Family Fun with Sky Watching

Nine Ways To Get Your Child Into Astronomy Before Summer Ends

There's still time before school (and early bedtimes) start up again — take advantage of balmy evenings to spark an interest in astronomy.

Celestial News & Events

Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids and Families

Enrich the eclipse experience — especially the long, partial phases — with solar eclipse activities for the young and young at heart.

Orion Card

Family Fun with Sky Watching

"Star Deck": It's All in the Cards

Here's a great free download that uses a deck of playing cards to introduce you to the night's sky's constellations in a fun, entertaining way.

Star Wheel

Learning About the Sky

How to Make a Star Wheel the Simple Way

Would you like to be able to navigate your way around the night sky with confidence? Using this simple, easy-to-make Star Wheel, you can "dial the sky" for any time or date.

Stargazing Basics

Make a Star Clock!

A quick download, some scissors, and a paper fastener are all it takes to use the stars to tell time.

Family Observing

Family Fun with Sky Watching

Stargazing, Family Style

Exploring the night sky is a fun activity for kids of all ages — and it doesn’t require a lot of planning or equipment.

Family Fun with Sky Watching

How to Make a Sundial the Simple Way

Sundials are amazingly simple yet effective devices. They range from sticks planted in the ground to precision-machined marvels costing thousands of dollars. The design shown here can be constructed in minutes from materials lying around your house, but it's surprisingly accurate.

Relaxation at the Winter Star Party

Family Fun with Sky Watching

Party with the Stars

Want to gaze at the Milky Way all night or peer into the eyepiece of a 12-foot-tall telescope? Then escape the city lights and head for the nearest “star party.”