Are you looking for the perfect space toys to encourage your 6 year old’s curiosity about the cosmos? From rocket ships to alien action figures, space toys can spark a lifelong interest in science and space exploration. This comprehensive guide will explore the most popular and educational space toys to delight your first-grade star-gazer.
Why Space Toys are Great for 6 Year Olds
Space toys are a wonderful way to tap into a 6 year old’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Here are some of the great benefits space toys provide at this age:
- Inspire Imagination: Space toys open up a whole universe of creative play. Kids can pretend to be astronauts exploring the moon, build alien worlds, or send rockets to undiscovered planets.
- Teach STEM Concepts: Space toys are the perfect way to introduce engineering, physics, and astronomy concepts in a hands-on way. Kids can learn about gravity, propulsion, orbits and more.
- Develop Spatial Skills: Many space toys like model rockets require assembling parts and visualizing how they fit together. This builds valuable spatial reasoning abilities.
- Encourage Problem Solving: Space toys present exciting challenges for young minds to solve, like figuring out how to build a structure stable enough to fly to Mars.
- Foster Curiosity: Kids are naturally curious about space at this age. Space toys feed their hunger to understand our strange and mysterious universe.
No matter their interest – astronauts, aliens, spaceships or stars – space toys allow 6 year olds to explore the final frontier while having fun.
Types of Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
Rocket Ship Toys
For many kids, rocket ships are the quintessential space toy. Here are some of the most popular rocket ship toys for 6 year olds:
- Plastic Rocket Ship Toys: Sturdy pretend play rocket ships that can blast off for imaginary adventures. Great for playtime or for use in the bath.
- Wooden Rocket Ship Toys: Heirloom quality rocket ships made of natural materials like wood, perfect for display or hands-on creative play.
- Model Rocket Kits: Beginner rocket kits that include plastic fins, nosecone, and pre-made rocket tubes. Kids can decorate and assemble their own working model rockets.
- Remote Control Rockets: Rocket ships that can be launched and controlled remotely, allowing kids to “fly” them like a real spacecraft. Look for beginner models that launch low and slow.
Astronaut Action Figures and Toys
What astronaut-in-training wouldn’t love their own space explorer action figure? Check out these fun astronaut toys:
- Action Figures: NASA minifigures, articulated astronaut figures, or aliens provide the perfect space rescue squad or galactic crew.
- Plush Astronauts: Cuddly stuffed astronaut dolls and toys are great for imaginary play or bedtime snuggles.
- Dress Up Costumes: Kids can pretend to walk on the moon in child-sized NASA astronaut costumes and accessories.
- Astronaut Role Play Sets: Playsets include space shuttles, moon rovers, and space station pieces for acting out space missions.
- Space Lego Sets: Lego makes amazing buildable space shuttles, rockets, rovers and space stations starring astronaut minifigures.
Educational Space Toys
Look for toys that sneak in science learning while still being fun. Some top educational space toys include:
- Telescopes: Beginner telescopes allow kids to see planets, stars, and constellations up close.
- Science Kits: Kids can complete simple chemistry experiments, build solar system models, or launch foam rockets.
- Space Board Games: Games like Rocket Lander, Space Race, and Martian Chess integrate astronomy facts in playable form.
- Space Books: Reading picture books about real space missions together is a great bonding activity.
- Space Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles of planets and rockets provide an engaging spatial challenge.
- Night Sky Projectors: These devices project stars and constellations onto walls and ceilings for an immersive astronomy experience.
Outdoor Space Toys
Space adventures can blast off in the backyard too with toys like:
- Rocket Launch Sets: Kids can assemble simple model rockets from kits and launch them skyward from the launchpad.
- Inflatable Space Stations: Bounce houses shaped like rockets provide stellar summer fun.
- Backyard Tents: Pop-up rockets or spaceship play tents make a terrific basecamp for galactic explorations.
Plush Space Toys
Don’t overlook the enduring popularity of soft, cuddly space toys like:
- Rocket and Spaceship Plushes: Rocket and UFO plush toys make a soft, safe companion for play and cuddles.
- Astronaut and Alien Plush Figures: Find funny-faced alien plushes and squishy astronaut dolls ready for adventure.
- Solar System Plush Toys: Cute plush versions of the planets, sun, and moon make the solar system huggable.
Best Space Toys for 6 Year Old Boys
While all kids love space toys, here are some stellar picks to delight 6 year old boys:
Educational Space Toys for Boys
- Snap Circuits: Kids follow diagrams to build light-up space-themed circuits like a cosmic color organ.
- Marble Mazes: Marble run contraptions let boys design tracks with loops, obstacles, and drops to steer the “spaceship.”
- Moon Phase Explorer: This science kit uses Oreos to demonstrate the moon’s phases with hands-on learning.
Building Toys for Space-Loving Boys
- Magna-Tiles: These magnetic 3D building tiles are perfect for constructing rockets, space stations, and othergalactic creations.
- K’NEX Building Sets: K’NEX rods and connectors snap together to build 3D models like a working solar system.
- LEGO Sets: LEGO makes fantastic space-themed sets with astronauts, spaceships, aliens and bases.
Action Toys for Boys
- Blast Off Rocket Launcher: Kids pump up the launcher then send mini rockets flying sky high up to 100 feet.
- FX Lightsaber: Every big kid dreams of wielding a Star Wars lightsaber. This one features movie FX and sounds.
- Remote Control Vehicles: Rovers, drones, and bots equipped with headlights to navigate lunar landscapes or alien planets.
Top Space Toys for 6 Year Old Girls
While girls often enjoy the same space toys as boys, here are some intergalactic toys with special appeal for girls:
STEM Learning Space Toys for Girls
- Solar Robot Kits: Girls can build their own simple solar-powered robots like flapping birds or roving beetles.
- Coder Bunnyz: This plush bunny with a light-up sequenced coding pad teaches the basics of coding.
- NASA Board Game: Blast off in this fun rocket racing board game packed with real NASA facts.
Creative Space Toys for Girls
- Design Your Own Rocket Studio: Budding engineers can build a customized foam rocket and then decorate it creatively.
- Space Fashion Design Studio: Girls can use stencils, gems, foil, and glitter to design astronaut fashion.
- Outer Space Craft Kits: Make galactic slime, create constellation lightboxes or lunar dioramas with friends.
Roleplay Toys to Inspire Girls
- Astronaut Barbie: Space-themed Barbie dolls and playsets featuring astronauts, space stations, Mars rovers and more.
- **Melissa & Doug Space Explorer Costume: **Girls can dress up as an astronaut or Mars rover driver in this sturdy roleplay costume.
- Telescope for Stargazing: A fun beginner telescope will open up the wonders of the night sky.
Best Developmental Space Toys by Age
Space toys span a wide range of ages and developmental abilities. Here are the best space toys for key ages:
Space Toys for 3 Year Olds
- Textured tactile books about planets and rockets
- Big piece solar system puzzles
- Soft rocket ship plushes
- Squishy astronaut stress balls
- Foam rocket building and launching kits
Space Toys for 4 Year Olds
- Telescopes for moon and planet viewing
- Space-themed magnet tiles and building blocks
- Board games like Rocket Lander
- Astronauts dress-up costumes and toys
- Glow-in-the-dark solar system models
Space Toys for 5 Year Olds
- Lego space shuttles and moon bases
- Remote control drones, bots and vehicles
- Science kits to make “moon sand” or “star slime”
- Marble mazes and buildable rocket models
- Astronaut action figures and space legos
Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
- Model rocket kits to build and launch
- Programmable lunar rovers and bots
- Snap circuits for building light-up models
- Kids’ telescopes and astronomy guides
- Rocket-launching play tents and space stations
Space Toys for 7 Year Olds
- Augmented reality space books and games
- Advanced robotics and coding kits
- Hamper hoop rocket launchers
- Moon phase science experiment kits
- High-powered model rocket kits
Space Toys for 8 Year Olds
- Target drones for practice launching and landing
- Space-themed strategy games
- Collectible astronaut LEGO Minifigures
- Advanced snap circuits with motors and sensors
- Programmable planetarium projection toys
Educational Benefits of Space Toys
In addition to being fun, many space toys provide great learning benefits, especially in STEM education.
Promote Problem Solving
Space toys present exciting engineering challenges for young minds. Figure out how to:
- Assemble model rocket ships
- Construct sturdy moon bases from blocks
- Design marble runs to steer “spacecraft”
- Program rovers to explore alien worlds
Teach STEM Concepts
Space toys demonstrate STEM principles in action:
- Rocket launch physics like lift, drag, propulsion
- Gravity assist maneuvers used by spacecraft
- How telescopes use lenses to see faraway objects
- Coding bots to complete space missions
Encourage Spatial Reasoning
Many space toys involve assembling parts in 3D space:
- Connecting building set pieces
- Constructing model rockets
- Docking space station modules
- Mapping lunar landscapes with rovers
Inspire Interest in Space Exploration
The mysteries of the cosmos naturally fascinate kids. Space toys allow them to recreate epic space adventures, sparking passion and curiosity about real-life space exploration.
Safety Tips for Picking Space Toys
While space toys can inspire wonder, be sure to keep safety top-of-mind when selecting toys for 6 year olds.
Age Appropriateness
- Carefully follow age ratings on toys to match developmental abilities.
- Model rocket kits under age 8 should have pre-assembled motors.
- Beginner telescopes are best for ages 6+. Advanced telescopes may frustrate younger kids.
Choking Hazards
- Avoid marbles, small balls, beads, or small toy parts in toys for kids under age 3.
- Look for large LEGO pieces rather than micro-bricks if kids still put things in their mouths.
Chemical Safety
- Supervise use of chemistry kits or activities using household ingredients.
- Avoid model rocket motors containing black powder for young kids. Use air powered foam rockets instead.
Sharp Points or Edges
- Inspect space toys for any sharp endpoints which could poke or scratch.
- Cover ends of rods, antennae or supports on models with rubber tips.
Battery Safety
- Ensure battery compartments on toys are secure and locked.
- Use the correct size and type of battery specified.
- Remove dead batteries immediately and dispose properly.
Following basic safety guidelines ensures your space explorer can enjoy their stellar toys safely.
Top 10 Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
Ready to shop for out-of-this world space toys? Here are 10 top-rated options popular with 6 year olds.
| Toy | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 | Kids can build over 100 glowing space projects like a cosmic color organ or flashing star panels. | $34.99 |
| National Geographic Moon Adventure Set | This 495-piece building set includes glow-in-the-dark bricks to construct a lunar lander, buggy, observatory and more. | $59.99 |
| SPACE Mission Packs | Authentic NASA space suit backpacks, patches and prints make the ultimate dress up accessory for pretend play. | $24.95 |
| Osmo Cosmic Learning Kit | This iPad game system uses augmented reality to bring an interactive space experience blending physical and digital play. | $79.99 |
| Obuby RC Moon Rover | Kids can control this cool remote control moon rover complete with lights and rover tracks on rugged terrain. | $36.95 |
| Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle | 48 oversized puzzle pieces teach the layout of the planets while building fine motor skills. | $17.99 |
| Educational Insights Design and Drill Rocket Launch Set | Kids get creative engineering their own rocket designs then use a power drill to launch them skyward. | $21.99 |
| Playmobil Mars Space Station | This 152-piece playset with a research station, rover, alien and working crane encourages open-ended play. | $39.99 |
| disguise Buzz Lightyear Deluxe Costume | Kids will feel ready for infinity and beyond dressed as this famous astronaut from Toy Story! | $49.99 |
| Rockets of the World Model Rocket Kit | Budding rocketeers can build and decorate this beginner 2-foot tall rocket from a plastic fin assembly then launch up to 700 ft. | $17.99 |
With so many fun and educational toys to pick from, 6 year olds can explore the furthest reaches of space right from their bedroom! Enjoy sharing their passion for the cosmos and rocketing their learning to new heights. The final frontier awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Space Toys for 6 Year Olds
Are space toys just for boys?
Absolutely not! While stereotypes persist, girls are just as fascinated by space exploration. There are amazing STEM space toys to interest any space-loving kid regardless of gender.
How can space toys be educational?
Beyond being fun, many space toys teach core STEM concepts like engineering, physics and astronomy. Kids also develop spatial skills, imagination and problem-solving abilities too.
How do I choose age appropriate space toys?
Focus on the manufacturer age recommendations for toys. As kids develop, look for toys matching their abilities like more complex buildable models or advanced science kits for older kids.
What safety guidelines apply to space toys?
Read all toy labels and instructions carefully. For young kids, avoid choking hazards and look for rounded edges. Supervise chemistry kits. Follow rocket launch instructions exactly.
Should I buy space toys for my toddler?
Absolutely, but choose simple space toys at this age. Soft space plushies, tactile books, big piece puzzles and light-up solar system toys capture toddler imagination without being overwhelming.
What are the most popular space toys for 6 year old girls?
Great options include creative DIY space art studios, astronaut dress-up costumes, coding toys like Coder Bunnyz, and STEM toys like the NASA Rocket Science Board Game or building sets that inspire girls to engineer and design.
Which space toys best encourage STEM learning?
Toys like snap circuits, robotics kits, telescopes, model rocket kits, marble mazes and runs, and coding toys that teach cause and effect, critical thinking and problem solving are great STEM space toys.
What makes a space toy educational?
Look for toys that sneak in science learning like astronomy facts or engineering principles while keeping play fun. Toys that encourage experimentation through hands-on building and play build valuable critical thinking skills.
Should I supervise outdoor space play?
Yes, always supervise young children during outdoor playtime. Take safety precautions with toys like rocket launches by following instructions carefully. Ensure kids wear proper eye protection.
What space books can I read with my 6 year old?
Great storybooks to read together include The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, and It’s Your Universe by Ashley Eckstein for inspiring space dreams.