Planet Activities For Kids: Hands-On Learning Adventures

Teaching about the planets has always been one of my favorite themes, especially for kids in early elementary. That’s why I put together this list of Planet Activities For Kids, to share the creative and hands-on ways we’ve explored the solar system at home.

If you’re also working on a space theme, you can check out my list of Space Activities for Kids for more science fun and inspiration.

You’ll find activities that are great for early elementary learners, using everyday supplies and some printables that make life easier for moms like us. I included my favorite projects and interspersed a few stories from our time working on them together. Keep scrolling to see what made the list.

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Interesting Facts About the Planets

There’s always something new to learn when it comes to space. These three fun and unusual facts are perfect for sharing with curious elementary kids:

Venus spins backward. Unlike most other planets, Venus rotates in the opposite direction, meaning the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This little twist really fascinated my kids during our planet unit.
Jupiter has a storm larger than Earth. The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a giant storm that’s been going on for hundreds of years. It’s big enough to fit Earth inside of it!
Uranus rolls instead of spinning upright. Uranus is tilted so far on its side that it kind of rolls around the Sun. This made it easier for my visual learners to picture how planets rotate differently.

Recommended Space Books

We always bring in some fun, colorful books to go along with our space studies. They keep my kids engaged while reinforcing what we learn.

National Geographic Kids Everything Space: Blast Off for a Universe of Photos, Facts, and Fun!Super Cool Space Facts: A Fun, Fact-filled Space Book for Kids National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe: A Funny Rhyming Space Book from the #1 Science Author for Kids There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)

Why is it important for children to learn about the planets?

Kids love space, but there are also solid educational benefits to teaching them about the planets:

Boosts curiosity and imagination. Exploring outer space helps kids think beyond their everyday surroundings and ask big questions.
Builds basic science skills. Understanding the planets introduces science vocabulary, observation skills, and patterns.
Encourages hands-on learning. Space-themed projects allow kids to learn through play, crafting, and experimentation.
Supports early reading and comprehension. Listening to or reading space stories strengthens language and understanding.

Recommended Space Printable Packs

If you’re like me and want low-prep options, I highly suggest my printable space activities. These saved me more than once when I needed something quick but educational.

Supplies You’ll Need for These Planet Crafts and Activities

Here are some basic supplies to keep on hand for planet-themed projects:

Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
Construction paper or cardstock
Scissors and glue sticks
Baking soda and vinegar
Plastic or foam balls
Pipe cleaners and beads
Cotton balls and yarn
Printable pages
Paint and brushes
Paper plates and bowls

Recommended Space Board Games

We love playing space-themed board games as a way to reinforce what we learn through play.

Qurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game | Explore, Match, Quiz & Spin Through The Universe. Perfect for Astronomy Fans and Future Astronauts Late for the Sky Space-opoly Space Base Skillmatics Educational Game: Space Explorers (6-9 Years) | Erasable and Reusable Activity Mats with 2 Dry Erase Markers | Learning Tools for Boys and Girls 6, 7, 8, 9 Years Spaceteam: A Fast-paced, Cooperative, Shouting Card Game Indie Boards and Cards Terraforming Mars Board Game, Multicolor (6005SG)

Skills Kids Will Learn From These Activities

These planet projects aren’t just fun—they build real skills that kids will use later on.

Fine motor skills. Cutting, gluing, and coloring all help strengthen the hand muscles.
Problem-solving: Kids experiment with materials, try new ideas, and make predictions.
Basic sequencing: Activities like ordering planets or creating flip books help with learning order and logic.
Creativity and self-expression: Art projects provide kids with the freedom to create and explore their own vision.

More Space Activities to Try

If you’re ready to keep going with more themed activities, I have more ideas you can check out:

Space Games for Kids
Space Writing Worksheets
Planet Books for Kids
Solar System Game For Kids by Simple Everyday Mom
Outer Space Activity Pages by 3 Boys and a Dog

Solar System Craft

My kids loved making their own solar system using paper plates and paint. It was a great way to introduce planet names and positions.

Planets Flip Book

This printable was perfect for helping my older child practice scissors skills and the order of the planets.

Printable Planet Book

We used this mini book during our morning basket time, and it became a great visual aid.

https://fun-a-day.com

Fizzing Planets

This fun science experiment combines baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy treat. It’s always a favorite and super easy to set up.

https://diycandy.com

DIY Outer Space Jewelry

Using beads and string, we created "planet bracelets" that served as both a fine motor activity and a fun accessory.

http://www.minimonetsandmommies.com

Kids’ Solar System Slime Science and Art Activity

This one got messy, but it kept everyone entertained and introduced some fun textures.

https://www.andnextcomesl.com

Yarn Wrapped Planets Craft

Wrapping yarn around foam balls gave my child something hands-on to focus on while we chatted about each planet.

https://iheartcraftythings.com

Marbled Planets Art

We used shaving cream and food coloring to create gorgeous, swirly planets. This was also a great sensory experience.

https://inspirationlaboratories.com

Planet Order Activity

We made a simple planet order layout, which helped reinforce the size and position of each one.

https://www.3dinosaurs.com

Model Magic Planets

Sculpting planets out of Model Magic clay was a huge hit, giving us some quiet time to focus.

https://taminglittlemonsters.com

Solar System Sensory Bin

This bin kept my child busy for a solid half hour. I added some figurines and sparkly stars to make it extra fun.

https://www.ideamuseum.org

Planet Suncatchers

These look amazing in the window and were surprisingly simple to make.

https://rockyourhomeschool.net

Solar System Activity with Free Cootie Catcher

We used this printable during a quiet afternoon and turned it into a fun game.

https://englishteaching101.com

Papier Mache Planets

It takes a little preparation, but papier-mâché was a big sensory win in our house. My child loved the messy glue part.

https://www.giftofcuriosity.com

How Planets Orbit the Sun

Using simple household items, we modeled how the planets move around the sun. It was the perfect balance of science and movement.

Exploring space with kids is one of the most rewarding topics to cover. With these fun solar system projects, you’ll be able to keep things fresh, fun, and educational without needing a ton of prep or fancy supplies.

Planet Activities For Kids