The Best Solar System Toys In The World, Nay, Galaxy

With a crystal solar system model, your kid will have the whole world—and then some—in their hands. This one, complete with planet names etched in the glass, also features an LED light-up base and a variety of colors/lighting modes (powered by AAA batteries or USB cable). Keep it in constant mode or put it on the hypnotic changing color setting –think a lava lamp-type vibe, but with more to learn. In addition to the educational aspect, the solar system crystal ball can double as a night light. Reviewers frequently mention its high quality, weighty construction, so this is a model best left on the desktop or dresser, especially with younger kids. However, it’s not limited to littles: Raved one reviewer, “Bought this for my daughter. She is studying astrophysics and I thought it would look good on her college desk. She loved it!” 

For kids 8 and up, this motorized model includes the sun, eight planets, and the earth’s moon, with inner and outer planets moving at two different speeds to replicate the real thing. Your astronomer-in-training can choose to swap the LED sun with the included star dome to project constellations onto the wall or ceiling, as well as learn the origins of each constellation, facts about the planets, and fun riddles from the included 28-page activity guide. Four AAA batteries are required for this solar system model, which also features an auto shut-off night-light function. Reviewers have noted it’s not entirely exact in terms of scale, but in terms of STEM enthusiasm, “it will give little ones enough to get excited about our Solar system for sure!” according to one.

Great for littles ages 3 and up, this projector comes with 3 discs, each with 8 images of planets, stars, and more. It also comes with a display stand, a handle for easy carrying, and requires three AAA batteries. Just slip a disc into the slots and project onto any surface to create your own at-home Planetarium. The result: a super exciting experience toddlers will love—and learn from. As one reviewer raved, “We love this learning toy. Our just turned 3-yr- old knows all his planets in order from closet to the sun.” It’s so child-friendly, in fact, even babies love this solar system toy, according to a reviewer who wrote, “My niece is only two but she loved it since first moment. Of course she doesn’t understand yet about planets, but she likes to see the different pictures with the bright colors and shapes…it is well designed, perfect size for babies hands, the handle is perfect for them to keep the projector around, the imaging is great!”

An inflatable solar system set is a great way for kids to learn with their hands. This one includes all eight planets, including an extra large Jupiter (the largest planet in the solar system), an oversized sun, and moon, all with loop hooks for hanging. The kit also comes with a pump for inflating the planets, a patch kit, and activity guide with tips. Whether for playing, hanging, or both, kids 5 and up will find a fun way to learn from this set. “So cute,” wrote a reviewer. “Purchased as a gift and the size, color, details were so much better than I imagined. Three little ones gave the planets a heavy duty romp and they stood up just fine in the pool, bath, shower, playroom and slowly made their way to hang beautifully on the ceiling. Love this, highly recommend!”

With this glow-in-the-dark solar system kit, your kid can transform their bedroom into a celestial stunner. In addition to nine planets that hang from the ceiling, it includes over 200 adhesive stars, comets, and asteroids to adorn the walls. The result: a galaxy all their own. A planetary guide with facts about the solar system is also included, so your kiddo can learn as they immerse themselves in the surrounding starry night. “This set was so easy to assemble and truly a fun set for my daughter and I to hang in her room,” said one reviewer, “We had a great time looking up the planets and finding out where they were in relation to the sun and using her light as the sun in her little galaxy.”

A simple solar system model that helps kids learn the positions of the planets in a hands-on way, this no-frills kit comes with 10 polystyrene “planets,” pre-cut foam pieces, wooden sticks, and instructions. Paint and decorative supplies aren’t included but anything from paint to markers to marbling ink are appropriate to color in the planets. As far as solar system toys go, this is a great starter kit for kids that doesn’t require glue—nor a major investment. “I gave this to my 5-year old granddaughter for the holidays. We had a great time putting it together and talking about the planets,” recalled a reviewer. “We made one (took about an hour) which she wanted hung in my office. Next chance we get we will make the second one that was included in the purchase. Good simple product.”

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Budding astronomers will love learning about the galaxy with an extra large, 100-piece puzzle that glows in the dark! Meant for kiddos ages 3 and up, this one measures 3’x2′ and the pieces are oversized as well—ideal for little hands. Aside from teaching teeny kids about the solar system, it helps improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination, develop problem-solving and memory skills, and encourage both independent and social play. One reviewer described it as, “Very nice! A gift for my 3-yr-old grandson and he helped me put it together. All the while naming all the planets!” Another raved, “Kids loved it. My kids had fun putting it together and loved how it glows in the dark.” The planets on this puzzle aren’t labeled, but that offers an opportunity for your little to do some additional research and learning!

Art meets science with this solar system sidewalk chalk set for kids three and up that includes nine planets, including Pluto. Six of the planets have two layers of color (an outer core and inner core), and three have an additional “crust” layer. Larger planets are 2.5″ in diameter, the smaller ones are 1.5″ and it should be noted these handmade chalks are denser than regular chalk and only meant for gritty surfaces like sidewalks, asphalt, and concrete, not chalkboards. Also noteworthy: They’re all non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, with no synthetic fragrances, PVC, BPA, BPS, added formaldehydes or known harmful phthalates. The packaging is also fully biodegradable and recyclable, even the clear window. What’s more: $2 from every sale of Mason’s Planets will go to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to support Autism research. That’s a lot to love about a sidewalk chalk set.

It’s never too early to learn about the galaxy! This solar system puzzle, handmade with eco-friendly wood and nontoxic inks, is designed to teach kids ages 1-3 about the planets, letters and spelling, shapes, and counting, as well as help develop motor skills. Kids can place the planets in their correct spots (each one’s orbit is labeled by name) and play around with the little astronaut and space shuttle at the top, too. Whether it’s for your own little or someone else’s, this high-quality pick makes an out of this world gift—a sweet idea for a baby shower, too. There’s even an option to engrave a special message on the back of the board, which is an especially nice touch. Most importantly, though, it’s a hit with the kiddos. As one reviewer raved,  “The kids love it. High quality learning tool!”

This book comes HIGHLY recommended by Dr. Ryan. “Jill McDonald knocked this out of the park with [Hello, World! Solar System],” she said. “It has gorgeous illustrations and bite sized facts that are perfect for littles. [My son] learned all of his planets and their order from this book when he was TWO. It is that good!”