Let’s blast off to explore the universe! Do your kids dream of becoming astronauts and exploring the vastness of space? The activities below dive into the exciting world of astronomy that help spark your child’s curiosity about space. There are over 30 activity ideas included in this post. You can pick and choose the activities to make your own learning at home unit on space!
Jump to the free printable area to dive into learning about space at home!
Space Activities for Kids
From stargazing to creating their own constellations, these activities will not only entertain but also educate your young astronomers. Get ready for a cosmic adventure!
Why Space?
These activities can help you learn about specific elements of space on a deeper level and also provide hands on learning opportunities for kids. Learning about the universe around us can provide a deeper appreciation for our own planet Earth and shows just how vast the world of subjects there are to learn about can be!
Focus in on specific topics within space, like planets, stars, and galaxies, or pick from the activities below to create your own learning sampler!
Goals Based On Age
Depending on the age of your learners may vary up which topics you would like to have them focus on and how they will best learn. Add in some reading topics depending on age to compliment the activities.
Preschool: Talk about planets and stars. Read books about space.
Grade School: Have your child pick out books that they can learn more about space, we especially love the Magic Treehouse series for young readers.
Tweens & Teens: Have your older child pick one specific topic within space that interests them, and have them research 5 things about this topic they didn’t know before they started!
Free Space Activity Printables
Below are some free space activity printables to get you started learning about space!
Preschool: Space Coloring Page ; Space Counting Cards
Grade School: Space Activity Workbook ; Moon Phases Worksheet
Tweens/Teens: Solar System Quiz ; Planet Study Guide
30 Space Learning Activities for Kids
1. Stargazing Adventure:
Take your kids on a stargazing adventure right in your own backyard! Set up a cozy blanket, grab some hot cocoa, and marvel at the wonders of the night sky. There are a number of stargazing apps available that you can use to identify constellations and teach your children about the different stars and planets they can see.
2. DIY Solar System Mobile:
Get crafty with your little ones by creating a DIY solar system mobile. Use colored paper, string, and Styrofoam balls to represent each planet. Use the mobile as decoration and you can add elements like LED light strings to simulate stars!
3. Moon Phases Experiment:
Teach your kids about the different phases of the moon with a hands-on experiment. Oreo cookies work great to represent the moon and demonstrate how it changes shape throughout the lunar cycle. Take bites out of the cookie to represent the different moon phases. This tasty activity is sure to be a hit!
Use this moon phases free printable to help you compare the phases!
4. Build a Rocket:
Encourage your child’s engineering skills by building a rocket together. Use recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, paper, and plastic bottles to construct a mini rocket. Let them decorate it with their own unique designs and see what kind of rocket ideas they can come up with!
5. Planetarium Visit:
Take a trip to a local planetarium and let your kids explore the wonders of the universe in a controlled environment. By taking in an immersive show and interactive exhibits, it will bring the cosmos to life. Some planetariums, like Adler Planetarium in Chicago, offer virtual experiences that can be take in from any location.
6. Astronaut Training Camp:
Create an astronaut training camp in your backyard or living room. Set up obstacle courses, balance challenges, and sensory activities to simulate the training astronauts undergo. This activity will not only be fun but also teach your kids about the physical demands of space exploration.
7. DIY Telescope:
Help your child build their own telescope using simple materials like cardboard tubes, lenses, and tape. This DIY project opens up the discussion of what it takes to observe celestial objects up close and ignite their passion for astronomy. Compare to a real telescope to look at the construction.
8. Space-themed Movie Night:
Host a space-themed movie night with your little ones. Choose movies like “Wall-E” and serve treats inspired by space!
9. Create a Constellation:
Encourage your child’s creativity by letting them create their own constellation. Provide them with black paper, glow-in-the-dark stars, and markers. They can name their constellation and share the story behind it with the whole family.
10. Space-themed Storytelling:
Inspire your child’s imagination by encouraging them to write their own space-themed story. They can create characters, planets, and adventures that take place in the vastness of the universe. This activity will not only enhance their writing skills but also foster a love for storytelling.
BONUS Free Printable: Space Mission Story
Use these free printables above to help your child build their story!
11. Space Food Tasting:
Introduce your kids to the unique world of space food by organizing a space food tasting session. Purchase freeze-dried ice cream, astronaut snacks, and other space-themed treats. Discuss the challenges of eating in space and let them experience the flavors of astronaut cuisine.
12. DIY Moon Rocks:
Create your own moon rocks using a simple recipe. Mix baking soda, water, and food coloring to form a dough-like consistency. Mold the dough into small rocks and let them dry. Create a moon scape of what they think the rocks on the surface of the moon would look like. Your kids can then use these moon rocks for sensory play or as decorations for their space-themed room.
13. Space-themed Scavenger Hunt:
Organize a space-themed scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park. Hide space-related objects or clues and let your kids embark on a cosmic adventure. This activity will not only keep them active but also teach them about the different elements of space exploration.
14. Astronaut Dress-up:
Encourage your child’s imagination by letting them dress up as astronauts. Provide them with space suits, helmets, and other accessories. They can pretend to explore the moon or conduct experiments in their own mini space station.
15. Create a Space Journal:
Help your child create a space journal where they can document their observations, thoughts, and discoveries about the universe. They can draw pictures, write poems, or jot down interesting facts they learn along the way. This journal will serve as a keepsake of their astronomical journey.
16. Space-themed Puzzle Night:
Gather your family for a space-themed puzzle night. Choose puzzles featuring planets, galaxies, or astronauts. This activity will not only improve their problem-solving skills but also provide an opportunity for quality family time.
17. Virtual Space Tours:
Take advantage of virtual space tours offered by NASA and other space organizations. Explore the International Space Station, walk on the moon, or visit distant planets without leaving the comfort of your home. These virtual tours will transport your kids to the far reaches of the universe.
18. Create a Space-themed Playlist:
Curate a space-themed playlist with your child. Include songs like “Rocket Man” by Elton John, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, or “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. This musical journey through space will entertain and inspire your little ones. (You can use these for your dance party below too!)
19. Design a Space Mission Patch:
Encourage your child’s artistic skills by letting them design their own space mission patch. Provide them with fabric markers, patches, or iron-on transfers. They can create a unique emblem that represents their imaginary space mission.
20. Space-themed Yoga:
Introduce your kids to the benefits of yoga with a space-themed yoga session. Use poses like “moon pose,” “star pose,” or “rocket pose” to engage their bodies and minds. This activity will promote flexibility, mindfulness, and a sense of calm.
21. Create a Space-themed Board Game:
Unleash your child’s creativity by helping them design a space-themed board game. They can create the rules, design the board, and even make their own game pieces. This activity will not only entertain but also teach them about strategy and game design.
22. Space-themed Baking:
Get your little ones involved in the kitchen by baking space-themed treats. Make cookies in the shape of planets that they can decorate, cupcakes with galaxy frosting, or a rocket-shaped snack board. This delicious activity will satisfy their sweet tooth and ignite their passion for baking.
23. DIY Galaxy Slime:
Create mesmerizing galaxy slime with your kids. Mix glue, liquid starch, and food coloring to create a stretchy, sparkly slime that resembles the beauty of the cosmos. This sensory activity will provide hours of entertainment and exploration.
24. Space-themed Book Club:
Start a space-themed book club with your child and their friends. Choose books like “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield or “There’s No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe. Discuss the stories, characters, and scientific concepts explored in each book. This activity will foster a love for reading and learning.
25. Create a Space-themed Comic Strip:
Encourage your child’s artistic and storytelling skills by letting them create a space-themed comic strip. They can draw their own characters, write dialogue, and create exciting adventures set in the vastness of space.
26. Space-themed Dance Party:
Host a space-themed dance party in your living room. Play upbeat space-themed songs and encourage your kids to dance like astronauts. This activity will not only get them moving but also provide an opportunity for creative expression.
27. DIY Planetarium:
Create your own planetarium at home using a dark room, a flashlight, and glow-in-the-dark stars. Turn off the lights, project the stars on the ceiling, and let your kids explore the wonders of the night sky. This activity will spark their imagination and curiosity about the universe.
28. Space-themed Charades:
Play a game of space-themed charades with your family. Act out different space-related words or actions and let your kids guess what you’re portraying. This activity will not only entertain but also teach them about space vocabulary and concepts.
29. Space-themed Origami:
Introduce your child to the art of origami by teaching them how to fold space-themed shapes. They can create paper rockets, stars, or even their favorite planets. This activity will enhance their fine motor skills and creativity.
30. Create a Space-themed Time Capsule:
Help your child create a space-themed time capsule filled with their favorite space-related items, drawings, and letters. Bury it in your backyard or store it in a safe place. Open it together in the future and reminisce about their love for space exploration.
Exploring space and learning about astronomy can be an exciting and educational journey for young minds. By engaging in these activities, your child will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wonders of the universe. So, grab your telescopes, put on your space suits, and embark on a cosmic adventure with your little ones. The possibilities are as vast as the universe itself!
Little Learning Ideas is here to provide you with more creative and educational content for your young learners. Be sure to look through our other posts for more exciting activities that will inspire your child’s curiosity and love for learning. Happy exploring!
