Space Experiments for Kids

Young Learners Science Club

Don’t miss out on these Space Experiments for Kids. They’re a fun way to get some hands-on learning. If your child loves all things space, they’re going to have a blast with these fun space activities for kids.

Since you’re spending time with them talking and learning about space, it just makes sense to add in some fun experiments as well. We all know that kids love to do experiments and be creative, and this list of space experiments will give them plenty of choices.

You can pick one or try to do them all; the choice is up to you. The kids are going to have so much fun going through each and every one. All of these experiments are great for the kids to crave even more fun knowledge about space.

collage of Space Experiments for Kids

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Why Space Experiments Help Kids Learn

Kids of all ages learn best when they can touch, mix, pour, and observe. Astronomy projects give them a chance to explore big ideas in a way that feels manageable and concrete.

  • Supports problem-solving when results do not go as expected
  • Builds curiosity about the world beyond Earth through hands-on discovery
  • Encourages observation skills as they watch reactions and changes
  • Strengthens fine motor development with pouring, scooping, and stirring
  • Introduces early science vocabulary in a natural setting

When you’re studying a concept as fun and interesting as space, it just makes sense that you’re going to want to have some really cool space books as well.

I always do my best to find really fun books on the topics we’re learning about, too. It just makes for a better overall learning experience for the kids and a simple way to help them remember and learn more about topics, too.

What I love is having books pretty much scattered all over the house. This is a great way for the kids to always have books handy when they need something to read or do.

I also keep books in the car as well for easy reading. This makes it simple for longer road trips or for when we’re driving around town running errands.

I’d much rather the kids pick up a book and read and enjoy it than get on an electronic device and screen.

Here are some of our favorite space books that I hope you’ll love, too.

National Geographic Kids Everything Space: Blast Off for a Universe of Photos, Facts, and Fun!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 KidsSuper Cool Space Facts: A Fun, Fact-filled Space Book for KidsSpace A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)Space A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children’s Visual Encyclopedias)Knowledge Encyclopedia Space!: The Universe as You've Never Seen it BeforeKnowledge Encyclopedia Space!: The Universe as You’ve Never Seen it Before1,000 Facts About Space1,000 Facts About SpaceThe Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space (DK Children's Anthologies)The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space (DK Children’s Anthologies)

 

collage of Space Experiments for Kids

Space Topics You Can Explore With Kids of All Ages

There are so many directions you can take when planning a themed science week. I like to focus on a few core ideas and build simple projects around them.

  • The Moon: Talk about craters, phases, and how astronauts explored its surface.
  • The Sun: Discuss why it is important for life and how it provides light and warmth.
  • Planets: Compare sizes using everyday objects and describe how each one is unique.
  • Stars: Explain that stars are giant balls of gas and look at constellations in the night sky.
  • Gravity: Demonstrate how objects fall and why we stay grounded on Earth.

Printable Space Activity Packs for Easy Prep

When I need something ready to go, I grab a few themed printable packs from my shop. They include tracing, cutting, matching, and simple science pages that tie everything together without extra planning on my part.

Little Learners Print and Go Activity Kit: Space

Supplies Needed for Space Science Fun

Most of these ideas use simple materials you probably already have at home.

  • Small cups and spoons
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Food coloring
  • Clear jars or plastic bottles
  • Cotton balls
  • Toothpicks
  • Paper plates
  • Glue
  • Sand or flour

As you can see, there are so many great space experiments and activities for kids. And since they’re all fairly simple and easy to do, it won’t take long for you and them to work their way through the list.

I’d just keep it simple and start at the top, working your way down, so you’re certain you won’t miss any of them.

We’ve done all of these activities, and they’re all really unique and fun. And once we get done, I like to dive in and play a game together as a family as well.

Since we’re all in that helping, interactive mindset already, playing a game together really does make sense.

Below you’ll find some of our favorite space games. They’re really a lot of fun and perfect for space-loving families.

Qurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game | Explore, Match, Quiz & Spin Through The Universe. Perfect for Astronomy Fans and Future AstronautsQurious Space | STEM Flash Card Game | Explore, Match, Quiz & Spin Through The Universe. Perfect for Astronomy Fans and Future AstronautsLate for the Sky Space-opolyLate for the Sky Space-opolySpace BaseSpace BaseSkillmatics 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 YearsSkillmatics 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 YearsSpaceteam: A Fast-paced, Cooperative, Shouting Card GameSpaceteam: A Fast-paced, Cooperative, Shouting Card GameIndie Boards and Cards Terraforming Mars Board Game, Multicolor (6005SG)Indie Boards and Cards Terraforming Mars Board Game, Multicolor (6005SG)

 

As you can see, there is always something fun to do with space. No matter whether you’re doing an experiment or playing a game, just slow down time and enjoy.

If space is something the kids love, do what you can together to explore it. Make sure to check out the space worksheets below for some really cool space printables, too.

Space Worksheets for Kids

Pair it with Space Worksheets

I love combining learning and fun, and these allow for that. I keep some in the car for when the kids are tired of traveling, and it works out perfectly.

More Space Activities

Space Experiments for Kids

The best part about these fun experiments is that the kids will have hands-on learning fun. They’ll love being able to create fun experiments and then tell you all about them as well.

This is also a great way for you to interact with them and do experiments with them, too.

Once you do these experiments, you can head outside and look up at the space with the kids, too. This will get them outside in the fresh air, and you’ll have more time together learning about space as well.

Magic Toothpick Star Experiment
Magic Toothpick Star Experiment
This simple project turns broken toothpicks into a star shape using water. Children place the pieces on a plate and add drops of water to watch them move and connect. I love seeing the look of surprise when the shape forms right before our eyes.
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lessonslearntjournal.com
D.I.Y. Moon Sand (or Cloud Dough)
Moon sand is soft, moldable, and perfect for sensory play. We mix flour and oil until it holds together, then shape it into craters and pretend lunar landscapes. It is a great way to talk about the Moon’s dusty surface while keeping hands busy.
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onelittleproject.com
Anti-Gravity Galaxy in a Bottle
This colorful bottle activity creates a swirling galaxy effect with liquids of different densities. As the colors separate, you can explain how some materials float while others sink. We like to gently turn the bottle and watch the layers shift.
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www.123homeschool4me.com
Swirling Galaxy Science Project
Using milk, food coloring, and dish soap, this project creates a moving galaxy pattern. The soap reacts with the fat in the milk, causing the colors to swirl across the surface. It is a simple way to introduce chemical reactions in a visual format.
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meganzeni.com
Growing space tomatoes with the Tomatosphere project
Planting seeds that have traveled to space adds a real-world connection to your science plans. Children can observe growth, measure height, and compare results over time. Watching sprouts appear always brings a sense of accomplishment in our home.
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preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com
Edible Mars Soil Space Experiment
This tasty activity uses crushed cookies and other snack items to represent the surface of Mars. Kids mix the ingredients and examine the texture while discussing what the red planet might look like. It is messy in the best way and easy to clean up.
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fun-a-day.com
Fizzing Planets
Form baking soda into round shapes to resemble planets, then add colored vinegar. The reaction causes bubbling that looks like an erupting surface. This is one of those projects we repeat because the reaction is always a hit.
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https://fun-a-day.com
Simple and Fun Fizzy Stars Science Experiment
Star-shaped cutouts made from baking soda become the base for this reaction activity. When vinegar touches the surface, bubbles appear and spread across the shape. It is a fun twist on a classic reaction that ties neatly into a night sky theme.
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https://www.momdot.com
DIY Galaxy Jars
Layer water, glue, glitter, and cotton inside a clear jar to create a nebula effect. Each layer builds depth and color, making every jar unique. These look beautiful on a shelf and double as a calming sensory tool.
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Going Star Fishing - Ice Experiment for Kids
https://www.science-sparks.com
Going Star Fishing – Ice Experiment for Kids
Freeze small star-shaped ice cubes and challenge your child to free them using salt and warm water. As the ice melts, talk about temperature and how it affects solids. This one keeps attention focused as they work to rescue each star.
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These space experiments for kids are super fun and will help satisfy their curiosity about the solar system and space itself. I hope you found your favorite space science activities to do with your kids in this list.

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