Fantasy Solar System: Science Meets Arts and Crafts for Kids

School-aged children are fascinated by planets in the solar system. They also enjoy fantasy and arts and crafts. Combine all three interests in this educational craft idea for kids.

The Fantasy Solar System is an educational paper crafts activity for children ages five and up. Their younger siblings can join in the fun, of course, and make their own planets.

Children can create their own Fantasy Solar System as a science project for homeschooling or for a school project.

They can also use paper crafts to make their Fantasy Solar System for a space-themed little boy's bedroom or little girl's bedroom.

Items Needed to Craft the Fantasy Solar System

four large white paper plates

one pencil

washable paints

paintbrushes

one hole punch with a circle or star shape

strands of black or other dark yarn

one piece of additional sturdy string (optional)

safety scissors

Paper Crafts: Create the Planets for the Fantasy Solar System

On a paper plate, children should draw circles of different shapes. Or, trace round objects from around the house, to make really round circles. Write the name of the planet on each one.

The planet names can be real, or they can be made up. Did you ever want to name a planet after yourself?

Also draw a couple of circles on another plate that have some rough edges, if you want to include meteorites or asteroids in yourfantasy solar system.

Before cutting out the planets, use crayons and paint to color the planets. Let them dry.

Making the Sun

A major part of the Fantasy Solar System can be the sun. For the sun, take one large paper plate and color it yellow, red, or orange. Of course, it's your fantasy solar system so the sun can be any color or colors that you want.

Next, use the hole punch to make two holes in the top of the sun. Attach the piece of heavy string. It's okay to use yarn.

Then take the hole punch and make holes in the bottom of the plate. This is where you will attach the planets. Try not to make the holes too close together, or the paper will rip.

Finishing Up the Fantasy Solar System

When the planets have dried, use the scissors to cut out the planets.

Now paint the other side of the planets, or simply write the name in a dark color.

Punch a hole in the top of each planet. Tie a piece of yarn to each planet.

Then take the other side of each piece of yarn and thread it through a hole in the sun. Tie a knot.

Follow this process until all of the planets are hanging in your fantasy solar system.