Space. The final frontier. This vast expanse beyond our world has fascinated humankind for millennia. For today’s kids, excitement about space often ignites through toys and games themed around rockets, astronauts, planets, stars, and more.
If you have a 12 year old space enthusiast at home, this beginner’s guide will rocket to the rescue. We’ll explore the galaxy of space-themed toys perfect for kids this age. From rocket ships and astronaut action figures to STEM building sets and virtual reality experiences, we have the inside scoop on the most engaging space toys on the market.
Why Space Toys are Important for Kids
Fantastic space toys equip kids with more than just fun. They provide a launchpad for lively imaginations and hands-on learning.
Space toys encourage imagination and creativity. As children construct a Mars research station or join forces with alien friends, they stretch their minds to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. This pretend play strengthens their cognitive skills.
These toys also develop problem-solving abilities and spatial reasoning as kids assemble rockets or create detailed space dioramas. They foster interest in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) principles too.
In short, stellar space toys educate kids and spark a passion for space in the process. Let’s explore some out-of-this-world options!
Space Themed Toys: Adventures Await!
From collectible figures to scientific models, space themed toys send kids’ imaginations into orbit.
Rocket Toys
Rocket toys often rank among the most beloved space playthings. Kids can…
- Construct model rockets that actually launch into the air.
- Design a control panel to guide a toy rocket’s journey.
- Collect miniature rocket ships and astronauts from classic sci-fi.
- Blaze through galaxies in a rocket-powered video game.
Stoke their fascination with rocket-themed toys this year!
Astronaut Toys
Does your 12 year old dream of stepping foot on the Moon or Mars? Astronaut toys let them act out epic space missions.
Kids might…
- Dress up as astronauts with official-looking NASA costumes.
- Play with articulated astronaut action figures, often paired with miniature space shuttles.
- Talk to plush astronaut dolls as if recording space mission logs.
- Learn about real-life astronauts through biographies and educational toys.
Space Shuttle Toys
The space shuttle launches kids’ imaginations as they re-enact famous missions. They may…
- Construct a space shuttle model kit complete with booster rockets.
- Zoom a toy space plane to a “Moon Base” playset on an epic rescue mission.
- Display space shuttle replicas from past NASA missions, like the Endeavour or Discovery.
- Watch videos included with a space shuttle toy to learn more about real shuttle launches.
With a space shuttle toy, the countdown to fun has begun!<div style=”text-align:center”><img src=”https://example.com/space-shuttle-toy.jpg” alt=”Photo of a space shuttle toy for kids”/></div>
Space shuttle toys let kids act out NASA missions and space travel adventures.
Additional Space Themed Toys
Beyond rockets and shuttles, space backdrops captivate kids in many toys:
- Space exploration playsets – These immersive playsets feature planets, asteroids, alien landscapes and more for endless adventures. Popular sets include a Mars research station, Moonbase, or Space Station.
- Spacecraft toys – Kids pilot starships and crew futuristic rockets for interstellar missions. LEGO® sets with spaceships inspire kids to construct their own cosmic vehicles.
- Space station toys – Giant connectable modules let kids build their own International Space Station. Playmobil’s detailed space station playset includes two astronauts, authentic accessories, and educational materials.
- Planetary toys – Ball-shaped planetary models accurately portray the relative size of each planet and details like ring systems. Glow-in-the-dark versions create an impressive solar system ceiling display.
- Galaxy toys – Kids gaze at colorful images of sparkling galaxies and nebulae under a cosmic projector light. Glow-in-the-dark galaxy decals applied to walls and ceilings surround kids in starry skies.
Themed toys like these reinforce kids’ knowledge of space and allow them to conceptualize our fascinating celestial surroundings.
Educational Space Toys
Beyond sparking smiles, many space toys sneak in stellar learning opportunities. These picks educate and entertain:
- STEM toys – Space-themed magnet and chemistry sets, motorized model kits, and engineering projects teach STEM principles through hands-on fun.
- Planetarium toys – Compact planetariums project glowing constellations onto walls and ceilings. Kids learn to identify stars and patterns in the night sky.
- Telescopes – Affordable beginner telescopes enhance stargazing for budding astronomers. Powerful models provide close-up views of planetary details like the Moon’s craters and Jupiter’s cloud bands.
- VR experiences – With a smartphone and VR headset, kids can tour virtual planets and space stations or experience a rocket launch first-hand. It’s space immersion at home!
Merge playtime with stellar learning using educational space toys.
Fun Space Accessories for Kids
Accessories themed around space exploration add galactic flair to everyday activities.
Space Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
Kids head to school in style with space-themed backpacks and lunchboxes:
- Backpacks resembling rocket ships, astronauts and glittering galaxies
- Lunchboxes featuring planets or characters from space-themed shows
- Water bottles wrapped in images of astronauts, aliens or rocket ships
Space Exploration Sleep Gear
At bedtime, space-loving kids cozy up with:
- Hooded towels in nebula, planet, or rocket ship designs
- Sleeping bags printed with spaceships, stars, and constellation maps
- Light-up alarm clocks embedded in rocket ships or planet shapes
- Pillowcases decorated with aliens, astronauts, or spaceships
Space Wearables
Wristwatches, jewelry, and clothes with space themes add interstellar flair:
- Watches set in plastic replica spaceships or etched with rocket designs
- Pendants made from meteorite fragments collected from around the world
- Bracelets featuring dangling silver rockets or charms shaped like aliens and UFOs
- Space-themed t-shirts, shoes, hats, and sunglasses for casual astronaut attire
Benefits of Space Toys
Alongside tons of fun, space toys provide wonderful benefits that parents will love:
- Encourage imagination – Designing a Mars colony or directing a fleet of starships sparks creativity.
- Develop problem-solving skills – Assembling model kits or constructing detailed LEGO spaceships takes spatial reasoning and sharp thinking.
- Enhance STEM interest – Space toys filled with real science cultivate a passion for STEM fields. Kids learn as they play.
- Foster love of space – Toys awakened curiosity about outer space and our amazing universe. Kids gain knowledge about planets, stars, spaceflight principles, and more.
With the right toys, kids rocket toward a bright future while playing among the stars!
Choosing the Best Space Toys by Age
With so many space toys available, which ones best match your 12 year old’s interests and abilities? Here are factors to consider:
Developmental Stage
Around age 12, kids become more logical thinkers and gravitate toward complex building toys and interest-driven activities. Space toys with real scientific basis appeal to their analytical minds.
Individual Interests
Does your kid crave action and adventure or lean toward tactical games? Are they budding Pluto experts hungry for space facts? Match toys to their unique personality.
Age Ratings
Check labels indicating the recommended age range for a toy’s safety and skill level. A 12 year old will fare better with a toy rated for ages 10 and up rather than one meant for much younger kids.
Toy Reviews
Other buyers’ reviews reveal how enjoyable and durable a toy is. Browse parent comments on Amazon or specialty toy sites to learn if a product lives up to its stellar marketing.
Matching a toy’s features and challenges to your 12 year old’s developmental stage and interests ensures playtime success!
Top Picks: Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
Now let’s check out prime space toy picks for 12 year old kids.
Rocket Toys
Stoke their love of rockets with these stellar toys for under $50.<div class=”table-responsive”>
| Toy | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Estes Mini Mars Explorer Rocket | Kids conduct multiple launch sequences with this 23-piece STEM toy with app control, lighting, and sound. | $21.99 |
| OWI One NASA Rocket Launch Set | Construct a foldable space shuttle with a mini Mars rover and 265 building pieces. | $46.95 |
| LEGO City Mars Research Shuttle | Construct a foldable space shuttle with mini Mars rover and 265 building pieces. | $29.99 |
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Astronaut Toys
Blast off with these out-of-this-world astronaut toys.<div class=”table-responsive”>
| Toy | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LEGO City Mars Research Shuttle | Construct a foldable space shuttle with mini Mars rover and 265 building pieces. | $29.99 |
| Playmobil Mars Space Station | Detailed playset includes a research station, rover, astronauts, alien figures, and more for imaginative play. | $129.99 |
| National Geographic Mega Space Exploration Set | This STEM kit allows kids to complete 10 space science experiments and activities. | $29.99 |
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Educational Space Toys
Learning soars with these STEM-enhancing space toys under $75.<div class=”table-responsive”>
| Toy | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 | Kids follow diagrams to build 101 electronics projects like an AM radio, burglar alarm, and more. Space-themed components add flair. | $23.99 |
| Celestron PowerSeeker Telescope | This portable beginner telescope adjusts for land or sky viewing. Kids can explore craters, nebulae and other celestial objects from home. | $59.95 |
| littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit | Kids ages 8+ create and customize a motorized R2-D2 droid model with sound effects using the 30+ components. STEM learning takes flight with the companion app’s engaging challenges. | $99.95 |
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With any of these stellar picks, your 12 year old is sure to enjoy many happy hours of galactic adventure!
Where to Buy Space Toys
Browse popular stores for space toy deals:
- Online – Amazon, eBay, Etsy shops, specialty toy sites
- Department stores – Walmart, Target, Kohl’s
- Toy stores – Toys R Us, FAO Schwarz
- Science stores – Shop National Geographic
Check museum gift shops, like those at NASA’s Space Centers, for unique educational finds. For used bargains, browse consignment shops or Facebook Marketplace for model kits or telescopes priced to sell.
With an array of retailers carrying space-themed toys, you’re sure to find the perfect pick for your budding astronaut!
To Infinity and Beyond!
Feed your 12 year old’s fascination with outer space this year. Exciting rockets, rovers, playsets and more await their exploration!
Space toys do more than provide fun. They nurture imaginative thinking, problem-solving skills, and an interest in STEM and astronomy. Assembling interstellar LEGO sets, viewing celestial bodies through a telescope, or programming a Mars rover’s journey teaches real-world concepts that will propel them to future success.
This beginner’s guide illuminated top space toy recommendations across all budget ranges. Remember to consider developmental stage, individual personality and interests, age ratings and parent reviews to choose the best fit.
The cosmos opens wide for kids ready to play among the stars. With an outstanding space toy, their imagination will know no bounds! Let the galactic adventures begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of space toys do 12 year olds enjoy?
Twelve year olds often enjoy more complex, buildable space toys like model rocket kits, LEGO® space shuttles and stations, astronomy telescopes, and STEM robotics kits with space themes. Their interests expand beyond pretend play to hands-on toys grounded in real space science and technology.
What are the benefits of playing with space-themed toys?
Great space toys provide endless imaginative play while also nurturing skills like creativity, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and interest in science and engineering. Kids learn about real principles of spaceflight, astronomy, and technology while having fun.
How do I choose an age-appropriate space toy for my 12 year old?
Consider the toy’s recommended age rating and skill level involved. Look for toys designed for ages 10 and up, like complex model kits. Also, match the toy to your child’s unique interests in types of space play. Reviews by parents can provide insight into which toys best match a 12 year old’s abilities.
Which educational space toys best promote STEM learning?
STEM space toys like robotics kits, programming sets, motorized models, and electronics projects make learning interactive. Telescopes, planetarium toys, and VR experiences also teach kids about astronomical concepts. Look for toys marked as STEM-promoting or educational for great smart play picks.
What space-themed accessories do kids enjoy?
Fun space accessories like backpacks, water bottles, watches, jewelry, clothes and sleep gear allow kids to show their love of space exploration in their daily lives. Look for accessories emblazoned with images of astronauts, planets, rockets, and more space themes.