Rovers are robotic red-planet travelers designed to roam Martian terrain, collecting important data to inform on the planet's geological story. These cool landscape-touring robots are exploratory machines that make Mars more accessible. This technology will be a favorite (if it isn't already) of young space enthusiasts with a love of all things science. Luckily, toy-makers have created rover models and more, so kids can discover these important robots. We've made sure that our curated list of Mars rover toys is the best on the planet.
4M Green Science solar rover kit
Solar-powered soda can vehicle
Kids will create a Mars rover using just a soda can and a little sun with this robot-creating kit. Channeling solar power though the provided panel, this four-wheeled rover will snap into action. Engineers, ages eight years and up, will assemble their robot using the pieces provided to structure its frame and prepare the solar mechanism. Aside from the parts included in the set, a soda can is needed to complete this green little gadget.
PLAYMOBIL Mars rover
Mars-exploring rover and astronaut play set
Sail across Mars' craggy landscape with this surface-scaling rover toy. It's built to accommodate the rough terrain, designed to gather and haul martian samples, like the blue crystal specimens. Astronauts are sure to make a discovery or two while onboard this three-wheel machine. This set includes an astronaut figure, rover, and more.
National Geographic solar powered Mars rover model kit
Intricate solar-powered rover set
Space-loving engineers-to-be, ages 12 years and up, will piece together a dimensional wooden rover built to roam with this set. Each laser-cut component fits together to create a functional vehicle. With the help of the solar-powered panel, the gears will snap into action, sending the rover across its terrain. This kit is comprised of wooden pieces, an instruction manual, and sandpaper.
Metal Earth Fascinations Mars rover 3-D metal model kit
Multi-piece rover model
Emulating Mars-traversing rovers, this metallic model takes detail to the next level. Each laser-cut piece must be removed from its metal sheet and assembled to retain that data-collecting robot shape. Following the included instructions, engineers (ages 14 years and up) will structure the model pieces using tweezers. Once finished, the dimensional data-collecting robot is the perfect display piece for any space fan's room.
4M Kidzlabs zero-gravity fridge rover
Fridge-travelling rover toy
Sometimes the surface that needs to be traveled is not as distant as Mars, sometimes it's the refrigerator. This fridge-roving vehicle is built to climb nearly impossible inclines, ascending its terrain with ease. The small rover uses a magnet and the stored energy in its windable clockwork mechanism to journey across metal surfaces, almost appearing to defy gravity.
Thames & Kosmos remote-control machines: space explorers kit
Buildable multi-machine space model kit
Young engineers with an interest in space can create a exploratory robot, much like the Mars rover. Following the provided instructions, kids will assemble a remote-controlled rover ready to search its earthly terrain. This 237-piece set includes the pieces to construct a rover as well as other fun models like a rocket launcher car and space shuttle.
Toys to rove over
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The red planet is the place to be if you're a rover. These robotic vehicles cover a lot of ground, assessing the Martian landscape. For space-savvy children with an interest in Mars, a rover is an essential toy. Whether it's a model, playset, or engineering kit, these fascinating robots are the perfect way to nurture a child's growing interest in science. Our first choice is the 4M Green Science solar rover kit because kids can create a can-style rover powered by the sun. They will assemble their surface-cruising vehicle with the pieces provided and a soda can. With a little solar power, this machine will zip across its terrain with ease.
For some imaginative play on Mars' surface, the PLAYMOBIL Mars Rover is a great selection. The resilient, astronaut-manned rover is built for the harsh landscape to gather samples and make important discoveries. This specimen-carrying vehicle is accompanied by an astronaut figure and more for hours of spacetime fun.
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