What kid doesn’t dream about being an astronaut one day and visiting the stars? All future astronauts and rocket scientists will love these fun and free space activities for kids. It’s time to blast off into learning—just in time for the release of Disney’s new movie Lightyear!
1. Construct a spinning solar system.
This fun pinwheel galaxy is perfect for teaching the orbit of the sun. All you need is a paper plate, colored construction paper, pebbles, and black and silver craft paint.
Learn more: Books and Giggles
2. Create a space-themed board game.
This planets board game is a fun way to learn and practice facts about the planets in our solar system. Kids roll a die and work their way around the path to the finish line. This activity comes with free downloadable planet cards.
Learn more: Inspiration Laboratories
3. Make a balloon-powered space rover.
This clever craft simulates the tiny rover (just a couple of inches high) that NASA built to explore the surface of an asteroid and take pictures.
Learn more: Space Place
4. Make yarn-wrapped planets.
This simple activity will help young students understand the relative size of the planets as well as help them build fine motor skills as they wrap cardboard discs with different colors of yarn.
Learn more: And Next Comes L
5. Craft a DIY sundial.
Help your students build their scientific observation skills. This simple sundial will teach them to tell time by tracking the sun’s movement across the sky.
Learn more: Green Kid Crafts
6. Make a model solar system.
This is one of those classic space activities for kids that everyone should try at least once. There are hundreds of ways to make one; find options at the link.
Learn more: Gift of Curiosity
7. Snack on the moon phases.
What goes better with Oreos than a glass of milk? How about a little bit of moon science! We love lessons you can eat when you’re finished, don’t you?
Learn more: Science Bob
8. Use geoboards to map constellations.
Geoboards are such a cool classroom tool, and you can use them for so many things—like making constellations. Get free printable patterns below.
Learn more: School Time Snippets
9. Create an astronaut training center.
Space activities like this one for kids encourage them to use their imaginations while they learn. Get lots of cool ideas for stocking your astronaut training center at the link.
Learn more: Early Learning Ideas
10. Propel a rocket into space.
Color the free printable rocket templates, then mount them to straw launchers and send them soaring!
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
11. Play a solar system flash-card game.
Use these free printable planet flash cards and repurpose an old Hedbanz set. No game set? Just tape them to kids’ foreheads instead!
Learn more: Simple Everyday Mom
12. Find out why the moon has craters.
This clever science demo simulates the action that formed the moon’s craters. All you need is flour, baby oil, and some small rocks.
Learn more: I Can Teach My Child!
13. Assemble marshmallow constellations.
Here’s some more yummy science to try! Use toothpicks to connect the marshmallow “stars” to form constellations.
Learn more: Play Teach Repeat
14. Play with galaxy play dough.
This gorgeous DIY galaxy play dough is so much fun to play with while you read a book or watch a documentary about space. Learn how it’s made at the link.
Learn more: Days of a Domestic Dad
15. Launch a bottle rocket.
This is another one of those classic space activities for kids you simply have to try. Visit the link for the full how-to.
Learn more: Wikihow
16. Model planets from clay.
There’s no better way to get to know the individual planets than to model them from clay. Try using foam balls in the center so you don’t need quite so much clay for each one.
Learn more: 3 Dinosaurs
17. Build a LEGO moon rover.
Aspiring engineers will love this STEM challenge! Set a series of parameters their creations must meet, then put them to the test.
Learn more: Adventures in Mommydom
18. Light up the constellations.
First, make your own LED light magnets, then use them to map out all your favorite constellations.
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
19. Design a space lander.
The challenge? Design a space lander that allows two passengers to land safely on the planet’s surface, using only some very basic materials. This one will really get them thinking.
Learn more: Vivify STEM
20. Join the NASA Kids’ Club.
What better place to find space activities for kids than NASA? Their Kids’ Club is full of games, videos, activities, and much more, and it’s all free.
Learn more: NASA Kids’ Club
21. Put the planets in order.
Round up all the balls in your house (and a handful of pom-poms for asteroids). Lay them out in order with their relative sizes as a guide.
Learn more: Inspiration Laboratories
22. Craft a moon-phases toy.
This cool little DIY toy demonstrates the phases of the moon. It’s a snap to make with a couple of clear plastic cups and some construction paper.
Learn more: Happy Tot Shelf
23. Shine a constellation flashlight.
Turn a flashlight into a star projector by poking holes into black construction paper. Take it into a dark room and let it shine!
Learn more: Handmade Charlotte
24. Recycle cardboard tubes into space shuttles.
During its heyday, the space shuttle was the most sophisticated spaceship around. Help kids learn about it by building little models from cardboard tubes.
Learn more: A Little Pinch of Perfect
25. Eat a fruity solar system.
Snack on the solar system as you learn! This activity combines a healthy snack with space fun.
Learn more: Me and B Make Tea
26. Assemble a constellation luminary.
How pretty is this little constellations luminary? Get the free printable and learn how to put it together at the link.
27. Melt crayons into planet suncatchers.
Round up some old crayons and use their shavings to make pretty planet suncatchers to bright up your windows.
Learn more: i.d.e.a. Museum
28. Learn how planets orbit the sun.
This quick demo is a good way to introduce the concept of orbits to little learners, using a pie plate, some play dough, and a ball or marble.
Learn more: Gift of Curiosity
