Blast Boredom Away!

For Kids

— by Rebecca Hastings

There’s something captivating and exciting about watching a rocket fly high into the sky, especially if you’re the one who launched it. Loved by kids and adults alike, rockets are a fun way to get outside and play with science. Whether you build it from scratch or simply assemble and launch, seeing how high your rocket can go and where it will end up is always an adventure.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite rockets of all different sizes to get you and your kids outside to enjoy the fun.

For BIG Family Fun:

Ginormous Water Powered Rocket

(Amazon, $69.89)

At over 7 feet tall, this rocket lives up to its name! Simply start by inflating the rocket and securing the base. Once everything is set up, fill the water reservoir and use the pressure to launch. This big rocket is easy to keep your eye on, even as it flies up to one hundred fifty feet in the air. The best part? Doing it again and again.

Crafts Meet Science:

4M Water Rocket Kit

(by Toysmith, Amazon, $21.99)

Kids ages 8 and up will love putting this rocket together and watching it soar. Pair a handful of simple pieces (included) with a bicycle or ball air pump to create and launch this rocket. Using a combination of water and air pressure, the rocket goes up to 90 feet in the air. This kit is perfect for budding engineers.

Fun for Everyone:

Rocket Balloons

(by Impresa, Amazon, $12.99)

Pump up the 40-inch balloons and watch them fly into the sky with this kit. With 100 balloons that can be reused, everyone can get in on the fun. The brightcolored balloons all take on a life of their own when released as they whistle into the sky. Plus, they make funny whistling noises kids will love. Recommended for ages 8 and up, but can be used with younger kids with adult supervision.

For Younger Kids:

Stomp Rocket Original Glow Rocket Launcher

(by D&L Company, Amazon, $13.64)

This junior stomp rocket is perfect for kids 3 and up. Simply load one of the foam rockets on the launcher and stomp on the powerful launch pad with two feet. The powerful stomp uses air pressure to send the rocket high in the sky. For added fun, they glow in the dark so you can blast off under the stars. The set comes with four rockets to keep kids having fun, no batteries needed.

Build Your Rockets:

Estes Tandem-X Launch Set (by Estes, Amazon, $53.03)

This detailed set is great for kids ages 10 and up looking to build their own rockets. With a beginner and intermediate rocket included, kids put the rockets together, set up, and launch each rocket. This detailed kit requires additional launch supplies, but it is a great hobby craft.

Fly High:

NASA Air Rocket Launcher Kit (by Discover with Dr. Cool, Amazon, $99.99)

This kit features three rockets that launch up to 250 feet using air pressure from a standard bicycle pump. With fun features like a NASA Learning Guide and a wireless remote for launch complete with an audible countdown, kids will feel like they are ready for NASA after launching this rocket. Kids under 14 need adult supervision.

Launch From All Angles:

National Geographic Air Rocket Toy

(by National Geographic, Amazon, $24.99)

A fun take on the traditional stomp rocket, this kit from National Geographic lets kids choose what angle to launch the multicolored rockets, allowing them to explore more scientific concepts. Plus, the rockets have LED lights to turn on or off, allowing you to light up the night sky. Fun for ages 6 and up.

Rechargeable Fun:

National Geographic Rocket Launcher for Kids (by National Geographic, Amazon, $29.50)

Unlike other rockets, this electric rocket gives kids ages 8 and up the chance to choose how long they want the rocket to fly with the push of a button. Kids will love watching it soar up to 200 feet as the propellor spins. When it’s time to come down, the blades release, and the rocket floats back to the ground. Each charge of the battery provides up to 20 launches.

LEARNING DOESN’T STOP WITH THE LAUNCH

Space is an exciting idea to explore, especially for kids. “Many children are fascinated by the vastness of the universe, and introducing conversations about things like the planets and solar system will engage and nurture their inquisitive minds.” (https:// www.good2knownetwork.org)

Space is the perfect thing to explore if we want to raise creative, problem-solving kids. Beyond imagination, learning about space promotes literacy and math concepts. Rockets and space are a great way to incorporate more STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning for kids of all ages. Providing fun activities like launching rockets can help kids develop an interest in these areas. This is especially helpful for young girls, as there is a vast gender gap between women and men in STEM careers.

By making STEM learning fun, you can encourage your kids to develop more interest in these types of thinking while also opening doors for imagination and creativity. Space study, through rockets, facts, and activities, encourages kids to think in new ways today and in the future.

OUT OF THIS WORLD BOOKS ABOUT ROCKETS & SPACE

Incorporate great books to further encourage STEM learning and imagination for your kids. Whether it’s with a book of facts, stickers, or a fictional story, these books can ignite a spark that inspires your child.

Activity Books

• National Geographic Kids Super Space Sticker Activity Book – A great interactive book for kids ages 4-8 (younger kids may need help.) Full of stickers, mazes, games, and coloring pages to teach kids all about space.

• Space Coloring and Activity Book – Combine a love for space with critical thinking, reading, math, problem-solving, and more in this activity book for kids ages 3-10. Full of facts, games, and activities, this book will take kids through the solar system.

Fact-Filled Reads

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space – Great nonfiction book for ages 3- 6 to learn space facts with amazing photos.

• Spaceships and Rockets – Learn all about the parts of a rocket and the history of rockets and space travel in this book perfect for ages 5-7.

• Space Exploration for Kids – Full of information about what it’s like for an astronaut to be on a rocket and in space. Great for ages 5 and up.

Fun Stories to Explore

• Mousetronaut – Have fun on this adventure with a little mouse with big dreams of being an astronaut. For ages 3-8.

• Pete the Cat: Out of This World – Head to space camp with Pete the Cat as he learns all about what it takes to blast off. For ages 3-8.

• Space Case – The first book in a series, this story is about the first kid to live on the moon. Full of adventure, this series is perfect for ages 9-12.

Rebecca Hastings is a former elementary teacher who traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate.

Do

Have you thought about owning your own business?

Would you like working from home?

by Rebecca Hastings