What are the best toys to get a child interested in space? From telescopes to books to games, it's all here.
There are so many different directions to go in if your child loves space or you are trying to foster an interest in astronomy. Let's start with observing.
Telescopes, binoculars, and observing gear. What children really need, more than "stuff," is for someone to take the time to stand outside with them on a starry night and point out planets and constellations. Teach them the sky. You can give coupons good for "1 Hour of Observing with Mom" or something similar. If you are looking for gear, start small. You don't want to make too much of an investment if this interest is just a flash in the pan. Binoculars are an excellent choice because they are easy to use and have uses outside of astronomy. If you really want to buy a telescope, stay away from the cheap and rickety ones that advertise outrageous views on the side of the box. Get realistic. For less than a hundred bucks, you are not going to see detail on the surface of Mars. You will see great detail on the moon, the moons of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn, but beyond that be very wary of "awesome" observing pictures that look like they were taken with the Hubble Space Telescope. For a good entry level telescope, try Celestron's ExploraScope.
Games! This is the best category, because you can play them even when it's cloudy and 20 degrees outside. And the whole family can usually get involved.
- The Planet Quest board game is a big hit at our house. Players must collect a card from each planet (and the Sun) after answering a question about that object. A spinner and worm holes allow the player to move around on the board. Planet Quest is a good game for kids who are just learning information about the solar system.
- Professor Noggins Outer Space Game is another excellent choice. It consists of a pack of cards and dice - that's it! So it would also make for a great game for traveling in the car. There are cards on a wide range of subjects, not just the planets, so kids get the opportunity to learn (or show off their knowledge of) constellations, space exploration, and so forth. There are two levels of play so older and younger kids can play together, as well as adults!
- Trying to teach your kids all 88 constellations? There are two board games that may help you out. Try Constellation: The Interstellar Race Game or Constellation Station - the last game here is an oldie but a goodie. It may be hard to find but it not only teaches the constellations but also when they appear in the sky, what their brightest stars are, mythology behind the name, and more.
- The Mars 2020 Board Game is the one on our Christmas wish list this year. You have to land on Mars, which is tricky when Mars does not stand still but orbits the Sun, just like in real life. You must fix problems with your spaceship by answering questions that can be on an easy or more difficult level. The reviews have been great so we are excited to be playing this on Christmas morning!
Models. A large crop of solar system models allow for a wide range of gift giving. You can get the inflatable solar system, which is fun for setting up in the yard and trying to make it close to "scale" or for tossing around and getting some physical activity. Or you can go with a glow-in-the-dark, even friendly-for-babies mobile for the nursery or bedroom. Or how about the very cool motorized solar system model that replaces the light in the bedroom with the sun, as the planets circle around it? And don't forget about the moon. This moon functions as a night light and teaches the phases plus an audio tour guide.
"Toys." I say "toys" because while there are plenty of miniature sized space shuttles and Saturn V rockets and astronauts along with glow-in-the-dark star stickers, solar system puzzles and Mars or moon sand that can be picked up just about anywhere, why not try some really cool "toys" that are fun to play with for kids and adults and that encourage a lot of learning? With the Discovery Ultimate Star Planetarium you don't have to leave the house to see your own planetarium show or discover what the sky looks like Down Under. (But caution: see my frustrated review.) A similar but less expensive spin on this toy would be the Star Theater Home Planetarium. The 3D Space Projector comes with good quality 3D glasses to view solar system to deep space objects projected on your wall. The Planetary Challenge is a toy and a quiz game all in one.
Books. Starting at the youngest age, pick up There's No Place Like Space, a book based on the Cat in the Hat characters. Seymour Simon has written a great series of books on the planets, stars, and other space objects. The Big Dipper and You is an excellent book for children who want to learn the sky - it gives them an always-visible object to learn and branches out from there.
Software. Check out the all-encompassing The Eyewitness Encyclopeida of Space and the Universe or join Miss Frizzle and the gang in the Magic School Bus Explores the Solar System. For older kids or those looking for a deeper understanding of space, consider Starry Night Backyard.
The best tip for buying a space gift for your child is to find something YOU would be interested in. The more you interact with your child, the more they will be interested in the gift and in astronomy in general.
