Looking for a hands-on way to introduce your little one to the wonders of space? This DIY Solar System Craft is the perfect blend of creativity and education! Using foam balls, pastel paints, and foam sheets, kids can build their own glowing planets while learning about our solar system. This easy craft encourages fine motor skills, sensory play, and early STEM learning—all in one fun activity.
This craft is a great addition to any space-themed sensory play setup and pairs beautifully with Goodnight Fox’s Planet Flashcards and other solar system learning materials.
Materials Needed
You can find most of these materials at craft stores like Michael’s, or order them online from Amazon for convenience:
Large foam balls (different sizes for each planet) – Buy on Amazon
Clear string for handing - Buy on Amazon
Glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint – Buy on Amazon
Pastel acrylic paints – Buy on Amazon
Small wooden rods (for holding the planets while painting) – Buy on Amazon
Pastel-colored foam sheets (for rings and sun rays) – Buy on Amazon
Paintbrushes & sponge brushes – Buy on Amazon
Craft glue or hot glue gun – Buy on Amazon
Scissors – Buy on Amazon
Learning Objectives by Age Group
0-6 months Sensory exploration by looking at the planets’ colors and glow-in-the-dark effect. Tummy time while gazing at the planets suspended from above.
6-12 months Tactile exploration by touching the foam planets. Early language development by introducing planet names.
12 months - 2 years Color recognition by pointing to different planets. Sensory development through glow-in-the-dark play.
3-4 years Fine motor skill development through painting and assembling planets. Early STEM learning by identifying planets and their characteristics.
4-6 years Science learning through planet facts and order in the solar system. Crafting skills by cutting foam sheet rings and assembling planets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preparing the Planets Choose foam balls of different sizes to represent each planet.
Example: The Sun should be the largest, Jupiter & Saturn slightly smaller, and Mercury the smallest. Insert a wooden rod into each foam ball—this will make painting easier without getting paint all over little hands.
Step 2:
Painting the Planets Start painting each foam ball to match its planet. Use pastel colors for a dreamy aesthetic:
• Sun: Pastel yellow with sun rays made from foam sheets.
• Mercury: Gray with a textured surface using sponge brushes.
• Venus: Light yellow with swirls of orange and white.
• Earth: Blue and green swirls for continents and oceans.
• Mars: Soft reddish-pink with white speckles.
• Jupiter: Light brown and pinkish swirls + add its famous Great Red Spot.
• Saturn: Soft golden hues + foam sheet rings.
• Uranus: Light pastel blue-green.
• Neptune: Deep pastel blue with hints of purple.
Pro Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark paint on each planet’s surface to make them shine in the dark for a magical effect!
Step 3:
Creating the Rings & Sun Rays Cut thin rings from pastel-colored foam sheets for Saturn and Jupiter and glue them around each planet. For the Sun, cut small triangle rays from pastel yellow foam and attach them around its surface.
Step 4:
Assembling the Solar System Once dry, display your planets by:
• Attaching them to a mobile hanger for a space-themed nursery decor.
• Gluing them onto a black foam board for an interactive space poster.
• Arranging them inside a sensory bin with black beans or kinetic sand for space play!
• Hang them as room decor with clear fishing line string
The Benefits of This Solar System Craft
Encourages hands-on STEM learning for toddlers & preschoolers.
Boosts fine motor skills through painting & cutting.
Sparks curiosity about space in young learners.
Provides a sensory experience with textures, colors, and glow-in-the-dark fun!
Extend the Learning with Goodnight Fox!
Love space-themed learning? Pair this craft with Goodnight Fox’s Planet Flashcards, featuring beautifully hand-drawn illustrations of each planet!
Explore Solar System Learning Materials:
Planet Flashcards – Fun facts + pastel illustrations! Shop Here
Space-Themed Sensory Bin Printables – Transform your play setup! Shop Here
Astronaut & Rocket Printables – Blast off into learning! Shop Here
This DIY Solar System Craft is a fantastic way to mix art, sensory play, and early STEM learning into one fun activity. Whether you’re creating a hanging solar system, a sensory play tray, or just painting planets for fun, this hands-on experience will leave your little ones excited about space! Tag @GoodnightFox in your creations—we’d love to see your solar system crafts! Would you like a free space-themed memory? Sign up for our newsletter and get instant access to printables & sensory play ideas!