Best solar system kits 2025 — learn about the planets with a DIY kit

The best solar system kits allow kids (and adults) to get their hands on our solar system, putting together a model to represent the planets around us. We've got a range of models on our list, featuring some pre-built models and some DIY kits that need assembling from scratch.

While most of the solar system kits here are aimed at children, they are suitable for adults with an interest in space, too. We've included hanging mobiles, motorized models and even 3D puzzles.

Solar system kits allow you to learn about the universe as well as getting a creative outlet while you assemble it. We think these make great gifts for kids with an interest in space, but they're also fun to look at, adding a bit of interest to any room.

You might also like our guide to the best space lamps, or if you want more models you can put together yourself, take a look at our guide to the best Lego space sets.

Best overall

Designed for kids aged eight and over, 3M describe its 3D Solar System Model Making Kit as 'easy to assemble'. It has snap-together planets, and has everything you need to complete the model, including hangers, string, paints and paintbrushes. It's a full-on craft project, then, but the result is rather great.

Each of the nine plants is made with crevices and rings for a more realistic representation, although their finalized appearance will ultimately depend on how well you can paint them. It's worth noting that there's only one paintbrush in the set, so if you're wanting to make this model as a group project, it's worth picking up some extra brushes.

Best mobile kit

Everything about constructing this DIY solar system mobile from Peachy Keen Crafts is about making it your own. The planet pieces and all the decorative stars get to be painted by your little one. It includes glow-in-the-dark stickers and other decorative stickers that you can place strategically around the mobile, or add them to your child’s bedroom ceiling and wall to extend the theme of the solar system mobile to their decor.

Once assembled with the included string, this mobile hangs an impressive 27 inches long. All nine planets and the sun are included, and you'll find the necessary acrylic paints and a paintbrush inside the kit. 

Best model kit

This solar system kit is a model that sits on a motorized base and rotates to mimic the planet’s orbits around the sun. None of the pieces need to be painted or decorated: simply click them together, and the model is good to go. Even better, the instructions are easy enough for most children to follow on their own.

The centerpiece glows bright yellow to mimic the sun, but can also be switched to show the placement of popular constellations and zodiac signs. Take note, though: you'll need AA batteries for the model to rotate and light up, which are not included with the kit.

Best for young children

This wooden solar system model from Wanpidou is essentially a chunky jigsaw puzzle, making it suitable for young children. It's recommended from ages three and up, and it's a great way to introduce youngsters to the solar system.

After building the base, which is made up of three large jigsaw pieces, children next need to align the planets in the right place. There are written labels on the board, with holes for each planet to sit in. The puzzle comes with eight wooden planets that need adding into the right hole, and a set of picture cards will help children work out where each one should go.

It's a colorful, educational toy that we love, and thanks to being made out of wood it's long-lasting — the sort of thing children can enjoy for years.

Best for adults

The Lego Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit isn't quite a model of the entire solar system, but it does feature a very important part of it: the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. It's a model that needs assembling piece-by-piece, but it's seriously rewarding to put together, no matter how old you are.

Once the model is finished, it can rotate, showing a realistic orbit of the Earth and Moon around the sun. Simply turn a crank handle on the side of the model and you'll witness the planets rotate. It's a very cleverly made model, but this mechanism means that building it can be a little tricky. Younger kids may need a bit of supervision, but the instruction booklet included is thorough, easy to follow and well-detailed.

In our review of the Lego Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit, we called it a beautiful set and praised the high level of accuracy captured in the model.