Are you looking to spark your 9 year old’s imagination and interest in space? Space toys are a fun and educational way to foster a love of astronomy, science, and exploration in young kids.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the benefits of space toys, types of space toys, factors to consider when choosing space toys, DIY space toy ideas, and recommendations for the top 10 space toys for 9 year olds in 2023.
Introduction to Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
Space toys cover a wide range of products like telescopes, model rockets, alien action figures, astronaut costumes, and more. They tap into kids’ natural curiosity about the universe and all things intergalactic.
Playing with space toys encourages important skills like creativity, problem-solving, and developing a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As kids roleplay space adventures, they learn cooperation and imagination.
Space toys also inspire kids to learn about real-world space topics like the solar system, astronauts, NASA missions, and basic astrophysics concepts. This helps boost their knowledge and interest in astronomy and science in a hands-on way.
Giving 9 year olds space toys is a great idea because their minds are rapidly developing. At this age, they especially love make-believe play and have active imaginations. Space toys offer the perfect creative outlet to support their development.
The Benefits of Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
Here are some of the key benefits of space toys for 9 year old kids:
Encourages Learning and Education
- Space toys introduce 9 year olds to astronomy, astrophysics, and space science concepts in an interactive way. Kids learn about planets, stars, black holes, galaxies, and more while having fun.
- Hands-on educational space toys like telescopes, science kits, and building sets allow kids to grasp STEM concepts through first-hand experience.
- Space toys spark an ongoing interest in space, science, and exploration that kids can pursue through books, TV shows, museums, and when they’re older, school subjects.
Enhances Creativity and Imagination
- Open-ended space toys with no fixed narrative boost imaginative play. Kids can create their own space stories and adventures.
- Space art kits, costumes, and building sets allow kids to get creative and express themselves through space-themed crafts.
- Roleplaying with space toys exposes kids to storytelling, problem-solving, cooperation, and thinking outside the box.
Promotes STEM Skills
- Many space toys like robotics, construction sets, and science kits are designed to develop STEM skills in kids.
- Playing with space toys inspires analytical thinking, spacial reasoning, and an interest in science and technology.
- Kids get first-hand practice with concepts like physics, engineering, coding, chemistry, and astronomy.
Develops Problem-Solving Abilities
- Space toys that involve assembling models, designing spacecraft, or programming robots require critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Through imaginative play, kids learn how to think on their feet and come up with solutions as they act out space adventures.
- Educational space toys present new mental challenges like puzzles that strengthen cognitive skills.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Successfully completing space DIY kits or learning how to use telescopes gives kids a sense of pride and achievement.
- Space pretend play allows kids to take on brave astronaut personas, boosting their confidence.
- When kids gain space knowledge, they feel good about their emerging expertise.
Types of Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
There are diverse options when it comes to space toys that will engage 9 year olds’ blossoming interests. Here are some of the most popular categories:
Astronomy Toys
Astronomy toys allow kids to explore planets, stars, and beyond, fueling their fascination with the cosmos.
- Telescopes – Kids can gaze at the moon and planets from their own backyard with beginner telescopes designed for their age group. Some have apps or take smartphone photos.
- Planetary models – Hands-on planetarium sets allow kids to assemble the planets and learn all about the solar system. Some have orbit and rotation capabilities.
- Star charts – Glow-in-the-dark star charts teach kids major constellations. Using them outside at night makes stargazing more fun.
Astronaut Toys
Acting as an astronaut encourages kids’ space dreams. These toys let them pretend to blast off into space.
- Spacesuits – Kids can dress up in NASA-style orange spacesuits, often with light-up helmets and patches. Some have backpack propulsion systems.
- Helmets – Toy astronaut helmets have intricate control panels and microphones so kids can mimic astronauts on missions. Some display space images.
- Space shuttles – Kids can pretend to be rocketing into the cosmos in fabric space shuttles with opening cockpits big enough for multiple figurines.
Rocket Toys
Rockets captivate kids who are fascinated with space travel. Rocket toys let them recreate the launch experience.
- Model rockets – Kids build their own working model rockets that can be assembled and painted. The rockets launch using purchased rocket engines.
- Launch sets – Complete rocket launch sets come with a launch pad, engines, and rockets that soar up to hundreds of feet for an authentic takeoff.
- Rocket engines – Engines powered by water, air pressure, or solid fuel propel toy rockets into the air. This teaches kids basic rocket science.
Alien Toys
Toys featuring cute, creepy, or curious aliens from outer space spark kids’ imaginations about extraterrestrial life.
- Action figures – Kids can collect, trade, and play with alien action figure toys inspired by movies or their own ideas.
- Plush toys – Cuddly stuffed alien dolls and finger puppets are fun for playtime and bedtime.
- Board games – In strategy and adventure board games, kids interact with and outwit goofy aliens.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Space Toys
Keep these factors in mind when selecting space toys appropriate for your 9 year old:
Age Appropriateness
- Choose toys suited for ages 8-12 that match your child’s maturity and developmental level.
- Look for challenging toys with room for skills progression.
- Avoid toys meant for teens or younger kids they may outgrow quickly.
Safety Features
- Toys should be free of detachable parts that could pose choking hazards.
- Make sure the materials used meet toy safety standards.
- Select telescopes, chemistry kits, and electronics with child safety in mind.
Durability and Quality
- Well-designed toys made of sturdy plastic, wood, or metal withstand active play.
- Higher-quality toys have more detail, and functionality, and include batteries.
- Look for reputable brands known for making toys that last.
Educational Value
- Does the toy teach science concepts like astronomy, rocketry, robotics, or coding?
- Will it promote problem-solving, spacial skills, or STEM abilities?
- Choose open-ended toys kids learn from as they play.
Interactivity and Engagement
- Look for toys with lights, sounds, and features that fascinate kids.
- Toys kids can build, control, or play interactive games with are big hits.
- Cool space details appeal to kids’ interests.
Top 10 Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
Here are 10 of the best space toys for 9 year olds based on ratings, reviews, educational value, and overall cool factor.
| Toy | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Circuits SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit | 130-piece kit teaches kids electronics and circuitry through building projects like a flashing space station. | $34.99 |
| Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad | 5 educational iPad games aimed at 9-12 year olds cover physics, coding, problem-solving, and creativity. Space-themed games teach astronomy concepts. | $99.99 |
| National Geographic Beginner Series Telescope | A versatile 49″ tall play tent opens to a tunnel. Features NASA decals, windows, and glow-in-the-dark ceiling for indoor and outdoor space play. | $69.99 |
| Whitewave Core Play Tent and Tunnel Combo | A cute 10″ alien doll made of super soft fabric is a squeezable bedtime companion. | $47.99 |
| Playmobil Mars Research Station | Detailed 267-piece space station playset with alien egg, rover, and 3 astronaut figurines to inspire imaginative play. | $54.99 |
| Oola Prilla Plush Doll | A food tray with 3 sections and strap lets kids pretend they’re eating astronaut meals aboard the ISS. BPA-free. | $15.99 |
| Rubie’s Boys’ Astronaut Costume | polyester NASA jumpsuit with embroidered patches, helmet, and white boots help kids look like real astronauts during play. | $26.08 |
| Trendy Tots Astronaut Food Tray | The portable planetarium projects 360° views of the night sky onto walls and ceilings. Teaches kids constellations. | $12.99 |
| Uncle Milton Star Theatre Pro | 145-piece STEM toy has buildable tracks for marbles. Teaches problem-solving, planning, and spacial skills. | $36.99 |
| Space Rail Level 1 Marble Run | 145-piece STEM toy has buildable tracks for marbles. Teaches problem-solving, planning, and special skills. | $47.99 |
Prices are approximate and may vary between retailers.
These toys combine learning and fun to create an immersive, educational play experience perfect for 9 year olds. The mix of hands-on building kits, high-tech learning tools, creative costumes and playsets, plush companions, and more provides a well-rounded assortment of space toys suited for this age.
DIY Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
Don’t want to buy more toys? Try these kid-friendly space DIY project ideas to spark creativity:
Space Art Projects
- Make alien slime or fluffy planets using common household ingredients.
- Paint mason jar lids black for mini solar system ‘portholes’. Decorate with glitter planets and stars.
- Use corks, ping pong balls, tin foil, and paint to create an alien space diorama in a shoebox.
Edible Space Crafts
- Frost round cookies to look like planets and decorate them with candies.
- Make a fruit rocket skewer using grapes, bananas, and marshmallows.
- Bake galactic moon pies or star-shaped sandwiches.
Recycled Spacecrafts
- Transform a large cardboard box into a space shuttle or station.
- Make a spacecraft from empty bottles, boxes, and aluminum foil.
- Create a robot costume from cardboard boxes, duct tape, and paint.
Backyard Space Projects
- Launch a water bottle rocket made from a plastic bottle, cork, vinyl tube, and bike pump.
- Create a constellation tent with holes poked in a sheet and dangling glow-in-the-dark stars.
- Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small rocket-shaped container to create an impressive fizzy launch.
With just a little imagination, everyday art supplies and household items become out-of-this-world space toys!
Space Toys for 9 Year Olds and STEM Education
Playing with space toys provides the perfect gateway to get young kids hooked on STEM fields. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math.
Why STEM Education Matters
- Developing STEM knowledge and skills from an early age is crucial for future success.
- Kids need to feel engaged with STEM topics and gain competency to pursue STEM careers.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts over 8 million STEM jobs will be added by 2029, so STEM skills are highly valuable.
- Working collaboratively on STEM projects teaches critical 21st century skills like problem-solving, creativity, and communication.
How Space Toys Encourage STEM Learning
- Assembling model rockets uses engineering, spacial reasoning, following directions, and trial and error to achieve success.
- Figuring out circuits teaches electrical engineering and coding logic.
- Observing the night sky with a telescope demonstrates optic engineering and physics.
- Open-ended building toys let kids construct space stations, fostering creativity and innovation.
- Pretend play encourages organization, planning, cooperation, and imaginative thinking.
STEM Activities with Space Toys
- Build a LEGO launching station for a bottle rocket. Test different fin shapes for stability.
- Program a robotic moon rover to traverse a mini lunar landscape.
- Make an air-powered rocket car from a balloon and straws. Experiment with payload weight.
- Create an alien language decoder wheel to translate secret messages.
- Simulate a solar eclipse by lining up various balls in front of a flashlight.
Hands-on space toys ignite curiosity about STEM fields, setting kids up for a lifetime of exploration and discovery.
Space Toys to Boost Kids’ Imaginations
Astronauts. Aliens. Rocket ships. Space is filled with fodder for kids’ limitless imaginations. Finding space toys that spur imaginary play is key.
Why Imaginative Play Matters
- Pretend play exercises kids’ creativity as they invent characters and stories.
- Roleplaying builds empathy, emotional intelligence, and social skills.
- Imagination stretches critical thinking to solve dilemmas and create narratives.
- Open-ended play without fixed rules inspires innovation and problem-solving.
How Space Toys Spark Imagination
- Dress-up costumes allow kids to embody astronaut, alien, or robot alter egos.
- DIY toys inspire storytelling as kids build epic rockets and stations.
- Figurines with no pre-determined story fuel narrative invention.
- Plush space creatures become whatever kids dream up.
- Large playsets let kids design space adventures with no limits.
Imaginative Play Examples
- Hold an alien Olympics with action figures competing in silly games.
- Construct an epic space battle between LEGO spaceships.
- Play restaurant with alien finger puppets sharing interplanetary cuisine.
- Choreograph an astronaut dance party in custom spacesuits.
- Makeup constellation myths for glow-in-the-dark star charts.
The creativity unleashed through unstructured play is vital for developing minds. Space toys let imaginations soar.
Using Space Toys to Teach Astronomy Basics
Space toys present fun opportunities to teach young kids fundamentals about the cosmos beyond Earth.
Why Astronomy Matters
- Understanding our place in space as citizens of the universe creates awe and appreciation.
- Kids are naturally curious about celestial objects like the moon, stars, and eclipses.
- Astronomy gets kids interested in science and fuels dreams of exploring space.
- Learning about space may inspire kids’ future career choices and life passions.
How Space Toys Teach Astronomy
- Plastic or fabric planetary models demonstrate orbits, rotations, sizes, and positioning of the planets.
- Telescopes make faraway astronomical objects like craters up-close and tangible.
- Augmented reality (AR) apps overlay digital information about constellations and planets onto real night skies.
- Detailed vinyl solar system wall decals show the order of planets and types of celestial bodies.
- Planetarium toys immerse kids in projections of constellations, stars, and galaxies.
Hands-On Astronomy Activities
- Gaze at constellations with a telescope, then connect glow-in-the-dark stars to those patterns on the ceiling.
- Track the phases of the moon each night using a lunar phases educational poster or mobile app.
- Identify types of stars using flashlights and an astronomy-punched tin lantern.
- Draw vastly different alien landscapes for each planet based on their atmospheres.
- Make an edible model of the solar system with fruit snacks or cake pops.
Astronomy toys make stellar teaching tools to foster an enduring interest in space science.
Space Toys Inspired by NASA and Spaceflight
Many space toys are influenced by pioneering NASA missions, space technology, iconic pop culture spacecraft, and real-world innovations.
NASA’s Impact on Space Toys
- NASA imagery and designs decorate toys, clothing, bedding, and more.
- Historic missions like Apollo 11 and the Space Shuttle program sparked many toys.
- NASA has collaborated with LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, Franco, and more on co-branded toys.
- New NASA Artemis missions will likely inspire the next generation of toys.
Real Space Tech in Toys
- Model ISS with attachable modules mimics the capabilities of the real space station.
- Telescope toys use optics and software similar to professional telescopes.
- Toy Mars rovers are modeled after NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.
- Lego released an 864-piece International Space Station kit with accurate details.
Iconic Pop Culture Spacecraft
- Star Wars spaceships like X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and the Millennium Falcon are popular toys.
- The Star Trek USS Enterprise and Borg Cubes are favorites of collectors.
- Spaceballs Eagle 5 and other comedy movie ships inspire novelty toys.
Toys modeled after real spacecraft and technology engage kids through their love of NASA and pop culture.
How Gender Stereotypes Impact Space Toys
While gender norms around space toys are improving, stereotypes still exist. Being mindful of kids’ interests and attitudes is important.
Common Stereotypes
- Space toys are traditionally marketed more toward boys.
- Many toys
Frequently Asked Questions about Space Toys for 9 Year Olds
What are the best educational space toys for 9 year olds?
Some top picks for learning include telescope sets to foster an interest in astronomy, coding and robotics toys that develop STEM skills, and building kits that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Look for toys marked ages 8-12.
What safety precautions should I take with space toys?
Carefully inspect toys for small, loose parts and ensure craft materials meet toy safety standards. Provide supervision for chemistry kits, telescopes, and electrical toys. Only launch rockets outdoors in a cleared area.
Which space toys promote imaginative play?
Open-ended building sets, costumes, action figures with no pre-determined storylines, and plush aliens or creatures allow kids’ imaginations to soar. Create a space play area using blankets and boxes.
What are good DIY space toys I can make at home?
Upcycle cardboard boxes into rockets and stations, make alien slime or planets from household ingredients, use tin foil and paint to create a space diorama, or build a water bottle rocket launcher and track its flight.
How can space toys inspire kids to work for NASA someday?
Choosing NASA-themed toys like apparel, LEGO sets, or books about real astronauts teaches kids about NASA’s exploration and science missions. Fuel their dreams of becoming future engineers, astronauts, or scientists!