Paper Plate Solar System Craft for Kids (Photo Craft with Printables)

If you’re looking for an easy and engaging solar system craft for kids, this paper plate photo craft is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary students.

Kids will color and cut out the planets, build a 3D moon surface using a paper plate, and add their own photo inside the astronaut helmet to create a personalized outer space keepsake.

It’s hands-on, simple to prep, and makes a meaningful classroom or homeschool project parents love to save.

More Hands-On Science Activities for Kids

If your kids love hands-on learning, don’t miss our baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, homemade thermometer project, and other science boredom busters that make STEM fun and engaging for elementary learners.

Why You’ll Love This Solar System Craft

• Includes two free printable PDFs
• Easy prep with basic supplies
• Great for science centers and bulletin boards
• Perfect for space unit lesson plans
• Encourages fine motor skill development
• Helps kids learn planet names and order
• Fun personalized astronaut option
• Turns into a sweet space-themed keepsake for parents

Supplies You’ll Need

• Black construction paper
• White paper plate (cut in half)
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Solar system printable (linked below)
• Astronaut printable (linked below)

How to Make a Paper Plate Solar System Craft

Step 1: Color the Planets

Have kids color the sun, planets, and rocket from the solar system printable.

You can talk about:

• Which planet has rings?
• Which planet is closest to the sun?
• What makes Earth special?

Step 2: Cut Everything Out

Carefully cut along the dotted lines around each planet and the rocket.

Step 3: Create the Moon Surface

Cut a paper plate in half and glue it to the bottom of the black construction paper. This becomes the moon’s surface.

Step 4: Add the Astronaut

Color and cut out one of the astronaut designs.
For a fun personalized touch, glue a small photo of your child inside the helmet opening.

Step 5: Build Your Space Scene

Glue the sun and planets around the page to create your solar system layout. Add the rocket and astronaut to finish the scene.

Make It a Personalized Photo Craft

One of the sweetest parts of this solar system activity is adding your child’s photo inside the astronaut helmet.

Simply print a small headshot, trim it to fit inside the helmet opening, and glue it in place. Kids love seeing themselves “in space,” and parents love saving this craft as a memory.

Solar System Printables

This activity includes two printable PDFs:

Solar System Planets Printable

Includes: Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and a rocket.
Solar System Printable with Planets and Rocket Ship

Astronaut Printable (4 Designs)

Includes four waving astronaut templates for kids to color and cut.
Astronauts Waving Hands Printable

Print on regular printer paper or cardstock for extra durability.

Educational Benefits of This Spacecraft

This solar system activity helps children:

• Practice cutting and gluing skills
• Learn planet names and order
• Strengthen fine motor coordination
• Build early science vocabulary
• Engage in creative storytelling

It’s a wonderful addition to any space unit study or science lesson plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this solar system craft best for?

This activity works well for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary students.

Can I use this in a classroom setting?

Yes! This craft is perfect for science centers, bulletin board displays, and space-themed lesson plans.

Are the planets labeled?

Yes — the printable includes labeled planets to help reinforce learning.

Can I turn this into a photo craft?

Yes! Simply glue a small photo inside the astronaut helmet opening to create a personalized keepsake.