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Fun Astronomy Games for Kids

Astronomy, the study of stars and space, can be a wonderful, lifelong hobby. Introducing children to this discipline can help their math skills and logic all while feeding their curiosity. There are some wonderful opportunities to use games to educate and entertain. Depending on the age of the children, there are games to play on the computer or at home.

Rocket Race
- The following items are necessary to complete the Rocket Race: several bottles, corks that fit snugly into the top of each bottle, vinegar, baking soda, and tissue paper. Before the game, place several tablespoons of baking soda in the center of a small square of tissue paper. Twist the paper so that it forms a little pouch around the baking soda. Give each child a bottle filled halfway with vinegar and the cork that will fit in the top. Give each child a pouch of baking soda. Instruct the children to drop their packet of baking soda into the bottle and to quickly stick the cork on top of the bottle--and then stand back. The vinegar will eat through the tissue and react with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide. After a moment or so, the corks will fly from the tops of the bottles just like a rocket off into space. Experiment with different shaped bottles.
Musical Planets
- Using chalk, draw the planets on a driveway or sidewalk. While it would be impossible to draw them to scale, try to draw them as accurately as possible. Make Earth and Mars smaller. Give Saturn rings and Jupiter moons. Include Pluto if desired. Just like musical chairs, play music and instruct the children to get on a planet when the music stops. Every time another round begins, announce that another planet has left orbit and take away a planet by covering it with cardboard or a piece of fabric. This game familiarizes children with the names of the planets.
Star Dot to Dot
- Using a star map, copy the stars onto a sidewalk or driveway in chalk, using different colors for the different constellations. Help the child or children connect the dots to find the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Ursa Major, Orion and other constellations.
Online Games
- There is a multitude of online games available free for school and home use. NASA and Hubble both provide games that familiarize children with the stars, constellations and the science of outer space through video games, puzzles and printable coloring books. The Hubble website even has a link to turn a home computer into a telescope using data from the famous telescope.

Kids Games