If you read my article about 34 Best Educational SPACE Toys and Gifts for Kids, you know how much Adèle loves space. She’s been talking about being a “pioneer” and exploring other planets for a few years now. So, I have been doing a lot of extra research in search of the best space books and best space toys to encourage her love for space.

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Unlike my previous article about space, this one includes a comprehensive list of space books that we have read and loved. It also includes new toys and space gift ideas for kids that are not included in that article.

One thing to keep in mind before you scroll down – As I mentioned many times before, space books and space toys listed in this article are not sorted by age because each child is different and age-appropriateness is really very relative. So, when choosing the right space book or space toy, pay attention to the following:

• Your child’s dexterity
• Your child’s current reading level
• Your child’s interests at the moment (example: is he / she interested in construction? role play? repetition? puzzle? etc.)
• Developmentally, what is he / she trying to learn and master right now?
• Is the toy intended for independent use or as an invitation to connect and play together?

CREATIVE & EDUCATIONAL SPACE TOYS FOR KIDS

1. This Cardboard Playhouse for Kids is a great solution if you don’t already have cardboard boxes lying around. It’s super easy to assemble and does NOT require anything messy like glue nor tape. This means that you won’t nead to plan for a clean-up and if your child is independent, she can do this activity by herself. There are no sharp edges, the cardboard is quite strong and so this kit can be used and reused many times. The best part? It comes with washable markers AND GLOW-IN-THE-DARK-STICKERS for a true, creative, imaginative space experience for the little ones!
2. Adèle played with this Toy Rocket Launcher at a school picnic for the first time and has been talking about it for a YEAR afterwards. It’s great fun and encourages physical activity. The rocket really does fly up super high in the air and is the perfect toy to take along to the park.
3. This Space Flashlight and Projector projects small images onto ceilings and walls in a dark room. It comes with NASA and Hubble Telescope photos and is a great storytelling and learning tool, especially for screen-free families.
4. The Asteroid Travel Puzzle Game is fun for the entire family. The challenges get progressively more difficult with each level and will help everyone develop problem-solving skills. A bonus is that it is travel-friendly.
5. Floss & Rock Space Magnetic 4 in 1 Game is a good investment as it’s literally 4 games in one: Tic Tac Toe (noughts and crosses), Meteors and Ladders (like snakes and ladders), Word Search and a Magnetic Scene. Great for playdates and travel.
6. Floss & Rock Magnetic Scenes Playset – Outer Space – comes with 2 different scenes and magnetic pieces so that your child can make her own space stories. The storage system is great as it makes for an easy clean-up so a definite bonus for parents and Montessori families.
7. Floss & Rock Space Tin Kitchen Set comes with a case that doubles as a stove for pretend play! Your little astronaut can use this set to make space food.
8. Howard Robinson Solar System 3D Jigsaw Puzzle has 150 pieces and a ‘Magic Motion’ effect which makes planets appear as if they are floating in space. WOW! Fun to assemble and great as wall decor!
9. Educational Space Pure cotton Soft Pillowcase is made of soft cotton and washable fabric pens. It’s a unique way for for your child to create art for their room.  

BEST SPACE SCIENCE KITS FOR KIDS

1. Galt Toys Space Lab – This kit is great for STEM education. Some of the fun activities include: building a TELESCOPE, making glow-in-the-dark constellations and even rocket launching! Most things you’ll need are included and what is not, is easily found around the house.
2. Thames & Kosmos Little Labs: Stars and Planets is another STEM kit that is great for kids who are interested in learning about planets.
3. Jigamix Outer Space Science Experiment Kit comes with 7 different activities and is targeted at kids who are interested in astronomy. This set is great for creative fun as well since it comes with special paint to make the planets and stars glow in the dark.

BEST PLANETARIUM AND TELESCOPES FOR KIDS

1. Home Planetarium – Star Projector – If you live around a lot of light pollution, this might be the perfect gift for the family. It helps create a peaceful atmosphere in the room and can be used as a part of a mindful bedtime routine.
2. Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is a reflector telescope perfect for beginners that is a really great value for money. As your budding astronomer gets proficient at using it, you can always add extra pieces to increase the magnification. This is the one Adèle has been saving money for from her t-shirt sales!
3. Celestron NexStar 6 SE Telescope is for slightly more advanced users but comes with everything you need to explore the night sky. If you are looking for a telescope to invest in that will last through different ages and stages, then this is the one!

BEST SPACE BOOKS FOR KIDS

1. Life on Earth: Space – An interactive book with beautiful illustrations that answers kids’ most asked questions about space.
2. See Inside Space – If your kids love flap books, then they will love this one. There is more information about space under each one of the 50 flaps and the explanations are quite thorough, yet concise. Great for younger kids as the pages are thicker and the book is interactive.
3. A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space is perfect for a bedtime routine. There are different stories about inspirational women. A great addition to a boy’s or a girl’s library as it will generate conversations not only about space, but about women’s rights as well.
4. Let’s Be Astronauts (Tiny Travellers) – This book has cute illustrations and an awesome pop out rocket at the end!
5. First Sticker Book Space is made by Usbourne and their illustrations are the most kid friendly we’ve seen on the market.
6. Space Coloring and Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 – If your kids like coloring, this book comes with mazes, puzzles and other fun activities that will teach about space through creative play.
7. Space: A Children’s Encyclopedia – This is an amazing, comprehensive book about space that includes interviews. There are different sections and many beautiful photos accompanied by written facts. The text isn’t overwhelming and this book makes a great addition to any library.
8. Adèle loves her First Space Encyclopedia: A Reference Guide to Our Galaxy and Beyond. At 6, she was able to read some of it independently, but still preferred for me to explain the facts. Sensitive materials are covered in a very child-friendly way so it’s appropriate for kids who are younger. Adèle also really likes how each section’s pages have different colors.
9. Ultimate Sticker Book – Another great sticker book – this one comes with 250 REUSABLE Stickers.

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