Solar System Scavenger Hunt

This solar system scavenger is such a fun way for young kids to learn about outer space. My kids had a blast running around the house searching for planets!

Solar system scavenger hunt. A fun and active way to teach kids about outer space and the planets!

My kids are huge fans of scavenger hunts. I can teach them anything if I turn it into some kind of hunt. I took it up a notch this time because I surprised them with this cool 3-D solar system. Once they found the first planet, they were even more excited to find the rest.

Supplies Needed:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 3-D Solar System (The one I have is not available anymore, but this one looks great except that it doesn’t include the sun.)
  • Black construction paper (optional)
  1. Hide the planets all around the house.
  2. Tape sheets of construction paper together to act as a space backdrop. You could even draw stars on it with yellow/white crayon. I wish I would have thought of that when I put this together!

Solar System Scavenger Hunt

I had the kids hide in another area of the house while I went around the and hid the planets. I called them in and explained that they were going on a solar system scavenger hunt. They were super excited!

Outer space hunt for planets activity. A fun science activity for young kids!

I instructed them to search around for planets. Once they found one, they were to put it in outer space (the black paper). They immediately began running around the house looking for planets.

A space activity that gets kids up and moving while learning about the solar system.

After a bit of looking they found the first one and were so happy to see that it was a cool 3-D planet. They wanted to stop right there and play with the planet. I quickly convinced them that it would be even more fun to play with a solar system full of planets.

Teaching the names and order of the planets in the solar system. A fun outer space activity!

Eventually, they found all of the planets and had them all in outer space. Then we consulted a picture of the order of the planets and used it to help us place the planets in order on the paper. We set the sun in front of the planets to represent the fact that they orbit the sun. We also talked about the planet names, their features and colors.

My kids absolutely loved this solar system scavenger hunt that teaches kids about the planets and outer space!

They absolutely loved this outer space activity. It was a fun and active way for them to learn about the planets and their order.

Looking for fun science experiments? These 30 science experiments are fun and engaging!

Check out these other super cool space activities!

Outer Space Activities for Kids

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Outer Space Bingo // Playdough to Plato

Rocket Name Puzzle// Teach Me Mommy

Space Theme Sensory Bin // Pre-K Pages

Space Counting Mats: Addition and Subtraction // Liz’s Early Learning Spot

Space Themed Matching Cards // Powerful Mothering

Outer Space Pattern Block Mats // The STEM Laboratory

Google Drive Space Facts Activity // DIY Farm Wife

Stars in Space Sticky Wall // Modern Preschool

Space Theme Grid Games // Stay at Home Educator

Counting On Planet Puzzles // The Kindergarten Connection

Aliens in Underpants Save the World // Adventures of Adam

Play Dough Constellations // Play & Learn Everyday

Solar System Bracelet // Still Playing School

Space Sensory Bin // Sugar Spice and Glitter

Space Syllables // Fairy Poppins

Space Themed Number Writing Practice // Preschool Inspirations