59 Space Crafts for Kids: DIY Projects for Young Astronauts

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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

Source: Hub Pages

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

  1. DIY solar system snow globes
  2. Marbled planets art
  3. Astronaut self-portrait
  4. Fizzing Jupiter experiment
  5. Planet pattern bead bracelet
  6. Cardboard tube aliens
  7. Glowing alien masks
  8. Rocket ship lava lamps
  9. Satellite dish hat
  10. Galaxy bath bombs
  11. Astronaut training obstacle course
  12. Star constellation flashlight projectors
  13. Rocket launch countdown timers
  14. Starship commander badges
  15. Space-themed friendship bracelets
  16. Satellite string art
  17. Moon crater cupcakes
  18. Spaceship control dashboard (from cardboard)
  19. Star constellation loom bands
  20. Rocket-themed pencil holders
  21. Cosmic constellation lightbox
  22. Planetarium shadow boxes
  23. Nebula watercolor paintings
  24. Milky Way marble maze
  25. Outer space terrariums
  26. Solar system suncatchers
  27. Rocket booster jet packs
  28. Planet parade floats
  29. Galaxy pinwheel
  30. Outer space scavenger hunt kits
  31. Space-themed bookmarks
  32. Alien antennae headbands
  33. Spacesuit aprons 
  34. Rocket launch ramps
  35. Planetary passport activity booklet
  36. Nebulous night light covers
  37. Alien handprints
  38. Planet puppets
  39. Rocket straw blowers
  40. Space-themed mobiles
  41. Rocket ship collages
  42. Moon rock painting
  43. Alien slime
  44. 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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Lorea Lastiri

Lorea is a nature and travel enthusiast constantly seeking out new adventures and immersing herself in the beauty of nature. Her passion for travel and her love of the outdoors have led her to some of the most remote corners of the globe, where she has discovered new cultures, met new people, and experienced the wonders of the natural world firsthand.