Model Solar Systems for Kids

The Talking Solar System is styled on a professional Orrery (mechanical model of the solar system), so straight out of the box you know it's going to be educational.

There are some interesting facts about the Sun and planets which are accessed through the 'Solar Controller' - an interactive panel on the front with a button for the Sun and each of the nine planets. When the buttons are pressed, you get a spoken snippet of information about the particular object. The only niggle about this is that it really is a snippet, and I would love to see a solar system model of this quality containing more information about the planets and supplied with a thick glossy booklet full of color pictures.

Having said that, the Talking Solar System is a good model. The Sun in the centre lights up and the planets can be either rotated around manually (individually), so that they can be positioned to reproduce their approximate relative positions, or rotated automatically (together). Not having a gear system for each planet though, does mean that they all rotate at the same speed, but I would not consider this a major concern.

The Talking Solar System is a nice sturdy model, is easy to set up and use, and I think would make a great gift for a kid who's crazy about space. The manufacturer's age range for this model solar system is 8+.

Well... what can I say about the educational value of the Learning Resources Inflatable Solar System, other than it is 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 are blown up 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.

The Toysmith 4M Solar System Planetarium 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 Planetarium 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 Planetarium 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!

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 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.

A final important note, as with all of the model solar systems reviewed here, is to read the manufacturer's instructions on use and operate the model solar systems as instructed. Please also read any safety notices carefully and any age restrictions that may apply. Most of the model solar systems reviewed on this site contain delicate parts, so following the instructions will definitely help you get the most out of them.

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.