Space. The final frontier. Since the beginning of human imagination, space has captivated kids and adults alike. For today’s 12 year olds, space toys offer a thrilling way to explore the cosmos through play. From model rockets to robotics kits, space toys engage kids’ creativity while teaching STEM skills.
In this guide, we’ll review the top space toys to spark your 12 year old’s interest in astronomy, science fiction, and exploration. Discover educational space toys to enhance STEM learning as well as fun space-themed games, figures and more. Learn about the benefits of space toys and get tips for choosing the best options for your child’s interests and skill level.
Why Space Toys are Great for 12 Year Olds
Space toys are perfect for 12 year olds for a few reasons:
- Peak curiosity about space – This age is ideal for fueling a passion for space and science. Kids are curious about the universe while still having a sense of wonder.
- Growing brains – Toys that promote problem-solving, design skills, and STEM education take advantage of the malleable young brain.
- Advanced building skills – Kids at this age have the dexterity and patience for more complex build projects like models.
- Imaginative play – Space toys inspire kids to imagine exploring the cosmos as astronauts or piloting starships.
- Sci-fi fandom – Many 12 year olds become fascinated with space operas like Star Wars at this age. Space toys let them re-enact adventures.
- Cool factor – Space themes are exciting for most kids, making space toys big on the “wow” factor.
No matter your child’s specific interests, there is a space-themed toy to engage their curiosity about the universe.
Types of Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
STEM Space Toys
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toys using space themes are perfect for 12 year olds.
Popular examples include:
- Robotics kits – Build programmable robots and rovers.
- Coding games – Learn programming skills with space games.
- Engineering/physics sets – Design rockets, launchers, and more hands-on projects.
STEM space toys cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and tech skills.
Astronomy Space Toys
For the 12 year old space nerd, astronomy toys are a great way to explore space science.
Fun astronomy space toys include:
- Telescopes – From entry-level to advanced, stargazing tools to explore the night sky.
- Planetariums – Compact planetarium projectors turn bedrooms into immersive space theaters.
- Star charts/maps – Glow in the dark charts and maps to learn constellations.
Astronomy toys nurture an interest in space science.
Spacecraft Models/Kits
Model kits and toy spacecraft bring the vehicles of space exploration to life.
Exciting examples include:
- Spaceship model kits – Detailed scale models of real spacecraft like the ISS or Mars rovers to assemble.
- Rocket kits – Build your own working model rockets. Popular kits are by Estes and Airfix.
- Space shuttle toys – Replica playsets of the iconic NASA space shuttles and launch towers.
- Action figure spacecraft – Toy spaceship playsets from sci-fi universes like Star Wars, Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Spacecraft models and toys spark the imagination for space travel.
Space-Themed Building Toys
For kids who love to build, space-themed construction toys are a great choice.
Top space building toys include:
- LEGO sets – From Mars bases to space police vehicles, LEGO makes awesome space-themed build kits.
- Playmobil sets – Their “Mission to Mars” collection includes a cool Mars space station playset.
- K’NEX – Their rollercoasters and STEM sets like the Space Explorers line utilize principles of physics.
Building toys with space themes enables all kinds of creative construction play among the stars.
Plush Spaceships and Aliens
Cute and cuddly plush space toys are great for imaginative play.
Fun space plushies include:
- Spaceship plush – Cute rocket and flying saucer plushes by companies like Melissa & Doug.
- Alien plush – From classic “little green men” to more unique alien designs.
- Astronaut plush – Cuddly space explorer dolls featuring NASA logos.
Plush spaceships, aliens, and astronauts inspire friendly intergalactic adventures.
Space Games and Puzzles
Games and puzzles merge entertainment with learning about space.
Engaging examples include:
- Space-themed board games – Games like Space Fleet Battleforce by Looney Labs cover space combat.
- Solar system jigsaw puzzles – Puzzles of planets and astronomical photography.
- Space science kits – Playing with gyroscopes teaches the physics of space travel.
Games and puzzles with space motifs are fun and sneakily educational.
Educational Benefits of Space Toys
Beyond being fun, many space toys provide important educational benefits for 12 year olds.
Promotes Interest in STEM
Space themes naturally lend themselves to introducing STEM principles in a way that captivates kids’ imagination. Designing a Mars colony or assembling a model rocket reinforces STEM learning.
Enhances Creativity
Building their own spaceships and space stations allows kids to flex their creative muscles. Open-ended play based on imagination is important for developing minds.
Teaches Problem-Solving
Space toys that involve constructing models or programming bots guide kids to strategize solutions to complex problems.
Improves Spatial Skills
Fitting detailed model spacecraft kits together fosters spatial thinking and mental rotation capacity.
Encourages Scientific Curiosity
Toys like telescopes and astronomy kits satisfy inquisitive minds and can spur a lifelong interest in science and space.
So while space toys are fun, parents can feel good knowing they also enrich kids’ education.
Top 10 Best Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
Now let’s look at 10 of the best space toy options to consider for your 12 year old space cadet:
1. Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
Price: $79.99
This STEM coding toy teaches beginning programming as kids instruct Botley to navigate obstacle courses. Screen-free tech education.
2. National Geographic Mega Space Telescope
Price: $89.99
Feature-rich beginner telescope with smartphone mount to capture images. Perfect for budding astronomers.
3. Snap Circuits Arcade STEM Electronics Kit
Price: $32.95
Kids can build their own Mars landing game with this electrical engineering kit using space themes. Develops electronics skills.
4. LEGO City Space Mars Exploration Set
Price: $99.99
One of the best LEGO space sets, this 694 piece building kit lets kids construct a Mars rover and base. Fosters creativity.
5. Osmo Genius Space Learning Game
Price: $99.99
This interactive iPad game makes learning astronomy facts about planets and space missions fun. Engaging STEM game.
6. Scandi Planet Kids Astronomy Kit
Price: $24.99
Includes glow-in-the-dark planets and a space poster for hands-on astronomy education. Great budget buy.
7. Playmobil Mars Space Station
Price: $99.99
Imaginative 276 piece playset with astronauts, equipment, and Mars vehicle for open-ended play.
8. Ravensburger Constellations Jigsaw Puzzle
Price: $13.99
Gorgeous 1000 piece puzzle of night sky constellations and astronomy photography stimulates spatial skills.
9. Estes Galaxy Explorer Model Rocket Kit
Price: $25.99
A beginner-friendly model rocket that soars up to 800 ft. Fun STEM building project.
10. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Solar System
Price: $26.99
This magnetic wooden solar system set provides hands-on learning about the planets and their orbits.
With STEM learning kits, astronomy tools, building sets, and more, these are some of the top-rated space toys to engage and educate kids. Consider your child’s interests and development to pick toys they’ll love.
How to Choose the Best Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
Keep these factors in mind when selecting space toys for 12 year olds:
- Age range – Check that toys are designed for your child’s age group – around 8-14 years for most space toys.
- Interests – Find space toys that fit your kid’s passions – astronomy, sci-fi, building, etc.
- Skill level – Make sure the toy offers the right level of challenge for your child’s abilities.
- Safety – For chemistry kits or rocket building, verify they have proper safety measures.
- Price – You can find great space toys across all budgets – assess how much you want to spend.
- Durability – For long-lasting play, opt for space toys made from quality materials.
- Reviews – Check what other parents and kids say about a toy’s engagement and value.
- Versatility – Find space toys with a range of play modes for greater longevity.
Choosing toys tailored to your 12 year old ensures their play value and supports skills growth.
Top 5 Astronomy Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
For mini astronomers, astronomy space toys are the perfect outlet. Here are 5 top-reviewed astronomy toys to launch their space exploration:
- Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Feature-rich Newtonian reflector telescope with German equatorial mount. Under $200
- Uncle Milton Star Theater Pro Planetarium – Compact mini planetarium fills bedrooms with star shows. Under $50
- American Science & Surplus Beginner Telescope Kit – This fun DIY kit for building your first refractor telescope. Under $150
- Learning Resources Universe and Solar System Charts – Vibrant diagrams to learn planets and space features. Under $25
- Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit – Kid-friendly experiments reveal astronomy concepts like day/night cycles. Under $20
With stunning sights of the cosmos, astronomy toys open up the mysteries of space. Give your 12 year old’s inner astronomer hands-on tools to chart the heavens.
Top 5 Space-Themed LEGO Sets for 12 Year Olds
For LEGO-obsessed kids, space-themed sets add intergalactic adventure. The best LEGO space sets include:
- LEGO City Mars Exploration – Cool 694 piece Mars base with rover, trucks, and mini figures. $99
- LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian – Build Baby Yoda’s hover pod ship from the Disney+ series. $119
- LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V – Amazing 1969 piece model of the iconic rocket. $119
- LEGO Classic Space Shuttle Adventure – Vintage vibe 310 piece set with astronaut minifigs. $39
- LEGO Ideas International Space Station – Stunning 864 piece replica of the real ISS in space. $69
LEGO sets bring the action and vehicles of space exploration to life through imaginative construction play.
Reviews of Top 5 Space Toys Under $50
You don’t need a huge budget to find quality space toys. Here are 5 top-rated picks under $50:
Ravensburger Solar System Jigsaw Puzzle
Price: $15.99
- 1000 entertaining puzzle pieces featuring stylized planets and space scenes.
- Great value under $20 for hours of educational play.
- Ravensburger makes quality puzzles using premium materials.
National Geographic Break Open Geode STEM Kit
Price: $21.99
- Examine 15 unique geode specimens with display stands.
- Comes with learning guide to crystals and geology.
- Hands-on way to reveal real space rock formations.
Scandi Planet Kids Astronomy Set
Price: $24.99
- Glow in the dark inflatable planets for interactive solar system models.
- Includes colorful educational poster.
- Novel astronomy toy kids adore for under $25.
Playmags 100 Piece NASA Jigsaw Puzzle
Price: $11.95
- Beautiful launchpad image of space shuttle taking off.
- Quality thick puzzle pieces suitable for ages 8+.
- Budget-friendly way to explore NASA and space history.
Ideal Space Science Gyroscope
Price: $34.99
- Cool LED light-up gyroscope reveals physics principles like centripetal force.
- Develops spatial thinking skills.
- Unique science model import under $35.
You can shop smart to find stellar space toys that don’t break the bank. Look for sales around the holidays for deals.
FAQs About Space Toys for 12 Year Olds
Are space toys just for boys?
Absolutely not! While space themes appeal to many boys, space toys have universal educational benefits for girls as well. Open-ended space play promotes STEM skills for any child regardless of gender.
What if my 12 year old isn’t into space?
Look for toys using space motifs that align with their interests. For creative kids, space LEGO sets allow intergalactic world-building. Budding programmers can code Mars rover robots. Space puzzles and games create fun challenges to solve. There are space toys to match almost any interest if you look for the play value.
Should I buy more advanced space toys for older kids?
It depends on the child, but around age 12, kids can handle more complex space toys if they are mature and responsible. Look for age grading on kits, but for teens, intermediate skill level rocketry, robotics, and telescope kits can be appropriate. Still, have kids start simpler and work upward.
Are space toys worthwhile STEM learning investments?
Absolutely! Studies show kids learn more deeply from hands-on play. Assembling a Mars habitat from LEGO bricks reinforces STEM concepts better than just reading a book. Look for toys marked as promoting STEM skills for added educational value.
Experience the Universe with Space Toys
Space toys provide the perfect launchpad to ignite kids’ fascination with astronomy, space science fiction, and the awe of the cosmos. With unmatched capacity for imagination at ages 8-14, 12 year olds find space themes especially appealing. From rocket models to alien plush dolls, discover the galaxy of play potential with space-themed toys. Let their curiosity about the universe soar!
How do I choose between educational space toys vs. toys just for fun?
For 12 year olds, you can look for space toys that offer both enriching STEM skills practice and pure entertainment. Many parents opt for a mix. LEGO sets, robotics kits, and telescopes have play value while teaching problem-solving and science concepts. But toys like alien plushies are just for fun imaginative play. Choose a balance of space-themed toys based on your goals.
What are the best outdoor space toys?
Outdoor space toys that get kids learning actively outside can include telescopes for stargazing, model rocket kits to construct and launch, and astronomy tools like planispheres to track constellations in the night sky. Bring space education outside on clear nights for experiential learning.
Should I be concerned about safety with DIY rocket toys?
Always supervise use of any rocket kits closely and stress safe handling. Buy pre-designed rocket kits made for beginners from trusted brands like Estes rather than improvised rockets. Follow all instructions carefully and check rocket components for defects before each use. With proper precautions and adult guidance, building rocket kits can be done safely.
What are the best space board games for 12 year olds?
Great space-themed board games include Star Trek Catan for a cosmic twist on the classic Settlers of Catan game, Terraforming Mars where you make Mars habitable, and classic Space Fleet Battleforce for starship combat play. There are lots of stellar space games that merge STEM learning with interactive fun the whole family can enjoy.
Are Mars toys and space robotics kits just for boys?
Not at all! While parents of boys may gravitate toward Mars rover toys and robotics play assuming interests, space science DIY kits have universal STEM education benefits regardless of gender. Girls designing Martian bases or programming robot tasks foster the same spatial skills and problem-solving. Keep gender stereotypes out of space!