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Engaging in DIY spacecraft projects can be an exhilarating gateway for young minds into the fascinating world of astronomy and space exploration. These activities are a wonderful blend of fun and learning, perfect for sparking the interest of little astronauts in the making.
In this post, we’ll list 59 spectacular space crafts for kids. From creating their own little rockets to constructing alien spaceships, these projects are bound to capture the imagination of young astronauts, fueling their celestial dreams.
1. Paper plate UFOs
Embarking on out-of-this-world space crafts for kids is an expedition of imagination. Paper plate UFOs allow children to explore outer space up close. This easy craft allows your little astronaut to create their own UFO craft using an everyday paper plate.
How-to guide
- Paint two paper plates, both on the bottom.
- When dried, tape them together, with the painted sides facing outwards.
- Add sparkle to your UFO using stickers or sequins.
- Tap a string to the top for the finishing touch, turning your space crafts into a floating masterpiece.
2. Cardboard rocket ship
Rocket ship craft activities propel children’s creativity skyward. Kids learn about space exploration in a tangible, hands-on way by crafting a cardboard rocket ship.
How-to guide
- Prepare large cardboard boxes, scissors, paint, paintbrushes, and tape.
- Use tape to carefully cut and join the boxes into a rocket ship craft.
- Once structured, paint the outer surface with a mix of brilliant colors and designs using this Caliart Acrylic Paint Set.
- Once the paint is dry, kids have a rocket ready for adventures.
3. Glow-in-the-dark star constellations
Glow-in-the-dark star constellations enlighten understanding of the outer space unit. Among the awesome outer space crafts, this project familiarizes children with the star-studded night sky.
How-to guide
- You need black or dark blue paper, a white pencil, and glow-in-the-dark stars to create this moon craft.
- Outline constellations on the paper using the pencil, then affix the glow-in-the-dark stars on the dots.
- Place this moon phase representation in a dim space, and the constellations will shimmer brilliantly.
4. Balloon-powered outer space rovers
Balloon-powered space rovers teach kids about the dynamics of propulsion. This fun outer space craft simulates planetary rovers, making science fun.
How-to guide
- Craft a rover base using a small cardboard cutout.
- Secure a plastic straw atop the cardboard, then inflate a balloon.
- Without sealing it, tape the balloon’s end to the straw.
- Releasing the air propels the rover, teaching children about motion.
5. Toilet paper roll astronauts
Among space crafts, the toilet paper roll astronauts stand out as a simple activity. Crafting astronauts from a simple roll is easy and helps children foster imaginative play.
How-to guide
- You will need toilet paper rolls, paint, paintbrushes, googly eyes with self-adhesive, and colored paper.
- Paint the toilet roll white as the foundation for the astronaut’s suit.
- Once dried, embellish it with eyes and other facial features.
- Crafting helmets, arms, and badges from colored paper completes the astronaut.
6. 3D paper mache planets
3D paper mache planets make a journey through the solar system become tangible. This space craft allows kids to recreate planets, enriching their outer space unit knowledge.
How-to guide
- Create a paste with flour and water.
- Dip newspaper strips into this mix, then layer them around different-sized balloons for planet representation.
- After solidifying, paint them resembling the planets of our solar system.
7. Nebula in a jar
A Nebula in a jar is an exquisite representation of our universe’s beauty. This project is one of the most awesome outer space crafts that captivates young minds with its simple yet mesmerizing appeal.
How-to guide
- Begin by stretching cotton balls as the base of a clear jar or bottle.
- Intermittently pour glitter and colored water to craft mesmerizing nebula patterns.
- Seal your jar or bottle, and you have a cosmic masterpiece.
8. Galaxy slime
Galaxy Slime brings an entertaining twist to kids who love outer space crafts. This super fun craft introduces children to the galaxy in a tactile, immersive way.
How-to guide
- Merge clear glue, water, baking soda, and contact lens solution for the slime foundation.
- Introducing food coloring like purple, blue, and pink with glitter gives it a cosmic look.
The result? A tactile representation of the galaxy.
9. Moon crater clay fun craft
The Moon crater clay art project is a splendid addition to any outer space unit. Children craft a moon-like surface, enhancing their understanding of lunar landscapes.
How-to guide
- Evenly spread air-dry grey clay on a flat surface.
- Using various round objects, press and create crater imprints onto the clay.
- Allow the clay to dry for retention of the textured moon surface.
10. Recycled satellite ornaments
Recycled satellite ornaments is an activity that gives space crafts an eco-friendly dimension. This project teaches about space communication while letting kids practice fine motor skills.
How-to guide
- Using cardboard tubes and small boxes, form the outer space satellite’s body.
- Use wires or strings to craft the arms and antennae, and a dash of decoration completes your satellite ornament.
11. Space-themed sun catchers
Space-themed sun are a delightful expression of outer space crafts that brings celestial charm indoors. These outer space crafts let children admire the universe’s beauty.
How-to guide
- Carve designs such as the sun from translucent paper or plastic sheets.
- Color these shapes using translucent paints.
- Fix a string to the shapes and hang near a window.
- The sun catchers beautifully capture sunlight, reflecting it in a mesmerizing way.
12. Alien popsicle stick puppets
Alien popsicle stick puppets are a playful way to traverse space crafts for kids. This craft enhances storytelling abilities by creating diverse alien figures.
How-to guide
- Using popsicle sticks, glue on googly eyes, and other decorative items.
- Coloring the sticks gives life to the alien characters, ready for spirited puppet shows.
13. Bottle rocket launchers
Kids explore outer space with dynamics using the bottle rocket launchers outer spacecraft. It offers a firsthand experience of propulsion principles.
How-to guide
- Attach cardboard pieces as fins to an empty plastic bottle.
- Half-filling the bottle with water, then sealing it with a cork, prepares it for launch.
- Use a bicycle pump to induce pressure and watch the rocket take off when the pressure builds up, teaching about propulsion.
14. Space shuttle foam gliders
Creating space shuttle foam gliders is an outer spacecraft that enlightens children about aerodynamics. Crafting gliders that echo awesome outer space craft shuttles, children get a hands-on understanding of flight.
How-to guide
- Mold foam sheets to resemble an outer space shuttle craft.
- Fix a small coin or weight to its front to ensure stable gliding.
- With a gentle toss, children can witness its elegant flight, akin to a real space shuttle.
15. Astronaut helmet from balloons
Encouraging space-themed creativity, creating astronaut helmets from balloons is one of the most standout space crafts for kids. It propels children into their astronaut roles in a space shuttle craft.
How-to guide
- Blow up a large balloon, then encase it with layers of paper mache using the same technique used for the planets.
- After drying and balloon removal, a face opening is cut out.
- Painting it white and adding specific details turns this into a fantastic astronaut helmet.
You may also like: 47 Space Activities For Kids To Fuel Their Love For Science
Discover 37 other outer space crafts for kids
- DIY solar system snow globes
- Marbled planets art
- Astronaut self-portrait
- Fizzing Jupiter experiment
- Planet pattern bead bracelet
- Cardboard tube aliens
- Glowing alien masks
- Rocket ship lava lamps
- Satellite dish hat
- Galaxy bath bombs
- Astronaut training obstacle course
- Star constellation flashlight projectors
- Rocket launch countdown timers
- Starship commander badges
- Space-themed friendship bracelets
- Satellite string art
- Moon crater cupcakes
- Spaceship control dashboard (from cardboard)
- Star constellation loom bands
- Rocket-themed pencil holders
- Cosmic constellation lightbox
- Planetarium shadow boxes
- Nebula watercolor paintings
- Milky Way marble maze
- Outer space terrariums
- Solar system suncatchers
- Rocket booster jet packs
- Planet parade floats
- Galaxy pinwheel
- Outer space scavenger hunt kits
- Space-themed bookmarks
- Alien antennae headbands
- Spacesuit aprons
- Rocket launch ramps
- Planetary passport activity booklet
- Nebulous night light covers
- Alien handprints
- Planet puppets
- Rocket straw blowers
- Space-themed mobiles
- Rocket ship collages
- Moon rock painting
- Alien slime
- Space-themed story stones
Takeaway: Blast off to infinite creativity with fun space crafts for kids
These 59 space crafts for kids are not just DIY projects; they are your child’s golden ticket to a universe brimming with wonder, innovation, and boundless possibilities.
Through crafting their own models and fun outer space crafts, young minds learn about the enigmatic cosmos, hone their fine motor skills, and nurture their creativity.
These space crafts offer an exciting voyage into science, technology, and art. They make learning super fun and interactive.
Kids develop a deeper connection with the universe as they engage in each project, turning them into little astronomers.
So, gear up for a thrilling expedition as you teach kids the marvels of our universe through these captivating DIY projects.
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