This Outer Space Sensory Tray is out of this world! Let the kids have hands-on learning fun with this easy sensory idea! Future astronauts or little learners will love exploring all the sizes, shapes, and fun!

All you need are a few simple supplies to get started! Check out the steps below on how to make this simple DIY sensory tray for kids.

Childrens hands play with a sensory tray themed for young astronauts. The tray includes foam planets, colorful paper cutouts, and a scoop for handling items. Text reads Sensory Tray for Little Astronauts.

If this is your first time making a DIY sensory tray for kids, you’re in luck! This is a great one to start with – and perfect for little learners!

And if you’re a pro at sensory activities, this is an excellent one to add to your list. You can’t go wrong with space exploration and play!

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What is the learning benefit of this Outer Space Sensory Tray?

Sensory play activities like this offer so many great educational benefits. Fine motor skills is at the top of this list, as the kids will work on picking up objects, grasping, and even pinching small items – which is perfect for working their hand and finger muscles.

In addition to that, they’re also going to become more curious about what else might be found in outer space. Besides planets, they might start to wonder more about stars, black holes, and the list goes on and on.

And last but not least, their communication skills and imagination will soar! Sensory bins and trays might be geared toward hands-on learning, but let’s not overlook the fact that they spark more than that!

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Is this activity for all ages?

Absolutely! Little learners will love feeling all the pieces in the sensory tray, while older learners will appreciate being able to use their imagination and explore.

Plus, this gives them a chance to add MORE to the tray, which helps them want to learn and be a part of the process.

Sensory activities don’t have an age limit – even adults can have fun!

A segmented tray filled with colorful EVA foam shapes, painted pebbles, and a cork, arranged to resemble space-themed objects. The top of the image features the text SENSORY TRAY for outer space lovers.

Fun ways to use this sensory bin

While using a sensory bin is self-explanatory, it allows branching out and doing more learning fun. Here are a few ideas for you and the kids to do to keep with the same space theme.

Learn about the planets in outer space

Start with the basics—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—the rocky planets closest to the sun, and discuss what makes each unique.

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Did you know Venus is hotter than Mercury, even though it’s farther from the sun, due to its thick atmosphere trapping heat? From there, venture outward to the gas giants—Jupiter and Saturn—and the icy giants—Uranus and Neptune. Talk about Jupiter’s powerful storms, like the Great Red Spot or Saturn’s iconic rings made of ice and rock.

With every new fact, you’ll be opening their minds to the mysteries of our solar system and encouraging a love for science that could last a lifetime!

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Learn fun facts about Earth

Did you know that Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to support life? It’s often called the “Blue Planet” because over 70% of its surface is covered by water, making it look blue when viewed from space.

Earth also has an invisible shield called the atmosphere, which protects us from the sun’s harmful rays while providing the oxygen we breathe.

Here’s a fun fact for the kids—Earth isn’t a perfect sphere! It’s slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator, making its shape more like a squashed ball!

Create a model made of planets

Creating a model of planets is a fantastic hands-on activity for kids to explore the wonders of space. Not only does it allow them to learn about the names, sizes, and order of the planets in our solar system, but it also encourages creativity and fine motor skills.

Use materials like foam balls, paint, and string to bring the planets to life, varying their sizes to represent their scale.

This interactive project can spark curiosity about astronomy and provide a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

A colorful sorting tray containing various foam shapes and small balls. Shapes include red and blue circles, green dinosaur cutouts, and black strips. The balls resemble planets, with a mix of colors and patterns.

More Outer Space Learning Activities for Kids

Outer space has long captivated children’s imaginations, inspiring curiosity about the universe’s stars, planets, and mysteries.

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By integrating space-themed activities into their learning, we can nurture that natural curiosity and turn it into exciting educational opportunities.

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