13 space crafts to make your little ones’ creativity blast off
If your little one is fascinated by space and the universe, why not spend quality time together by getting stuck into a fun space craft project? Crafting is a fantastic hobby that will provide your child with hours of entertainment and can be enjoyed no matter the weather.
Bond with your little one as you colour, cut and stick, and let them tap into their creativity as they create a space-tacular masterpiece. Plus, these fun craft projects are a great way to prise your kids away from their screens!
We have included 13 different space crafts that cater to a range of ages so that you can find the perfect one for your little astronaut.
The first five crafts are suitable for children under five and will help tiny tots develop fine motor skills. The other eight crafts are aimed at children under 10 and require less supervision. Watch as their self-esteem blasts off after crafting an out-of-this-world make they can display in their bedroom. Their sense of accomplishment will be just as satisfying for you as it is for them!
The projects are also super affordable as they require minimal materials - many can be made with just a few items that you already have lying around.
Keep reading for ten inspiring space crafts that will leave your kids feeling over the moon.
13 space crafts for kids
Outer space crafts for kids under 5
1. Aluminum foil moon
First up is this ethereal gleaming moon! Although the result is super impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Follow Mombrite's tutorial and show your little one how to create a lunar masterpiece using just some aluminium foil, a few differently sized coins, and a splash of paint.
2. Sun craft
Kids will love getting their hands dirty with this fun craft idea from Mrs. Karen's Class. It’s super affordable and easy to set-up – all you need is some red, orange and yellow paint to get started.
Let children enjoy the sensory experience of swirling their hands around in paint while making a glowing sun. You can treasure their finished masterpiece and look back on it when they’re all grown up.
Head to Mrs. Karen’s Class’ blog to find out how to recreate this wonderful space craft for kids.
3. Telescope craft
Next up on our list of space crafts for kids is this fantastic junk modelling project from Share & Remember. This project uses old cardboard toilet rolls and is fun and sustainable, costing you very little.
Get your child to practice their painting skills by coating the toilet roll tube in blue paint (or any colour they like). For a bit of extra pizzazz, let them decorate their telescope with some star stickers.
4. Cotton bud painted star
This painted star project from Toddler Approved is ideal for young infants who have not mastered their pencil grip. Support your little darling’s development by getting them to dip a cotton bud in paint and stamp it onto paper. Frame your child’s finished star and hang it up in your home to let their work of art shine.
5. Outer space art
This craft idea is one of the simplest on our list, but tots will love it nonetheless! Plus, if you already have some coloured chalk, you won’t have to spend a penny. Encourage your child to discover their inner artist and explore the universe through drawing.
- Find this space craft for kids idea on Pinterest.
Try our out-of-this-world rocket cross stitch
Space crafts aren’t just for kids! Introduce older children to the joys of cross stitch with our free rocket pattern here on Gathered.
Outer space crafts for kids under 10
6. Toy Story alien craft
If your child is a Toy Story fan, they will love making this easy alien craft. Mom Does Reviews’ step-by-step instructions break down how to re-create the films’ iconic Little Green Men and will let their creativity soar. To infinity and beyond!
7. Planet bookmarks
Give reading time a fun space theme and keep your tot engaged with these fantastic planet bookmarks from Messy Little Monster. These cosmic bookmarks use popsicle sticks, so they’re a great excuse for you and the family to enjoy some tasty ice lollies.
Go to Messy Little Monster’s website to find out how to make this outer space craft that kids will love using when they practice reading.
8. Straw rocket
Encourage your child to shoot for the stars and try their hand at this wonderful rocket craft idea. Backyard Summer Camps’ easy-to-follow steps will guide them through how to create a 3D rocket using paper, straws and just a bit of glue. When it’s complete, kids can blow through the straw to launch the rocket into the air. 3, 2, 1, lift off!
9. Paper moon and star wall hanging
This outer space craft for kids is a fun activity older children will love. The best part is that once they’ve finished making, they will have a beautiful decoration they can hang up in their bedroom.
Check out Kids Art N Craft’s tutorial and help your child create their very own crescent moon and star wall hanging.
10. Astronaut craft
If your child is a budding astronaut, they will love making a little space explorer from paper. This space craft is an ideal project for youngsters who want to level up their art skills. Head to Krokotak’s step-by-step guide and help your child create an astronaut ready for a journey to the stars.
11. Space-themed clay coasters
Give your tablescape a cool Milky Way theme by making our simple galactic coasters with your kids. Here’s how to make your basic coaster shape:
- Using a rolling pin, roll out air-dry clay to ¼ inch thickness (or however thick you want your coaster to be).
- Take a craft knife, score a circle shape into the clay (you can use a template or circular object to mark around), then cut out. You might have to do this part yourself if your child is too young to handle a knife.
For the full moon coaster, get your child to press their fingers or thumbs into the clay to create the impression of craters.
Leave to dry for at least 1-2 days, then paint in a celestial shade. We have gone for yellow to evoke a glowing moon.
For the crescent moon coaster, etch a semicircle shape into your clay, adding a little pointed bump for the nose and a triangle shape for the eye.
Cut out your crescent moon, then once dry, paint whatever colour your child likes. Finally, give the moon some adorable facial features by adding more detail to the eye shape you marked out. Paint on a smile and rosy cheeks for a super cute finishing touch.
For the Saturn coaster, create two identical U-shapes from your leftover clay. Stick them to either side of your circle, making sure they are perfectly lined up, and blend the joins so they are firmly attached.
Using the photo as a guide, create Saturn's ring by etching two parallel lines across the circle, connecting the U-shapes. Allow to dry, then finish by painting the Saturn ring one colour and the rest of the coaster another. We used a mix of blue, red and yellow paint and stippled the colours onto the clay to give the planet added texture.
12. Paper alien finger puppets
Kids will love making our alien finger puppets, and once their aliens are complete, they can put on a puppet show.
- Start by drawing a basic alien shape on thick paper. We opted for green paper to give our puppets the classic green skin.
- Place another piece of paper underneath the first piece and cut the shape out so you have two identical aliens. If you don't want to draw your alien freehand, there are lots of free alien templates online you can print out and use.
Once you have your shapes, allow your child’s imagination to run wild, and let them decorate the front and back of the alien puppet however they like. We decorated our alien puppets with spots and drew on large googly eyes and a mouth.
The last step is to staple the alien shapes together. We have added four staples in total - two on either side of the puppet. Make sure you don’t staple the bottom edge, or you won’t be able to use the puppet.
And that's it! Your child can now enjoy acting out alien invasions with their extraterrestrial buddy.
13. Recycled can aliens
Reuse old aluminium cans by transforming them into cheeky alien characters your child will love playing with.
- Gather empty cans and get your child to cover the outside in bright, colourful paint.
- Draw some alien features on paper, such as eyes and a toothy grin.
- Once the paint has dried, cut out the features and glue them onto the front of your can.
Your alien craft is now complete! Let your child play with them or put them on display and add a flower in the top for a unique, handmade piece of decor.
Help your child’s creativity take off!
These space crafts for kids are the perfect screen-free activities to keep your child entertained and inspire their imagination.
From basic painting and colouring activities for preschoolers to a pretty celestial wall hanging and gorgeous planet coasters, we’re sure you’ll find a space craft your child will love. Plus, many of the projects are budget-free and eco-friendly, only requiring a few items that you already have to hand.
It’s time for your child to embark on their next artistic adventure. One small leap for your child, one giant leap for creativity!
Discover more kids crafts with Gathered
Keep your child entertained throughout the year with our selection of easy crafts for kids for every season and holiday. With everything from floral art perfect for spring to festive Christmas decorations, there’s something for every occasion and age group.
