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Space-themed games for kids come in various forms, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
When selecting space-themed games for kids, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure an enjoyable and enriching experience:
- Age-appropriateness: Check the recommended age range for the game to ensure it aligns with your child’s developmental stage.
- Educational value: Look for games that incorporate educational elements related to space, astronomy, and science.
- Gameplay complexity: Consider the complexity of the game mechanics. Some space-themed games are simple, while others may have more intricate rules and strategies.
- Safety and online features: If the game has online features or multiplayer options, ensure they are safe for kids and provide adequate parental controls to protect their online experience.
- Reviews and recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other parents or gaming communities.
- Engagement and interest: Select games that align with your child’s interests within the space theme.
- Family play: If you’re looking for a game for family bonding, consider cooperative or competitive board games that can be enjoyed together.
In this post, we will take you on a tour of the top space-themed games and explain why they have become must-haves in every young explorer’s collection.
Space themed board games for kids
Outer space games not only entertain but also serve as fantastic educational tools.
Space-themed board games encourage strategy and problem-solving while promoting family bonding around the table.
Let’s explore some popular space-themed board games for kids that blend fun with learning.
1. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine (Ages 10+)
In the Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine game, players join a team of astronauts embarking on a space expedition to uncover the mysteries behind a recently discovered ninth planet in our solar system.
This space-themed game is set against the backdrop of outer space to immerse children in a challenging card game. They must rely on communication, strategy, and deduction to solve the universe’s riddles.
The intricacies of coordinating with team members to achieve common objectives can significantly improve a child’s cooperative and problem-solving skills.
As they navigate through the deck, they’ll encounter all the planets, learning about each and building spatial awareness.
The gripping narrative combined with the strategic gameplay ensures that children gain knowledge and thoroughly enjoy the space theme.
2. Cosmic Encounter (Ages 14+)
Cosmic Encounter catapults players into a universe where different alien species come into contact, negotiate, and sometimes clash in their quest for galactic dominance.
This game wonderfully represents the vast and varied nature of outer space, where numerous species with unique powers aim for supremacy.
Children playing Cosmic Encounter can develop negotiation and tactical skills as they form alliances, strategize attacks, and adapt to new challenges.
It’s an outer space game that encourages thinking flexibility and tactics adaptability.
The unpredictable nature of encounters, combined with the delightful depictions of alien species, ensures that kids are continually engaged and entertained.
3. Race for the Galaxy (Ages 14+)
In Race for the Galaxy, players compete to build the most prosperous and powerful space empire. The game beautifully incorporates elements like space shuttles, advanced technologies, and many planets, giving kids a comprehensive tour of a potential future in outer space.
The card-driven game requires players to strategize, plan, and make quick decisions, skills that children will cultivate with every playthrough.
Kids learn about resource management and strategic planning as they race to establish colonies and harness new technologies.
The vibrant artwork and the race against time make this game an exciting journey for youngsters eager to conquer the galaxy.
4. Star Realms (Ages 12+)
Star Realms is a deck-building game where players engage in intense battles using space fleets and bases. It is set in a universe where space shuttles and interstellar bases are crucial to survival. Kids are thrust into an environment where they must strategize and adapt.
The game uses the space theme to introduce children to resource management, planning, and tactical combat.
Players naturally sharpen their decision-making skills as they choose ships, develop bases, and engage opponents.
The fast-paced nature of battles and the allure of building one’s space realm ensures that children are entertained and educated.
5. Space Cadets (Ages 14+)
Space Cadets simulate the operations of a spaceship, requiring a team of players to handle different departments, from navigation to weaponry.
The game’s setting is reminiscent of the international space station, where every task, no matter how minute, is crucial for survival in space.
Children are introduced to the responsibilities of running a spacecraft and learn the importance of teamwork and time management.
Each role in the game demands specific skills, promoting multi-tasking and quick thinking.
The dynamic nature of outer space challenges, coupled with the game’s cooperative essence, ensures that kids learn valuable skills and thoroughly enjoy the experience of working together in an enthralling space theme.
6. Space Base (ages 14+)
The vibrant game of Space Base whisks children away into the vastness of the solar system as they step into the shoes of Commodores.
Each player is presented with a unique task: to manage their mining ships and cargo vessels fleet and deploy carriers efficiently.
As kids compete to gain influence and rise through the ranks, they learn strategic thinking and get a dose of space trivia as they engage with different spacecraft.
This game stands out because players build their very own chart of rewards. It fosters creativity and ensures a unique experience with every game.
Furthermore, with every roll of the dice, all players – not just the one whose turn it is – benefit, keeping everyone invested.
7. Tiny Epic Galaxies (ages 14+)
Tiny Epic Galaxies transports younger children into a world where they can command their galaxy. They learn about moon rocks, black holes, and other celestial wonders.
Each player’s objective is to acquire planets and tactfully manage their resources, keeping them safe from potential space threats.
This game demands careful strategy as players jostle for a dominant position in the solar system.
Kids collect victory points, and as the play continues, they must quickly adapt their strategies to outsmart their opponents. The exciting ‘follow’ mechanism engages kids, teaching them to anticipate their rivals’ moves.
Space themed video games for kids
Video games transport young adventurers into space, offering interactive experiences where they can explore distant galaxies and solve cosmic challenges.
Here’s a closer look at five outstanding outer space games that not only offer adventure and fun but also nurture valuable skills:
8. Super Mario Galaxy (Suitable for all ages)
Super Mario Galaxy reveals the magic that can happen when you combine a beloved character with the enchantment of outer space. Mario, the iconic plumber, finds himself journeying across numerous galaxies, each presenting a unique set of challenges, planets, and adventures.
Kids are transported to an enthralling universe where they hop, skip, and jump from one planet to another. They defy gravity and gather all the rocks and stars in their path.
Super Mario Galaxy introduces children to the fundamental concepts of gravity and planetary physics in the most delightful manner.
The sense of being aboard a space shuttle, navigating through various galaxies, gives players a sense of space travel’s grandeur.
9. Cosmic Osmo and the Worlds Beyond the Mackerel (Suitable for all ages)
Taking a delightful departure from traditional space exploration, Cosmic Osmo and the Worlds Beyond the Mackerel immerses players in a whimsical, point-and-click adventure across alien worlds.
It’s a puzzle game at its heart, where each challenge pushes children to think, reason, and strategize. The game’s open-ended nature means kids can indulge their curiosity at their own pace.
They can move through interactive alien environments that are as intriguing as they are fun.
While it might not be packed with astronomical facts, the game encourages imagination, creativity, and a general appreciation for the wonders of space.
10. Endless Space 2 (Ages 7+)
For those older kids with a penchant for strategy and a love for the cosmos, Endless Space 2 offers an expansive universe where players mold the destiny of their chosen civilization.
Players must make pivotal decisions regarding resource management, expansion, diplomacy, and space warfare.
The intricate details of leading an interstellar civilization aren’t just enjoyable but are peppered with lessons in planning, foresight, and strategic thinking.
Every decision feels monumental, akin to captaining a space shuttle, determining the course of an entire people.
The game encapsulates the grandiosity of space travel, offering kids a glimpse into the intricacies of cosmic exploration and governance.
11. Stellaris (Ages 12+)
Stellaris is a masterclass in strategy and imagination that blends the complexity of building an empire with the magnificence of outer space exploration.
Players dive deep into creating and steering their interstellar dominion. They encounter diverse alien races and face dynamic cosmic events that keep the narrative fresh and exhilarating.
The game touches upon aspects of diplomacy, forging alliances, and strategic warfare.
For kids ready to embrace a challenge, it’s a game that hones their decision-making skills, planning abilities, and, most importantly, their imagination.
12. Space Invaders (Ages 4+)
The timeless classic Space Invaders whisks players into an open space where they need to defend against advancing rows of aliens. Its simple design, reminiscent of the early days of video gaming, captures the essence of a retro alien defense.
While it may seem like a mere shooting game, it subtly introduces kids to strategy, timing, and coordination. They’re fine-tuning their reflexes and decision-making skills with every advancing alien they target.
It’s one of those fun activities where, without realizing it, kids are developing cognitive abilities.
Whether it’s a rainy day indoors or just a casual gaming session, Space Invaders provides the right dose of nostalgia and engagement for kids and adults.
13. Space Explorer from National Geographic Kids (Ages 6+)
As kids maneuver through various planets in Space Explorer, they’re tasked with collecting stars and dodging obstacles, making it an adventure filled with anticipation and excitement.
But what truly stands out is how the game seamlessly integrates learning. Kids are treated to intriguing facts about each celestial body as they unlock new planets.
This blend of fun activities and education ensures that while they’re enjoying the thrill of the game, they’re also soaking in knowledge about our solar system.
These kinds of activities for kids blend enjoyment with education, turning game time into a learning opportunity.
Space themed mobile game for kids
Mobile games, accessible on smartphones and tablets, provide convenient on-the-go entertainment, making them perfect for keeping kids engaged during travel or downtime.
Let’s explore some popular space-themed mobile games catering to entertainment and education.
14. Cosmic Express (Ages 7+)
Cosmic Express sets players on a journey through the universe as they design intergalactic railway routes to shuttle aliens from one station to the next. As children engage with the game, they develop critical problem-solving skills.
The colorful graphics and amusing alien characters make the game relatable and enjoyable for younger children.
Kids collect rewards and face challenges as they play, like navigating their trains around meteor showers, reminiscent of a solar system scavenger hunt.
This game beautifully combines elements of a classic game with the fascinating realm of outer space. It ensures that the young gamers are always on their toes, plotting courses while avoiding obstacles.
Cosmic Express is available for download on Playstore and App Store.
15. TerraGenesis – Space Settlers (Ages 4+)
TerraGenesis – Space Settlers offers a deep dive into planetary science and ecology. Players terraform planets to make them habitable for humanity.
While the game’s premise might sound advanced, its interactive features simplify complex processes, making them understandable even for younger children.
This game is perfect for kids who enjoy simulation games and are interested in our solar system’s workings.
Kids learn about planetary conditions and ecosystems and hone their strategic planning skills. They collect resources and tackle challenges, reminding one of an extended solar system scavenger hunt.
You can download TerraGenesis – Space Settlers from Playstore and App Store.
16. Stellar Age: MMO Strategy (Ages 12+)
Stellar Age takes children on a massive multiplayer online journey where they can build vast space empires and engage in cosmic battles with players worldwide.
This game introduces kids to the basics of resource management, strategic planning, and teamwork. The connection to space is ever-present as they maneuver their rocket ships and organize their defenses against meteor showers.
Stellar Age is an example of a space game for kids that goes beyond surface-level engagement, ensuring players immerse themselves in a universe of strategy and diplomacy.
Get Stellar Age: MMO Strategy on Google Play Store or App Store.
17. Spaceflight Simulator Settlers (Ages 10+)
Spaceflight Simulator Settlers stands out as a game where kids can design, build, and launch their very own rocket ships. They navigate obstacle courses in the vastness of space and reach out to explore unknown planets.
This gives them a sense of achievement as they learn the fundamentals of physics and aerospace engineering. It’s like a classic game of building and exploration set in the cosmos.
As children progress, they face challenges reminiscent of a meteor shower, forcing them to think on their feet and adapt their strategies.
Download Spaceflight Simulator Settlers from the Google Play Store and App Store.
18. Star Walk Kids – Explore Space (Ages 4+)
Star Walk Kids – Explore Space is a delightful tool for budding astronomers. It is a solar system scavenger hunt where children can explore and identify stars, planets, and constellations in real time by pointing their devices at the night sky.
This app fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity in younger children, making the vast space accessible right from their homes.
Kids collect badges and facts as they identify celestial bodies, making it an enjoyable and educational experience.
The game beautifully blends the real world with the digital, turning every stargazing session into an exciting cosmic adventure.
Download Star Walk Kids from the Google Play Store and App Store.
19. Star Chart (Ages 9+)
When kids open the Star Chart app, it’s like having a window to the universe in their pockets. Pointing their device to the sky reveals a beautiful and accurate depiction of the stars, planets, 88 constellations, and even some deep sky objects.
This immersion allows kids to recognize and familiarize themselves with the cosmic wonders above them. This fosters a deeper appreciation for astronomy.
The interactive touch feature, where children can tap on a celestial body and immediately learn about it, reinforces memory retention and curiosity.
With its intuitive design, Star Chart makes learning about space enjoyable and instills a sense of place within the universe. It showcases that the sky is not just a vast open space but a tapestry of stories and facts waiting to be unraveled.
Star Chart is available for download on Google Play Store and App Store.
20. Arloon Solar System (Ages 4+)
Arloon Solar System draws kids into an interactive journey where 3D models and animations come to life. They help detail the marvels of our solar system.
From the molten surface of Venus to the icy rings of planet Saturn, children can explore and understand the characteristics and orbits of various celestial bodies.
This app uses augmented reality technology to turn any environment into an immersive classroom.
The Arloon Solar System doesn’t just tell kids about outer space – it lets them experience it.
It presents complex astronomical concepts in interactive and hands-on activities for kids. The app brings the distant wonders of the cosmos closer to home, making outer space exploration an everyday adventure.
Download Arloon Solar System from the Google Play Store and App Store.
Space themed camp games
Embarking on space adventures doesn’t always require a rocket ship or a video game console.
With some imagination, creativity, and the outdoor surroundings, you can bring the wonder of the universe right to the campgrounds.
Let’s explore some space-themed camp games that offer excitement and foster learning and collaboration.
21. Moon Rock Eelay (Ages 4+)
Imagine a relay race on the lunar surface, with each step taken in slow motion under the moon’s lower gravity. The Moon Rock Relay captures this sensation, perfectly suited for large groups of kids ages four and up.
The playing area mimics the rough terrain of the moon, with kids challenged to navigate the landscape as quickly as possible, albeit in a slow-motion style. This emphasizes balance and coordination.
As they pass the ‘moon rocks’ to their teammates, children are reminded of the teamwork needed in space missions.
For younger children attending space party games during birthday parties, this activity provides fun and an introduction to the solar system’s peculiarities.
Play continues till the last person finishes, setting the stage for the next round.
22. Astronauts and Aliens (Ages 5+)
Transforming the traditional tag game, Astronauts and Aliens pit two teams against each other in a playful chase. One team takes on the role of astronauts trying to explore a new planet, while the other acts as aliens trying to tag them.
The game is conducted in a large playing area and allows kids ages five and up to engage in strategic thinking while getting physically active.
It subtly emphasizes the vastness of space and the uncertainties astronauts may encounter. As play continues, kids collect memories of playful chases, resonating with the essence of exploration.
23. Saturn Ring Stack (Ages 6+)
Saturn Ring Stack evokes images of Saturn’s rings and challenges kids to toss rings onto pegs, mimicking the planet’s unique feature.
While it mirrors the classic midway game of ring toss, it actively teaches children about the solar system’s uniqueness, especially kids ages six and up.
Every successful toss enhances hand-eye coordination and sparks curiosity about planetary rings.
Given the time constraint, kids also learn about the value of precision and quick decision-making, essential traits for space missions.
24. Moonwalk Freeze (Ages 4-12)
An ideal inclusion in space party games, especially during birthday parties, Moonwalk Freeze lets kids move and groove to space-related music.
But there’s a twist – they need to freeze as soon as the music stops. Imagining themselves on a spacewalk, kids must halt instantly, replicating the sensation of floating in space.
It’s an exciting activity for kids of all ages, emphasizing the need for quick reflexes.
It continues until the last person remains, instilling a sense of accomplishment and the unpredictability of space adventures.
25. Space Trivia (Ages 5+)
How well do the young minds know the black hole from the moon rocks or the specifics of the solar system? Space Trivia offers an excellent opportunity to test this knowledge.
It splits the group into two teams or has them play individually. Kids buzz in or jot down their answers to space-related questions.
This game reinforces their understanding of the cosmos and encourages quick thinking and teamwork.
As each round of space trivia concludes, there is anticipation and excitement for the next. This makes it one of the most engaging activities for kids.
See also: 47 Space Activities for Kids to Fuel Their Love for Science
Takeaway: Explore the infinite potential of space themed games for kids
The wonder of outer space has always been a beacon for curious minds, and with the rise of creative space-themed games, the universe is closer to our children than ever before.
From mobile apps like Star Chart that transform our phones into portable observatories to educational platforms like Arloon Solar System that make learning about the cosmos a hands-on experience, these 25 games are proof of the magic of blending fun activities with learning.
They entertain and educate, turning screen time into a journey through the stars.
For parents and guardians, it’s heartening to see such innovative tools at our disposal, ready to fuel the next generation’s passion for exploration.
As we guide our kids through these games, we’re not just indulging in playful pastimes; we’re preparing them for a future where the mysteries of the universe might just be a day’s work.
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