- Planetarium projectors – Project images of constellations onto walls and ceilings.
- Astronomy books/guides – Learn about the Universe through pictures, facts, and figures.
2. Building & Construction Toys
Exercising their construction skills lets kids create the spacecraft of their dreams. Best options include:
- Spaceship/rocket models – Assemble replicas of the Apollo 11, space shuttles, or sci-fi vehicles.
- LEGO sets – Choose from dozens of space-themed sets, like a Mars rover or shuttle launch.
- Robot kits – Build programmable bots then watch them roll into action.
3. Interactive & Tech Toys
Toys powered by tech let kids go hands-on with playtime. Top picks are:
- Remote control toys – Pilot a rover across planetary landscapes.
- Virtual reality headsets – Experience space travel through immersive VR games and videos.
- Video games – Go on quests throughout the galaxy to save alien civilizations.
4. Action Figures & Playsets
Recreate epic space battles or take imaginary trips through the solar system with:
- Action figures – Play out adventures with posable astronauts or aliens.
- Playsets – Combine figures with spaceship models, like the iconic Millennium Falcon.
5. Arts & Crafts
Get creative by making DIY spaceships, aliens, and planets with:
- Space-themed craft kits – Decorate rocket ships or astronaut helmets with stickers, jewels, markers.
- Modeling clay – Sculpt imaginary extraterrestrial creatures.
- Paints, cardboard, misc. craft supplies – Construct a Mars colony from household items.
Now that you’re familiar with the 5 main types of stellar space toys, let’s count down the top 10 space toys for 10 year old boys in 2023.
In-Depth Reviews of the Top 10 Space Toys
1. LEGO City Mars Research Shuttle
The new LEGO City Mars Research Shuttle lets your aspiring astronaut construct their very own mission to Mars. This 837 piece set includes a shuttle, rover, 2 astronaut minifigures and more.
Once built, the shuttle boasts moving parts like folding wings and wheels that pivot for pretend play. The detailed rover detaches to roll across Mars’ rocky terrain. For display, the set includes a pyramid style Mars research base.
With so many customizable pieces, this LEGO set sparks creativity and imagination in kids. As they construct the models, they’ll strengthen STEM skills like spatial reasoning, design thinking, and engineering principles.
This set is best for mature 10 year olds, as there are lots of detailed pieces to assemble. With the engaging Mars theme, it provides hours of educational playtime.
Age: 10+ years Pieces: 837 Price: $99.99
2. Snap Circuits Arcade
Blast off into early STEM learning with the Snap Circuits Arcade kit. Kids can build their own working arcade games like pinball or ping pong using over 75 electrical components.
These components snap together easily on plastic grids, allowing kids to construct different circuits without soldering. They’ll learn about electrical engineering concepts like parallel vs. series circuits, transistors, capacitors, and relays.
The kit includes detailed illustrations for over 200 projects. Besides arcade games, kids can build alarm circuits, door bells, and more. For added fun, the components are housed in a blast-off box decorated like an old school arcade game.
With screen-free, hands-on learning, this kit sparks an early interest in STEM while keeping kids engaged for hours. It’s our top pick for educational space toys.
Age: 8+ years Pieces: 79 Price: $64.95
3. COBI Small Space Shuttle
Houston, we have a model space shuttle ready for takeoff! With COBI’s Small Space Shuttle, your astronaut-in-training can build their own exploration-ready shuttle.
The kit contains virtually foolproof block pieces that easily snap together into a detailed replica. The finished model measures 15” long and has realistic features like retractable landing gear, cargo bay doors, satellite arm, and tilting engines.
Building the space shuttle model fosters fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. For added pretend play, the set comes with a COBI astronaut micro-figure. Quality and durability is top-notch, as the blocks are made from durable ABS plastic.
With its recognizable NASA shuttle design, this educational model provides screen-free fun and skills for years. It’s our top pick for a building toy.
Age: 10+ years Pieces: 322 Price: $59.99
4. National Geographic Mega Space Rocket
Blast off into epic space adventures with this incredible rocket set from National Geographic. Budding astronauts will have a blast building and playing with this 2-foot tall rocket.
The snap-together rocket craft is easy enough for kids to assemble independently. It includes realistic astronaut figures, satellite cone, and cargo compartment. The set also comes with a display launch pad that lights up and provides sound effects.
Kids can practice fine motor skills and engineering concepts as they put all 75+ pieces together. Once built, there’s endless pretend play potential. Young astronauts can recreate a full mission from pre-launch to lunar landing and re-entry.
For STEM learning combined with lots of space-themed enjoyment, this rocket delivers. It’s Amazon’s #1 best-seller in astronaut toys.
Age: 5+ years Pieces: 75 Price: $34.99
5. Osmo Genius Kit for iPad
The Osmo Genius Kit brings beloved iPad time to life with its interactive, educational games. Using revolutionary reflector technology, Osmo games blend digital and hands-on play.
This kit comes with 5 games covering a range of STEM skills. Kids can play physics games with Newton, solve creative problems with Masterpiece, and learn coding with Coding Jam. There’s also math, spelling, and problem-solving games.
The space-themed Numbers game has kids complete over 400 levels to help alien creatures return home. We also recommend Osmo’s outer space adventures Add-On pack for just $24.99.
Parents love Osmo for getting kids off screens while still engaging with educational technology. It sparks curiosity and makes learning interactive.
Age: 6-10 years
Games: 5 included (20+ available) Price: $99.99
6. Snap Circuits Green Energy Exploration Kit
Another winning STEM toy from Snap Circuits, this kit allows kids to explore renewable energy concepts. Budding electrical engineers will have fun building working models of inventions like a windmill or electric car.
The kit teaches kids about environmental energy sources like solar, hydrogen, and wind power. Building different circuits and devices demonstrates how energy is harnessed from these sources. Kids also learn how electricity and circuits work.
Like all Snap Circuits sets, the components are easy to snap together. The kit includes color-coded, real circuit board components like LED lights, battery, and motor. Kids can follow the detailed manual to build over 175 projects.
With its perfect mix of tinkering fun and green energy lessons, this kit is ideal for the science-loving space explorer.
Age: 8+ years Pieces: 75 Price: $84.95
7. LEGO International Space Station
One of the most coveted LEGO Ideas sets, this International Space Station model is an epic 864-piece build. Following detailed instructions, kids construct a realistic replica of the famous ISS.
True to the real space station, this LEGO version includes intricate details like posable solar panels, a movable robotic arm, and two rotating joints. It comes with a mini space shuttle, cargo spacecraft, and 3 astronaut LEGO figures.
The complex build keeps kids engaged for hours while developing spatial reasoning and engineering skills. Displayed in a bedroom or playroom, this set sparks conversations about real-world space exploration.
For the LEGO lover who dreams of space travel, this set delivers hours of educational, screen-free enjoyment.
Age: 12+ years Pieces: 864 Price: $69.99
8. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
This award-winning science kit from Scientific Explorer is packed with 20 hands-on experiments to excite budding astronauts. They’ll make “space worms” dance, build a sunset in a test tube, and make a color-changing volcano.
All the materials are included, like test tubes, baking soda, citric acid, and paper rockets. The experiment guide features pictures and easy to follow instructions perfect for young scientists. Kids can work independently or alongside adults.
With plenty of wow-factor eruptions, explosions, and color changes, this STEM toy is sure to impress. Kids will be learning principles of chemistry, physics, and more without even realizing it.
Age: 6+ years Experiments: 20 Price: $24.99
9. Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game
The Bloxels game design kit lets kids build and play their very own video game creations. Using a hands-on workspace and mobile app, they can craft space adventures spanning hundreds of levels.
Kids lay out game boards and sprites using physical pixel blocks. These creations instantly get digitized into the Bloxels app with the snap of a picture. In the app, kids can add features like sound effects, actions, and scoring.
Once built, kids can play their space saga game just like a retro arcade game. The kit includes story prompt cards for inspiration, though the possibilities are endless.
Bloxels provides awesome STEAM learning as kids design functional games from the ground up. Their space creations will provide screen time they can be proud of.
Age: 8-12 years Pieces: Over 150
Price: $24.99
10. Playmobil Mars Space Station
Playmobil’s Mars Space Station playset provides imaginative play for the sci-fi loving kid. This 266 piece set includes 2 astronaut figures, robot, rover, and life on Mars accessories.
Kids start by assembling a research station complete with helipad, control room, living quarters, greenhouse, and Mars rover. Lights and sounds make the station feel like the real deal.
Then kids can roleplay life as a Mars explorer alongside the posable astronaut figurines. Send them mining for crystals in the excavation crater or exploring the planet’s surface in the rover.
With many possibilities for open-ended play, this set sparks storytelling and STEM learning. It provides interactive, screen-free fun for kids who love imagining life in space.
Age: 7-12 years Pieces: 266 Price: $59.99
And that rounds out our top recommendations for stellar space toys that 10 year old boys will love. Keep reading for additional buying considerations when picking space toys.
5 Key Factors When Choosing Space Toys
Here are the top factors to keep in mind when selecting space toys for your 10 year old:
Age Appropriateness
Carefully check the manufacturer’s age recommendations for any set you’re considering. LEGO sets meant for older kids often have tiny pieces unsuitable for 10 year olds. Building kits with small components require supervision.
Educational Value
Seek out toys that teach STEM principles, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. The best educational toys don’t feel like learning! Kids gain knowledge while having fun.
Durability & Quality
Space toys meant for hard play need to last! Prioritize high-quality toys from trusted brands. Models and kits made from sturdy plastic or wood hold up much better than flimsy sets.
Safety Features
Especially for chemistry, robotics, or electronics kits, check they include child-safe materials. Things like launchers or propelled rockets should have covered firing zones.
Price
Space toys span a wide range of prices. Set a reasonable budget for birthdays or holidays considering what you feel comfortable spending per toy. Higher prices do not always mean better quality.
Where to Buy Top Space Toys
The best selection of space toys for 10 year old boys can be found at these retailers:
- Amazon: World’s largest selection of space toys at various prices
- Target: Wide toy selection with educational kits and LEGO sets
- Walmart: Affordable space-themed building sets, action figures, games
- Learning Express: Specialty STEM and educational toys
- Fat Brain Toys: Unique STEM toys not
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of space toys for 10 year old boys?
Space toys provide many benefits for 10 year old boys. They promote STEM learning through hands-on science kits and engineering toys. Building sets boost creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. Interactive space toys also encourage critical thinking skills. Overall, space toys make learning about topics like astronomy, physics, and technology fun through educational play.
What types of space toys do 10 year old boys enjoy?
10 year old boys tend to enjoy space toys that involve building, interactive play, and learning. Top types include LEGO sets, robot kits, science kits, telescopes, virtual reality headsets, remote control toys, and action figures. Open-ended building toys like LEGO sets allow them to construct spaceships, bases, and more. Interactive toys like VR goggles immerse them in space adventures. All these toys engage their curiosity about space.
What are good space toys for a 10 year old boy’s birthday?
Great space toy gift ideas for a 10 year old boy’s birthday include building kits like LEGO City Mars sets or Snap Circuits kits to build arcade games. For STEM learning, science experiment kits make exciting gifts. Gaming gadgets like Osmo Genius kits with space-themed iPad learning are also hot birthday gifts. Toy spaceship models or a National Geographic Space Rocket also make stellar birthday gifts.
What space toys encourage STEM learning?
Look for space toys marked STEM or STEAM to promote science, technology, engineering and math skills. Robot kits, programming games, and science experiment kits are top educational picks. Building sets like LEGO teach engineering, spatial reasoning, and design skills. Telescopes, planetarium projectors, and astronomy guides introduce space science. These hands-on educational space toys make STEM concepts fun.
Are space toys suitable gifts for 10 year old girls too?
Absolutely! Many space toys like science kits, robotics, and ** interactive toys** are fantastic for girls and boys alike. Building sets from brands like LEGO now feature more female astronaut figures, promoting inclusivity. Open-ended toys that involve creation, construction, and imagination appeal to all genders. Focus on finding space toys that align with her interests rather than limiting options by gender.