23 Out-Of-This-World Space Activities for Kids

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 for learning!

1. 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 one option at the link.

Learn more: Gift of Curiosity

2. 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 done, don’t you?

Learn more: Science Bob

3. 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

4. Create an astronaut training center

Space activities for kids like this one 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

5. Blow a rocket to space

Color the free printable rocket templates, then mount them to straw launchers and send them soaring!

Learn more: Buggy and Buddy

6. Play a solar system flashcard game

Use these free printable planet flashcards and re-purpose an old Hedbanz set. No game set? Just tape them to kids’ foreheads instead.

Learn more: Simple Everyday Mom

7. 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

8. 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

9. Play with galaxy playdough

This gorgeous DIY 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

10. 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

11. 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: 3Dinosaurs

12. 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

13. 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

14. Design a space lander

The challenge? Design a space lander than 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

15. 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

16. Put the planets in order

Round up all the balls in your house (and a handful of pompoms for asteroids). Lay them out in order with their relative sizes as a guide.

Learn more: Inspiration Laboratories

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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