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. There are so many space activities for kids that can be done using materials you likely already have laying around the house! Our list includes crafts, science experiments, sensory experiences, and even edible science lessons. Regardless of your little astronaut’s age or interests, there is sure to be something for everyone on our big list of outer space–themed activities!
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. Space activities for kids can be made from simple objects like paper plates, crayons, and a straw like the sun dial shown. 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. Take a tour of the ISS
This video of Astronaut Suni Williams giving a tour of the International Space Station has been viewed millions of times, so why no watch it with your budding space explorers? We especially love that it will encourage young girls to develop their own love of STEM!
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 a 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. Upcycle 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 constellation luminary? Get the free printable and learn how to put it together at the link.
Learn more: Red Ted Art
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
29. Build an origami rocket ship
Kids love origami and space, so try combining the two and building this awesome rocket. We love how affordable this activity is since all you really need is some square paper. And you can make your rocket fly into space with just a simple straw!
30. Read some space-themed books
If you want to really learn about a subject like space, reading is probably the best way to do it! There are so, so many great space-themed books on the market for any and all reading levels.
Learn more: 32 Great Space Books
31. Create an upcyled space rocket
We love the idea of keeping a making box in your classroom or home so that kids can let their imaginations run wild. While learning about space, have kids create a model rocket ship from materials like paper cups, bubble wrap, bag ties, and colored elastic bands.
Learn more: Nurture Store
32. Lace up some constellations
Print your free lacing cards here before doing a lesson on constellations. Work on dexterity and hand-eye coordination while learning about the Big Dipper, Orion, Ursa Major, and all the other major constellations!
Learn more: Sorting Sprinkles
33. Do some stargazing with a homemade telescope
Every stargazer needs a telescope, so why not have the littles in your life get to work creating their very own! Save up those paper towel rolls during the weeks leading up to this project. The only other materials you will need are tape, elastics, card stock, and some cool space stickers.
Learn more: Parents/Highlights
34. Run a science experiment about Venus and clouds
Learn about how CO2 functions on the second planet from the sun while conducting a cool science experiment. You can study how carbon dioxide makes up more than 96% of Venus’ atmosphere just using some everyday materials like vinegar, baking soda, and a candle.
Learn more: Teaching Without Chairs
35. Dig into an outer space sensory bin
Space activities like this sensory bin allow kids to learn and explore through tactile experiences. You can use cake mix as the base for your bin and then fill it with space-themed toys. We especially love that kids will familiarize themselves with space vocabulary while playing.
Learn more: Stir the Wonder
36. Make your very own moon craters
Learn about craters that were formed when rocks from outer space smashed into the surface of the moon. You can do this using some basic baking materials like flour, sprinkles, cocoa, and some pans.
Learn more: JPL/NASA
37. Create a galaxy in a jar
Learn about galaxies and nebulas while creating a calming sensory jar. You’ll need a clear jar with a lid, at least two colors of tempera paint, cotton balls, fine glitter, and some water.
Learn more: Mom Dot
38. Learn about orbits with simple materials
Kids can learn about the trajectory of an object through space while gaining a better understanding of both gravity and velocity. The best part is that all you will need is a large kitchen bowl, a tennis ball, and a marble.
Learn more: STEM Activities for Kids
