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.
1. Best for family fun
At over 7 feet tall, the Ginormous Water Powered Rocket lives up to its name! 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 track, even as it flies up to 150 feet in the air. The best part — doing it over and over again.
2. Best for crafty kids
Kids ages 8 and older will love putting together this water rocket kit and watching it soar. Pair a handful of simple pieces (included) with a bicycle or ball air pump to create and launch this rocket. This rocket is powered by water and air pressure and goes up to 90 feet in the air. This kit is perfect for budding engineers.
3. Best for parties
Pump up large rocket balloons and watch them fly into the sky with this kit. The kit comes with 100 reusable balloons, so everyone can get in on the fun. The bright-colored balloons make funny whistling noises when released into the sky. Recommended for ages 8 and older, but can be enjoyed by younger kids with adult supervision.
4. Best for younger kids
The Stomp Rocket Original Junior Glow is the perfect toy rocket for kids 3 and older. Simply load one of the foam rockets on the launcher and stomp on the launch pad with two feet. A powerful stomp uses air pressure to send the rocket high in the sky. For added fun, the rockets glow in the dark so you can blast off under the stars. The set comes with four rockets that will keep kids entertained for a long time, with no batteries required.
5. Best for kids who want to build their own rocket
The Estes Tandem-X Launch Set is ideal for kids ages 10 and older who want to build their own rockets. With a beginner and intermediate rocket included, kids put the rockets together, set up and launch each rocket. This is a detailed kit and does require additional launch supplies, but it is a great hobby craft.
6. Best for kids who like high-flying rockets
This NASA Air Rocket Launcher Kit features three rockets that can launch up to 250 feet in the air using air pressure from a standard bicycle pump. With fun features like a NASA Learning Guide and a wireless remote for launch, plus an audible countdown, kids will feel like they are ready for a NASA career after launching this rocket. Kids under age 14 will need adult supervision.
7. Best for kids who like learning about science
A fun take on the traditional stomp rocket, this National Geographic Air Rocket lets kids choose angle at which to launch the multicolored rockets, allowing them to explore more scientific concepts. Plus, the rockets have LED lights to turn on or off, giving you the option of lighting up the night sky. This kit is best for ages 6 and older.
8. Best rechargeable rocket
Unlike other rockets, the Self-Launching Air Rocket from National Geographic gives kids 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. This kit is best for ages 8 and older.
