Are you trying desperately to get your kids to go outside and play? Estes has a great solution! Their ready-to-fly air rocket launch sets provide hours of endless fun…outside!
Besides ready-to-fly models that come fully assembled, Estes offers kits that can be put together in roughly an hour. Their model rockets come in all sizes, colors and altitude capabilities from 100 to several thousand feet. Prices start at under $10, and every rocket is reusable with a new engine, igniter and igniter plug.
We had the pleasure to review the SONIC BOOM! and WHIRLWIND air rocket launch sets appropriate for ages 10+ along with the MINI BLASTER air rocket launch set for ages 5+.
It only took us a few minutes to assemble the parts and begin playing. We lined the Sonic Boom! and Whirlwind side by side on the sidewalk near the house. That was a mistake because the first launch landed the Whirlwind rocket on the roof! That is a whole different story, ha! Needless to say, my husband and son retrieved it from the roof and we moved them further out into the yard to launch again!
Sonic Boom! and Whirlwind come with a high volume launch pump. You pump the launch pump 10-15 times and push the launch button and stand back! The rockets sail so high into the air (150 ft) that you can’t see them for a few seconds until they are on their way back down. With huge smiles and high fives, my kids would place the rockets back on the base and count down 10 more pumps to launch them again!
To be honest I wasn’t sure how well these would work, but I can assure you they work well! We did have a mishap with the Whirlwind. One of the wings broke off. I really think it could have been the way my 9 yr old daughter had it sitting on the base. The wing came off in the air during one of the first launch attempts. However, even with one wing remaining, the Whirlwind still launched and flew just as high as the Sonic Boom!
The Mini Blaster air rocket launch set can shoot up to 50 ft. Again, it comes assembled and includes 2 rockets ready to fly. This rocket is suitable for younger children. It has a foot pump that pushes air into the rocket to launch it. It also works like a charm.
I do have to warn you, these rockets are not puppy proof! Our puppy Luna had her own play time with each rocket and there were a lot of tears afterwards. Kids, put them away when you are finished playing, especially if you have a dog!
Find Estes
Shop | Facebook | YouTube
Any of these air rocket launch sets would make a fantastic gift for any child, boy or girl! We have proudly added Estes to our Outdoor Adventures Guide!
