Solar System Theme
A solar system theme will be a BLAST with these fun activities. They are quick and easy to set up with minimal materials.
Why Teach Kids about Space and the Solar System
Critical Thinking
Little ones LOVE to question things. While being asked “WHY” for the fiftieth time in the morning can be a bit taxing on anyone, a critical skill is being developed.
To have critical thinkers, we need to foster this wonderful skill when it’s starting to blossom. Encouraging little ones to think about things like space and the solar system is a surefire way to get them to ask questions.
Imagination
While exploring a solar system theme, preschoolers can begin to imagine and wonder what is out there. They can come up with all sorts of fun and unique ways to play outer space.
Scientific Concepts
Gravity, orbits, day and night, stars, and planets are all scientific topics that can be introduced to preschoolers. Because these topics can be turned into hands-on lessons, why not start young by introducing them to budding scientists?
Language Development
Each theme introduces new vocabulary and language. For example, the solar system theme has many new and exciting words to try out and learn.
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Books for a Solar System Theme
We have curated a book list for kids all about space. Check it out here.
Solar System Theme Activities
Paper Plate Sun Craft
When talking about the solar system, one of the first things to bring up is the only star in our solar system, the sun!
This fun paper plate craft is easy to make and can be used in any solar system models you make.
Have a Rocket Launch
Recycled material crafts are always a win over here. This paper towel tube craft is fun to make and launch.
Planet Hop
Cut out pictures of the planets. Space them out and have little ones hop from one planet to the next.
Encourage your little one to put them in order using a book as a reference.
Solar System Theme Sensory Bin
Add moon sand, plastic stars, planets, and the sun to a sensory bin. If you have plastic astronauts, add them in for more imaginative play. A cow to jump over the moon may be a nice touch 😉
Galaxy in a Bottle
Like calm-down bottles, Galaxy in a Bottle is a beautiful tool for helping little ones calm down.
Add plastic stars to the calm-down bottles to make them look like more of a galaxy.
Planet Mobile
Print out pictures of the planets. Let little ones cut out the planets (and sun). Hang the pictures on a paper plate with holes punched or a hanger.
Moon Rock Hunt
Bunch up aluminum foil to make moon rocks. Hide them around your space and let little ones do a moon rock hunt.
Turn it into a counting game and count how many moon rocks can be found.
You may want to try hiding small letter tiles inside the moon rock to be discovered when the rock is ‘cracked’ open.
Astronaut Dress Up
Create a dress-up center with astronaut suits and helmets. Post pictures from space missions to spark your little one’s imagination.
Planet Sorting
Sort the planets based on different attributes (size, color, distance from the sun).
Planets Orbit the Sun Model
Grab a circular pie pan. Smash a ball of yellow or orange play dough in the middle of the pan to represent the sun. Put a small ball (like a bouncy ball) inside the pan and slowly roll the ball around the inside wall of the pan.
Space Themed Activities
Make learning out-of-this-world fun with these fun solar system themed activities. These hands-on and engaging activities will help your little one learn and have a good time.
