Easy Solar System Mobile is the perfect science project for kids of all ages to learn about how the planets move around the sun in our solar system. This simple science craft uses our solar system coloring pages as a planet template for kids to color and then transform into their own solar system model. What a fun solar system project for home or in the classroom!

Solar System Project for Kids

I recently bought some space books for kids, and my son immediately started asking tons of questions about space. This solar system project was the perfect solar system activity for kids to help answer his questions!

Related: Flashlight Constellation Activity for Kids

It is always difficult to appreciate the sizes of the planets and the relative distance between all the planets of our solar system. While this scale model of the solar system is not exact or a true scale, it will give kids some relative sizes of the planets while giving them a bigger appreciation for the vast nature of space.

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Solar System Project Supplies

• Solar System coloring pages download – 2 copies printed on white cardstock
• Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
• Scissors or preschool training scissors
• White thread
• Ribbon or string for hanging
• Blank white card stock
• Hole punch
• Glue
• Tape (optional)

How to Make A Solar System Model for Kids

Step 1

Print two copies of the solar system coloring pages on white card stock.

Step 2

Using markers, crayons or colored pencils, color the sun and planets.

Step 3

Cut around each planet and the sun, leaving a small white border on the outside. For one half of the sun leave about half an inch of white space at the bottom, as pictured above.

Step 4

1. Apply glue at the back of one copy of each planet.
2. Place one end of the thread covering the length of the planet and then place the other piece above to secure it.
3. Repeat the same for all the planets to make the solar system mobile.

For the sun to make it look like the real sun, apply glue to the bottom white space and glue the other half by overlapping. Use a small piece of white cardstock to secure the thread at the back of the sun.

Solar System Model Tip: If you want to make them a little extra sturdy, try laminating them!

Make a Hanging Frame for Your Planet Mobile

At this point, you could hang your planets and sun from the ceiling of your bedroom or classroom or use in another way. If you want to create a mobile for your planets like we did, we need to make a frame!

Step 1

Cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 7.5 inches by 1 inch.

Step 2

Make a 1/2 inch cut in the center of each piece, at the 3.75-inch mark. Punch 4 holes using a hole punch with an equal distance in both the piece of cardstock.

Step 3

Connect the two pieces of cardstock in the middle with the 1/2 inch cut facing up for one and 1/2 inch cut facing down for the other. This will form the frame for your solar system project model.

Step 4

Attach the sun in the center by wrapping the thread around in the center point of the “X” shaped hanging frame and tying a knot. You can also use a piece of tape for extra security. 

Step 5

1. Loop the thread through each hole to attach the planets.
2. Start by threading the inner planets — Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars — in the holes near the sun.
3. Then add the outer planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus — in the outer holes of the hanging frame.

Kids can appreciate the different sizes of the planets while placing them in the correct order. Turn off the lights and look up into the night sky…giggle.

How to Hang the Solar System Mobile

To hang the frame, connect two pieces of ribbon that are the same length across the “X” frame. Tie a knot in the outer holes of the frame to secure. Take another piece of the ribbon or string and tie a knot at the end of the string in the center to hang the solar system project.

Solar System Facts For Kids

Impress your kids with your space knowledge by sharing these fun facts & interesting facts to share:

• MERCURY is the smallest planet in the solar system.
• VENUS is the hottest planet of the solar system and URANUS is the coldest planet.
• About 71% of EARTH’s surface is covered by water.
• MARS is called the red planet. Why? The planet appears red because of the rust in the Martin rocks.
• JUPITER is the biggest planet of the solar system. As the largest planet, it is the easiest to identify in the planets of our solar system model.
• SATURN is called “the jewel of the solar system” because of its beautiful rings. Even though other planets have rings, Saturn’s rings can be seen from the eart with a small telescope.
• NEPTUNE is the most distant planet in the solar system.

Solar System Model Kits for Kids of All Ages

• Solar System Planetarium – DIY Glow in the Dark Astronomy Planet Model STEM Toy for kids
• Solar System Model Crystal Ball – Laser Engraved Hologram with Light Up Base Planet Model Science Astronomy Learning Toy
• Science Solar System for Kids – 8 Planets for Kids Solar System Model with Projector: Talking Space Toy for boys and girls
• Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Mobile Kit – DIY Science Astronomy Learning STEM Toy
• DIY Make Your Own Solar System Mobile Kit – Complete Planet Model Set for Kids

More Solar Fun from Kids Activities Blog

• Solar eclipse facts for kids <–free printable
• How to make a solar eclipse viewer from a cereal box
• How to watch the solar eclipse with kids
• Watching a solar eclipse
• Solar eclipse activities and printables for kids
• Solar energy facts for kids
• Make a solar oven
• Make solar s’mores

More Space Activities For Kids from Kids Activities Blog

• Printable space games for kids and printable mazes are the perfect way to entertain your science-loving kids during a road trip.
• Space crafts encourage your kids to learn more about outer space.
• Your kids will love to build these LEGO spaceships.
• Sensory activities are a great way to engage kids for a longer time. Try this galaxy playdough and space playdough
• Science fair project ideas will help you to come up with a simple and fun solar system project.
• Play these science games for kids.
• Help your kids learn how to make bubbles at home!
• Make galaxy slime!
• Check out these kids education websites offering free subscriptions.
• Everybody has time for a 5 minutes craft!

How did your solar system model turn out? Where did you hang it?