Space Crafts for Kids: Fun & Educational DIY Activities
If your kids are fascinated by stars, planets, and astronauts, why not bring the galaxy right into your home with fun and easy space crafts for kids? Crafting helps children explore their imagination while also learning about science and space. From rocket ships to constellations, these projects are perfect for classrooms, birthday parties, or just a creative afternoon at home. Most use simple supplies you already have, making them both fun and affordable.
1. Paper Plate UFOs
Let your kids design their own flying saucers using paper plates, foil, and paint. Glue two plates together, decorate with stickers or glitter, and attach a plastic cup dome on top. It’s an easy craft that lets them imagine alien adventures in outer space.
2. Rocket Ship Toilet Paper Rolls
Turn empty toilet paper rolls into mini rocket ships using colored paper, tape, and markers. Cut out a cone for the top and flame shapes for the bottom. This craft teaches kids how rockets blast off and makes a great desk decoration.
3. Galaxy in a Jar
Create a galaxy in a jar using clear jars, cotton balls, water, food coloring, and glitter. Layer different colors to form a swirling galaxy. This sensory craft is calming, visually stunning, and a great way to discuss how stars and space dust come together.
4. DIY Paper Mâché Planets
Make realistic-looking paper mâché planets using balloons and newspaper strips dipped in glue. Once dry, paint each one to match real planets like Earth, Mars, or Jupiter. Hang them from the ceiling for a solar system display.
5. Astronaut Helmet Craft
Let your kids imagine they’re in space by making a cardboard astronaut helmet. Use a cereal box or large paper bag and cut a hole for the face. Paint it white and add NASA logos or buttons. It’s perfect for space-themed pretend play.
6. Glow-in-the-Dark Constellation Art
Use black cardstock and glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers to map out constellations like Orion or the Big Dipper. Kids can connect the stars using white crayon or yarn. This hands-on activity doubles as a learning tool and room decor.
7. Pom-Pom Planets Mobile
Create a hanging planet mobile with yarn pom-poms, string, and a hanger or hoop. Each pom-pom represents a planet. This craft builds fine motor skills and helps kids remember the order and look of the solar system.
8. Tin Foil Moon Craft
Make a textured moon surface using cardboard and crumpled aluminum foil. Let your kids paint over the foil with gray or silver paint and poke in “craters” for detail. It’s a simple, tactile craft that introduces lunar facts.
9. Paper Straw Rocket Launchers
Build mini rocket launchers with paper straws and thin paper rockets. Blow through the straw to send the rocket flying! This fast and fun activity introduces basic science concepts like air pressure and motion.
10. Space Slime
Mix up some galaxy-themed slime using glue, glitter, black and blue food coloring, and liquid starch or borax. Kids love the stretch and sparkle. While playing, you can talk about space matter and how nebulas are formed.
11. Alien Puppets
Use popsicle sticks, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and foam sheets to make silly alien puppets. Let kids design creatures from other planets and give them names and stories. This helps boost storytelling and creativity.
12. Salt Dough Solar System
Create the solar system from salt dough, shaping each planet by hand. Bake them, then paint in the correct colors. Kids learn about size differences and planet characteristics in a hands-on way that feels like play.
13. Rocket Name Banner
Help kids spell their name with a rocket banner—each letter is glued onto a rocket cutout. String them together to hang on a wall or bedroom door. This craft builds letter recognition and makes space learning personal.
14. Starry Night Painting
Set up a craft station for a starry night sky painting using black paper, white splatter paint, and star stickers. Add planets or a moon with sponge stamps. It’s a fun way to practice painting techniques while dreaming of outer space.
15. DIY Telescope Craft
Use paper towel rolls, foil, and lenses (or clear plastic) to make a pretend telescope. Let kids decorate their telescope with stars and space stickers. Use it for imaginative space exploration around the house or backyard.
Final Thoughts
Crafting is the perfect way to make learning about space fun and interactive. With these space crafts for kids, your little ones can explore the universe from their kitchen table. These activities encourage creativity, spark curiosity, and turn ordinary supplies into something magical. Whether you’re crafting rockets, stars, or aliens, each project is a launchpad for learning and fun. So gather your materials, play some space-themed music, and get ready to craft your way into the cosmos!
