Educational and Fun Model Solar Systems for Kids
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All ages will love these model solar systems for kids. Whether they're for learning astronomy, as part of a science project or simply the coolest of bedroom decorations, they're a fascinating way to find out about our nearest neighbors in space.
On this page I present reviews of some popular model solar systems for kids, ranging from simple inflatable planets, to mobiles and motorized kits. Each model solar system is both educational and fun. If you know someone who's just crazy about space, or your little-ones want only to be an astronaut when they grow up, then one of these could be the perfect gift. |
Educational Insights Motorized Solar System
A model solar system that doubles as a planetarium projector
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The Educational Insights Motorized Solar System presents a realistic model of the Sun and nine planets, giving a great introduction to the dynamics of the solar system.
With a Sun that lights up and automatically rotating planets, the Motorized Solar System also features planetary longitude marks, so that the planets can be set up in their correct relative positions. The Educational Insights Motorized Solar System comes with a unique star-dome which converts the kit into a planetarium projector of the northern hemisphere. It requires 4 C batteries or AC adapter for operation (not included). |
Motorized Solar System Review
There's lots of Solar System science to be learned with this kit
The Educational Insights Motorized Solar System is styled on a professional Orrery (mechanical model of the solar system), so straight out the box you know it’s going to be educational.
There’s lots of Solar System science to be learned with this kit, including the positions of the planets, that they orbit around a central Sun in the same direction, and that the Earth’s position among the planets explains our unique perspective of our nearest neighbors in space. For such a nice-looking solar system, I’d have liked to have seen the detailing on the planets to be more accurate, but this is a minor niggle.
The Motorized Solar System is a good model. The central mount and arms that hold the planets are colored black, so you get a reasonable effect of them disappearing in a darkened room, with the intention that the planets are then seen orbiting without any support. Not having a gear system for each planet though, does mean that they all rotate at the same speed, but again I wouldn’t consider this a major concern. The Sun in the center lights up nice and bright.
The Educational Insights Motorized Solar System is a good sturdy model, it’s easy to set up and use, and I think would make a great gift for a kid who’s crazy about space. I also love the fact that it doubles as a planetarium projector, which looks okay considering the size of the unit and the bulb that’s built in. For reasons I’m not sure of, an AC adapter is not supplied with this Solar System model. This would need to be purchased separately, or alternatively use the recommended batteries.
Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System Set
Allowing kids to learn about the solar system in large-scale
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The Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System creates an out-of-this-world playroom, bedroom or classroom with a unique set of blow-up celestial objects, including nine planets, the Sun and the Moon.
With hanging hooks for displaying the Inflatable Solar System from the ceiling, the set also features an activity guide with lots of fun facts about the planets. The Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System is made from durable, washable plastic and comes with a convenient foot pump and repair kit. |
Inflatable Solar System Set Review
Ideal for the classroom or homeschool project
Well… what can I say about the educational value of the Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System, other than it’s just perfect for teaching kids about the planets. Like the product description says, whether it’s the playroom, bedroom or classroom, this set puts some serious fun into learning about the solar system.
The Sun, Moon and planets are actually not as big as sometimes advertised. My measurements roughly agree with the manufacturer’s website that gives the diameter of the Sun as 22-inches, with the Moon and planets ranging from 5-inches to 14-inches. Despite this, when they’re inflated and hung from the ceiling, they look fantastic.
For practical reasons, the relative sizes of the planets can only be approximated at best, but the set also comes with a great Activity Guide providing a useful teaching resource. In any case, I’m sure all kids would agree that this inflatable solar system is a great ‘toy’ to play with.
The Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System Set includes a foot pump and, in case of punctures, a repair kit. The foot pump is a little on the basic side, so to make the job of inflating the set easier and quicker, you may find that you end up doing this manually, or with an alternative pump. Nevertheless, for the money and as a model of the solar system for kids, I think this is a great product.
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The 4M Earth and Moon Model Kit allows kids to create their very own DIY model of our planet and its nearest neighbor in space.
Use the finished product to learn about the Moon's phases, why we see lunar eclipses and more. The kit includes everything you need to create, paint and display the model - with detailed instructions. |
Toysmith 4M Solar System
Kids can create their own worlds with this DIY model solar system
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The Toysmith 4M Solar System is a do-it-yourself kit with all the parts for you to create your own solar system model from scratch.
Containing a model stand, arms, planet supports, planet pieces and paints, you can produce a glow-in-the-dark model while learning about the solar system at the same time. If your kids enjoy making things and exercising their artistic talents, then this model is ideal and it comes with lots of educational facts and figures about the planets. |
4M Solar System Review
With a little patience this delivers activity, fun and learning
The Toysmith 4M Solar System works great as part of a project, whether at home or for school, since it’s a model solar system that you have to make yourself, and it contains plenty of interesting information about the solar system.
A little patience is required in putting the kit together and I would certainly recommend that the kids would need some adult assistance, especially with the fiddly parts of construction and painting. The kit does contain small pieces and the manufacturer recommends this product only for ages 7+, which I agree is about right.
The Solar System kit really does include everything to complete the model. The mini sandpaper supplied is useful in buffing up the surface of the plastic planets to help the paint adhere better and to produce different effects.
When the model solar system is put together, the planets on the Toysmith 4M Solar System can be manually turned around and also rotated around the Sun. This comes in handy when you’re trying to learn things like why we have day and night, and why we have eclipses, etc.
As a final thought, since this is a solar system model you make for yourself, then why stick with our own solar system? I see no reason why this kit couldn’t be used to imagine what other worlds would look like orbiting around another star. With the paint included, let the kids go wild in creating their own planets!
Uncle Milton Solar System In My Room
A remote control solar system from this popular manufacturer
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The Uncle Milton Solar System presents a motorized mobile of all the planets in your own room – right above your head!
Featuring a Sun that lights up, the Uncle Milton Solar System is remotely controlled and comes with an audio CD that provides a guided tour through our unique solar system. The Uncle Milton Solar System features a power-off timer, set of glow-in-the-dark star stickers, and is powered by 3 AA and 2 AAA batteries (not included). |
Solar System In My Room Review
Perhaps the most fun and educational solar system model
The Uncle Milton Solar System is the model solar system that is pictured in the introduction to this site, so you already know it looks good. However, as looks can sometimes be deceiving, please be aware that the unit does not fit over (or replace) an existing light fixture, as the picture would somewhat suggest.
Adults are definitely required to set up the Uncle Milton Solar System, but once done it provides perhaps the most fun and educational of these model solar systems for kids.
Dual rotation rings, onto which the planets are attached, give the illusion that the planets are moving at different speeds, which is a really clever touch. I also like the fact that the Uncle Milton Solar System is operated by remote control, and that the remote control doubles as a light pointer which can be used to highlight the planets as they go round.
The audio CD supplied with the Uncle Milton Solar System provides an introduction to each of the planets and lasts about as long as the power off timer – approximately 15 minutes.
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Featuring an authentic lunar landscape, this realistic moon model hangs on the wall and lights up to show the different phases.
Includes a remote control, auto shut-off timer and full instructions. |
Authentic Models Mobile Solar System
A good quality solar system model for older kids
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The Authentic Models Mobile Solar System is both scientific and decorative, with styling very much in tune with times past.
Easy to set up from the instructions provided, the manufacturers of the Mobile Solar System have really focused on the quality and ‘wow’ factor. The Authentic Models Mobile Solar System contains the Sun and nine planets and measures an impressive 53 inches across. |
Authentic Models Mobile Solar System Review
You'll need some space to hang this solar system mobile
The Authentic Models Mobile Solar System is the most expensive of the model solar systems for kids featured on this site. However, it would be difficult to argue that the quality of the pieces and construction isn’t also the best.
The Sun and planets are finished with what appears to be actual photographic print of the surface of these celestial bodies, or at the very least something based on photographs. This adds a really authentic look to them, which is the trademark of the manufacturer in general.
Set up instructions for this model solar system are clear and easy to follow, with the resulting arrangement of the Sun and planets well balanced.
Be warned however, that the Authentic Models Solar System needs quite a bit of space (if you pardon the pun). If hanging from the ceiling, I’d recommend about 5-feet around by 3-feet deep. The mobile Solar System is one of a range of Authentic Models mobiles which also includes a Globe mobile, and variety of mobiles based on aeronautical themes.