Ever since Neil Armstrong took that first small step onto the lunar surface back in 1969, kids have been fascinated by the moon. There’s something magical about looking up at the night sky and wondering what it would be like to stand on that silvery surface yourself.
If your little astronauts love gazing at the moon and spotting the “man in the moon,” these craft ideas are a brilliant way to bring that fascination down to earth (quite literally). We’ve gathered 11 out of this world moon craft ideas for kids — because it was Apollo 11 that made that famous landing, so 11 felt like the right number!
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Marvellous Moon Craft Ideas
1. DIY Moon Rocks
Image courtesy of thecraftingchicks.com
This easy play recipe from The Crafting Chicks takes some moon sand and adds a bit more moisture to make it mouldable, so kids can form it into rocks. Make them black with a bit of shiny glitter to simulate the sun reflecting off the surface of the moon.
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2. Foil Printed Moon Craft
Image courtesy of adabofgluewilldo.com
This foil printed moon craft from A Dab of Glue Will Do is great for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, or even older kids.
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3. Moon Paper Plate Craft
Image courtesy of dltk-kids.com
Using a paper plate, some creative scissor work and basic painting skills, kids can create an adorable moon craft with an interactive dangling star. Full instructions are on the DLTK-Kids.com website.
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4. Puffy Paint Moon
Image courtesy of rainydaymum.co.uk
We love this puffy paint moon craft project from Rainy Day Mum. Mum Terri says “it was easy, fun, and so messy that we took it outside.”
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5. Easy to Make Moon Model
Image courtesy of growingcuriousminds.com
This project to make an easy moon model from Growing Curious Minds is not only easy but involves minimal cleanup — always a bonus for busy parents.
6. Moon Sand
Image courtesy of Parentingchaos.com
This moon sand recipe from Parenting Chaos is a fantastic sensory play experience for kids. It uses just three ingredients and is safe for little ones to taste.
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7. Textured Moon Painting
Image courtesy of iheartcraftythings.com
Make your very own moon masterpiece following the directions on I Heart Crafty Things, which uses a special painting technique to give your moon lots of texture.
8. Moon Phases Activity
Image courtesy of Teachbesideme.com
This is a super simple activity that shows how the moon looks at each of its different phases. You can download the free printable template at Teach Beside Me.
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9. Giant Papier Mache Moon
Image courtesy of jacksandkate.com
We love this project from Jacks and Kate to make a giant papier mache moon. You’ll need papier mache paste and lots of newspaper — just remember to let each layer dry before adding the next.
10. Astronaut on the Moon Picture
Image found on Pinterest
We absolutely adore this idea: make an astronaut-on-the-moon picture, and where the helmet space is, pop in a photo of your child’s face. Isn’t it lovely to imagine them standing on the moon, looking down at Earth?
You’ll need black paper, grey tissue paper for the moon (or blue and green tissue paper if you’re doing the Earth instead), and an astronaut shape cut from white cardboard. Tuck your child’s photo in behind the helmet space, then let them do the sticking onto the black paper. And voilà — your own personalised astronaut in space picture!
11. Fairy Lights Crescent Moon
Image courtesy of shinecrafts.com
This craft will definitely need adult help, but isn’t it gorgeous? Make your own fairy lights crescent moon with a wire coat hanger and some fairy lights. All the instructions are on Shinecrafts.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these moon crafts suitable for?
Most of these crafts work well for preschool age and up. Simpler projects like the moon paper plate craft or foil printed moon are great for younger kids, while the giant papier mache moon and fairy lights crescent moon are better suited to older children or a project you tackle together with adult help.
What materials do I usually need for moon crafts like these?
It varies by project, but common household items crop up again and again — black or dark paper, white or grey paint, tissue paper, cardboard, glitter, and everyday craft basics. Check each individual tutorial linked above for the full materials list before you start.
Are any of these moon crafts messy?
A few of them are wonderfully messy — the puffy paint moon and moon sand recipes are best done on a covered table, or outside if the weather allows, as one of our readers found out!
Can I make a moon craft using a photo of my child?
Yes — the astronaut on the moon picture idea is a lovely way to do exactly that. Your child’s photo goes behind a cut-out astronaut helmet, so it looks like they’re standing on the moon.
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Looking for more space-themed fun? Check out our features on moon facts for kids, moon-themed books, and stargazing activities the whole family can enjoy together — all linked throughout this article.
Save These Ideas for a Rainy Day
Not ready to start crafting today? Bookmark this page or save it to your rainy day activities board so you’ve got these moon craft ideas ready to go whenever you need some indoor inspiration.
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