Everybody loves a good rocket launch, and these model rockets will be a good boost to your spacefaring dreams.
The rocket sets below range from beginner to advanced, from air-powered to engine-powered, with some fun variations in between (like rocket-powered cars or rocket-powered bottles.)
Model rocketry requires not only the rocket, but some accessories like wadding, fin straighteners, engines and batteries, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. We’ve included a selection of accessories to help you build out your rocket stable. Also make sure to follow all safety guidelines carefully when launching.
Rocketry is not only a fun activity, but it is a real-life inspiration to help youngsters learn about science, engineering, mathematics and technology (STEM). And many people who flew into space or who worked for space agencies or companies began just like you want to, with model rockets. Stay safe and have fun.
Great Estes starter sets to start your engines
Estes Rascal and HiJinks Launch Set: $47.99 at Amazon
You can double your flying fun with the Estes Rascal and HiJinks launch set. Each rocket will require Estes engines (sold separately), which allows you to propel to 1,200 feet. They only take a couple of hours to assemble and are easily retrieved thanks to colorful parachutes.
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Estes Whirlybird Rocket Launch Set Model Kit: $52.99 at Amazon
Get soaring copter style into the air with this colorful, dual recovery rocket. It includes parts, decals and a quick assembly time to get you in the air as soon as possible. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Amazing replicas of real-life rockets to launch
Estes Rockets 1-200 Scale Saturn V Model: $59.55 at Walmart
A slightly taller Saturn V rocket is also available at Walmart, if you want something closer to the epic 363 feet this rocket spanned. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes Mercury Redstone Flying Model Rocket Kit: $29.95 at Amazon
Relive the first Mercury astronaut missions by NASA with this model rocket. It goes up to 200 feet in the air. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon. View Deal
Estes Rockets Little Joe I Model Rocket Kit: $26.99 at Amazon
The Little Joe famously tested the Mercury launch escape system and heat shield before the first NASA astronauts flew into space. This model allows you to soar up to 400 feet. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes Black Brant II Model Rocket Kit: $22.59 at Walmart
This famous sounding rocket series has been used for all kinds of scientific experiments. Your model of the Black Brant II will let you launch up to 1,300 feet. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes U.S. Army Patriot Flying Model Rocket Kit: $16.19 at Amazon
Fly up to 600 feet with this model rocket of the U.S. Army Patriot. This is a veteran rocket of Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Estes Leo Space Train Flying Model Rocket Kit: $24.99 $22.02 at Amazon
This model rocket (which reminds us of the X-1 Experimental Spaceplane DARPA) will let you fly up to 300 feet. It also can be fitted with several kinds of engines. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Wild model rockets straight out of science fiction
Estes Mav Flying Model Rocket Kit: $19.99 $18.96 at Amazon
This rocket is meant to be a representation of what could bring us to Mars. It’s almost ready to fly out of the box, but you’ll need to get a few things. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Estes Quinstar Model Kit: $19.79 at Walmart
This spinning rocket will make your launches look more colorful than ever. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes Hyper Bat Flying Model Rocket Kit: $16.95 at Walmart
This is the next generation bat signal. With extreme altitude capabilities, this will get you soaring to 2,100 feet. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Estes Explorer Aquarius Model Kit: $38.04 at Walmart
This is a perfect kit to fulfil your underwater and interstellar dreams. It flies up to 300 feet high. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
Estes Destination Mars Longship Model Kit: $33.99 at Amazon
Dream of flying to Mars by literally flying 500 fit in the air. This incredible model will get you a little bit of the way to the Red Planet. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below). Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes Starship Rocket Kit: $24.00 at Walmart
This sleek model doesn’t look much like the Musk starship, but for budding rocketeers it’s still a cool model. It can soar 500 feet high. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Estes Designer Special Model Kit: From $63.99 at Amazon
With more than 100 parts in this kit, you can build most of 8 different rockets. That will keep model rocketeers happy for a while. This does not come with engine or wadding, and you will have to buy that separately (links below).
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Crazy rocket-powered car sets
Estes Blurzz Rocket-Powered Dragster Mantis Toy: $34.99 at Amazon
Get going at high speed with this rocket-powered car. Just make sure to pick up a motor and battery, sold separately. This also comes in blue if you prefer. Stock is low, so order soon.
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Estes Blurzz Rocket-Powered Dragster Storm: $34.99 at Amazon
Get going at high speed with this rocket-powered car. Just make sure to pick up a motor and battery, sold separately. This also comes in green. Stock is low, so order soon.
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Cool model rockets powered by water and air
Not all rockets need chemical motors. Some run on air or water. Some you can stomp to launch. Here’s some elemental rocket choices for younger kids to launch.
Estes 2 Sonic Booom Air Rocket Launch Set: $20.55 at Amazon
This fully assembled air rocket comes with all the parts you need for a great launch. Best yet, the recovery is easy, only requiring a bounce.
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Estes Mini Blaster Air Rocket Launch Set: $14.77 at Walmart
Get up in the air quickly with this mini blaster air rocket launch set. It should include all the parts you need to get flying. Stock is low, so order soon.
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Weedstar Water Rocket Launcher: $26.99 at Amazon
Just pump in water and launch! This durable rocket should last your kids a while and keep them entertained outdoors.
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Genovega Water Bottle Stomp Model Rocket Launcher: $17.99 at Amazon
This super-simple design includes a water bottle and all the other parts you need to get launching. This is a tool that will encourage your youngster to enjoy space while getting wet.
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Model rocket accessories: Motors, Wadding & more
Editor’s note: If you’re going to launch model rockets, you’re going to need a range of motors. Be careful to check your rocket’s instructions and guide to find out exactly which motors work best with it.
Below are a few standard sizes of motors to consider, but your motor needs may vary depending on the rocket.
Estes A8-3 Engine Pack: $17.98 at Amazon
Suitable for many A-rocket types. This engine is a standard engine designed for flights in rockets weighing less than 3 ounces, including the engine.
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Estes Model B6-4 Engine Pack: $11.69 at Walmart
Suitable for many B rocket types. This engine is a standard engine designed for flights in rockets weighing less than 4 ounces, including the engine.
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Estes Recovery Wadding: $7.77 at Amazon
This pack includes 75 sheets of flame-resistant material. It will allow you to get ready for most types of rocket launches.
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Estes Fin Alignment Guide Model Kit: $18.99 $13.98 at Amazon
Get your fins aligned fast and accurately ahead of a rocket launch. This will get you flying safely in the air.
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Estes AltiTrack Altitude Tracker: $19.99 at Amazon
Want to know how high your rocket flew? This altitude tracker will measure your flight in hundreds or thousands of feet.
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Be sure to check out Space.com’s deals on Celestron telescopes and binoculars.
