There’s something magical about looking up at a starry night sky. For kids and adults alike, the sight fills us with questions: How big is the universe? What lies beyond our solar system? Could there be life on other planets? These are the big, curious thoughts that make space such an exciting topic for children.
With National Space Day being celebrated this month, it’s the perfect time to explore the wonders of the solar system with your kids. Books are a great starting point, but hands-on activities are what really help children remember what they’ve learned. That’s why we’ve put together 15 spellbinding solar system crafts for kids—simple, creative, educational, and suitable for different age groups.
Whether your child dreams of being an astronaut or just loves making planets out of colorful paper, these crafts will turn space learning into an adventure!
Why Solar System Crafts Are Great for Kids
Before jumping into the craft list, here are some reasons space-themed activities are so beneficial:
✔ Encourages Curiosity
Kids learn to ask questions and explore new concepts like gravity, planets, stars, and galaxies.
✔ Builds Scientific Thinking
Understanding scale, orbits, rotation, and order of planets helps children think like young scientists.
✔ Strengthens Fine Motor Skills
Cutting circles, painting planets, and assembling models improve dexterity.
✔ Perfect for All Ages
Toddlers enjoy simple coloring and sticking activities, while older kids can make 3-D models.
✔ Sparks Imagination
Space is filled with endless possibilities—from astronauts to aliens—and crafts let kids build their own versions of the universe.
15 Spellbinding Solar System Crafts for Kids
These activities are enriching, creative, and simple enough to enjoy at home, school, or during themed learning weeks.
1. Solar System Coloring Page
The easiest way to begin learning the planets is through a coloring page. Kids can color each planet while repeating its name—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. You can also discuss fun facts, like which planet is the hottest or which one has rings.
2. Solar System Bingo Game
Bingo makes learning exciting! Instead of numbers, kids get cards featuring planets, stars, rockets, or moons. It helps reinforce recognition and order of celestial bodies and is great for classrooms or family game night.
3. Wall-Hanging Solar System Model
Create a beautiful hanging display using cardstock circles, paints, and thread. Kids assemble the sun at the top and thread the planets downward in order. It doubles as home decor and a science reference.
4. Printable Solar System Cut-and-Paste Craft
Younger kids love crafts that involve cutting and sticking. A pre-designed printable lets them cut out planet shapes and glue them in orbit around the sun. It’s an easy introduction to how the solar system works.
5. Solar System Snack Platter
Make learning delicious! Use fruits, crackers, and veggies to recreate the planets—perfect for a party, classroom activity, or themed lunch. Kids won’t forget the solar system after they’ve eaten it!
6. Paper Plate Solar System
Take a paper plate, paint it black, add white dots for stars, and glue colorful planets around it. You can even draw orbit rings. This craft is perfect for preschoolers and simple enough for toddlers with help.
7. Styrofoam Planets Mobile
Use lightweight Styrofoam balls as planets: paint each ball in the planet’s color and hang them using string. This mobile can be placed above a child’s bed or study table.
8. 3-D Solar System Shoebox Diorama
A shoebox becomes outer space! Kids paint the inside black with white speckles, then add 3-D planets on strings. It’s one of the most engaging ways to build a miniature universe.
9. Watercolor Planets Craft
Older kids love watercolor blending. Using circular cutouts, they paint each planet using swirling blues, fiery reds, or cloudy purples. Stick them on a black construction paper background for a galaxy effect.
10. Solar System Bracelet
Kids create a bracelet using beads of different sizes and colors to represent the planets and the sun. It’s wearable learning and helps them remember the planets in order.
11. Puffy Paint Solar System
Make planets look textured using puffy paint. Jupiter becomes striped, Earth gets blue-green layers, and Saturn can have raised rings. It’s a sensory craft perfect for tactile learners.
12. Rocket Ship & Planets Craft
Cut out a rocket shape and place it “flying” past the planets. This is fun for pretend play and storytelling about space missions.
13. Sun & Planet Suncatchers
Make colorful suncatchers using tissue paper and contact paper. When hung near a window, the planets glow beautifully as sunlight shines through them.
14. Solar System Playdough Kit
Set up different colored playdough balls representing the planets. Kids can roll them into spheres, flatten them into rings (hello, Saturn!), and build hands-on models as they learn planetary features.
15. Solar System Puzzle Craft
Make a simple puzzle by drawing or printing a solar system layout on cardstock. Cut it into pieces and let kids reassemble it. This builds memory skills and visual learning.
Fun Solar System Facts to Share While Crafting
Kids love hearing cool facts as they create:
- Jupiter is so big that all other planets could fit inside it.
- Venus is hotter than Mercury—even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
- Saturn has over 80 moons, and Jupiter has even more!
- A day on Venus lasts longer than an entire year on Venus.
- Uranus spins on its side like a rolling ball.
Sharing these during craft time makes the activity more meaningful and educational.
How These Crafts Support Learning
Solar system crafts encourage:
✔ Early STEM learning
Concepts like orbit, rotation, and planetary order become easy to grasp.
✔ Cross-subject connection
Combine crafts with reading, storytelling, science lessons, and even snacks.
✔ Creativity
Kids imagine aliens, rockets, and new planets—which fosters innovative thinking.
✔ Family bonding
Parents and children can craft together while discussing space and science.
Extra Activities to Pair with Solar System Crafts
To make it a complete learning experience, try:
- Watching kid-friendly space documentaries
- Visiting a local planetarium
- Using glow-in-the-dark stars in the child’s room
- Reading space books before bedtime
- Doing a “night sky observation” walk
Final Thoughts
Space is one of the most fascinating themes for children, and these 15 spellbinding solar system crafts make learning about the universe feel magical. Each craft is simple, inexpensive, and adaptable for kids of all ages—from curious preschoolers to older children eager to explore the mysteries of space.
Whether you’re teaching at home, planning a classroom activity, or celebrating National Space Day, these crafts help kids imagine, explore, and marvel at the wonders beyond our world.
