Space. The final frontier. This vast expanse beyond our world holds endless fascination and imagination for kids. As a parent, you can spark your 4 year old’s interest in space with fun, educational DIY space toys you can make together.
These homemade space toys will not only fire up their imagination but also teach them science concepts, improve their fine motor skills, and provide hours of creative, screen-free play. From edible planets to constellation light boxes, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions to make over 15 stellar space toys your little astronaut will love.
Benefits of DIY Space Toys
- Promote curiosity and imagination
- Teach basic science concepts like the solar system, stars, planets, and more
- Improve fine motor skills through hands-on activities
- Provide open-ended, creative play
- Make screen-free toys kids will really enjoy
- Strengthen parent-child bonding by making toys together
- Customizable to your child’s unique interests
- Cost-effective compared to store-bought toys
With some simple materials and creativity, you can make space toys that will send your child’s imagination into orbit!
Preschool Space Toys
Preschool years from ages 3-5 are an optimal time for introducing space concepts. Kids this age are curious about the world around them and eager to learn. The best preschool space toys are multisensory, hands-on, and interactive.
Interactive Space Toys
Toys that respond to your child’s actions teach cause-and-effect and keep them engaged.
- Blast-off rocket – Let your kid launch a homemade stomp rocket over and over. See below for how to make it.
- Mission control panel – Make a control panel from a cardboard box with fun buttons, switches, and knobs. Record space sounds on a device for them to play.
- Moon sand – Mix 8 cups flour and 1 cup baby oil to create moldable, sensory “moon sand”. Bury spaceships and craters.
Sensory Space Toys
Incorporating tactile elements into space play promotes sensory learning.
- Moon dough – Mix 8 cups flour, 1 cup oil, 2 cups cornstarch, and food coloring for colorful, moldable dough.
- Galaxy bags – Fill sealable bags with hair gel and glitter to create colorful galaxy and nebula scenes.
- Edible solar system – Have kids help make planet cookies, star fruit skewers, and rocket popsicles.
Edible Science Lessons
Cooking up a solar system is delicious science!
- Cookies shaped like planets
- Cantaloupe “Mars rocks”
- Starfruit kabobs as asteroids
- Yogurt dip “craters”
- Homemade popsicles with rocketship molds
Cooking engages all five senses and teaches science through edible crafts.
Space Activities For Young Kids
Beyond just toys, a range of space activities can foster your 4 year old’s curiosity and skills.
Crafts
Get creative with stellar space crafts.
- Paper plate rockets – Turn a paper plate into a rocket with construction paper fins and a cone nose. Decorate as desired.
- Toilet paper tube astronauts – Make an astronaut figure by decorating a toilet paper tube with construction paper arms, legs, and helmet.
- Tinfoil spaceships – Mold fun foil spaceships, aliens, and planets. Strengthens fine motor skills.
Science Experiments
Hands-on experiments demonstrate science concepts on a kid’s level.
- Erupting moon – Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 tbsp baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap into a paper mache moon. Watch it erupt! Teaches reactions.
- Astronaut ice cream – Mix powdered milk, vanilla, and sugar then whip until stiff peaks form. Teaches states of matter.
- Balloon rocket – Blow up a balloon and tape a straw to it. Release the balloon and watch the rocket straw fly! Teaches Newton’s laws.
Developing Fine Motor Skills
Space crafts that refine finger dexterity prepare kids for writing.
- _Connect the dots_ – Create dot-to-dot planet drawings.
- Clothes pin astronauts – Have kids clip clothes pins to construct an astronaut figure.
- Lacing cards – Make cards with punched holes to lace yarn, and pipe cleaners into rocket ships and the moon.
Solar System Models
A DIY solar system model gets kids excited to explore space and see how the planets and other components relate to each other.
Puzzle Planets
Wooden or cardboard puzzles are great for small hands to manipulate and assemble our celestial neighborhood.
- 3D wooden puzzle – Sturdy, painted wooden planet puzzles with pegs are easy for kids to put together.
- Jigsaw puzzle – Look for a 100+ piece jigsaw puzzle with an engaging space scene. Help assemble together.
- Magnetic puzzle – Self-correcting magnetic puzzles make it fun to learn planet names and order.
Illuminated Models
Models that light up make for an immersive solar system play.
- Projector planetarium – Turn a blank wall into a planetarium by projecting 360 videos of space from a tablet or phone.
- Glow-in-the-dark mobile – Use glow-in-the-dark craft paint and string to make a DIY mobile of the planets.
- Flashlight constellations – Poke holes in black paper plates to make constellation shapes. Place over a flashlight to project constellations in a dark room.
Tactile Models
Textured, manipulative models engage kids’ sense of touch along with sight.
- Sewn stuffed planets – Sew soft stuffed planets out of felt using pillow forms. Decorate with embroidered details.
- Papier mache planets – Make sculptural planets out of papier mache over balloons. Paint with acrylics to mimic real planet surfaces.
- Textured foam balls – Glue or sew different textured fabrics like sandpaper or sequins onto foam balls to create tactile planets.
Inspiring Constellation Toys
The mysterious star patterns in the night sky fascinate young stargazers. Constellation toys illuminate these celestial connections.
Puzzles
Like solar system puzzles, constellation puzzles reinforce learning through hands-on play.
- Foam puzzles – Press-out foam puzzles with constellation shapes are easy for preschoolers to handle.
- Glow puzzles – Plastic constellation puzzle pieces glow when placed correctly on the board.
- Felt board stories – Tell stories with felt constellation pieces on black flannel boards.
Light Up Toys
Illuminated constellation toys make the star pictures come to life.
- Constellation projector – Plug in a rotating night sky projector to cast constellations on bedroom walls and ceilings.
- Glow dome – Inflate a glow-in-the-dark star dome tent. Crawl inside this portable planetarium.
- Fiber optic lamp – Add mini fiber optic cables to a lamp base to simulate a starry sky.
Interactive Exploration
Toys that react to input engage kids in active learning.
- Magic wand – Wave this interactive wand at constellation book pages to hear each constellation’s names and mythology.
- Augmented reality mobile – Download apps like SkyView Lite to point your phone at the real night sky and see overlaying constellations.
- Talking telescope – A kid’s telescope with audio identifies constellations when pointed upward.
Planets and Stars Toys
These stellar toys teach kids about the individual components that make up our amazing universe.
Telescopes
Foster their inner astronomer with kid-friendly telescopes designed for day and night viewing.
- Day telescopes – Refractor telescopes with filters allow safe solar viewing.
- Reflector telescopes – Large, cheap reflector telescopes work well for nighttime deep space viewing.
- Smartphone telescopes – Clip-on lenses convert phones into telescopes for budget-friendly astronomy.
NASA Toys
Let your future astronaut play with real NASA gear.
- NASA rocket costume – Kids can dress up just like real astronauts with a NASA spacesuit costume set.
- LEGO space shuttle – This 924-piece NASA Space Shuttle kit offers an intricate, educational build.
- Astronaut ice cream – Try freeze-dried Neapolitan ice cream like real astronauts eat in space.
Space Themed Toys
Toys modeled after the planets and stars spark kids’ imaginations.
- Mini planets set – Collectible miniature sculpted planets with facts are great for imaginary play.
- Glow in the dark stars – Stick these adhesive stars and planets to bedroom walls and ceilings to get kids thinking about space as they fall asleep.
- Solar system bath toys – Combine bath time with space play using floating squirt rocket ships and planets.
Nebula and Galaxy Toys
Fuel wonder by introducing kids to the amazing stellar phenomena found throughout our universe.
Space Shuttle Sets
Kids can pretend to be astronauts exploring the cosmos with buildable space shuttles.
- Snap together space shuttle – Colorful plastic shuttle playset for quick and easy assembly.
- Space shuttle LEGO set – More advanced LEGO space shuttle kits with light up engines and cargo bay doors.
Creative Playsets
Toys that spur imaginary space adventures help develop creative thinking.
- Magnetic magnetic solar system – Magna-Tiles clear magnetic shapes inspire kids to build spaceships, bases, alien structures.
- Race track play carpet – Roll toy spaceships on race track-themed carpets full of curves, and intersections for improvised play.
Galaxy Building Toys
These toys use marbles, kinetic sand, and more to showcase the beauty and science of our galaxy.
- Marble run galaxy model – Marble spiral runway mimics the arms of a spiral galaxy.
- Kinetic sand galaxy tray – Fidget with hypnotic kinetic sand pressed into a molded galaxy tray.
- Terrarium nebula – Layer glitter, confetti, beads, water, and oil in a jar to create a mesmerizing “nebula.”
Developing Young Minds with STEM Space Toys
The most engaging space toys build science, technology, engineering, and math skills through play.
Building Toys
Toys that let kids construct space objects boost spatial, engineering, and problem-solving skills.
- Snap circuits light kit – Build light up models like a Mars rover with this STEM electronics kit.
- Robot model kits – Assemble cool planetary rover models with working treads and light up eyes.
- Architecture lunar base – Flex creative engineering muscles constructing a Lego lunar base.
Science Exploration Toys
These toys let kids dig into science concepts through interactive play.
- Junior microscope – Investigate “moon rocks” and other space samples up close.
- Planet volcano science kit – Erupt “planets” with this colorful volcano chemistry set.
- Astronaut lab kit – Budding astronomers can conduct 20 cool science experiments in this kit.
Tech and Coding Toys
Smart toys introduce kids to early programming and tech concepts.
- Botley coding robot – Use coding cards to direct Botley to the robot.
- Night sky projection kit – Kids code a Raspberry Pi computer to project customized constellations.
- OSMO coding jam – Draw puzzles with pens and iPad to control on-screen astronauts.
Best Educational Space Toys for Young Learners
Beyond STEM skills, space toys present fun opportunities to develop language, social, and other abilities.
Language Development Toys
Toys that get kids communicating bolster early language proficiency.
- Walkie-talkies – Toy walkie-talkies let kids role play space travel communication.
- Books – Read space themed books together and ask questions to build vocabulary.
- Space bingo – Call out space terms on DIY bingo cards to reinforce new words.
Social Skills Toys
Interactive toys that require sharing and teamwork cultivate social skills.
- Astronaut dress up clothes – Dressing up together builds bonding and cooperation.
- Moon ball – Toss or kick a moon-textured ball back and forth to practice taking turns.
- Cooperative board games – Race other players to complete missions in cooperative space-themed board games.
Fine Motor Development
Space toys that use small muscles boost dexterity needed for tasks like writing.
- Lacing space cards – Lace yarn, pipe cleaner shapes through punched out spaceship cards.
- Space scene etch-a-sketch – Moving the knobs to draw rockets, aliens, planets refines fine motor control.
- Moon putty – Mold and shape squishy, sensory putty to improve finger muscles.
Best Gifts for Budding Astronauts
Surprise your stellar kid with space toys they are sure love to find under the tree or at their birthday party.
Stomp Rockets
Kids go crazy for these reuseable rockets that blast off with a stomp of their foot on the launch pad.
- Original stomp rocket – This 12″ classic stomp rocket can reach up to 100 feet. [$14.99]
- Triple launcher – Launch 3 rockets in quick succession with this high flying set. [$26.99]
- Ultra stomp rocket – Massive 20″ rocket that soars up to 200 feet. [$24.99]
Buildable Space Shuttle Sets
Put their STEM skills to work constructing a space shuttle, rocket, or space station model.
- Snap together space shuttle – 146 piece plastic shuttle kids can assemble in under 10 minutes. [$18.97]
- NASA Mars research shuttle – Intricate 354 piece buildable space research shuttle and trucks. [$49.99]
- International Space Station kit – 864 piece ISS model with intricate interior details. [$69.99]
Programmable Robot Rovers
These smart remote control robots teach programming skills.
- MOOZ robo explorer – Rover kids can code using remote buttons and loops. [$59.95]
- UBTECH Mars rover – Program this cool robotic rover with coding blocks on a tablet. [$199.99]
- SPACE rover coder – Easy intro to coding by programming directional codes into this cute rover bot. [$64.95]
DIY Space Toys Kids Can Make Themselves
Making their own stellar space toys boosts kids’ creativity and sense of accomplishment.
Homemade Rockets
Blast off homemade rockets powered by film canisters, water, or air pressure.
- Alka seltzer film canister rockets – Fizzy powered mini rockets.
- Water powered bike pump rockets – Pump rockets across the room.
- Balloon stomp rockets – Stomp on a balloon to propel a straw rocket.
Outer Space Art
Get creative making stellar art together.
- Crayon planet resist art – Outline planets with crayon then watercolor over for cool effects.
- Paper plate astronaut – Make adorable astronauts out of paper plates.
- Outer space mural – Paint a space themed mural with planets, rockets, and aliens.
Glow in the Dark Projects
Make night lights from glow paint, stickers, and more.
- Glow in the dark constellations – Use glow stars and string to make constellation shapes.
- Glowing alien slime – Mix glow powder into DIY slime.
- Night light jars – Decorate jars with glow paint, glitter, and figures.
Tips for Making Safe DIY Space Toys
While making epic DIY space toys, keep safety top of mind with these tips:
- Use non-toxic materials – Opt for water-based paint, glue, glow materials rated non-toxic. Avoid lead-based paints.
- Supervise closely – Directly supervise kids during construction. Offer help cutting or handling hot glue guns.
- Consider ages – Make sure projects are age appropriate. Steer clear of small parts with preschoolers.
- Blunt tips – Cover sharp ends of materials like popsicle sticks with tape to prevent poking injuries.
- Test projects – Double check moving parts work safely before turning projects over to kids.
- Store harmful materials – Keep any chemicals, small items locked away and out of reach when not using.
With the right precautions, you can make amazing DIY space toys kids will treasure.
Blast Off into Outer Space Fun
Creating DIY space toys lights kids’ imaginations and teaches important skills. Try projects across STEM, language, motor skills, and social areas to promote comprehensive development. Tailor toys to your child’s unique interests for toys they will actually play with.
Bond with your little astronaut making rocket ships, galaxy dough, and constellation puzzles. Let their creativity soar by designing their own DIY space projects. This hands-on play will send their developing mind into orbit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun DIY space toys I can make for my 4 year old?
Some great DIY space toy projects include stomp rockets, paper plate astronauts, galaxy slime, constellation light boxes, solar system mobiles, spaceship models made from cardboard boxes, and astronaut dress up clothes. Get creative and make space toys tailored to your child’s interests!
What kinds of materials work best for DIY preschool space toys?
Opt for materials that are safe, easy to handle, and tactile for preschool aged kids. Good options include playdough, paper, cardboard, fabric, pom poms, googly eyes, sequins, pipe cleaners, wooden craft sticks, and recyclables like cereal boxes.
How can I use space activities to teach my 4 year old science concepts?
Hands-on space activities like baking constellation cookies, sensory moon sand play, erupting volcanoes, and stomp rocket launches teach cause-and-effect, astronomy, states of matter, and physics. Let your child experiment and observe reactions to grasp science concepts.
What are solar system models I can make with my 4 year old?
Fun solar system DIY projects include papier mache planets, felt board stories, mobiles, jigsaw puzzles, magnetic sculptural models, glow in the dark models, and edible models made from cookies, fruits, and candies.
How do I choose age appropriate STEM space toys for my preschooler?
Look for toys labeled 3-5 years that allow kids to problem solve and engineer through hands-on building. Great options include snap circuits, Magna Tiles, squigz, marble runs, intro coding bots, and junior science experiment kits.
What are the benefits of educational space toys for early development?
Beyond STEM skills, educational space toys build language, social skills, and fine motor control. Toy telescopes, costumes, and building sets that require communication, sharing, and dexterity all provide learning opportunities through play.
What safety tips should I follow when making DIY space toys?
Supervise closely, use non-toxic materials suitable for each age, check for sharp edges, test moving parts, and keep small pieces and chemicals out of reach. Take precautions and get creative for safe, stellar space play!